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Geographical

Official magazine of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

Applications: How to write a brilliant personal statement

We asked those in the know what makes a geography personal statement stand out when applying for a geography undergraduate degree

As you’ll probably already know, all university applicants are allowed a maximum of five choices (either at different universities, or different courses at the same university). While many universities offer geography degrees they will all have slightly different specialisms and different field trip opportunities, so do plenty of research and attend open days (whether in person or virtually). 

Common advice is to apply for two or three courses that normally offer the sorts of grades you realistically expect to get, and two or three others which offer lower grades than you hope to get. Ultimately you will only be able to hold two offers; these tend to be the university you most want to go to, and one other safety-net offer for lower grades in case things go less well in examinations. 

Take care to put together a strong personal statement as this could be used to distinguish between two candidates with similar predicated grades. One of the best things you can do in your application is to include evidence that you have read around your subject ­– many applicants will look no further than the A-level syllabus. But most importantly of all, make it personal and make it clear why  you  want to study geography. Oh, and proof read! Take a look at what some of the people who really matter have to say on the subject…

‘The test of a really good personal statement is always this – by the end of reading it does it answer this question: “Why do you want to spend three years of your life studying Geography?” Explain your passion and love for the subject and do that as much as possible with references to your experiences and your life.’

Professor Ian Candy – Professor in Geography at Royal Holloway University of London

 ‘The key to a great personal statement is that first word: personal. Your statement should be an authentic reflection of you, your personal interest in geography and why you want to pursue the study of geography for three years at University. I know that sounds really obvious, right? But statements have a habit of being drafted and redrafted, edited by well-meaning teachers and careers advisors, then drafted again, and what pops out the other end can sometimes be more of a generic statement than a personal one. So, keep it personal, keep it authentic and let your own voice ring through.’

Dr Alasdair Pinkerton – Professor in Geography at Royal Holloway University of London

 ‘In personal statements, we want to see your enthusiasm and passion for Geography. You should include evidence that demonstrates this, which could take many different forms. For example, you could write about places that you have visited, topics that excite you, your engagement with your local community, experiences when working or volunteering, books that you have read, or anything else that draws on your personal experience.’

Dr Rebecca Hodge – Director of Undergraduate Admissions at  Durham University

‘I look at the personal statements. Not so much the content (“everybody” wants to save the planet/whale/whatever), but if the statement is poorly written with typos and grammatical issues that tends to ring alarm bells for future work and assessments (unless the candidate has a declared disability which could affect their writing of course).’ 

Dr Peter Burt – Programme Lead for Geography at Greenwich University

‘I’m not involved in admissions at Oxford (I don’t interview students or do any of the selection), but I have been at other universities. On advice. I would just say it is very hard to prepare for an interview. Ask people to give you a practice interview (a teacher for instance) and always have a questions ready to ask if they say “have you got any questions for us” – don’t just reply “no”.

Personal statement – try to make parts of it more personal so that it is different. Say something about yourself that is unique to you, even if it is a bit quirky. Anything that makes you stand out as a little different might well help.’

Professor Danny Dorling – Halford Mackinder Professor of Geography at the University of Oxford

Plus, we caught up with  Mark Whitehead, a professor in the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at  Aberystwyth University. Mark talks about why you should consider studying Geography and how to write the best personal statement

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Successful Personal Statement For Geography At Oxford

Last Updated: 7th April 2022

Author: Rob Needleman

Table of Contents

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it. 

Today, we are looking through a Geography applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The Geography Course at Oxford provides a holistic view of the workings of physical and human environments, the ways in which humans are transforming the world and the implications for human societies.

Read on to see how this candidate managed to navigate the many disciplines and topics of Geography. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

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Geography Personal Statement

Geography is outward-looking, dynamic and topical. It allows me to gain insight into daily news stories on immigration and Middle Eastern conflicts for example, by highlighting their complexity and the challenge to find and evaluate solutions to these problems for the future. The diversity and vital relevance of Geography makes it an immensely valuable subject to study in-depth and I would relish the opportunity to pursue further study in the field.

The area that is of particular interest to me is development geography and specifically global aid. I was introduced to the use of aid in closing the wealth divide in my A2 case studies, where bottom-up aid on a local scale was consistently depicted as a sustainable solution. I was forced to question these views, however, after reading ‘Dead Aid’ by Dambisa Moyo. Her critical comments on charity-based aid particularly caught my attention as they offered a stark contrast in perspective on my case studies. I found it interesting that the factors which contributed to the success of many of the case studies, including small-scale, intermediate technology and low cost solutions were the very aspects of aid that Moyo calls ‘band-aid’ solutions implying unsustainability. The book also touched on the controversial issue of whether aid remains a successful or even acceptable solution when the $50 billion of aid given to Africa annually is arguably not producing significant economic development or improvement. To investigate this further I read ‘The End Of Poverty’ by Jeffrey Sachs which explained how well managed aid can indeed offer an answer to closing the wealth divide. This led to my research into the Millenium Villages of Ghana. Here aid, coupled with local leadership, appears to have delivered a long-term solution to serious economic and social problems. This divergence in opinion over a controversial issue has excited me about exploring these issues in more detail.

To investigate these issues further, I have been prompted to take a gap year to experience the workings of an international NGO. I will be joining the work of education promoting ‘Empower A Child’ in Uganda for 3 months. I hope to gain a rewarding insight into the practical relevance of Geography in the field of non-profit aid and specifically to test Sach’s belief that investment into education is a viable solution to ending poverty.

My other subjects complement my understanding of economic, physical and scientific elements of development and Geography in general. Reading ‘Driven to Extinction’ by Richard Pearson highlighted how Biology and Geography are inextricably linked in our study of the physical world, particularly with regards to the role regulatory systems have in levels of biodiversity. Chemistry and Physics have been relevant in equipping me with the skills to devise data collection programmes and to analyse the results; skills which were necessary to my fieldwork visit to Dartmoor. 

My academic background is complemented by my extra-curricular activities. I was the Organ Scholar and Choir Prefect at my school. My responsibilities included conducting and directing the Chapel Choir on a weekly basis. I was also a fully committed and dedicated member of other choirs and ensembles.  I relished the challenge of arranging and conducting in the House Singing competition which required me to inspire and motivate team work within the house. I have gained 3 Grade 8’s in Organ, Piano and Flute and am currently working towards my Piano Diploma. I was involved in leading the school’s Christian Union through which I have catalysed fundraising for organisations such as Mary’s Meals. In my gap year I am working as Organist and Choir director at St Luke’s Church Grayshott before going to Uganda. These activities demonstrate leadership skills, commitment and an enthusiastic approach to challenges, all of which will equip me well for the study of Geography at university.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

This is a very good personal statement and is well-written. The student is clearly interested in many aspects of geography, which is very important as geography is a multi-disciplinary subject. The student describes several areas of geography which capture their interest, demonstrating their interest and commitment to the reader. The student justifies their decision to take a gap year well, and the relevance their activities will have to the subject of geography and their interests in global aid.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

The student misspells the word ‘millennium’ in the second paragraph. The second paragraph is also very long. It is hard for the reader to stay focused when reading through long paragraphs, and it would have been better if the student had separated the second paragraph into two. The final paragraph is also very long, and it is not clear where the conclusion begins. As a result, the end of the statement does not deliver the impact which the student has intended to produce. If the student separates the sentence ‘These activities demonstrate leadership skills, commitment and an enthusiastic approach to challenges, all of which will equip me well for the study of Geography at university’ into a new final paragraph, this would have made the final statement much more effective.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This is a very good statement. The student has a wealth of experiences and clearly highly motivated to study geography. Some paragraphs are very long, and this reduces the impact that the statement has on the reader. With some restructuring, this could be an excellent statement.

This Personal Statement for Geography is a solid example of demonstrating a wealth of knowledge, motivation and interest, vital to Admissions Tutors.

Remember, at Oxford, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

You can find more successful personal statements and our expert guides on our Free Personal Statement Resources page.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Oxford Geography application.

With our  Oxbridge Geography Premium Programme, we help you craft the perfect Personal   Statement , score highly on the TSA and teach you how to  Interview effectively .

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23 May 2024

6 minutes read

How To Write a Geography Personal Statement?

Dirghayu Kaushik

Key Takeaways:

• Emphasize your intrinsic interest in geography and what sparked your fascination with the subject.
• Provide evidence of your coursework, fieldwork, and relevant projects to demonstrate your academic journey.
• Share personal experiences, such as volunteering, travelling, and work experience, that have contributed to your interest in geography.
• Articulate your future aspirations and how a degree in geography aligns with your goals to address global challenges and societal issues.

A geography personal statement is an effective tool to let international students explain to an Admission Committee that they are eager to explore the world’s geography, cultures, and environments.

Thus, by bringing forward their claims, students can make a point that they are willing to become active participants in addressing current global challenges and goals.

In addition to making them stand out in the competitive application process for graduate school, this particular positioning spotlights their motivation to pursue the intricate analysis of geography as a discipline and excel as multicultural students.

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• Geography Personal Statement

A Geography personal statement allows you to showcase your fascination with various aspects of geography and your enthusiasm for pursuing a geography degree.

As you state your interest level in geography, you can show how you have been fascinated by the general experiences or events that attract you such as travel and field studies. By explaining how you are passionate about the mentioned topics, for instance, climate change, and sustainable practices, you will be in a better position to showcase how much you are interested in covering topics that can help in addressing some of the challenges facing the world today.

In addition to the UCAS open days, how you experience geographical studies can also expand your determination to pursue this degree course, especially by providing persuasive arguments of why you are capable of supporting the community of scholars.

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• Geography Personal Statement Examples

If you are someone who is particularly interested in geography and wishes to apply to colleges abroad to advance your studies, then aceing your personal statement is important. Here are some examples of personal statements that you can use as a guideline for the same:

Personal Statement Example 1

As an applicant passionate about the study of geography, I am constantly fascinated by the immense size and complexity of the world. My interest in both human and physical geography was sparked by the stunning landscapes and range of topics covered in National Geographic. Throughout my A-level studies, I’ve explored various areas of geography, from sustainability to urban development, which has deepened my understanding and passion for geography. Attending undergraduate uni’s open days and speaking with tutors, I’ve realized the relevance of this discipline in addressing global challenges. I want to study geography to further explore the complexities of the world and contribute to sustainable solutions. This good personal statement reflects my dedication and readiness for a degree in geography.

Personal Statement Example 2

My passion for geography has been a driving force throughout my academic journey, as I am fascinated by the intricate interplay between human and physical geography. The complexity of the world and its diverse landscapes have always intrigued me, particularly through the insights gained from National Geographic. At my A-level, I’ve done extensive research on sustainability and other critical areas of geography, which reinforced my desire to pursue a degree in geography. Interacting with admissions tutors and attending undergraduate uni’s have solidified my commitment to this discipline. I want to study geography to delve deeper into its range of topics and contribute to understanding and solving global issues. As an applicant, this good personal statement showcases my enthusiasm and preparedness for the challenges ahead.

Personal Statement Example 3

The study of geography has always fascinated me, especially the immense size and complexity of the world. My passion for geography developed through my A-level coursework, where I’ve done extensive fieldwork and explored various areas of geography. National Geographic has been a source of inspiration, highlighting the relevance of human and physical geography in today’s world. Engaging with admissions tutors and attending open days at undergraduate uni’s, I’ve realized how this discipline can address critical issues like sustainability. I want to study geography to further understand the complexities of the world and contribute to meaningful change. This good personal statement reflects my commitment and eagerness to pursue a degree in geography, showcasing my readiness as an applicant for the academic challenges ahead.

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• Tips to Write an Effective Geography Personal Statement

Crafting an effective geography personal statement requires a careful blend of your academic interests, personal experiences, and future aspirations. Here are some key tips to guide you:

Highlight Your Passion and Interest

Emphasize your intrinsic interest in the subject by discussing what sparked your passion for geography. This could be a particular interest in the rich interactions between the human and physical environment or a fascination with natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Mention any wider reading or projects (e.g., EPQ) that have deepened your knowledge and understanding of geography.

Showcase Your Academic Journey

Include evidence of your academic achievements and coursework related to geography. Highlight how the syllabus has covered topics such as globalisation, tourism, and geopolitics, and how these have become increasingly relevant to your studies.

If you have taken part in an expedition or a field trip, particularly to places like Edinburgh, describe how these experiences have enhanced your understanding of physical and human geography.

Relate Personal Experiences

Share how your personal experiences, such as volunteering in your local area or travelling somewhere, have contributed to your interest in geography. If you have undertaken work experience, detail how it has provided practical insights into geographical concepts. Discuss how you have managed time effectively during these activities, demonstrating your time management and analytical skills.

Demonstrate Practical Knowledge

Mention any fieldwork or data collection exercises you have been involved in, and explain how these have helped you develop critical analytical skills. If you have studied societal issues, such as the impact of tourism on the environment or the effects of natural disasters on society, explain how these studies have shaped your aspiration to pursue geography at a degree level.

Connect with Future Goals

Articulate your future aspirations, whether they involve addressing global health challenges, understanding the implications of societal issues, or pursuing a career in geopolitics. Explain how a degree in geography aligns with these goals. If you have a particular interest in areas such as the physical environment or the contrast between society and the environment, discuss how these will drive your studies and career ambitions.

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As mentioned above, writing the geography personal statement is very important in creating an appealing view towards the admission board. When you talk about the subject, your passion for the field of study, and the academic background, as well as the experience of a person, then you can confidently explain their preparedness for admission to college.

Challenging yourself by showing practical experience and linking to the future careers will enhance your portfolio even more. Please remember that on one hand, your positive attitude and readiness for learning will be seen from the personal statement, on the other hand, your strong interest in leadership and in addressing some of the challenges facing our world and your passion for studying geography will also reflect that.

This blog offers some guidelines that candidate can follow when writing their personal statement so as to create a good impression about him or her and appreciation of geography as an interesting course of study.

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What should I include in a geography personal statement?

Your geography personal statement should include your passion for the subject, relevant academic achievements, personal experiences that sparked your interest in geography, and how you have explored the subject through projects, reading, and fieldwork. Additionally, explain how a degree in geography aligns with your future goals and aspirations.

How can I make my geography personal statement stand out?

To make your personal statement stand out, focus on showcasing your unique experiences and insights into geography. Highlight specific instances where you engaged with the subject, such as field trips, research projects, or volunteering. Demonstrate your enthusiasm, critical thinking skills, and how you have applied geographical concepts to real-world situations.

What are common mistakes to avoid in a geography personal statement?

How important is it to mention fieldwork in my personal statement.

Mentioning fieldwork is very important as it demonstrates your practical experience and ability to apply geographical concepts in real-world settings. Discussing fieldwork shows that you have hands-on experience, which is a valuable aspect of geography. Highlight specific field trips or projects and the skills you developed through them.

Can I include my interest in related subjects in my geography personal statement?

Yes, you can include your interest in related subjects as long as you clearly connect them to geography. For example, if you are interested in environmental science, discuss how it complements your geographical studies. Show how interdisciplinary knowledge enhances your understanding of geography and your ability to address complex global challenges.

How should I conclude my geography personal statement?

Conclude your geography personal statement by summarizing your passion for the subject, your readiness for academic challenges, and how you plan to contribute to the field of geography. Reinforce your commitment to pursuing a geography degree and how it aligns with your career aspirations. A strong conclusion leaves a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

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Table of Contents

• • Geography Personal Statement
• • Geography Personal Statement Examples
• • Tips to Write an Effective Geography Personal Statement
• • Conclusion

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10 Top Tips for a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement

Your Cambridge personal statement is a crucial component in your university application as it gives you a chance to articulate why you’re particularly interested in Geography and to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Additionally, it offers the Cambridge interviewer a focal point to base discussions about your personality, interests and deduce your commitment to Geography. To help guide you through the process, our Cambridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 tips for everything you should do and not do for your Oxbridge Geography Personal Statement for the Cambridge 2024/25 application cycle. 

Table of Contents

Geography is a course that focuses on some of the biggest challenges facing our planet, from food security, climate and biodiversity emergencies to pandemics and globalisation, and social inequalities and urbanisation to volcanoes and melting ice sheets. Your Geography personal statement could demonstrate the link between these domains and more. Moreover, when planning out your personal statement, make sure you research Cambridge’s achievements in the field of Geography and include it into your writing to illustrate your interest in studying Geography at Cambridge. For example, the department holds themselves to a high academic standard and many graduates are employed the year after graduation.

Almost all Cambridge colleges that admit undergraduates will accept applications for Geography. The current exception is Peterhouse College. Newnham College and Murray Edwards College only accept applications from women. Wolfson College , Hughes Hall College and St Edmund’s College only admit students who are over 21 at the time the course starts. In some years, certain Colleges have more Geography students than others, but the pattern fluctuates from year to year. 

Cambridge no longer requires Geography applicants to complete a pre-interview assessment. However, some Cambridge colleges may ask applicants who are invited to an interview to submit one or two examples of your written work from a relevant A Level/IB (or equivalent) course. Therefore, your geography personal statement is essential in making a god first impression on admissions tutors. We’re here to help, whether it’s through a cambridge geography personal statement check or reading on for our top tips.

Top 5 Tips for a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement

Tell your story.

Think about what drew you to study Geography at Cambridge in the first place. What skills or experience do you have that are worth mentioning? Cambridge admissions tutors are looking out for personal experiences against a high academic background. Consider your future career plans, extra-curricular work, and why you chose to study at Cambridge over all other universities.

What makes you suitable

In your personal statement, you must demonstrate what sets you apart from all other aspiring Geographers. Since Geography is such a multi-disciplinary subject, there are many things to mention from globalisation, to inequalities, to wealth divide and more. Remember to mention what interests you about Geography and any relevant skills or experience you have. This can range from extra reading to travelling, to academic skills. 

Read around the subject you’re applying for

Since the competition at Cambridge University is so great, demonstrating you have undertaken extra-curricular work will benefit your personal statement. Examples include readings in topics within Geography that interest you, for example, urbanisation or the wealth gap. Click here for a list of books published by Cambridge University for ideal reading.

Proof read & read aloud your work

Once you’re happy with the content of your draft, check it, check it and check it again! Useful people to ask to proofread your work include a teacher in the field, a current Cambridge student, and a student who is studying Geography. By allowing people to take a look at your statement, they would be able to pick up mistakes or name improvements that you may have missed.

Why Geography

Since Geography is such a varied subject, write a little bit about what stimulated your interest, and consider the careers this degree will present to you. Most students end up working in varied careers, such as business, marketing and human resources, according to the Cambridge website.

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Cambridge Geography Personal Statement

Writing a list of achievements.

Don’t list things without expanding on them. It’s better to list fewer experiences but to expand upon what you learnt from those experiences. Make sure you link back to studying a degree in Geography as it will show Cambridge admissions tutors you have insight into what the degree will entail.

Don’t write anything that isn’t true

Don’t exaggerate. You may be asked to provide evidence of your stated achievements, or if you are interviewed you may be asked detailed questions about things you’ve mentioned. It will reflect poorly on you if you are caught out or if you are unable to answer questions about your personal statement.

Copying someone else’s personal statements

Don’t plagiarise. While you can look at geography personal statement examples, do not copy someone else’s UCAS personal statement or use something you have found on the internet. UCAS uses software to check every personal statement for plagiarism. If you are caught, your application will not be seen as genuine or authentic. 

Not reflecting on or justifying your point

Explain points without repeating yourself. Expand on how you’ve acquired certain skills and why they’re important. Examples include, data collection and analytical skills. Remember, quality is always better than quantity- it’s better to expand on a few points than to list every point you can without going into detail.

Don’t sound unprofessional

Steer clear of slang, clichés and quotes. It will sound repetitive to Cambridge admissions tutors to hear about how students are “passionate” about their subject or that they have a “thirst for knowledge”. Write about your personal experience with your Geography journey, and allow the Cambridge admissions tutor to do the rest.

→ What is a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement?

A Cambridge Geography Personal Statement is a written statement that accompanies a university application to study geography at the University of Cambridge. The personal statement is an opportunity for the candidate to showcase their academic achievements, interests, and passion for geography.

→What should be included in a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement?

A Cambridge Geography Personal Statement should include the candidate’s academic achievements, their relevant work experience, any relevant extracurricular activities or hobbies, and their passion for geography. The statement should also highlight the candidate’s interest in the course and their future career aspirations.

→How long should a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement be?

A Cambridge Geography Personal Statement should be no longer than 4,000 characters or 47 lines of text, whichever comes first. This includes spaces and punctuation.

→How important is it to proofread my personal statement?

Proofreading your personal statement is extremely important as it shows attention to detail and a commitment to presenting your best work. It is recommended that you read your personal statement out loud to catch any errors or awkward phrasing.

→What are some common mistakes to avoid in a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement?

Common mistakes to avoid in a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement include making general statements without providing specific examples, using cliches, copying or plagiarizing content, being too informal or using inappropriate language, and not proofreading thoroughly.

→Why is the personal statement important for a Cambridge geography application?

The personal statement is an important component of a Cambridge geography application because it allows the admissions team to assess the candidate’s suitability for the course. The personal statement also provides an opportunity for the candidate to demonstrate their motivation and passion for the subject.

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• Personal Statements
• Geography Personal Statement

Geography Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

When I say I am going to university to study geography people often ask me ‘what’s the capital of Brazil?’ or something similar. This is annoying because it happens often but also because geography is so much more than the study of countries and places. It is sociology, economics and politics; it is chemistry, physics and maths; it is as old as time and as current as the today’s weather. Geography is all around us and it influences every aspect of our lives.

Living in the Lake District as I do, the influence of geography is there for all to see. It has created magnificent scenery over millennia and it has shaped the local economy over hundreds of years. I can’t help but be fascinated by the sheer, elemental power of geography and its far reaching consequences. I want to know more about it so that I can understand its complexity and apply that understanding in practical ways that improve the lives of ordinary people.

My love of geography has taken me on some exciting journeys. I am lucky that my parents have always looked beyond the all-inclusive hotel complexes and taken our family on explorations and adventures for our annual break. I have so far visited South America, the Arctic Circle and Egypt on my travels and I look forward to seeing much more of the world.

To this end, I am planning to take a gap year travelling around South East Asia, taking in the many different countries and cultures around the Pacific Rim. There are so many varieties of landscape, economy and social approaches in this region that I think this will be an eye opening trip that will only enhance my dedication to the subject. To fund this expedition, I have been working hard and saving for the last two years, fitting in as many hours at my local DIY store as I can, around my A-level studies and social life, saving up money to do some travelling.

Of course, you do not have to travel to explore geography, and I am fortunate to have an aptitude for maths that makes the statistics of geography come alive for me beyond mere numbers and graphs. I love exploring the data behind a country to get a real flavour for how it works as a society and how the environment influences everyday life.

I am a subscriber to National Geographic magazine and I am a member of the Royal Geographic Society with my father. His work often takes him to London, and so I have been lucky enough to attend high level lectures at the Society from time to time, as well as enjoying regular visits to the Natural History Museum, which is one of my favourite places.

I enjoy all aspects of geography at the moment, and I am approaching this course with an open mind as to where it will take me for a career. Who knows, it may even take me to Brasilia, the famous purpose built capital of Brazil, deep in the heart of the country, that everyone keeps asking me about. 

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• FindAMasters
• Geography Masters Personal Statement Sample

Written by Hannah Slack

This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Geography. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement .

As awareness grows about the impact of climate change on our planet, geography has become an increasingly important topic that can help offer the solutions to many new arising problems. I am particularly interested in specialising in coastal geography as rising sea levels and extreme weather events are proving to become a significant problem for many areas. As over 45% of the world’s population live in coastal environments, I aspire to involve myself in the recent movements to help protect against dangerous flooding and erosion.

I completed my undergraduate degree a year ago, achieving an upper 2.1 in geography. During my degree I was also able to take modules from other subjects and chose to take a couple of courses in ecology. Advancing my knowledge and skills in ecology has been extremely beneficial as coastal geography and management is as much about protecting the human population as it is about protecting the range of animal species that use beaches as their habitat. My undergraduate degree also allowed me to take part in a few different field work activities, my favourite being the creation of beach profiles to investigate seasonal change over the course of a year.

The summer before the start of my third year I undertook work experience with a national company as an analyst. This allowed me to strengthen my strategizing skills and to continue advancing my analytical skills in a different setting. I also had the opportunity to shadow a financial team for a week, which exposed me to the important inner workings of business. I now have a better understanding of common financial issues and constraints which will benefit me when I finish education and start my career.

In the year between finishing my undergraduate degree and applying for this Masters, I completed a few different volunteer roles. Throughout the year I was a group leader for the RSPB. Their leadership training helped me develop important skills in leading people and creating events. I believe these will useful transferable skills to aid me in management roles and education event running in the future. Working for the RSPB also taught me about many different conservation efforts that are currently taking place on our coasts.

In addition to my work experience I was crowned a chess champion in 2018. While chess does not appear to be relevant to coastal studies and management, the game has allowed me to build up excellent strategy skills as players have to take into account potential moves of the opposition. Additionally, I have learned how to respond efficiently to the unexpected, which is a key skill in coastal management and flood control.

I have applied to your university because its location meant that your Masters course offers some of the best possible teaching for coastal geography. The proximity to coastal environments not only means that the university has attracted top specialists in the field, but it also means you are able to offer students extensive practical experience, which I am most excited about.

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How to write a personal statement

How to approach writing your personal statement for graduate applications.

If you’re applying for a grad course that requires a personal statement (sometimes also called a ‘statement of purpose’), it can be difficult to know where to start and what to include. Read on for tips from some of our masters’ students about their process and what they found helpful.

1. Before you start

The academic work is the most important reason why we’re here, but that also translates into work experiences, internships, volunteering. I think a big part of the personal statement is crafting that narrative of academic self that fits alongside your professional experiences, to give that greater picture of who you are as an academic. Lauren (MSc Modern Middle Eastern Studies)

Start by thinking about the skills, knowledge and interests you’ve acquired over time and how the course at Oxford will take them forward.

Your statement is the story you want to tell about yourself and your academic work to the department you are applying to.

Most of your application and its supporting documents communicate plain facts about your academic career so far. Your personal statement is your best opportunity to put these facts into context and show assessors how you’ve progressed and excelled.

Make sure you highlight evidence of your achievements (a high grade in a relevant area, an award or scholarship, a research internship).

Presenting yourself

When I was writing my personal statement, I went onto my course website. I looked at what they emphasised and what kind of students they were looking for, and I wrote about my experiences based on that. Kayla (MSc in Clinical Embryology)

Make it easy for an assessor to see how you meet the entry requirements for the course (you can find these on each course page ).

Don’t make any assumptions about what Oxford is looking for!

Get to know your department

You want to study this particular subject and you want to study at Oxford (you’re applying here, so we know that!) but why is Oxford the right place for you to study this subject? What interests or qualities of the academic department and its staff make it attractive to you?

Use your academic department’s website for an overview of their research, academic staff and course information (you'll find a link to the department's own website on each course page ).

I said, ‘why do I actually want to be here? What is it about being at Oxford that’s going to get me to what I want to do? Sarah (Bachelor of Civil Law)

Talk it out

Talking to others about your statement can be a great way to gather your ideas and decide how you’d like to approach it. Sarah even managed to get benefit out of this approach by herself:

“I spent a lot of time talking out loud. My written process was actually very vocal, so I did a lot of talking about myself in my room.”

2. The writing process

Know your format.

Make sure you’ve read all the guidance on the How to Apply section of your course page , so you know what’s needed in terms of the word count of the final statement, what it should cover and what it will be assessed for. This should help you to visualise roughly what you want to end up with at the end of the process.

Make a start

When it comes to writing your personal statement, just getting started can be the hardest part.

One good way to get around writer’s block is to just put it all down on the page, like Mayur.

First - write down anything and everything. In the first round, I was just dumping everything - whatever I’ve done, anything close to computer science, that was on my personal statement. Mayur (MSc Computer Science)

You’ll be editing later anyway so don’t let the blank page intimidate you - try writing a little under each of the following headings to get started:

• areas of the course at Oxford that are the most interesting to you
• which areas you’ve already studied or had some experience in
• what you hope to use your Oxford course experience for afterwards.

3. Finishing up

Get some feedback.

Once you’ve got a draft of about the right length, ask for feedback on what you’ve written. It might take several drafts to get it right.

This could involve getting in touch with some of your undergraduate professors to ask them to read your draft and find any areas which needed strengthening.

You could also show it to people who know you well, like family or friends.

Because they’re the first people to say, ‘Who is that person?’ You want the people around you to recognise that it really sounds like you. It can be scary telling family and friends you’re applying for Oxford, because it makes it real, but be brave enough to share it and get feedback on it. Sarah (Bachelor of Law)

Be yourself

Finally - be genuine and be yourself. Make sure your personal statement represents you, not your idea about what Oxford might be looking for.

We have thousands of students arriving every year from a huge range of subjects, backgrounds, institutions and countries (you can hear from a few more of them in our My Oxford interviews).

Get moving on your application today

To find out more about supporting documents and everything else you need to apply, read your course page and visit our Application Guide .

Applicant advice hub

This content was previously available through our  Applicant advice hub . The hub contained links to articles hosted on our  Graduate Study at Oxford Medium channel . We've moved the articles that support the application process into this new section of our website.

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Geography personal statement example 14.

If I said ‘I’ve loved geography since an early age’, I’d be lying. Although I loved our family holidays, which have always been seen as expeditions, I didn’t think it was ‘geography’ until I started using places I’d been to as examples in geography lessons. From Neolithic settlements at Skara Brae, depopulated villages on Great Blasket and oilrigs in the Cromeray Firth to glaciation and ski tourism in the French Alps. Not forgetting the geographical aspects closer to home, where out of my bedroom window I can see the millstone grit capped Pennines and a glacial overflow channel. On the steep side of the hill sits my secondary school, where I was head girl, above the renovated mills and canal system.

Reading Bill Bryson’s ‘A Short History of Nearly Everything’ struck a chord, not only re-enforcing knowledge taught in class, but bridging the gap between human and physical geography. Although I was previously interested in purely physical geography, the book provoked an interest in the human aspect. It made me realise how big the umbrella of ‘geography’ actually is. Biology, chemistry and maths have provided a scientific base for my love of geography, and I have been surprised how frequently links between the subjects occur. The breakdown of ozone concerning the hole in the ozone layer and the effects it has on the global climate links geography and chemistry.

I enjoyed all of the topics on the AS geography course, but I took a special interest in populations. China’s well-known anti-natalist policy and the geo-political effects Chairman Mao had on the world’s most populated country were fascinating. Equally as interesting was France’s pro-natalist policy, and the potential problems the country could face if the population doesn’t increase. Outside the AS course, ‘population control’ is a taboo subject in 21st century life. After talking to MEP Chris Davies, I realised the problems faced when the words are mentioned. Many people immediately associate ‘control’ with China’s policy and assume it’s going to be negative.

Visiting Iceland in April was definitely a trip of a lifetime. I was amazed by the vast range of geographical features we saw in such a short period of time. The extensive range of volcanic and geothermal activity caused by Iceland’s unique position, not only on a constructive plate boundary, but also on a hot spot, made for an amazing week. Gale force winds at Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geysir with its systematic eruptions, and walking across Myrdalsjokull glacier were definite highlights.

My passion for the outdoors and learning has led to associated skills. I voluntarily teach sailing over the summer, and have taken both my RYA Assistant Instructor award and RYA Powerboat Level 2. I also lifeguard for the local swimming club who I have swam for, for the last 9 years. Both of these have made me aware of responsibility, and the appreciate how different the communication can vary between a nervous 10 year old child, and a middle aged male who’s ‘ready for anything’.

Competitive sailing has taken me to many interesting places. Most recently I travelled to Lyme Regis, situated on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset to compete in class national championships. After a weeks racing I finished 17th, with 2nd youth and 4th female. Earlier this year I was lucky enough to captain a team at the National Junior 12 Hour Race, held in Southport, where we finished first U18 team. This involved organizing a team of 6 people at the venue, as well as pre-event planning such as entering the team, preparing the boat and collecting important legal documents. I am currently completing my Duke of Edinburgh gold award, to add to the Bronze and Silver awards I have already obtained. Through this, I have also spent a year doing voluntary work at a residential home, working with people who suffer from mental health problems. This opened my eyes to the importance of communication, and the value of good listening skills. It also inspired me to do a sign language course though college.

I look forward to contributing to both the social and academic aspects of university, as well as meeting the challenge of the next level of study, in an area where I can see myself for many years to come.

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This personal statement was written by (:RR for application in 2010.

(:RR's university choices University of Bristol University of Leeds The University of Sheffield University of Southampton

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

This is outstanding, it has.

Mon, 05/07/2010 - 16:34

This is outstanding, it has inspired me with writing my personal statement, it is original yet is formal at the same time, providing an insight to your nature and your capabilities. You deserve that place in bristol.. i hope to achieve the same!

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• How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement

Applying to university

• Getting started
• UCAS Tariff points
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• Filling in your application
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• How to write a personal statement that works for multiple courses
• The new personal statement for 2026 entry
• Fraud and similarity
• How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber

How to end your personal statement

• Introducing the personal statement tool
• Personal statement dos and don'ts
• Personal statement week

What to include in a personal statement

• Using AI and ChatGPT to help you with your personal statement
• Using your personal statement beyond a university application
• Carers, estranged students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain
• Personal statement guides
• References for mature students

What's on this page?

What’s a personal statement, preparing to write your personal statement, how to open your personal statement, your personal skills and achievements, work experience and future plans.

An undergraduate personal statement is a chance to get noticed for the unique talents and experiences you have. It’s an important part of the application process as it’s an opportunity to talk about yourself and your passions, outside of your grades.  

In this article, we’re going to talk you through how to write an undergraduate personal statement that stands out, without leaving you feeling overwhelmed.

Chloe Ng, HE Career Coach, Manchester Metropolitan University

You’ll have heard the saying preparation is key, and that’s no different when you’re tackling your personal statement. There are two things to think about when you’re planning. The practical and factual information you need to get across, and the more emotional, human parts of you that make you different to everyone else.  

Before you start writing, take some time to think about the key things you’d want an admissions tutor to know about you, and get them down on paper. Don’t worry too much about making your notes perfect – this is more about making sure you know why you should be offered a place.

You can also look at the course description as this’ll help you with what to include and give you a good idea of what each uni is looking for. 

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Here are a few questions you can answer to help you get started:.

• Why have you chosen this course?
• What excites you about the subject? 
• Is my previous or current study relevant to the course?
• Have you got any work experience that might help you?
• What life experiences have you had that you could talk about?
• What achievements are you proud of?
• What skills do you have that make you perfect for the course?
• What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Admissions Tutors will be reading a lot of personal statements so it’s important to grab their attention right from the start. 

Remember, it can only be 4,000 characters, which is about two sides of A4. So, you’ll need to use your words wisely to fit everything in.

You can find a full guide on How to start a personal statement: the attention grabber , but here are the main things to think about . 

• Don’t overthink the opening. Just start by showing your enthusiasm for the subject, showcasing your knowledge and understanding, and sharing your ambitions of what you want to achieve.
• Avoid cliches! Remember, this opening part is simply about introducing yourself, so let the admissions tutor reading your personal statement get to know you. 
• Keep it relevant and simple. You’re limited on how much you can include so avoid long-winded explanations. Why use 20 words when 10 can make your point? 

Annabell Price, L’Oréal degree apprentice (Professional Products Division)

Next, you’ll need to write about your personal skills and achievements. Universities like to know the abilities you have that’ll help you on the course, or generally with life at university.

Don’t forget to include evidence to back up why you’re so excited about the course(s) you’ve chosen.

• Be bold and talk about the achievements you’re proud of.
• Include positions of responsibility you hold, or have held, both in and out of school.
• What are the things that make you interesting, special, or unique? 

Your work experience and future plans are important to include. You should share details of jobs, placements, work experience, or voluntary work, particularly if it's relevant to your course. 

• Try to link any experience to skills or qualities that’ll make you successful.
• If you know what you’d like to do after as a career, explain how you plan to use the knowledge and experience that you’ll gain to launch your career.

It’s always good to connect the beginning of your statement to the end and a great way to reinforce what you said at the start.

You want to see the ending as your chance to finish in a way that’ll make the admissions tutor remember you. 

This final part of your personal statement should emphasise the great points you’ve already made and answer the question of why you should be offered a place on the course. 

Read our full guide on How to finish your statement the right way.  

The personal statement tool image

Don’t be tempted to copy or share your statement.

UCAS scans all personal statements through a similarity detection system to compare them with previous statements.

Any similarity greater than 30% will be flagged and we'll inform the universities and colleges to which you have applied. 

Find out more

Want to read more.

Check out our full list of Personal Statement Dos and Don’ts

See how you can use a personal statement beyond a university application

Now you’ve written your undergraduate personal statement, you’ll need to do a couple of final things before you submit it. 

• Have you proofread it?

Don’t just rely on spellcheckers. We’d recommend reading it out loud as that’s a great way to spot any errors as well as checking it sounds like you. 

• Have you asked for feedback?

Ask friends, family or a careers advisor to have a read through your personal statement and take their feedback on board.

Want more advice on your personal statement? Use the links below.

More advice

Use the UCAS’ personal statement tool alongside this guide to help you structure your ideas. Are you interested in how you can turn you Personal Statement into your CV?  Read our advice here

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