How to write a personal statement

Your personal statement is your chance to tell us why you would be a good fit for your course. Find out how to make your words count.

Your university personal statement is an integral part of your undergraduate application. It’s your opportunity to demonstrate why you are passionate about your chosen course and why Norwich University of the Arts. Tell us about your skills, experiences and extracurricular activities, what excites you about your chosen field of study and your future ambitions.

Why is your personal statement important?

Your personal statement is an essential part of your university application. For many applicants, it may be the only opportunity to directly communicate your motivation and potential to the admissions team, especially if an interview is not part of the process. This is your moment to make a compelling case for why you want to study at Norwich University of the Arts.

What makes a great personal statement?

You have 4,000 characters to tell us your story – here’s how to make your words count.

Show your passion

Demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for your chosen subject. Tutors want to know:

• Why this course excites you.
• How you’ve pursued your interests outside the classroom.

Highlight your character

Admissions tutors value students who are determined and hardworking. Be sure to illustrate how your personal qualities align with the demands of the course.

Share relevant experiences

Think about the experiences that shaped your passion for your subject. These could include:

• Volunteering or work placements.
• Extracurricular activities like clubs, awards, or projects.
• Personal experiences that inspired your choice of course.

Be aspirational

What do you hope to achieve with your degree? Share your ambitions and career goals to show your dedication.

Pay attention to detail

Ensure your statement is well written with correct grammar and spelling. Create a clear structure to your work to enable the reader to easily follow your argument. Get someone else to check what you have written.

Things to avoid

• Rather than submitting a single block of text, ensure your work is well laid out and easy to read.
• Plagiarism. UCAS screen all personal statements through a similarity detection system. Universities will be alerted if plagiarism is suspected.
• Don’t refer to particular universities or courses by name as each institution you are applying to will receive the same copy of your statement.