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28 November 2023

6 minutes read

Crafting an Outstanding UCL Personal Statement: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Dirghayu Kaushik

Gaining admission to University College London (UCL) is a dream for many, but achieving this goal requires more than just academic excellence.

Your UCL personal statement plays a pivotal role in your application, serving as a unique opportunity to showcase your aspirations, achievements, and individuality.

This article provides essential insights and examples to assist you in creating a personal statement that captures the essence of your academic and personal journey, tailored to resonate with UCL’s admissions committee.

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• The Role of a Personal Statement in Your UCL Application

Understanding the Significance

Your personal statement is a critical element of your UCAS application to UCL. It’s your chance to convey your enthusiasm, experiences, and suitability for your chosen course.

This narrative helps the admissions team to understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It’s about making a compelling case for why you are an ideal candidate for UCL and how the university fits into your academic and career aspirations.

What UCL Looks For

UCL, being a prestigious and competitive institution, seeks candidates who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a commitment to their field of study, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to the university community.

Your personal statement should reflect these qualities, showcasing your passion for learning, your understanding of the course content, and your readiness for the challenges of university life.

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• Crafting a Winning Personal Statement for UCL

Creating a personal statement for University College London (UCL) is a crucial step in your application process. Your statement should stand out, reflecting your unique qualifications and enthusiasm for your chosen course. Here are key points to help you craft a winning personal statement for UCL:

• Understand UCL’s Values and Course Requirements : Before you begin, research UCL’s ethos, values, and specific requirements for your chosen course. Understanding what UCL looks for in its students can help tailor your statement to resonate with the admissions committee.
• Start with a Compelling Introduction : Your opening lines should grab the reader’s attention. Start with a personal anecdote, a provocative question, or a statement that clearly expresses your passion for the subject.
• Showcase Your Academic Strengths : Highlight your academic achievements that are relevant to the course. Include any awards, high grades in related subjects, or participation in relevant academic competitions or projects.
• Demonstrate Interest and Knowledge in the Subject : Show that you have a deep understanding of and a genuine interest in the field. Discuss any books, articles, or research that have inspired you and shaped your desire to study this subject at UCL.
• Reflect on Relevant Experiences : Include work experience, internships, volunteering, or extracurricular activities that have helped develop skills and qualities relevant to the course. Explain what you learned from these experiences and how they have prepared you for university-level study.
• Discuss Your Career Aspirations : Clearly articulate how the course at UCL fits into your long-term career goals. This shows admissions tutors that you have a clear direction and motivation for your studies.
• Exhibit Your Skills and Qualities : Highlight personal skills and qualities that make you a suitable candidate for the course. These might include problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, or communication skills.
• Explain Why UCL Is the Right Choice for You : Discuss specific aspects of UCL and its course offerings that appeal to you. This could be particular modules, the teaching methodology, research opportunities, or the campus environment.
• Make It Personal and Authentic : Your statement should be personal and reflect your true self. Avoid clichés and generic statements. Admissions tutors want to hear your voice and understand who you are.
• Conclude with a Strong Closing Statement : End your personal statement on a high note, reemphasizing your enthusiasm and readiness for the course and how you look forward to contributing to the UCL community.
• Proofread and Edit : Ensure your statement is free of grammatical errors and typos. A well-written, error-free statement demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
• Seek Feedback : Before finalizing, get feedback from teachers, mentors, or those who know you well. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your statement.

By following these points, you can craft a personal statement that not only meets the standards of UCL but also truly represents your academic ambitions and personal journey, significantly boosting your chances of admission.

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• Personal Statement Examples for Different UCL Courses

Example of UCL Medicine Program

Medicine applicants need to demonstrate a passion for the field, empathy, and a strong academic background in sciences. An effective personal statement for a UCL medicine course might begin with a personal anecdote or experience that sparked your interest in medicine.

Follow this with details of your academic journey in sciences, any relevant work experience, and extracurricular activities. Conclude by discussing your career aspirations in medicine and how UCL’s program aligns with these goals.

Example for UCL Economics Program

For an economics course, your statement should reflect your understanding of economic principles and your ability to think critically about economic issues. Start by explaining why you are interested in economics, possibly by citing a current issue or personal experience.

Include your academic achievements in mathematics and related subjects, and any relevant extracurricular activities, like participating in economics clubs or competitions. Finally, express how UCL’s economics program will help you achieve your career objectives.

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Key Dos and Don’ts in Writing Your Personal Statement

• Final Steps Before Submission

Review and Feedback

Before submitting your personal statement, it’s crucial to review it thoroughly. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers who can provide constructive criticism. Their insights can help refine your statement, ensuring it’s compelling and error-free.

Aligning Your Statement with UCL’s Values

Research UCL’s values and ethos, and subtly align your statement with these. Show how you embody qualities valued by UCL, such as intellectual curiosity, global perspective, and a commitment to impact society positively. This alignment demonstrates that you are not only a good fit academically but also culturally for UCL.

Your UCL personal statement is a vital part of your application. It’s an opportunity to showcase your unique qualifications, experiences, and aspirations.

By following the guidelines and examples provided in this guide, you can create a statement that captures your individuality and suitability for UCL.

Remember, this is your chance to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee, so take the time to craft a personal statement that truly reflects who you are and why you are the perfect candidate for UCL.

Q1: How important is it to relate my personal statement to my future career goals?

It’s very important. Relating your course of study to your future career goals shows foresight and a clear understanding of how UCL will help you achieve your aspirations.

Q2: Can I include quotes in my personal statement?

While a well-chosen quote can be impactful, it’s generally better to use your own words to ensure your personal statement is truly personal and unique.

Q3: How can I ensure that my personal statement stands out?

To make your personal statement stand out, focus on unique experiences, present your content in a structured and coherent manner, and infuse your personal voice and enthusiasm throughout the text.

Q4: Is it okay to share personal challenges in my statement?

Yes, sharing personal challenges can be powerful, especially if you can demonstrate how they have shaped your character and academic journey. However, ensure that the overall tone remains positive and forward-looking.

• Key Dos and Don'ts in Writing Your Personal Statement

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Table of Contents

• • The Role of a Personal Statement in Your UCL Application
• • Crafting a Winning Personal Statement for UCL
• • Personal Statement Examples for Different UCL Courses
• • Key Dos and Don'ts in Writing Your Personal Statement
• • Final Steps Before Submission
• • Conclusion

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• 24 Jan 2024
• 10 Minutes to read

UCL Management Science Additional Personal Statement

• Updated on 24 Jan 2024

This is a detailed guide to tackling the additional personal statement received after applying to the UCL Management Science BSc program. There is a question-by-question breakdown with sample answers to each question. As stated, these answers should ONLY  be used as a template. They are hypothetical  and may contain fictitious data. Given that you have a total of 1000 words across the entire questionnaire, a sample word count has been provided for each question. 

Question 1:  Justify your chosen organisation in terms of the ways in which it is complex, innovative, and uses data to drive decisions.  Use relevant facts from this year (2023) to support your justification.  Discuss and quantify the impact (i.e. value to the organisation) of examples used (e.g. new innovative products or processes, newly introduced technologies, recent big data projects).

(250 Words)

To effectively answer this question, you need to focus on three key aspects: complexity, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. These aspects should be supported by relevant examples from the year 2023. Let's break down the outline and then provide a sample answer using a hypothetical organization.

1. Introduction

    - Introduce the chosen organization.

    - Briefly mention its industry and significance.

2. Complexity of the Organization

    - Describe the organizational structure.

    - Discuss the complexity in its operations, global reach, supply chain, or product/service range.

    - Include any specific challenges the organization faces due to its complexity.

3. Innovation

    - Highlight key innovations introduced in 2023.

    - Discuss the nature of these innovations (e.g., product, service, process).

    - Explain how these innovations differentiate the organization from its competitors.

4. Data-Driven Decision Making

    - Describe how the organization uses data to make decisions.

    - Provide examples of recent big data projects or analytics initiatives.

    - Illustrate how data analytics has influenced strategy or operations.

5. Impact and Value

    - Quantify the impact of the innovations and data-driven decisions.

    - Discuss the value added to the organization, such as increased revenue, improved customer satisfaction, or enhanced operational efficiency.

    - Use specific metrics or figures to support your points.

6. Conclusion

    - Summarize the key points.

    - Reinforce why the organization is a leader in complexity, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.

  Sample Answer

In 2023, Tesla, a giant in the car and energy industry, stands out for its innovative electric cars and renewable energy solutions. With a diverse setup including car making, battery production, and solar energy, Tesla's worldwide operations show its complexity. They skillfully handle challenges like sourcing battery materials globally and manufacturing in various countries. A major move in 2023 was Tesla's launch of Model Q, an affordable electric car targeting middle-income buyers. This, along with Tesla's unique battery tech, makes them a standout in the car market. They also pushed forward in solar energy with advanced solar roofs, reaffirming their commitment to clean energy. Data plays a crucial role at Tesla. Their 'OptiCharge' project uses big data and machine learning to smartly decide when and where Tesla cars should charge, improving customer experience and helping balance the energy grid. Data is also key in managing their supply chain efficiently, cutting down costs. The Model Q launch boosted Tesla's share in the electric car market by 20% in 2023. 'OptiCharge' increased customer satisfaction about charging by 15%. Using data smartly in their supply chain cut operational costs by 10%. These numbers show the real value of Tesla's innovations and strategies. To sum up, Tesla in 2023 is a leader thanks to its complex operations, cutting-edge innovations, and smart use of data. These factors have led to more market share, happier customers, and more efficient operations, proving their significant impact on the company.

Remember, this is a hypothetical example using Tesla as a model organization. The specific details, especially numerical data, are fictional and used for illustrative purposes. For a real-world organization, you would need to research and use accurate and up-to-date information.

Question 2: Describe five important ways that the UCL Management Science BSc/MSci is different from other undergraduate Business or Management programmes.

(300 Words)

To respond to this question effectively, it's crucial to focus on the unique aspects of the UCL Management Science BSc program that distinguish it from other undergraduate Business or Management programs. The answer should highlight specific features, approaches, or opportunities offered by the UCL program that are not commonly found in similar programs. Let's start with an outline and then provide a sample answer.

   - Briefly introduce the UCL Management Science BSc program.

   - State the importance of understanding its unique aspects compared to other business or management programs.

2. Distinctive Curriculum

   - Detail how the curriculum of UCL’s program differs from standard business or management curricula.

   - Emphasize specialized courses, unique subjects, or a particular focus on certain areas.

3. Teaching and Learning Approach

   - Describe the teaching methods (e.g., case studies, projects, hands-on experiences) that set the UCL program apart.

   - Discuss the emphasis on practical skills, industry projects, or research opportunities.

4. Industry Links and Networking

   - Highlight the program’s connections with businesses and industry experts.

   - Mention internships, guest lectures, and partnership projects that are integral to the program

5. International Opportunities

   - Discuss any international exposure or global perspectives integrated into the program, like study abroad options or international case studies.

6. Career and Postgraduate Opportunities

   - Explain how the UCL program prepares students for specific career paths or postgraduate opportunities that may be unique compared to other programs.

7. Conclusion

   - Summarize the key differentiators of the UCL Management Science BSc program.

   - Reinforce the program's unique value proposition for prospective students.

Sample Answer

The UCL Management Science BSc program stands out in the crowded field of undergraduate business and management education. Recognizing its distinctiveness is crucial for students contemplating a specialized approach to management education. Unlike traditional business programs, UCL's Management Science BSc places a significant emphasis on quantitative and analytical skills. Courses like ‘Quantitative Methods for Management’ and ‘Predictive Analytics’ set this program apart, providing a more data-driven and analytical approach to business problems compared to conventional business studies. The program is heavily focused on real-world applications. Students engage in project-based learning, collaborating with businesses on actual management challenges. This hands-on approach, which is less common in traditional business programs, equips students with practical skills and experience. UCL’s strong industry links are a standout feature. The program offers unique opportunities for internships and industry projects, allowing students to gain invaluable insights and build networks within the business world. Guest lectures by industry leaders are a regular part of the curriculum, providing students with contemporary industry knowledge. The Management Science BSc program at UCL incorporates a global perspective, offering students opportunities for international exchange programs. This global exposure is vital in today's interconnected business world and is not always a focus in other business programs. This program uniquely prepares students for careers in data analytics, strategic consultancy, and operations management, fields that are increasingly critical in the modern business landscape. Furthermore, the program lays a robust foundation for postgraduate studies in specialized areas like analytics or supply chain management. In conclusion, the UCL Management Science BSc program differentiates itself through its analytical curriculum, practical learning approach, strong industry connections, international opportunities, and targeted career pathways. These elements collectively offer a unique and comprehensive educational experience for students aspiring to be at the forefront of management science.

Question 3: Identify a difficult or challenging situation you have had to deal with that required you to understand and work with other PEOPLE. How did you deal with this situation and what did you learn from it?

(150 Words)

To respond effectively to this question, structure your answer to showcase your interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and learning outcomes from the experience. Let's break it down:

1. Brief Description of the Situation

   - Start by describing the challenging situation.

2. Your Role and Actions

   - Explain your specific role in the situation.

   - Describe the actions you took to address the challenge.

   - Share the result of your actions.

4. Learning Experience

   - Conclude with what you learned from handling the situation.

In high school, I faced a tough situation leading a group project. Our team had different ideas and ways of doing things, which caused a lot of arguments. We were struggling to get our project done. I knew we had to change how we were working together. I decided to organize meetings where everyone could talk about their ideas and listen to each other. It was important that everyone felt heard. We also did some fun activities together to help us bond. Slowly, things started to get better. We began to understand and respect each other's opinions. This made working together a lot easier. Eventually, we completed our project successfully and even got praised by our teacher. This experience taught me a lot. I learned that good communication and listening to others are key to working well in a team. It showed me how a group can overcome problems by talking and listening to each other.

Question 4: Please suggest something that you think everyone on the MANAGEMENT SCIENCE programme should read, and why? Hint: Avoid obvious things like The Economist or well-known business books. Think about the things that you have read that have really inspired you.

To respond to this question, focus on a book or article that has significantly influenced your understanding or interest in management science. Choose something that aligns with the themes of the program but is also unique and personally impactful. Here's an outline and a sample answer. 

1. Introduction of the Suggested Reading

   - Mention the title and author of the book or article.

2. Connection to Management Science

   - Briefly explain how the reading relates to management science.

3. Personal Impact

   - Describe why the reading inspired you and how it shaped your perspective.

4. Recommendation for Others

   - State why you believe it would be beneficial for others in the program to read it.

Sample Answer 

I recommend 'Thinking, Fast and Slow' by Daniel Kahneman for everyone in the Management Science program. This book explores how our thinking is divided into two systems: fast, intuitive thinking, and slow, rational thinking. Kahneman, a Nobel laureate, delves into how these two systems shape our decision-making in business and everyday life. I found this book enlightening because it opened my eyes to the biases and errors in our judgments and decisions. It made me understand the importance of critical thinking in management. This book is not just about psychology; it's about how our mind works in making decisions, which is crucial in management science. I believe everyone in the program can benefit from understanding these concepts. It will help us make better decisions, both as future managers and in our personal lives.

Question 5: Tell us something surprising about you that would make your future classmates want to have you in their class?

To respond to this question, focus on a unique, interesting aspect or skill you have that would contribute positively to the classroom dynamic and would be engaging or beneficial to your future classmates. Here's an outline and a sample response:

1. Introduction of the Unique Aspect or Skill

   - Start by stating the surprising thing about you.

2. Explanation and Relevance

   - Explain this aspect or skill in more detail.

   - Highlight how it relates to being a part of the class or how it could be beneficial in a classroom setting.

3. Personal Reflection

   - Briefly reflect on why this aspect makes you a unique addition to the class.

4. Engagement with Classmates

   - Mention how this could make your future classmates interested in having you in their class.

Something surprising about me is that I’m an avid chess player, ranked nationally in junior tournaments. Chess has taught me strategic thinking, patience, and how to anticipate various outcomes, which I believe are essential skills in management science. I often see real-life situations, including business scenarios, as a chess game where strategic moves decide success. My love for chess has not only shaped my mindset but has also made me a problem solver, always looking for the best solution. I think my classmates would find this aspect of me interesting because it adds a unique perspective to classroom discussions, especially in strategy-related subjects. I’m always eager to share my insights and learn from others’ experiences, making for a collaborative and engaging classroom environment. I believe my strategic approach to problems will make classroom discussions more lively and insightful.

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Personal statement

The quality of an applicant's personal statement is very important at LSE. The School does not interview for places so this is an applicant’s only opportunity to demonstrate they are a good fit for the course. Applicants should consult the advice here, as well as advice from UCAS when preparing to complete this section of their application. 

Please note that writing a personal statement following the guidelines below does not guarantee an offer of admission. Personal statements are looked at on a comparative basis and there is a great deal of competition for places at LSE. 

LSE does not accept additional or supplementary personal statements. We can only consider the personal statement submitted via UCAS.

Writing your personal statement

We expect that your submitted Personal Statement is structured and coherent and that you fully utilise the space available on your UCAS application form. We expect that you have checked spelling, punctuation, and grammar and that your Personal Statement flows in a logical order. We expect that your Personal Statement is entirely your own original work. We reserve the right to reject your application where it has been found that a statement has significant similarities to a previous submission or has been created with the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Before you start writing, do your research

Before you start writing your personal statement, you should visit our course guides . These guides give information on the course content of each of our undergraduate programmes. 

When assessing your personal statement our Admissions Selectors will look at how well your academic interests align with the LSE course. So, for example, the Anthropology Admissions Selector is likely to prefer a statement which focuses mainly on social anthropology - which is taught at LSE - over one which suggests the applicant is very interested in biological anthropology, or a combined degree with archaeology, as these courses are not offered at the School. 

Similarly, a personal statement which shows an interest mostly in modern international history (the focus of LSE’s International History course) is likely to be more competitive than one which shows a significant interest in ancient history, as LSE does not offer any ancient history units.   

If you are applying for a range of slightly different courses, we recommend that you focus your personal statement on the areas of overlap between them, so that your statement appeals to all of your UCAS choices. It is important to note that LSE does not accept replacement or supplementary personal statements. 

What to include in your personal statement

Your personal statement should discuss for the most part your academic interest in the subject you wish to study. One way to think about the personal statement is to reflect on what we expect from LSE undergraduates: we ask them to learn about topics relevant to their course, through reading or other experiences, and then discuss the ideas they have encountered in academic essays. This is the skill we look for in the personal statement and we recommend at least 80% of your statement should be dedicated to this type of academic discussion. 

How you show your wider engagement with your subject is entirely up to you. Our Selectors look for students who can best reflect on the experiences and academic ideas they have encountered through the opportunities available to them, not those who have had the best opportunities. If you are not sure where to start, you could try listening to podcasts of LSE public events or look in the prospectus for examples of suggested reading. Remember we are interested not just in a list of what you have read/encountered, but evidence you have reflected on the academic ideas. 

To help you begin, there are several questions you could think about:

• Why have you chosen the course? What attracted you to the subject? Which aspects of the subject have interested you sufficiently to want to study it at degree level? Is there a specific area of the subject you wish to focus on? What are the big issues in the subject, and what do you find most interesting about them? What are your thoughts on these topics?
• Have you developed your subject interest outside of your school studies? For example, have you undertaken any additional reading to broaden your knowledge of the subject? Have you attended lectures or explored online material relating to the subject? What did you find interesting in your reading/in the lectures you attended and what are your thoughts on the topics covered?
• Have you gained any skills from your other school subjects that complement your application to study your chosen subject? Have you had the opportunity to undertake work experience relevant to your application? If you did, how did this experience give you a wider understanding of the topics you will study at university?
• Have you attended any schemes or activities at LSE or other universities, such as Summer Schools, Saturday Schools, LSE Choice, etc? What you have learned from these? Have they furthered your knowledge of or interest in your chosen subject?

If you are applying for deferred entry, as well as thinking about the questions listed above, you may also wish to indicate (briefly) why you are taking a gap year and what you plan to do during the year. 

If you are applying as a post-qualified student (ie, you have already received your final results), you may wish to mention briefly what you have been doing since your exams. 

Please note : You are not expected to simply answer all of the questions above; these questions are merely intended to give you some guidance as to what to think about when writing your statement. 

Extra-curricular activities

At LSE you are admitted to study a particular degree course so the majority of your personal statement − at least 80% − should focus on your academic interest in that subject. Many students like to include some details of their extra-curricular activities such as involvement in sports, the arts, volunteering or student government. As our Selectors are most interested in your academic interests, we recommend that no more than 20% of your statement is spent discussing extra-curricular activities. 

Applying to combined degree programmes

LSE offers a number of combined degree programmes. If you are applying to one of these programmes, you are advised to give equal weighting to each subject in your statement. For instance, if you are applying to our Politics and Economics degree, you must show evidence of interest in both subjects; a statement weighted towards only one aspect of the degree will be significantly less competitive.

Example of a poor personal statement

"I have always dreamed of coming to LSE since I was young. It has been a dream of mine to study at this institution, which is well renowned for its social science courses.  

I am currently studying History, English and Business and Management at Higher level and Italian, Maths and Chemistry at Standard level in the International Baccalaureate, and feel that these subjects are providing me with a solid background for university study.  

I want to study History because I want to be a world class Historian, and feel that this degree will help me. I am especially interested in Ancient History, particularly the history concerning the Roman Empire. I am fascinated by the way in which the empire was run, and the events that led to its downfall.  

"I was the captain of the school football team, and this has taught me the importance of working together as a team, and allowed me to prioritise my time between my studies and football practice. I feel that this has provided me with the experience to successfully balance my academic and social life, and I plan to continue this balance whilst at university.  

It is my dream to become an alumnus of the School, and I am sure that as I am the top student of my class, you will offer me a place."  

This brief example of a personal statement is poor. The applicant has mentioned an interest in history but they have not discussed this in depth or shown any evidence of wider engagement with the subject. Where the applicant does talk about history, the discussion is superficial and focussed on ancient history, which LSE does not offer as part of our history course. 

The applicant has specifically mentioned LSE, which is likely to be unattractive to their other choices, and has wasted space listing their International Baccalaureate subjects, which would be shown in the qualifications section. The applicant has described how a history degree will help them get the job they later want, rather than what they are looking forward to studying during the degree. 

The applicant has reflected on the transferable skills they have developed leading the football team. This is good, but it would be nice to see the same level of reflection applied to academic topics - this student has spent more time talking about football than about history. 

UCAS reference Your teacher's reference: what we're looking for

Watch this presentation LSE Admissions Specialist Paul talks about personal statements

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How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 103,466 views

A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.

If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.

Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What is a personal statement?
• Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
• How to write a personal statement for masters
• Personal statement for masters sample
• Examples of personal statement for masters
• Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters

Read:  Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.

A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.

The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.

Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.

2. Plan Ahead

A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.

Let us throw more light on this…

For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.

In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.

No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.

3. Research Your Program Of Study

Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.

And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.

From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.

Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.

A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.

5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement

Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.

We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.

On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.

6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications

One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.

All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.

And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.

Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.

Check out:  How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.

If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.

There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:

1. Planning A Personal Statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.

Before You Start:

Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.

Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.

Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.

Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.

When Writing:

When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:

• Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
• How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
• How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
• What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
• How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?

On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

• Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
• How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
• How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.

We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…

My past educational experiences have always…

You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.

The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.

When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:  

• Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
• Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
• Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
• Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
• Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
• Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
• Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
• Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.

For Formatting:

• Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
• Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
• Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
• Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.

Language and tone to use:     

• The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
• Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
• Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
• Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
• Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.

Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.

To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.

Personal Statement PDF

You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.

While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.

1. msw personal statement

We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management .  , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement

7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy

8. business administration personal statement personal statement for masters in business administration

9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf masters degree personal statement examples for cyber security

10. personal statement for masters in finance msc finance personal statement examples

11. statement of purpose for masters in information technology pdf msc personal statement examples for information technology

12. international development personal statement statement of purpose for masters example

13. msc international business management personal statement international business management personal statement examples

14. computer science masters personal statement

statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf

15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics

16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration    

Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: •    Avoid negativity. •    Following an online template blindly. •    Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. •    Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. •    Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. •    Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. •    Do not make pleading statements. •    Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. •    Avoid using sentences that are too long. •    Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. •    Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. •    Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. •    Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.  

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How to Write a Good Personal Statement for a Scholarship ( 7 PDF Sample Examples).

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Personal statement

Your personal statement is a really important part of your UCAS application. 

It helps our admissions tutors get an insight into who you are and whether you'd be a good fit for the course you're applying to. 

You can only submit one personal statement for the five courses and universities you apply for. 

You're also limited to 4,000 characters (including spaces) or 47 lines, whichever comes first, so it's useful to make a plan of what you want to say before you start.

Tell us why you want to study the course you're applying for

We're looking for people with a genuine enthusiasm for the subject they're applying for – and that they understand what it involves – so it's useful to   highlight things that inspired your interest, including:

• books you have read
• work or voluntary experience you have undertaken
• lectures or courses you have attended
• any relevant extracurricular activities you’ve taken part in

This a really important part of your personal statement so make sure your passion really shines through.

This means avoid saying you want to study something just because it is interesting.

Instead, explain what you find interesting about it, for example, a particular topic you know you’ll be able to carry on studying at university or something related to it.

Don’t be afraid to use language which shows your enthusiasm for the course or life in general. Be positive and focus on things you thoroughly enjoy.

Skills and experiences

At Imperial, you'll have the freedom to take control of your learning, with options within many courses to customise what you learn and the experiences you have. 

As a research-led university, we'll encourage you to get hands-on in the process of discovery, innovation and learning through and from your own mistakes.

You will also learn to communicate your research findings and have the opportunity to work in teams, as well as on your own.

Think about the sort of skills that you have gained that are relevant to your chosen subject – you'll be able to find more detail about the style of learning for your chosen subject on our course pages .

Don't forget to provide evidence for the skills and knowledge you have. And remember to choose quality over quantity – we'd rather read about a smaller number of skills with evidence than a long list which doesn't explain how you've acquired each skill/quality and how it will help you be successful in your chosen course of study.  

Work experience

Work experience isn’t essential for most Imperial courses, but if it is a course requirement, make sure you get some and then tell us how it's helped to confirm your choice of subject.

You may also wish to use your personal statement to outline your career aspirations and motivation for the future.

Get the right balance

Imperial is not all work and no play. Our students have a huge range of interests – evidenced in our 350+ student-run clubs and societies.

Tell us about your passions and your hobbies, particularly how they have helped you develop skills and qualities that make you a strong candidate. Made you a better leader, for example. Made you more resilient. Or improved your teamwork and communication skills. 

Also tell us about something you do simply for the fun of it. You don't need to go into too much detail as you don’t have the space, but it helps us to get to know you and may be something we ask you more about if you're invited for an interview at a later stage.

Make it personal

Your personal statement should be about you so don't focus on what your friends are writing. Be clear about your own motivations and what you can bring to Imperial. 

Use it to create a unique picture for our admissions tutors of who you are and why you'll be successful in your chosen course of study. 

Also avoid the temptation to copy anyone else's. UCAS runs all personal statements through its similarity detection system, Copycatch, to compare them with previous statements.

Ucl - Philosophy and Economics

Philosophy and economics – 2013 ( lse, warwick, durham, ucl ).

My motivation to study the interlinked humanities and social sciences springs from living simultaneously in two very different cultures: Russia and Britain. Both nations claim to operate a free market ...

Please note UCAS will detect any form of plagiarism. PSE and its contributors do not take any responsibility for the way in which personal statements are used.

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Pharmacy Personal Statement Examples

What is a pharmacy personal statement?

Writing a personal statement for pharmacy is a chance to sell yourself to the admissions tutors and show them why you would make a great phramacy candidate.

It’s a place to describe your skills and strengths, as well as your career plans.

You are allowed up to 4,000 characters to explain why you are applying for a pharmacy degree, so you need to make sure your statement is as polished as possible to stand out from the crowd.

How do I write a good pharmacy personal statement?

Good pharmacy personal statements always use evidence to support their claims. You need to convince admissions tutors that you’re a good match for the programme, so if you claim to be committed or inquisitive, then use examples from your life to back it up.

To write a great pharmacy personal statement you need to start early, brainstorm some ideas, and then begin your first draft.

This will then need to be carefully revised and edited before asking family and friends for feedback. Incorporate their comments and suggestions, and see how it is improved before asking them to look at it again.

Read through our pharmacy personal statement examples to give you an idea of what a good pharmacy statement looks like.

Make sure you proofread your statement for grammar and spelling before sending it off, and if you feel you need a little extra help, take a look at our personal statement editing services .

What should I include in my pharmacy personal statement?

Many students choose to start their statement by picking a specific aspect of pharmacy and explaining why they enjoy it, e.g. drug chemistry, cardiovascular and renal systems, etc.

Admissions tutors want candidates that are as passionate about the subject as they are.

As well as your motivations for studying pharmacy, think about your hobbies and extracurricular activities too. What skills have you learned from these and how will these help you in your pharmacy degree?

Talk about any work experience placements you have completed, e.g. shadowing a doctor or nurse, or someone in a similar medical/clinical profession. What did you take away from this experience? Do you feel you have all the necessary personal traits and qualities that make a good pharmacy student?

Your wider reading is also important, so it's worth mentioning anything you've read recently that you found interesting and why. Generally, admissions tutors like students who express their views and opinions, and can back them up with evidence.

For more help and advice on what to write in your pharmacy personal statement, please see:

• Personal Statement Editing Services
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• Analysis Of A Personal Statement
• The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
• Personal Statement FAQs
• Personal Statement Timeline
• 10 Top Personal Statement Writing Tips
• What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.

What can I do with a pharmacy degree?

There are many different career options open to those wishing to study pharmacy at university. These include:

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Community pharmacist
• Hospital pharmacist
• Research scientist

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Clinical research associate
• Higher education lecturer
• Medical sales representative
• Medical science liaison
• Pharmacologist
• Product/process development scientist
• Regulatory affairs officer
• Research scientist (life sciences)
• Science writer
• Toxicologist

For more information about careers with a pharamcy degree, please see Prospects and the National Careers Service .

What are the best UK universities for pharmacy?

Currently, the best universities in the UK for studying pharmacy and pharmacology are:

For more information about pharamacology university rankings in the UK, please see The Complete University Guide and SI UK .

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UCL Summer School

• Pre-enrolment and enrolment guide

Enrolment begins your life as part of the UCL community.

Pre-enrolment 

Pre-enrolment is your first stage of becoming a fully enrolled Summer School student. This process grants you access to your ID card and all the resources you need for your studies. 

Pre-enrolment is an online task 

Approximately two weeks before the start of the Summer School, you will receive an email from UCL titled 'Invitation to Pre-Enrol at UCL'. This will not come from the Summer School Office. 

This email will include a Student ID number and will invite you to start the pre-enrolment process.

Please make a note of this Student ID number as you will need to use it often during your time at UCL. 

The invitation to pre-enrol email will invite you to use the UCL Information Service  Portico  to begin pre-enrolment. It will not be possible to log in to Portico to begin pre-enrolment until you have received this email. 

During pre-enrolment, you will:  

confirm your personal details and  trusted contacts.    

upload your photo and valid identity document (ID).   

confirm details of your study programme.   

Accept UCL's academic and financial terms and conditions. Agree data protection statements and confirm your membership with the Students Union.     

If applicable,  upload visa documents  confirming your right to study in the UK. 

Complete pre-enrolment once you have received your invitation email 

There are five steps to completing pre-enrolment at UCL. 

Step 1: Create a UCL account 

To log onto Portico, you need a UCL ID and password.   

Once you have received your pre-enrolment email, you can use the  My Account – New Students  to create your UCL ID and password. You will need your student number and access to a mobile phone or the email address you used on your Summer School application.  

You can find your student number on your pre-enrolment email.    

Your UCL ID consists of 7 letters, the last few are your initials (e.g. ucaaxxx). 

Keep your UCL ID and password safe. You will need these to log on to all UCL online services throughout your time at UCL. If you forget your password, you can reset it on the  MyAccount  page.  

Step 2: Log into Portico 

Log in to Portico  using your UCL ID and password to start completing the pre-enrolment task.  

As part of the pre-enrolment process, you will be asked to confirm your department.  

Please note that the UCL Summer School and all its modules are listed under the Centre for Language and International Education (Department) and the Institute of Education (Faculty). This is correct, regardless of the subject area of the module you are taking! 

Step 3: Upload your identity documents (ID)

Follow the instructions in the pre-enrolment task to upload your ID documents.

If you don’t have the required ID documents, choose 'I do not have any of the above'. Then, provide detailed information about your situation in the comments section. The enrolment team will email further guidance.  

We will ask you to upload a photo of yourself which the enrolment team will compare against your ID documents.  You must not modify the photo.

Your card and your student record must show your true likeness.  The photo you upload will be used to identify you when we compare it to your uploaded ID. 

Your photo must comply with UCL’s image guidelines.

If your photo does not meet the requirements, we will get in touch to request a new one.

Step 4: Upload your visa documents  

This depends on your nationality and visa status. Expand the relevant section below to see guidance for completing pre-enrolment:

If you are one of the above nationalities, you will not need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before entering the UK. All you will need to do is enter the UK using the E-Gates and keep your boarding pass or Eurostar train ticket.  

Even though you do not need to apply for a visa, you will be asked to complete the section on visa documents when completing pre-enrolment. 

To complete the visa document section of pre-enrolment before you enter the UK: 

• Select the option that says you ‘have not yet obtained’ a visa from the Home Office (UKVI) 
• Then, select ‘not yet applied to UKVI’ 

Then you should be able to progress through the task and complete pre-enrolment. 

Once you arrive in the UK: 

• Log in to Portico 
• On the Portico home page, go to the ‘Further documentation required to complete enrolment’ section to upload documents  

Upload your boarding pass or train ticket to Portico before the first day of the programme if you are able to.​​​​​​

If the above applies to you, then you do not need to apply for the Standard Visitor visa before entering the UK. All you need to do is get your passport stamped by a border officer when entering the UK. 

Even though you do not need to apply for a visa, you will need to complete the section on visa documents when completing pre-enrolment. 

• Log in to Portico  
• Upload a copy of your visa stamp with the entry clearance stamp 

We recommend uploading your visa stamp to Portico before the first day of the programme if you are able to. 

Please note, nationals of:

• Hong Kong and Macau will need a Standard Visitor for Study Purposes Visa if they are travelling with a travel document. You can only receive a border stamp when entering the UK on a Hong Kong or Macau passport.
• Taiwan do not need a visa if their passport has a personal ID number on the bio data page of their passport. If your passport does not have a personal ID number, you will need a Standard Visitor for Study Purposes Visa. For more information please visit the UK Government website here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa  

You can check if you require a visa to study in the UK for six months or less here: www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa  

Even if you have already applied for and received your visa, you will need to select the following options to complete the visa document section when completing pre-enrolment before you enter the UK: 

We recommend uploading your visa documents to Portico before the first day of the programme if you are able to. 

• On the Portico home page, go to the ‘Further documentation required to complete enrolment’ section to upload documents   
• Select ‘Visa’ 
• Select ‘Other’ 
• Select ‘Entry clearance stamp’ 
• Upload a copy of your visa with the entry clearance stamp 

Then you should be able to progress through the task and complete pre-enrolment.

Upload your visa documents to Portico before the first day of the programme if you are able to. 

You may have another visa type.

If you are unsure if your visa is suitable for studying on the UCL Summer School, you can contact the UCL Student Immigration Advice team . 

Even if you have already applied for and received your visa, you will need to select the following options to complete the visa document section when completing pre-enrolment before you enter the UK: 

Once you arrive in the UK:

To complete the visa document section of pre-enrolment: 

• You will be asked: ‘Have you already obtained one of the following from the Home Office (UKVI) for your period of study?’. Select ‘Visa’ 
• Then, select ‘BRP Student Visa’ or ‘Electronic Student Visa’ depending on your visa type 
• Then, upload these documents 

Read more information about the ‘ Electronic Student Visa ’ including further guidance on what you will need to provide during enrolment.

If you are a student who has been granted Pre-settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, generate a share code and upload this within the pre-enrolment task.

Guidance on generating a share code

Upload your share code to Portico before the first day of the programme if you are able to. 

You will not be asked to provide any visa documents. 

Step 5: Confirmation of pre-enrolment 

Once you have completed pre-enrolment, you will receive a confirmation email with the subject line ‘confirmation of your pre-enrolment at UCL.’  

This confirms you have completed the first stage to becoming a fully enrolled student.  

At this stage, you are not yet enrolled or eligible to collect a student ID card.    

What happens next 

The enrolment team will review your information. Once they have completed their checks and nothing further is required you will receive a ‘confirmation of your enrolment’ email.

Remember, the team cannot enrol you and you will not be able to collect your Student ID Card unless you have uploaded your visa documents and/or boarding pass. As soon as you arrive in the UK, please upload them to Portico.

Enrolment and orientation  

Enrolment and orientation will take place on: 

Monday 24 June for Session One  

Monday 15 July for Session Two 

The Summer School office will send you a detailed schedule of the activities taking place nearer the time. 

Documentation to bring to enrolment 

There are a number of documents you will be asked to provide when you enrol on your first day at UCL. To make the enrolment process easier, please: 

make sure you have your Student ID number to hand 

bring a copy of your UCL Summer School Confirmation Letter 

bring a valid passport as your form of ID (please note that copies will not be accepted, and it needs to be the physical form of ID)

UCL is not permitted to allow students to enrol without the correct documentation so please make sure that you have all the required documentation (above) before you travel to UCL. 

If you are unsure if you have completed enrolment or not, please speak to Graham Knight on the day. 

If you complete pre-enrolment online 

If you complete enrolment online, you will receive an email confirming your enrolment is complete.  

Please bring a valid physical passport and the email confirming your enrolment is complete (a digital copy of the email on your phone is fine). 

During the enrolment session you will only need to go to collect your student ID card.  

It may be possible to print your student ID card with the photo you uploaded during enrolment if the photo meets the image guidelines. If not, a photo will be taken on the day, so please be prepared for your photo to be taken for your ID card. 

If you do not complete pre-enrolment online  

If you do not complete pre-enrolment online, you will need to complete the enrolment process in person during on the first Monday of your course before you can collect your ID card. 

Please bring your passport and visa documents (e.g. boarding pass, Eurostar train ticket, passport with border stamp or visa, your student visa and BRP, etc).  

You will need to show these documents to complete the final stage of enrolment and then collect your student ID card – please be prepared for your photo to be taken for your ID card.  

Please note that copies will not be accepted, and it needs to be the physical form of ID.  

Your UCL ID Card - access to buildings and useful discounts 

After you have enrolled, you will be given a UCL Student ID card. On the front of your UCL Student ID card will be printed: 

your name - this is your preferred 'known as' name and surname as recorded on your student record 

your photograph 

your UCL student ID number 

your UCL Person Identifier (UPI)  

the date of when your current programme of study ends  

On the reverse of the card will be printed your library barcode, eye-readable barcode number and card issue number. The barcode is passed automatically to the library membership database (an overnight process), so there is no need to visit the library to complete the registration process.   

It is very important that you always carry the card with you as it allows you to access certain UCL buildings including the libraries, and Students’ Union UCL activities. 

The ID card is produced by the UCL Security team. You will be shown where to have your ID card produced after you have completed the first part of the enrolment process.  

For Security to produce your card, you will need to show them the  Statement of Student Status  you receive when you enrol and they will then produce your ID card. Your photograph will be taken, so you do not need to bring a photo with you and the card will be produced while you wait.  

Security are based in the  Andrew Huxley Building .  

If you lose your ID card or it gets stolen, please visit the Security office to get a replacement. Please note there may be a charge for replacement cards.  

Your pre-arrival guide  

• Meet the team and fellow Summer School students
• Arriving in London
• Timetables and academic support
• Health advice
• Social and Cultural Programme
• Essential checklist

Pre-arrival information sessions

To help you with your preparations, the Summer School team will be offering pre-arrival information sessions on:

• Thursday 6 June 2024 at 10am (UK time).
• Thursday 6 June 2024 at 4pm (UK time).

Register now

The session will give you an opportunity to meet the team and to ask us any questions. 

Follow us on Instagram

Tag us at @uclsummer on your posts and stories!

We will be holding an Instagram competition for the best content across the programme. Details will follow when the programme starts - keep an eye out!