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Preparing your personal statement for graduate school applications

Nearly all doctoral programs and many master’s degree programs in psychology require submission of a personal statement as part of the application package. In my experience advising students as well as serving as a graduate dean for many years, few things in the application process cause students as much anxiety and prompt so many questions.

Why so much concern? Several reasons. First, what we generically call the personal statement goes by different names at different institutions: “statement of goals,” “purpose and interests” and a host of other terms. Second, institutions have varying requirements for length and specific topics. Third, you have to compose it from scratch, in contrast to your transcript (which the registrar sends), your letters of recommendation (which other people compose) and any required test scores (which the testing agency sends).

Here are answers to students’ four most common questions.

Is the personal statement important?

Absolutely yes. Summaries of research on what is important in the application process, particularly for doctoral programs, show that the statement of purpose plays a key role in admission decisions — often more important than such standbys as your GPA and GRE scores. Admission committees really do pay attention. Each program in APA’s (2018) Graduate Study in Psychology  provides a rating of the importance of the statement of purpose, so you can check for your target programs. This is where you display your:

  • Fit with the program.
  • Especially desirable qualifications.
  • Clarity of plans.
  • Writing skill. 

Do I use the same one for all?

Absolutely not. Customize your statement for each program to which you apply. Each program will provide a brief description of what it wants in the applicant’s statement of purpose, the length and topics. One program may want 500 words covering topics A, B and C. Another program may want 1,500 words covering topics A, B, D and E. Pay attention to these directives. If, as program director, I want the latter and you give me the former, you have just done yourself a great disfavor — and irritated me. If you are applying to many programs, make a little spreadsheet showing what each program wants in the statement. Then, cross-check your customized statements against your spreadsheet.

What do I include?

Despite the latter advice about customizing, many programs ask about similar topics. The most common topics include your professional/career plans, academic objectives related to a particular program, research experience and other applied experience (for example, internships). Doctoral programs (but not usually master’s programs) often ask for your interest in or fit with particular faculty members (just two or three — not everyone). Of course, that fit relates to your objectives and the faculty members’ areas of expertise/research.

Because these topics appear frequently in programs’ requests, a useful strategy calls for developing a boilerplate statement covering the latter topics. Thus, you don’t have to start from scratch for every program. Construct the boilerplate, the common statement, first. Get it in good shape. Then customize it as needed for different programs.

You should certainly have a paragraph or two focusing on what you want to do in terms of career goals, academic specialty and research interests. And sift through your experiences to see which might set you apart and make you especially attractive as a candidate. Perhaps you have a strong research record, an exceptionally meaningful field experience or a few advanced undergraduate courses. Maybe all three of these.

When writing about your goals and experiences, aim for precision and detail. Avoid generic statements (“I have a lot of research experience,” “I did an internship”). Provide details, as space permits. What exactly did you do in your research, and what did you learn from it? What did your internship entail, and, again, what did you learn from it?

While on the topic of what to include, let’s identify a few things to not include. Norcross and Sayette (2016) call these the 3 Hs: humor, hyperbole, hard luck . No jokes or funny stories in the personal statement. Watch out for hyperbole in your statement: I’m the most qualified; I had the greatest major; I never have interpersonal conflicts. And don’t describe your own depression, substance abuse or family turmoil. Appleby and Appleby (2007) included such items among their “kisses of death” for applicants’ personal statements.

Will you read it for me?

The answer will vary for different faculty members and your relationship with them, but many will be happy to help. Please, however, do not ask a faculty member to read your first rough draft. Get it cleaned up. No half-sentences, no typos. Your institution may have a writing center that will prove helpful. When you have it in pretty good shape, ask a faculty member for feedback. 

Finally, proofread your statement before hitting the submit button. Remember, it’s used partly to evaluate your writing skill.

Watch this free video series for more information on graduate school applications.

American Psychological Association. (2016). Graduate study in psychology: 2017 edition . Washington, D.C.: Author.

Appleby, D.C., & Appleby, K.M. (2007). How to avoid the kisses of death in the graduate school application process. Eye on Psi Chi, 11 (3), 20-21.

Norcross, J.C., & Sayette, M.A (2016). Insider's guide to graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology: Revised 2016/2017 edition . New York: Guilford.

About the author

Thomas P. Hogan, PhD

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

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 109,788 views

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

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…

'My passion for Child Psychology is influenced by my curiosity in how autism affects the personality of children living with this condition. That's why I dedicated the 3rd year of my undergraduate study interning with the Child Rehabilitation Centre in my community, which caters to the patients and work closely with their families in developing care plans that work for their child.

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.

My passion for Filmmaking, was influenced by my growing up reading novels and plays by my idols William Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, and Maya Angelou, which graciously provided me with the opportunity to not just hear good stories, but also appreciate great storytellers whose plays still shake the foundations of the film industry.

Growing up, I loved movies and found myself fascinated by the stories, the characters and most importantly the realization that the human mind could create something so beautiful and gripping. I studied each film like a guide and whenever they ended, I would act out the scenes on my own, putting on a one-woman show for myself whenever I was alone at home. These things would later form the basis of me writing my first published book which was a drama titled The Reward of Evil Deed.

To me, loving literature and chasing it down all these years was something that made me different, but I also enjoyed it because films are more than something I just wanted to watch and forget, it is something that I wanted to be a part of. I didn’t just want to appreciate great films, I wanted to make them.

During my bachelor’s degree in India, I had the privilege of taking Literature classes stemming from British, American, and Indian literature to broaden my mind. I was also opportune to read great authors like John Donne, John Milton, Emily Dickinson, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Anton Chekov, Virginia Woolf, and of course Margret Atwood who I follow closely on Instagram. Three years later not only did I graduate as one of the best students in the school, but I did so with a first-hand knowledge of what it means to be a passionate storyteller whose art transcends time, language barrier, and location.

In addition to devouring Literature and watching satirical films like it’s the news, I am also an avid reader and prolific writer who throws herself into whatever she sets her heart on. I am the proud author of Forgetting Bangalore which is a personal memoir about my three years of studying in India, read amongst my closest friends who I shared those times with. In school, I also wrote the script for a short film for the class Psychology assignment titled The Ordeal which I uploaded to my YouTube page and uploaded to my application form.

Apart from writing for myself, I also function as a content creator/marketer for companies I have worked for in the past and is still working for now. I play the Bass guitar well and occasionally dabble in Lead guitar.

For far too long, I have aspired to be, but now I want to become a filmmaker and I strongly believe that through your institution that I would be able to learn and master all the aspects associated with filmmaking. I hope to attend Central Film School next year, enrolling in MA Practical Filmmaking under the tutelage of the amazing Faculty members.

Although I don’t have the professional skills or much of a background in filmmaking, I am passionate and have a zeal burning strongly that it will set the film industry on fire. I am a good storyteller, I am brilliant, resilient, and determined to succeed, and when I want something, I push until I get it, I am also a fast learner. I strongly believe that these attributes are what will help me successfully complete this master’s program.

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 for Graduate School Examples: Psychology

A student smiling while holding a pen and writing a personal statmement

Why Strong Personal Statements are so Important for Graduate School

In your psychology graduate degree application, the personal statement is crucial. It showcases your academic achievements, personal journey, career goals, and why you’re a great fit for the program. This is your chance to move beyond mere statistics—GPA, test scores, work experience—and tell your unique story. Crafting a compelling personal statement requires insight, precision, and guidance. However, finding quality personal statement for graduate school examples can be challenging. Magoosh is committed to supporting graduate applications with detailed analyses, specific feedback, and comprehensive support throughout the admissions process.

Spotlight on Successful Psychology Personal Statements: Essay 1

We’re excited to showcase two standout personal statement for graduate school examples covering two different psychology tracks. The first, used to apply to Columbia University, explores the therapeutic power of storytelling in the aftermath of trauma and the writer’s dedication to studying the pathways from traumatic experiences to psychopathology. This essay seamlessly weaves together the applicant’s academic pursuits and professional experiences, underlining a deep-seated commitment to understanding and fostering resilience and growth post-trauma.

Psychology Personal Statement

Spotlight on Successful Psychology Personal Statements: Essay 2

Second, written for UC Berkeley, takes us on a captivating journey—from volunteering in Haiti to navigating the urban complexity of New York, and finally, to a meaningful role in tutoring across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. This narrative eloquently captures the author’s evolving insight into the significant role counseling plays in psychological well-being and the drive to effect change within the psychology field.

Psychology Personal Statement

Examples with Expert Annotated Feedback

Our feedback on each personal statement highlights strengths, suggests improvements, and offers strategic advice to boost the essay’s impact and emotional appeal. This feedback reflects our thorough grasp of the admissions process and our dedication to helping candidates refine their narratives.

Now explore our personal statements and expert commentary for inspiration on your application narratives. Whether starting your essay or finalizing it, our resources, expertise, and support guide you through the admissions journey.

Finally, we want to help you create a personal statement that surpasses admissions expectations, compellingly showcasing your unique story. Explore our blog for further tips. Consider a Magoosh Premium Plan to get access to expert GRE and Admissions help, including more examples of successful application essays.

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How to Create your Personal Statement for Psychology

Sponsored school(s).

Odds are, if you are at the stage of writing a personal statement, then you are more than likely preparing applications for graduate schools in psychology. Below find out what it is, why you need one, and get some pointers on crafting a personal statement that will put your best foot forward with the admissions committees.

What is a Personal Statement?

Commonly referred to as a “statement of purpose”, and by some as an “application essay”, a personal statement is your opportunity to introduce and  sell yourself to a desired graduate program or college . In most cases, the personal statement can serve as the defining factor that allows students to stand out in a pool of applicants with equally high GPAs and test scores. Plus, a stellar statement of purpose could also help the applications of students who have unfavorable scores and grades.

Before You Begin…

Consider the type of personal statement required of you:.

Personal statements can range from  a few paragraphs to several one-page essays  that address different topics. They will vary widely between programs and schools, which means that you might craft quite a few of these application essays if you seek admission into various programs.

The objective of these statements all share a common thread: for the graduate committee to get a clear understanding of your career and academic aspirations as well as a sample of your writing abilities (a skill of utmost importance for comprehensive graduate study).

If Topics Are Chosen By You

The specific expectations of a statement of purpose might vary. Some schools might leave the direction and objective of the essay up to the applicant. In cases, you have the freedom to choose what you write about although, as a rule of thumb,  essays should take on a professional/ academic focus  rather than be personal or autobiographical. Don’t confuse personal statement with a long essay about your life growing up.

Instead, demonstrate your best attributes by outlining your fit, interests, previous experiences, servant leadership, research and courses you have taken that affirmed your dedication to the field of study. If you were not given specific questions, then be sure to touch bases with all of these that are relevant to your background in a logical and consistent manner.

If Topics Are Chosen By the Program

Other schools may provide you with a list of specific questions to answer pertaining to your career objectives and how obtaining an education with the particular program may advance you towards your goals.

Examples of specific topics outlined by graduate schools in psychology include:

Explain any previous work experience or teaching experiences you have in the field of psychology and why those experiences make you a strong candidate for our program.

Explain your long-term career goals.

Why do you think this program is a good fit for you?

How do you think this program can help you further your career objectives?

How has your previous education prepared you to take on study at the graduate or professional level?

What experience do you have conducting research? Rate your interest in conducting research.

What practitioners, researchers, or authors in the field of psychology have influenced your interest in this area of study?

Reflect on these questions or topic areas for a while before starting the writing process. Review your resume for direction about skills, experiences, or even lack of experience that you’ll want to identify and elaborate on in your paper. Write a list of attributes that you think describe you and consider how they are relevant to your interest in pursuing higher education.

During and After Writing…

Express your motivation.

When developing a statement of purpose for graduate schools in psychology, you will want to write at length about your particular interests, motivation, and passion for the field of study. Consider what experiences or traits you have that make you a better candidate than the hundreds of other applicants vying to gain admission.

Back up your expression of motivation with hard facts. The admissions committee wants a well-rounded candidate with a number of professional experiences that have helped clarify their ability to handle graduate study. Simply going on and on about how bad you want to be in the program with no relevant experiences that support that claim may not win you any favor.

Be Honest and Clear

When preparing a document that is virtually serving as a personal advertisement, you will write at length about the skills you possess that strengthen your application: academic curiosity, flexibility, maturity, persistence, and professionalism among others. When elaborating on your strengths, be sure to do so with respect to their relevance and importance. Do not go on about a characteristic that could be considered minor or irrelevant.

Also, be mindful of stating your goals and interests clearly and honestly. If you are not interested in a particular area, then leave out that information. Do not express an interest or ability that you do not have. It’s significant to discuss your weaknesses as well. If you have low test scores or a less-than-spectacular GPA, point that out in advance. Explain, if appropriate, why these aspects of your application are weak and follow up with a plan to rectify those aspects if you are accepted into graduate school.

Summary Points to Remember

  • At this point, you can’t change your college or graduate school entrance test scores or your grade point average. You can, however, make a significant impact during the applications process by developing a well-written statement of purpose.
  • Avoid writing at length about your personal history. Stick to the qualities and experiences that are relevant to your growth and abilities in the field of psychology.
  • Answer all questions from the application and be sure to meet the page or word count requirements.
  • Be sure to clearly and honestly relate your experiences and interests, also taking time to point out both strengths and weaknesses. Share how you plan to overcome those weaknesses or use them to your advantage.
  • Ask someone else to look over your statement of purpose–an advisor or professor in your department–who can give you straightforward feedback on its content.
  • Customize each personal statement to the program or school you are applying. Elaborate on how that particular program can assist you in reaching your goals.
  • During revisions, pay attention to the strength and dynamism of your opening paragraph. Your goal is to hook the readers and give them the desire to keep reading.

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What is a Personal Statement?

A Personal Statement is a professional essay that outlines your interest for the field, relevant experiences, career goals, and fit to the program and or faculty member in which you are applying. Psychology and Psychological Sciences majors apply for a myriad of applied-masters, doctoral, and professional programs. The following tips will help you get started in addition to the supplemental articles from the APA. Students who are looking for a course that breaks down all of the steps in applying to graduate school (including writing your Personal Statement) should consider taking PSY 396C , Preparation for Graduate Programs in the Field of Psychology. This course is recommended Fall of junior year.

General Tips for any Personal Statement

  • Follow the directions and answer any questions or prompts provided by your programs.
  • Your Introductory Paragraph should share what ignited your passion or interest for the field (NOT TOO PERSONAL).
  • Give details, include names of agencies, labs, and or faculty to help paint the picture of what you did.
  • Share not only your duties but also what you learned from the experience and how that has solidified the work you want to do.
  • The conclusion needs to show fit to the school/program/faculty member. (PhD programs you need to name who you are applying to specifically).
  • Ensure your statement flows. Paragraphs need to have transition sentences to connect the ideas. Telling your professional story chronologically helps.
  • Edit, edit, and edit again. Ask many people to read and edit your statement before submitting it to your programs.

Personal Statements for Applied Masters Programs

An applied master's program is a program that is hands-on and provides coursework and experiences such as internships and field placements to train you to do the work in your chosen field. Some examples are Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling. There are many others. These statements aim to convey your interest for the field, share your relevant hands-on experiences as evidence of your preparation, and demonstrate how you are a good match for the program.

Personal Statements for PhD Programs

Ph.D. programs are primarily research-based programs. Even if they provide Clinical Training (e.g. Clinical and Counseling Psychology), they are still fundamentally rooted in producing scientific research. Your personal statement is an opportunity to sell yourself in terms of your research interests, previous research experience, and research goals. Your writing should be clear, concise, grammatically correct, and professional in tone.

Personal Statement Editing

Are you in the process of writing your personal statement for graduate or professional programs and need tutoring/editing services? The University of Arizona Writing Skills Improvement Program is your answer! They offer free and fee-based services. Students can schedule appointments or attend drop-in tutoring . Check it out!

Advice from the American Psychological Association

Applying to Grad School: What should I say in my Personal Statement

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Our psychology UCAS personal statement examples below will inspire you to write your own unique statement, and help you understand how students have successfully applied for a psychology degree in the past.

What is a psychology personal statement?

A psychology personal statement is a creative piece of writing that demonstrates your skills, experience and hobbies/extracurricular activities and how they relate to a degree in psychology.

Psychology has always been a popular and therefore competitive subject, so you need to make sure your statement stands out from the crowd and is as polished as you can make it.

How do I write a psychology personal statement?

At Studential, we always recommend students start by making a series of notes about themselves, which they can then use to put together a coherent personal statement. These should include:

  • Specific aspects of the course that interest you
  • Examples of coursework or projects you have completed
  • Books, articles, etc. you have read related to the subject area
  • Work experience or voluntary work in this area
  • Conferences you have attended
  • Personal experiences that sparked your interest in this subject
  • What you hope to do once you have completed your degree in terms of your career
  • Experiences that show you are a reliable and responsible person, e.g. part-time job, small business enterprise, community and/or charity work, sixth form committee, helping out at school events, etc.

You also need to think about your interests and skills, such as hobbies, other languages you speak, etc. as well as your plans for a gap year (if you're planning on taking one).

Once you have written all these down, you think about your opening paragraph, and begin to get something down. It's a good idea to allocate at least one paragraph to each bullet point to make sure you've covered everything.

When you have your first draft in place, you can revise it and ask your family, friends and tutors for help. Incorporate any feedback, comments and suggestions they offer, and see if they improve your statement.

Keep redrafting until you feel it's as polished as possible - remember, you'll be facing some stiff competition!

What should I include in my psychology personal statement?

  • The main aim of your personal statement is to show the admissions tutors why they should pick you to attend their course and university.
  • Look at the course content and link it to your personal qualities, future goals and achievements. For example, you might have done some work shadowing at a counselling clinic or peer mentoring at your school or college.
  • If you're applying for a joint honours, make sure you cover both subjects in the course.
  • For those applying for a postgraduate course, draw attention to any clinical work experience you've completed to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in the subject.
  • Read our psychology personal statement examples above for inspiration on how to make yours a success (please don't plagiarise them!).
  • Remember to avoid using cliches, over-used words or phrases, humour, jokes, or taking any political or religious viewpoints.
  • Structure it with a clear introduction, middle and end. You only have 4,000 characters to sell yourself, so try to make every word count!

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

  • Personal Statement Editing Services
  • Personal Statement Tips From A Teacher
  • 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.

How do I write a psychology personal statement introduction?

We recommend starting your psychology personal statement with either a story about how you came to be interested in the subject, or picking one or two aspects that you particularly enjoy and why you find them interesting. For example, the following applicant has chosen to talk about their childhood, and the consequences of their behaviour:

"Psychology encapsulates every aspect of our lives. From childhood, the reasons behind why we do what we do has fascinated me; and when I was disciplined for the type of mischief that one commits at a young age, my reasoning for my actions were always “To see what would happen.”

My parents mistook this as an act of mindless disobedience whereas it was in fact my first attempt at social psychology. Then, as I further discovered the leading figures in psychology, my knowledge and love of the intricacies of the human and animal mind grew."

These introductory paragraphs explain why the candidate is keen to pursue a course in psychology at university, while at the same time relating an engaging anecdote from their past, which helps to draw the reader in and make them want to read on further.

Another applicant who has submitted their statement to Studential has decided to talk about their Uncle, who has Asperger's Syndrome, and how they wondered why he was so different from everyone else:

"It was the odd behavioural traits displayed by my uncle, who has Asperger’s syndrome that first generated from a young age my questioning about why he acted so ‘differently’ to the rest of us.

This was part of what led to my interest of studying psychology, as it made me question how and why humans are so disparate from one another, and what part the brain plays in running our everyday lives."

Again, this provides an interesting hook for the reader, while demonstrating why they want to study psychology at a higher level.

These two examples should give you a good idea of how you might go about writing your own unique introduction to your psychology statement, but if you feel you need further inspiration, take a look at our list of over 100 psychology personal statement examples for more ideas.

How do I write the conclusion for my psychology personal statement?

To round off your personal statement, we suggest a paragraph or two about your extracurricular activies and hobbies, and how they have helped you to develop skills that will aid you with your psychology course at university. You may also wish to include a short sentence or two about your future ambitions or career plans, and how a degree in psychology will help you achieve these.

For example, this applicant has chosen to conclude their statement by talking about their current work experience and how it has improved their communication skills, along with their desire to complete a PhD once they've finished their undergraduate degree:

"I currently help people who struggle with language barriers by being a Spanish interpreter in different fields. Observing people from different age and cultural groups gave me first-hand experience considering the effects of stress due to the inability to communicate. This has, in addition to improving my communication skills, taught me how to deal with people from different social groups. I believe these interpersonal skills are valuable in the world of psychological research, in order to build rapport with participants in certain contexts. It has also taught me tolerance for others and the ability to remain poised during stressful situations. To culminate, in regards to my future career plans I would like to remain in further education and do a Phd in psychology- a step forward in my desired career as a researcher."

As another example, you can see how a candidate below chooses to talk to about their work experience with elderly people that have dementia, and how they want to improve their knowledge of the brain and their problem-solving skills:

"Subsequently, I did work experience at St Peter's residential care home. During my placement, I worked with nurses and kitchen staff to provide quality service to the elderly. I assisted in serving tea and lunch and also interacted with the elderly during social activities. This helped me to know how to interact with elderly people with dementia and gain a different perspective on elderly people.

I want to study psychology to further develop my knowledge in the scope of the brain, its anatomy and how it works. I want to learn how to work through problems carefully and logically applying scientific principles. Furthermore, I want to expand my awareness in all the different fields involved in the course, so that I can master any situation that I am presented with in my chosen field."

However you decide to conclude your statement, always try to relate it to the course you are applying for, i.e. psychology, and end on a positive, enthusiastic note that will make the admissions tutor want to make you an offer.

For more inspiration on how to write a conclusion, please take a look at our psychology personal statement examples .

What can I do with a psychology degree?

For those with a psychology degree, there are many career options available, including:

  •     Clinical psychologist
  •     Counselling psychologist
  •     Educational psychologist
  •     Forensic psychologist
  •     Further education teacher
  •     Health psychologist
  •     High intensity therapist
  •     Occupational psychologist
  •     Psychological wellbeing practitioner
  •     Sport and exercise psychologist

Other career paths where a psychology degree could be useful include:

  •     Advice worker
  •     Border Force officer
  •     UCAS Careers advice
  •     Chaplain
  •     Counsellor
  •     Detective
  •     Education consultant
  •     Human resources officer
  •     Life coach
  •     Market researcher
  •     Mediator
  •     Neuroscientist
  •     Play therapist
  •     Policy officer
  •     Psychotherapist
  •     Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)

For more help and advice on psychology careers, please see Prospects and the British Psychological Society .

What are the best universities for psychology?

Currently the best UK universities for studying psychology at are:

1.  
2.    
3.  
4.    
5.  King's College London 
6.    
7.   Bristol
8.  University of Exeter
9.  Durham University
10.    

For more information about UK university rankings for psychology, please see The Guardian and The Complete University Guide .

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Psychology Personal Statement Guide

Writing a personal statement is not simple, as it demands a lot from you. It requires you to be introspective and analytical about your opinions, interests, and motivations. It wants you to show yourself to your best advantage without coming across as arrogant and boastful . It asks you to convince people you’ve never met to offer a place on their course to someone they have little knowledge of. All of this in 4000 characters or fewer? Not so easy.

This guide is designed to help you navigate this challenging, but hopefully ultimately rewarding, task by taking you through what makes a good and a not-so-good psychology personal statement. It will give you a very good idea of what a personal statement is and isn’t, as well as what admissions tutors are looking for, and how to present yourself in the best light. The guide will lead you through the following points:

  • Why are Personal Statements Important?
  • What Should I Include in a Psychology Personal Statement?  
  • What Should I Avoid in a Psychology Personal Statement?  

Advice on How to Start a Psychology Personal Statement  

Advice on how to finish a psychology personal statement  .

health psychology masters personal statement

What Should I Avoid in a Psychology Personal Statement ?  

While personal statements should be personal to you, yours should not be about your own psychological or mental health history . Even if some or all of your motivation for studying the subject stems from this, it would be inappropriate to state as much since you should retain a scientifically objective interest in the formal academic subject beyond how it might be relevant to you personally.

You should also avoid talking about how the degree might help you to understand your own mentality or psychological health as this isn’t a guaranteed outcome of the course, and could suggest you’ve misunderstood what it involves.

Remember to maintain a formal, professional, and academic detachment and tone throughout.

Register to access our complimentary e-book "So You Want To Go To Oxbridge? Tell me about a banana…"

The start of your personal statement should set out why you’re interested in the subject and why you’d like to study it at university.

You should always avoid using quotations or clichés as these come across as hackneyed; instead, use simple and straightforward language that is appealing and memorable . You want to create a good impression through your own words, not someone else’s.

If you’re struggling with the first line, it might help to draft some reasons for your interest and motivation separately and incorporate these later. Once you have begun, make sure your statement follows a sensible order and that its structure is clear from reading it.

Like with the initial impression from the statement’s introduction, the final impression made on the reader should be a positive one that excites them and leaves them with a genuine sense of who you are and why you’re applying.

Without repeating what you’ve already said, you should try to emphasise the extent of your interest and why you’d like to study psychology. Plans for how you'd like to expand your academic performance at university can come into this section, as can any ambitions the degree could assist you with further down the line.

The important point to remember is that you want to leave the reader thinking it would be the best course of action to invite you to an interview or make you an offer

  • What are some Tips for Writing a Strong Psychology Personal Statement?
  • How Long Should my Psychology Personal Statement Be?
  • What Kind of Extracurricular Activities Should I Include in my Psychology Personal Statement?
  • How Can I Tailor my Psychology Personal Statement to the Oxford/Cambridge Course?

Refine your interests by looking into the broad areas of psychology that most universities will offer, e.g. developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, etc. Do some research into what appeals most to you through books and articles, and take notes so you can highlight your own personal informed interests where appropriate throughout the statement. This will give a much better impression than repeating what you know from your school syllabus.

Try to mention in the statement the academic skills you already possess and how these might equip you for success during the degree, e.g. your mathematical competency for dealing with statistics, or your experimental experience in the sciences. If you’ve won any academic prizes or awards, then by all means mention them but only if they’re made relevant to your ultimate study of psychology.

Your statement will be restricted to 4000 characters (including spaces) or to 47 lines of the UCAS form, whichever you reach first. Needless to say, such a limit makes every word count even more than usual, so it’s best to try to use all 4000 characters to express everything you need to. Create a list of points you want to include and tick them off to ensure you don’t omit anything.

So many activities you do outside the classroom will be underpinned by psychology, e.g. playing or coaching sports, gaming, and interacting with animals to name a few. Anything you do mention should go towards establishing your profile as a capable and skilled potential student of psychology, but these activities don’t necessarily need to relate directly – they could teach you different skills that would come in useful during the degree, such as research skills or empathy. Any mention of non-academic pursuits should be kept to a minimum and always related back to the subject you intend to study.

Whilst you cannot make your statement too specific to any one university, there are certain things you can do to ensure Oxbridge tutors know you are thinking of them.

Oxford and Cambridge value intellectual curiosity, an appreciation of interdisciplinary interest, and flexible thinking that allows you to test ideas. It’s therefore advisable to consider what evidence you have of these attributes which you can incorporate into your statement. Good examples of this would be challenging current ways of thinking, going beyond the confines of your school syllabus, or conducting an experiment with surprising results. In addition, given the system of small group teaching at the two universities and the onus they place on independent study, showing some evidence of academic autonomy would help to prove your suitability for their courses.

Book your Psychology Personal Statement Package

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By Nik Taylor (Editor, The Uni Guide) | 21 September 2023 | 10 min read

Writing a psychology personal statement: expert advice from universities 

 Get tips from the top to help you nail your psychology personal statement 

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health psychology masters personal statement

The university application personal statement is changing in 2025
University admissions service Ucas has announced that a new style of personal statement will be launched in 2025. This will affect anyone making a university application from autumn 2025 onwards.

.

Research the course and make it clear that you understand what it’s all about

  • Read more:  how to write an excellent personal statement in ten steps

Keep it focused on you 

… but make sure you understand what the course is all about and keep it academic.

  • Read more:  how to write your university application

Answer the question of why you want to study psychology 

  • Read more:  teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement

Show the range of your interest

  • Read more:  personal statement FAQs

Highlight any relevant work experience

  • Read more:  the ten biggest mistakes to avoid when writing your personal statement

And work experience outside the healthcare sector could still be relevant, too

  • Read more:  universities reveal all about personal statements

Reflect on your relevant experience

  • Read more:  universities explain how to end your personal statement with a bang

Avoid cliches

  • Read more:  how to write your personal statement when you have nothing interesting to say

Let it all flow out in your first draft

  • Read more:  how long does it take for universities to reply to your application? 

Don’t worry if you don’t know exactly where you want your career to take you yet

And a few final tips from universities…, you may want to look at these..., how to write an excellent personal statement in 10 steps.

Help and advice on putting your application together

Personal statement FAQs

We've gone through some of the most commonly asked personal statement questions and put all the answers in one place

Personal statement secrets – universities reveal all

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Writing Personal Statement for Clinical Psychology Masters

Table of Contents

Are you looking for examples of personal statement for clinical psychology Masters ?

A well-crafted personal statement is an integral part of the admissions process for many universities. It allows prospective students to explain why they are uniquely qualified for the program and why they should be considered for admission.

This blog provides some great examples of successful personal statements used in clinical psychology Masters applications.

What Is a Personal Statement for Clinical Psychology Masters?

A personal statement for clinical psychology Master’s is a written document that outlines your career goals, experiences, and qualifications . It is an introduction to a university or college admissions committee, highlighting your personality and why you want to be in their program.

The statement should also demonstrate field knowledge, highlight any research projects or extracurricular activities you’ve been involved in. It will show how your candidacy would be an asset to the school.

Why Write a Personal Statement for Clinical Psychology Masters?

A successful personal statement will give your application an edge over other candidates by demonstrating why you are the perfect fit for the program .

By highlighting your qualifications and experiences, writing a compelling personal statement can help you stand out from the competition. It is also vital to demonstrate your knowledge of clinical psychology and your enthusiasm for applying to the field.

Examples of Clinical Psychology Masters Statement

woman holding mirror

“As a recent graduate from an undergraduate psychology program, I am passionate about furthering my education in clinical psychology. I have participated in a variety of research projects that have given me insight into this field. This includes one project on mental health disparities among minority populations. I believe that my skill set and experience make me an excellent candidate for this Masters program. I am eager to explore the unique opportunities that it provides.”

“I am applying for the Masters in Clinical Psychology because I believe that this program will help me reach my career goals. With a degree in psychology already, I have gained a strong foundation in the theoretical aspects of clinical psychology. I am now ready to hone and develop further these skills. I am confident that my prior research experience combined with an advanced education in this field will be helpful. It will allow me to make meaningful contributions to the field.”

“Throughout my academic and professional life, I have been passionate about understanding people and their individual experiences. My experience working as a therapist has given me a better understanding of how mental health issues affect different populations. I am now ready to move further in my career by deepening my knowledge and understanding of clinical psychology. I believe that this program can help me reach my goal of becoming a well-rounded clinician.”

Templates to Try for Clinical Psychology Masters Statement

“I am applying for the Masters in Clinical Psychology because __. My prior experience and education have made me a strong candidate for this program, as I have gained a deep understanding of __. I believe that this program will help me to better understand __ and become a well-rounded clinician.”

“I am motivated to pursue a degree in clinical psychology because __. During my undergraduate studies, I became passionate about understanding people and their individual experiences. I am confident that this program will allow me to hone my existing skill set while developing new ones. This will ultimately help further my career goals in clinical psychology.”

We hope these examples have given you insight into what makes a successful personal statement for clinical psychology Masters’ applications. Writing useful personal information requires careful thought and preparation, but it is an integral part of any admissions process. Good luck!

Writing Personal Statement for Clinical Psychology Masters

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Clinical Psychology Foundations – Masters personal statement

Clinical Psychology Foundations - Masters Personal Statement (Page one)

  • Reading time: 5 minutes
  • Price: Free download
  • Published: 15th July 2019
  • Word count: 1224 words
  • File format: Text

I am extremely self-motivated, organised, flexible and confident in my skills to achieve what is expected of me and beyond, to the best of my ability. I am able to work on my own initiative, under instruction or as part of a team and I believe all these characteristics will aid me in completing the Foundations in Clinical Psychology Masters. Clinical psychology synthesizes my wide-range of interests in a very meaningful way: this course encompasses a variety of things; research, debate, diversity and much more, which are all areas of personal interest.

I graduated from the University of Northampton in the last academic year having achieved a First-Class degree in Psychology . I believe my biggest achievement during my time at university, and something I thoroughly enjoyed conducting, was my dissertation, which was graded A+. My dissertation involved an independent, primary research project, in which I completed a large-scale (433 participants) mediated moderated path analysis on the predicting factors of eating disorders. I explored 4 contributing factors to the development of eating disorders, and ultimately my research indicated that self-criticism and perfectionism significantly predict disordered eating. Perfectionism mediates the relationship between self-criticism and disordered eating as well as difficulties in emotion regulation and disordered eating and fears of compassion moderate the relationship between self-criticism and disordered eating. My dissertation also proposed targets for treatment interventions and highlighted opportunities for future research. My dissertation attracted the attention of the academic staff at the University. I presented at a BPS conference in September 2017 and my research will hopefully be submitted for publication.

My interest in mental health stems from a life-long passion for helping others. I currently work as a Healthcare Assistant at the Darwin Centre for Young People, an NHS children’s psychiatric hospital. In my current position, I provide support and care for young people with mental health needs and to their carers, within a multidisciplinary team. This role has equipped me with a variety of skills which I believe are essential to becoming a clinical psychologist, including; compassion and empathy, effective communication and interpersonal skills, knowledge of laws, regulation and ethics, open-mindedness and patience. Working in mental health has great purpose; every day making me stretch my understanding a little more.

Prior to this role, and whilst completing my degree, I gained work experience volunteering at Berrywood, which is also a children’s psychiatric hospital. I have also spent time working as a Residential Youth Support Worker, which involved undertaking placements at a variety of children’s homes, where the individuals had an array of complex needs including: special needs, mental health difficulties and challenging behaviours. This experience taught me how to respond, communicate and act effectively around vulnerable individuals with a variety of needs and diagnoses, which at times can be quite challenging. My work experience, along with knowledge gained from my degree (specifically in mental health and research), has motivated me to strive towards a career helping those who really need it, despite the challenging nature of the role.

I trust that the modules I undertook in my final year at University have aided me with fundamental knowledge that will support the modules that the Foundations in Clinical Psychology Masters offer. I completed modules entitled; The Developing Child, The Developing Adult, Psychology of Mental Health and Forensic Psychology. Forensic Psychology provided me with an understanding of psychological models and theories that can be useful in understanding offending behaviours whilst Psychology of Mental Health focused on the work of clinical psychologists and the understanding and treatment of mental health problems. The Developing Child looked at a range of contemporary matters around typical and atypical development in adolescence and childhood whilst considering social, behavioural and emotional development and The Developing Adult offered a broader understanding of adult development, including a range of diverse areas such as health, social and clinical development, including attachment.

The core modules this Masters offer appeal to me, as they are all essential towards helping me develop a further in-depth understanding of mental health. As previously mentioned, I believe this course will help me develop my understanding of mental health and although experience is essential in this field, the practical and theoretical knowledge that this course will provide me with will be a vital component to how I deliver a good service to those living with mental health problems. I have a particular interest in the Quantitative Research Methods module which is reflected in the methods I used in my dissertation; multiple regressions and mediated moderated path analysis. I believe I have a robust knowledge of research methods, statistical analysis (in particular SPSS) and the importance of ethical guidelines and I look forward to improving this knowledge and carrying out further studies.

I love to learn and I believe this course will help me stretch my understanding of mental health including the assessment, diagnosis, formulation and treatment. I possess a very strong drive to do something worthy as a life-long profession, and I believe this course would put me in the perfect position to continue my academic career to complete a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and the research skills to continue onto further professional training in clinical psychology to achieve my ultimate goal in a career as a qualified psychologist.

This University is highly credited and is named one of the top 350 institutions in the world. I would feel highly privileged to be offered the opportunity to study at such a successful, ambitious, high quality institution. Not to mention the world-leading, impactful research that the different departments have conducted. I have a strong interest in research, and after spending some time researching the lecturers on this course, it is obvious I have many shared interests and it is an exciting prospect for me that I may be given the opportunity to study alongside them.

One lecturer who I share an interest with is Hugo Senra; predominately a shared interest in general mental health and psychotherapy. My goal of being a psychologist heavily relates to this research field, because many psychologists focus extensively on psychotherapy when working with those with mental health problems. My previous research focused on adult mental health, however I am equally interested in studying adolescent mental health since gaining experience working with adolescents. Additionally, Dr Jonathan Totman and his research which focuses on staff and service users’ experiences of providing/receiving psychological care, following working in mental health services. I can relate to his research, and the factors highlighted in his study; ‘Factors affecting staff morale on inpatient mental health wards in England: a qualitative investigation’. This research is particularly important to me, working in a psychiatric hospital myself and knowing that it is the multidisciplinary team that I work in that can determine positive patient experiences and strong therapeutic relationships. The conclusions of this research are evident on the ward I work on and it is extremely interesting to read applicable studies and therefore I would be extremely interested in exploring Dr Jonathan Totman’s research interests in my own research.

Having only recently finished University, I am an enthusiastic graduate, excited to continue my educational career completing this Masters. I am confident that my knowledge and experience gained from my University degree and work, my passion for the subject and my strong organisational, self-motivating, planning and communication skills make me an ideal student for this Masters course.

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Psychology personal statement

Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip) and Masters courses in psychology are one of the most popular conversion courses available. Take a look at our personal statement example to help with your application

A personal statement for a psychology conversion course isn't significantly different from an application for any other subject. You'll still be expected to discuss your reasons for choosing the course and particular institution, as well as your relevant skills and experience along with your career goals.

In addition, you will also need to cover:

  • your motivation to change subjects/careers, with evidence to back up your decision
  • any preparation you have done to help you study psychology at postgraduate level. This might include relevant aspects of your current undergraduate degree, independent reading or other ways you have engaged with the subject.

If you are thinking of pursuing a career in a psychological profession, relevant volunteer or work experience is valuable evidence to back up your decision to move into psychology. Rather than describing your experience, reflect on how it has shaped your motivation and what you have learned about your chosen profession.

This example should be used for guidance only. Copying any of this text could significantly harm your chances of securing a place on a course.

Psychology personal statement example

Working as a listening volunteer with Nightline throughout my degree in politics and international relations prompted me to embark on a career that helps others. Here, I gained an insight into mental health conditions and saw the impact that empathetic listening and an opportunity to talk can have on those experiencing them. The training I received was my first insight into psychology, introducing me to concepts that inform our approach, such as the development of self-concept and the role of unconditional positive regard in building rapport with callers.

Learning about the theory underpinning my work at Nightline motivated me to develop a deeper understanding of psychological theories and approaches. I have undertaken a range of independent reading that I can build upon in a more structured way through the MSc in Psychology. Reading texts such as  How Emotions are Made  and  The Body Keeps the Score  to learn more about the experiences of Nightline callers has given me an insight into the complex interplay of biological and social factors that shape emotions and responses to trauma, while introducing me to research from biological and social psychology, psychiatry and neuroscience.

I am now working as a support worker in a community mental health team where I have observed the different applications of psychological approaches by clinical psychologists, therapists and counsellors. I have recently been able to sit in on meetings between clients and a clinical psychologist and observe the different approaches to assessing client's conditions as well as witness the ways the psychologist worked in partnership with clients to develop and monitor a tailored combination of practical and therapeutic support. The focus on taking evidence-informed approaches and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions motivated me to apply for the Masters in psychology to develop an in-depth understanding of the research that underpins psychological perspectives and theoretical approaches.

I chose the course at XX University due to the optional modules focused on mental health. I am excited by the applied focus of these modules and the opportunity to learn from the research practitioners teaching on the course. I have a particular interest in mental health stigma and holistic approaches to mental health management that I look forward to exploring in more depth with a view to completing my dissertation in this area.

My undergraduate degree has prepared me to engage with the scientific approaches used in psychology. Modules on social science research methods and an introduction to statistics have provided me with a good grounding on qualitative and quantitative research design that I can build upon during the MSc course. I applied my learning from the introduction to statistics module in my dissertation where I conducted statistical modelling using previous voting patterns to assess the potential impact of proposed constituency changes on future local and general elections. Throughout my degree I organised my time effectively to complete coursework, presentations and group tasks alongside my volunteer role and part-time work, consistently achieving a 2:1 in my work.

I intend to continue my support worker role part-time alongside the Masters in psychology to apply my learning and build further experience to support my application for an assistant psychologist post on graduation. The Masters in psychology is an exciting step towards my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist and, in combination with my work experience will support me in pursuing the Doctorate in clinical psychology in the longer term.

Find out more

  • Search for a psychology Masters .
  • Discover what  psychology conversion courses involve.
  • Learn more about  personal statements for postgraduate applications .
  • Find out more about applying for a Masters .

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UCL logo

Health Psychology MSc

London, Bloomsbury

The Health Psychology MSc, accredited by the British Psychological Society, will enable you to apply the scientific and theoretical principles and ideas of health psychology using a scholarly and critical approach and develop the practical skills and knowledge required for employment or research in the field.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications closed

  • Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in psychology from a UK university, or overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. A lower second-class UK Bachelor's degree or equivalent may be accepted with evidence of further study or relevant work experience. Applicants are encouraged to have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS) if they want to pursue a career as a Chartered Health Psychologist in the UK.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The programme provides a thorough grounding in theories, concepts and empirical findings central to current health psychology. You'll be encouraged to develop your own area of specialisation and be given formal training in quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Journal Club

Full-time students and first-year part-time students are required to attend weekly journal clubs. This forum is designed to help students develop critical appraisal and presentation skills as well as analytical techniques in preparation for assessed course work. In the presence of a member of staff associated with the programme, two students will present a paper selected on the basis of its relevance to the content of one of the lectures delivered in that week. Students are asked to consider the merits and limitations of this paper and to involve the whole cohort in a group discussion. Students will be provided with the paper one week in advance of each journal club. The journal club runs throughout the first two terms and papers will be selected which relate to topics from each of the eight modules.

Clinical Visits

A visit to a hospital outpatient’s clinic is arranged for each student to follow alongside the doctor-patient communication lecture provided in the IEHC0023 module. This visit is linked with appropriate readings and a short task as part of the follow-up seminar.

Research Project

Students are required to undertake an empirical research project, which contributes 34% to the final mark on the MSc. The research project will be written up in the form of a mock submission to The British Journal of Health Psychology. In preparation for the final write up, students will be asked to write a brief summary of their project and to write a peer review about the summary of another student’s project in the third term. Students are assigned a supervisor early on in the programme. The supervisor is usually a staff member associated with the programme. The supervisor is expected to provide advice on design, analysis and write-up of the project as appropriate and has regular meetings at every stage of the project with the student. We strongly recommend negotiating the frequency of meetings and level of supervisor involvement at the earliest opportunity.

Who this course is for

This programme is suitable for students seeking a thorough grounding in health psychology as preparation for a subsequent research degree or employment in a related field.

What this course will give you

The programme is the longest-running Health Psychology MSc in the UK and is delivered by leading experts in their field. It offers graduates a research-based BPS-accredited Stage 1 qualification.

  • UCL is rated No. 1 for research power and impact in medicine, health and life sciences (REF 2021)
  • UCL is ranked 6th in the world for public health (ShanghaiRanking's 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects)
  • UCL is ranked 9th in the world as a university (QS World University Rankings 2024)

UCL's Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, based within the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care , helps to coordinate the Health Psychology MSc. The department is one of the largest health psychology research groups in the UK and aims to advance understanding of behaviours that have a major impact on health and contribute to the development of interventions to promote healthy lifestyles. Within the department, the Psychobiology Group is a multidisciplinary group concerned with the pathways through which sociodemographic and psychosocial factors influence physical disease processes.

This environment provides students with opportunities to be taught by specialists in their field and to complete relevant placements in clinical, academic or policy-related settings. In addition, students are encouraged to integrate themselves into the research groups and networks closely associated with the programme as these can provide invaluable real-world research experience and potential collaborations with national and international leaders in health psychology and related disciplines.

The foundation of your career

Given the academic nature of the programme, our students acquire important research experience and skills. This is very helpful when applying for advanced degrees, and each year a significant number of students successfully go on to secure PhD studentships and clinical doctorates. As the focus of the MSc is on improving healthcare and delivery, students also take up positions within the public or private healthcare sector.

Employability

Many graduates of the programme continue to PhD-level study or find work as researchers or in roles allied to psychology, healthcare services and delivery.

The Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care offers four on-campus MSc programmes and a fully online MPH programme encompassing a wide range of topics. Our students come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, from the UK and overseas providing great networking opportunities within and across programmes. Each programme holds social events during the year to enable networking between students. Students have the opportunity to join the newly formed Population Health Sciences Student Society, two of the founding members of which were from the MSc in Population Health. During the year, online, hybrid, and in-person seminars are hosted by the research departments. These cover a variety of topics and provide an opportunity to hear from national and international experts and to network with attendees and speakers. 

Accreditation

The MSc is stage 1 accredited by the  British Psychological Society (BPS) . BPS accreditation criteria stipulate a minimum 50% pass mark, with no condoned modules, and so students with final marks falling below 50% cannot graduate with the accredited MSc Health Psychology award. These students will instead graduate with an MSc Psychology & Health, if they have fulfilled UCL award requirements but not BPS award requirements.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of blended learning approaches, lectures, seminars, class exercises, project work, training workshops, journal clubs and hands-on computer-based teaching on statistical analysis techniques. 

Assessment is through coursework (including a critical review and an essay), two unseen examinations, and the research project.

Each 15 credit module equates to around 150 learning hours. This is spread out over the whole period of the module which typically runs over 9 weeks. This includes the time you spend in taught sessions, independent study, group work and assessment.

You'll be required to complete eight compulsory modules and a dissertation within the general area of Health Psychology. The dissertation will present empirical findings of the student’s research project and take the form of a research paper presented as a mock submission to the British Journal of Health Psychology, in accordance with the journal’s guidelines.

You'll be required to complete four compulsory modules in the first year and four compulsory modules in the second year as well as a dissertation within the general area of Health Psychology.

Compulsory modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Health Psychology or Psychology & Health (see above BPS-specific requirements).

During the third term, students will be provided with the opportunity to gain experience in a setting relevant to health psychology. The placement aims to provide students with work experience and insights into the working life of health psychologists. Students will be given a choice of placements within an academic unit, a clinical setting or a non-governmental organisation such as a funding body. More details of placements will become available during the second term. Please note that due to the process of selection by providers and competition for popular placements, we cannot guarantee students that they will receive their first choice of placement, and we, therefore, ask students to choose at least four options from the list of placements that become available.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £12,700 £6,350
Tuition fees (2024/25) £34,400 £17,200

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Students will need to meet local travel costs as part of the placements and clinical visits.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

The department is offering the Jane Wardle studentship for students undertaking the Health Psychology MSc. The studentship will consist of £3,750 towards tuition fees and is awarded to one student each year based on their academic records and personal statement. There is no need to apply separately for this studentship; all applicants are considered. This scholarship has been endowed in memory of Professor Jane Wardle (1950-2015), professor of clinical psychology and co-director of the Health Psychology MSc. Find out more.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

MPH IMPACT Scholarship

Value: £19,300 towards tuition fees () Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

MSc Health Psychology Jane Wardle Studentship

Value: £3,750 towards tuition fees (1yr) Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

The MSc Dental Public Health Aubrey Sheiham Scholarship

Deadline: 28 June 2024 Value: £2,500 (home students); £5,000 (overseas students) (1 yr) Criteria Based on academic merit Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees .

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Health Psychology at graduate level
  • why you want to study Health Psychology at UCL
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Got questions? Get in touch

Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care

Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

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Sample Counseling Psychology Personal Statement (NYU Steinhardt)

health psychology masters personal statement

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to Masters’s program at NYU Steinhardt School in Counseling Psychology. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in Counseling Psychology should look like.

Sample Personal Statement in Counseling Psychology

Growing up in Poland, I had internalized the stigma attached to Psychology and Psychotherapy. I was famous in my circle of friends as “the understanding one,” but I had developed a bitter taste for formally studying Psychology. Therefore, I opted for a more socially acceptable high school major – Computer Science.

But I wanted to learn about human behavior. Turning my back on the subject of my intellectual curiosity alienated me from myself. As expected, I scored miserably in high school. However, I did not give up just yet and went on to enroll in an IT program at the University of Warsaw.

Despite trying to ignite a passion for the discipline, I was inevitably headed toward disaster. A day before my first-year exams, I stared dispassionately at my book. I felt helpless and broke down into tears. At that moment, I realized I needed help from a mental health professional.

But I didn’t seek help because of two reasons. Firstly, hearing that only the crazy go for psychotherapy all my life, I could not muster the courage to deal with that label. Secondly, I only knew of Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists, and I did not want to be diagnosed or medicated.

Then I mustered the courage to cross the inner hurdles that kept me from studying Psychology. I wanted to gain insights into my emotional imbalances and tried to help myself by learning to help others. After that, I convinced my parents and changed my undergraduate central to Psychology.

This opened new doors that led me to a journey of growth and self-discovery. I met some wonderful people and began excelling in my studies. I was unanimously voted as the class representative in my second semester. Improved psychosocial support and self-efficacy began to work magic on my sense of self-worth.

Experiencing a shift from clutter to clarity, I felt a newfound affiliation with those in need. I heard about  Chayn  Poland through social media and started volunteering for it. While working at  Chayn , I was a part of an online community that created a resource portal to inform and help victims of domestic violence in Poland. It was an excellent opportunity to transmit the knowledge of the psychological aftermath of abuse to those who could benefit from it. I’m channeling the same spirit at my current job at  Social Welfare, Academics, and Training for Poland . Lending my hand in research about the psychological impact of militancy and war on the youth of Ukraine allows me to play my role in helping those in need.

Through my introduction to counseling and the humanistic model in my  Perspectives in Psychology  class, I saw the framework I could use to pursue the field of Psychology. Moreover, I realized that the humanistic school stood for the same values I had innately developed – holism; the importance of an individual’s experience, and the belief that all humans have an actualizing tendency.

Coincidentally, one of my close friends had joined a certificate course in  Humanistic Counseling  at Therapy Mission, Warsaw. I enrolled in the next session to test my interest in the subject. As part of the course, I completed 85 hours of group therapy and an equal number of lectures. I learned basic counseling skills, person-centered therapy, gestalt therapy, and transactional analysis. Being in the group was truly transformational. As group therapy generally does, the group started to represent my unconscious perception of the world for me. Some of my group members represented specific figures from the past who I had unresolved issues with. I had the privilege of working on those issues through hot-seat exercises and psychodrama enactments. Being heard changed my relationship with myself. I learned to nurture myself and develop an inner resource, which would help me cope with future distresses more intelligently. I’m currently enrolled in a diploma in  Integrated Counseling .

Stepping out of my comfort zone gave me the strength to explore further. Hence, last summer, I decided to go to Kenya for an internship through AIESEC at  Living Positive Kenya . Among other experiences, the training allowed me to practice the skills I had acquired at Therapy Mission. I facilitated a psychosocial support group of women who had HIV/AIDS. My primary strategy was to create a safe space for women to express themselves. In that space, a woman could express her thoughts, and the group would provide her unconditional presence. Though the feedback was encouraging, I realized I needed more advanced training to deal with similar issues back home. I based my conclusion on the general resistance with which the idea of therapy is met in Poland.

My strength is that I come from a place where people are skeptical about counseling. However, I understand Poland’s dire need for counseling and have experienced its value first-hand. Therefore, I want to reach out and counsel as many people as possible. Having crawled from a pit of emotional darkness towards light puts me in the position to hold someone’s hand while they do the same. Now, all I need is extra muscle.

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Successful Personal Statement For Psychology At Oxford

Last Updated: 6th 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 Psychology applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The Psychology Course at Oxford is a scientific discipline, involving the rigorous formulation and testing of ideas. It works through experiments and systematic observation rather than introspection.

Read on to see how this candidate demonstrates their academic interests and initiative.   

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement (the applicant uses most of the 4,000 characters available):

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

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Psychology Personal Statement

How does the mind work? The mind is a mystery housed within the most complex mechanism known to man: the human brain. My innate curiosity compels me to find out more about such a mystery through the study of Psychology.

I have long been interested in how our minds differ: for example, why have I always been a strong mathematician while my brother finds it challenging? Being a musician, I found Kathryn Vaughn’s research supporting a correlation between musical and mathematical abilities particularly thought provoking, while I have also wondered whether my childhood obsession with jigsaws helped me develop problem-solving skills, which are particularly relevant in Geometry: the area with the biggest rift in our abilities. Ann Dowker’s argument, in ‘Individual Differences’, that educational methods influence such differences was also particularly compelling. Therefore, in my gap year, whilst helping struggling learners in KS3 Mathematics at a local school, and, when I help educate children in Tanzania as an International Citizen Service volunteer with the VSO charity, I will evaluate the success of different educational methods. This will give me experience of carrying out my own research, and, will develop skills such as empathy, which is important in the more sensitive areas of Psychology. Furthermore, I recently assisted a University of Oxford researcher conducting follow-up assessments with children in local primary schools. These measured reading-age, language comprehension and numeracy level, and are used to gauge and refine the Catch-Up charity’s numeracy intervention programme. As some of the children being assessed were from a control group, my involvement also enlightened me to ethical aspects of research.

Differences that occur in the criminal mind are also of great interest to me. As an elected Student Ambassador for the Holocaust Educational Trust, I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau earlier this year, where I learnt about Rudolf Hoess. Hoess exterminated thousands of families, yet lived with his own family just outside the camp. This ignited an interest in complex behaviour; therefore I read Stanley Milgram’s research into whether ‘the Germans are different’, and learnt about his Theory of Obedience. This developed an interest in Forensic Psychology, and I subsequently attended a Forensics course at Nottingham University, where I learnt about a Forensic Psychologist’s role, during Mental Health tribunals, for example.

Deterioration of the mind, and methods to counteract this, also interest me. Reading the Psychologist has given me an insight into how the effectiveness of such methods could be analysed using a high-resolution 3D brain atlas; while a presentation from Claire Rytina enlightened me to useful cognitive treatment designed to rebuild and retrieve memory following her Viral Encephalitis. I have also voluntarily worked at a Nursing Home with some Dementia sufferers, and noticed that many sufferers enjoyed me playing music from their past, and sometimes, this triggered some of their memories. This made me wonder whether the music stimulated neurones which had lain dormant for years, similarly to when neurones are used for the first time, as Hubel and Weisel’s nature/nurture research has shown. Studying this in A level Biology gave me an interest in neuroscience, while Biology also stressed the importance of controls and fair tests, which are invaluable during Psychology experiments too. My mathematical skills in statistics will also be beneficial when analysing empirical evidence; and, the deep level of analysis and evaluation used for varying sources in A level History will be useful when studying case studies, while my essay techniques will help me when writing reports, and when considering issues from different perspectives.

Overall, I feel that my broad interests and skills will enable me to thrive as a Psychology student at a demanding University, where I would also make a positive contribution to University life.

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

Successful Personal Statement For Law At Cambridge

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Download our Free Personal Statement Starter Guide 

Good Points Of The Personal Statement

This statement is powered by a broad range of academic interests — all of which the candidate has explored to a deep and commendable level. They are able to articulate how these interests came about, why they are important and how they intersect. In so doing, the candidate clearly demonstrates their ability to think independently, undertake independent projects and foster a wide-ranging curiosity. Furthermore, they clearly illustrate how their academic interests have had a bearing on their actions outside of the classroom; activities that require a substantial amount of initiative and endeavour.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

While the consideration of a range of different areas of psychology is illustrative of a consistently curious individual, this statement would have benefited from greater cohesion as an overall piece. The candidate could have also found a less rhetorical way of opening their statement; their tone at this point is not a mode of speech that they return to elsewhere, and as such, it seems somewhat like a non-sequitur. Their prose thereafter is much more engaging, and it seems unfulfilling and irrelevant to include such mystifying text at the start.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This candidate maturely presents their academic interests and particular areas of personal pursuit. As a result of this, they are able to demonstrate moments at which they have taken impressive amounts of initiative, and have really gone out of their way in order to experience their academic interests outside of the classroom. They are thereby able to fashion themselves as a curious, energetic, academic individual, who is able to think independently and develop their own work. There are potential areas for stylistic improvement within the statement, but they do not hinder the overall impression given of a capable and committed candidate.

This Personal Statement for Psychology is a great example of demonstrating academic interest and initiative. The candidate’s interest and passion are clearly shown which is 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.

Go to our Free Personal Statement Resources page for even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

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  • Forensic Psychology Masters Personal Statement Sample

Written by Sarah Hastings-Woodhouse

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

Since completing my Bachelors degree in Psychology, I have been determined to further develop my knowledge of human behaviour and motivation, and to find an application for my skills that would have a tangible, positive effect on the lives of those around me. I was excited to discover your Forensic Psychology MSc, as I believe it will equip me with the skills necessary to make a real impact within the criminal justice system.

My interest in crime and punishment was ignited when I participated in a prison listener scheme run by the Samaritans during my final year of university. I took hundreds of calls from prison inmates and staff who were struggling to cope and developed gained a concerning insight into the often-overlooked psychological distress experienced by so many within the prison system.

I also volunteered with the UK government’s Independent Monitoring Board, which involved assessing day-to-day living standards at my local prison and speaking with prisoners and staff to deeper understand their experiences. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the Board’s monthly reports, which are used to inform local and national government policy.

In my final year at university, I completed a module in Criminal Psychology, which allowed me to appreciate the how complex the causes and consequences of criminal behaviour are. An aspect of the module that particularly interested (and frustrated) me was learning about the frequency of re-offending, and the shortcomings within rehabilitative services that often lead to it.

My voluntary experience within the prison system, combined with my understanding of Psychology have convinced me that a career as a Forensic Psychologist would be the most impactful way to apply my experience, passion, and knowledge. I am particularly interested in working with prisoners at risk of re-offending and was drawn to the module on this course focusing on rehabilitation and risk assessment, as well the option to gain practical experience within parole services.

It is my strong belief that though a crucial moral shift away from punishment and towards prevention and rehabilitation has been taking place for some time, it has not yet gone far enough. I believe that the field of Forensic Psychology places a crucial role in facilitating this societal change. In the future, I hope to apply my new-found expertise to helping break that cycle of crime, punishment and re-offending that is the cause of so much avoidable suffering.

Forensic Psychology - MSc

Newcastle university school of psychology, forensic psychology msc, nottingham trent university school of social sciences, forensic psychology (msc), university of derby college of health, psychology and social care, msc applied forensic psychology, edinburgh napier university school of applied sciences, msc - forensic psychology, birmingham city university faculty of business, law and social sciences, find a masters in forensic psychology.

If you're interested in a studying Forensic Psychology, then why don't you check out our regularly updated catalogue of available Forensic Psychology Masters courses .

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  3. PDF Personal Statement Workshop

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  6. How to Create your Personal Statement for Psychology

    Customize each personal statement to the program or school you are applying. Elaborate on how that particular program can assist you in reaching your goals. During revisions, pay attention to the strength and dynamism of your opening paragraph. Your goal is to hook the readers and give them the desire to keep reading.

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  15. Writing a psychology personal statement: expert advice from

    Ebony at the University of Gloucestershire highlights a common pitfall in psychology personal statements. "Given the topic, it's not unusual to see personal statements where students have given too much personal information in terms of speaking about their own life events, mental health challenges, learning difficulties, or similar.

  16. Writing Personal Statement for Clinical Psychology Masters

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  21. Sample Counseling Psychology Personal Statement (NYU Steinhardt)

    Sample Personal Statement in Counseling Psychology. Growing up in Poland, I had internalized the stigma attached to Psychology and Psychotherapy. I was famous in my circle of friends as "the understanding one," but I had developed a bitter taste for formally studying Psychology. Therefore, I opted for a more socially acceptable high school ...

  22. Successful Personal Statement For Psychology At Oxford

    This Personal Statement for Psychology is a great example of demonstrating academic interest and initiative. The candidate's interest and passion are clearly shown which is 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 ...

  23. Forensic Psychology Masters Personal Statement Sample

    This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Forensic Psychology. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement. Since completing my Bachelors degree in Psychology, I have been determined to further develop my knowledge of human behaviour and motivation, and to find an application for ...