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How to Write a Master’s Degree Personal Statement

The primary obstacle to obtaining a master’s degree is getting your application approved. Certain university programs are extremely competitive, with a significantly greater number of applicants than available slots for a particular intake. In cases where the admissions committee and program director have two equally qualified applicants for one spot in a course, postgraduate personal statements can be the deciding factor.

For this reason, creating a well-crafted personal statement for your master’s degree application is critical and should not be overlooked.

To create a compelling personal statement that will help you secure admission into your desired program, use this guide. We will focus on UK online master’s degrees and discuss the inclusion of career experience. If you are transitioning directly from undergraduate study, you can still use this guide by substituting any relevant academic or extracurricular experience.

Why Do You Have to Provide a Masters Personal Statement?

A master’s personal statement is a crucial component in securing admission to a course. The admissions tutor is often faced with a large volume of postgraduate applications, and a well-crafted personal statement can set an applicant apart from the rest. But what exactly are the elements that admissions tutors are looking for, and how can you make your personal statement stand out among the hundreds of applications they review each year?

Throughout the application process, course directors seek to understand an applicant’s experience, expertise, and potential during and after the program. They also desire students who bring energy, insight, and motivation to their assignments and discussions. Additionally, they want to see proof that applicants understand the requirements of the course, possess the necessary academic qualifications, and have clear personal or career goals that the program will help them achieve.

What is a Masters Personal Statement?

When applying for a master’s degree, it is likely that you have previously written an undergraduate personal statement. However, a personal statement for a master’s degree is an entirely separate piece of writing that allows you to showcase your strengths and suitability for the program to the admissions team and course director in your own words.

Your personal statement should be tailored specifically to the course you are applying for, emphasising your relevance to the program. It presents an opportunity to showcase how you will evolve as a result of taking the course and how your participation will benefit the program.

In summary, your personal statement should illustrate that you have conducted extensive research and possess a clear understanding of the course’s requirements and how they will contribute to your professional or personal development. It should also exhibit your keen interest, passion, and enthusiasm for the subject matter.

So, now that we have covered what a master personal statement is all about, we should look at the steps you should take to create a master personal statement that stands out.

Step 1 – Understand the main points you want to cover

In the first step, begin by writing down your main points. Open a blank document, and copy and paste the following questions. Then, jot down any ideas that come to mind:

  • Why are you interested in taking this course?
  • Why is this specific course the right fit for you?
  • What are your career goals, and how will this course help you achieve them?
  • What experience do you possess that makes you suitable for this course?
  • How do you meet the entry requirements?
  • What skills do you possess that are relevant to the course?
  • What academic qualifications, such as your undergraduate degree or other certificates, are relevant to the course?
  • How will you balance the course with your work or family commitments?

Step 2- Check the application pack

In the second step, carefully review the application pack, paying attention to the guidelines for the application process and personal statement. Note any specific points to include, the character limit, format, and deadlines.

Then, review all the information you have about your desired course and take notes on which parts of the program interest you the most.

Step 3 – Develop a structure for your personal statement

This step involves building the structure of your personal statement. Begin by creating a five-paragraph structure for your postgraduate personal statement. Use bullet points to note down the key points you want to cover in each paragraph. For example:

  • Introduction: Explain your interest in the subject area.
  • Career Goals: Discuss your future goals.
  • Course Selection: Explain why you are interested in this particular course.
  • Qualifications and Skills: Describe your undergraduate degree, career experience, extracurricular activities, and skills.

Discuss how taking this course fits into your current career and life situation.

By organising your thoughts into a clear and logical structure, you can ensure that your personal statement effectively conveys your strengths, experience, and enthusiasm for the course, making it more likely to capture the attention of the admissions team and course director.

Step 4 – Now it’s time to create your first draft

To begin writing your personal statement, focus on creating a strong opening paragraph. Don’t worry about crafting a catchy opening sentence just yet. Instead, use the structure you created in Step 3 to guide the development of the middle paragraphs. The most important aspect of this step is to get your thoughts and ideas down on paper using the notes you made in Step 1. This will help you to ensure that your personal statement is focused, relevant, and conveys your passion and enthusiasm for the course. By taking the time to carefully plan and write your personal statement, you can increase your chances of standing out from other applicants and securing a place on the postgraduate course of your dreams.

Step 5 – Give yourself time

Once you have written a complete draft of your personal statement and feel satisfied with it, it’s important to take a step back and allow yourself some time away from the application process. This will allow you to return to your personal statement with a fresh perspective and a clear mind. Taking a break, even for just a day or two, is essential for ensuring that you can finalise your master’s degree personal statement to the best of your ability. With a clear head, you will be able to make any necessary revisions and ensure that your personal statement is well-written, impactful, and fully reflective of your strengths and aspirations.

Step 6 – Make revisions and rewrite where required

This is the time to refine and enhance your personal statement for your master’s degree. You can edit it as many times as you need to until you are satisfied with the final result. There are many online tools available that can help you at this stage, such as Grammarly and the Hemmingway app.

Keep the following points in mind when editing your personal statement:

  • Think about the reader and ensure that the information is presented in a clear and logical manner.
  • Check that the information flows smoothly from one point to the next and that the reader has enough context before you move on to new topics.
  • Ensure that you provide sufficient evidence to support any statements you make.
  • Check each sentence and make sure it is concise, avoiding lengthy or complicated sentences that may be difficult to understand.
  • Make sure your closing paragraph effectively summarises your key points.

Once you have completed your editing, read your statement aloud to assess its flow and to identify any last-minute changes you may need to make. You may also want to ask a friend or family member to review it and provide feedback.

Step 7 – Do your final checks

In the final step, it’s essential to thoroughly check your master’s personal statement for any grammatical or spelling errors. This will ensure that your application is presented professionally and demonstrates your attention to detail.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will have created a well-written postgraduate personal statement that showcases your research and highlights why you would be a strong candidate for your chosen course. Remember to take your time, seek feedback from others and use online tools to refine your writing. With a well-crafted personal statement, you can increase your chances of gaining a place on your desired course and pursuing your academic and career aspirations.

Posted in university |

Educational Courses to Explore After Your A Levels

Completing A- level is an outstanding achievement. But many students face the challenging task of choosing what to study after that. The challenge is not a small feat to overcome as new careers are increasing in significance worldwide.

So to ease this confusion, we have created this list of potential educational courses to explore after your A levels. So without wasting your time, scroll down.

What is A level?

A-levels, also known as GCE Advanced Levels, are two years of thorough study in various disciplines of the student’s choosing. The result is a series of acknowledged credentials to enrol in higher education institutions.

A-levels are normally taken at the completion of secondary school between the ages of 16 and 18.

Now, let’s find out what you can pursue after completing your A level.

Accounting and Finance

The need for skilled accounting and finance experts has risen significantly in recent years. Accounting and finance are critical functions in today’s international corporate landscape.

This undergraduate course teaches you how to make sense of various critical real-world situations that influence our daily lives. It also helps you to develop your decision-making abilities in ways unique to the accounting and finance professions.

The way you’ll grow as a team player is a unique aspect of this course. You will participate in team-based activities that will help you grasp the serious challenges that organisations are facing today. You’ll also learn how accounting and financial skills could assist you in addressing these challenges.

When you start staying in your student accommodation in Stratford or London, you can even practise your accounting skills to bring your budget in check.

Civil engineering

Civil engineers devise creative solutions to real-world challenges, creating the physical infrastructure necessary for society to function – from dams, roadways to medical facilities and transport hubs.

This undergraduate course will equip you with a civil engineering education as well as the planning, research, and execution abilities required in the business.

You will be prepared with the skills required to create sustainable and cost-effective conceptual designs. The curriculum will provide you with the abilities you need to start a successful career through industry-facing projects, field visits, etc.

LLB

LLB is a practical and modern degree that is valued by businesses worldwide

Law is a wide subject that influences every element of human existence, even the water we drink. LLB is a practical and modern degree that is valued by businesses worldwide.

During this undergraduate program, you will gain essential abilities and knowledge. Mooting contests, guest lecturers, field trips, Pro Bono work, and internships let you learn while also strengthening your connections.

Irrespective of whether you want to be a lawyer, a law degree is highly valued by businesses. It prepares you for numerous graduate occupations, such as problem-solving, assessment, researching, and communications.

You can begin your legal practice right away or follow a completely different career trajectory.

While you are doing this course, may you succeed in resolving disputes between your roommates at student accommodation in Harrow or Oxford.

Psychology

Psychology allows us to examine and analyse human thinking, activity, and emotion.

It’s a course that fosters psychological understanding and relevant practical abilities that are needed for organisational success, integrating a rational approach with the capacity to think independently.

Practical workshops will provide hands-on experience with psychological assessments, apparatus, and methods.

Your transferrable abilities and professional experience will make you appealing to a broad range of companies. You’ll have the communication and teamwork abilities to make a difference in any environment.

Nursing

Nursing is a demanding yet rewarding profession that will impact people's lives, especially your own.

Nursing is a demanding yet rewarding profession that will impact people’s lives, especially your own. As a nurse, you will help to improve access to medical care, wellness, inclusivity, and the overall quality of life.

Nurses offer specialised health assistance to individuals of all ages in a number of locations, including health facilities, private homes and specialised and community services. This undergraduate course has a significant practical emphasis, enabling you to develop proficiency while performing the hands-on activities you’ll encounter in your job.

You will have several intriguing employment opportunities available to you. Nurses are in high demand in the UK and across the world. However, before you enter the professional sector, you may need to obtain several licences.

Conclusion

We hope this article helps you to identify a list of potential educational courses to explore after your A levels. Keep in mind that certain courses only accept particular A Level credentials or may only recognise certain credentials when combined with the other. The requirements of the university department will determine this. So don’t forget to check the eligibility criteria before applying

Posted in university, courses-section |

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Personal Statement Writing Help

How to write a personal statement for university application in the UK
Writing a personal statement for your university application can be a really daunting task

Writing a UCAS personal statement is no small task. It can be difficult to know where to start and what information should be provided. This blog is designed to help you with the process and give you the tools needed to create an impactful personal statement.

Where can I find help for my personal statement?

Your school/college

Before you begin, it is worth talking to teachers at your school or college. Remember that they know you and are therefore ideally suited to discussing your options with you and suitability for the courses you want to apply for. They will also have years of experience preparing students for university and will be familiar with the UCAS application process, not to mention their own experience at university! Be sure to arrange a time to talk to them and come up with an action plan in terms of drafting, redrafting and submitting in good time. They want you to be successful in your application – so be sure to utilise their experience with applications to benefit you.

University websites

You will find yourself spending a lot of time on university webpages looking at the different courses on offer. They will often include advice on what to include in your personal statement that will boost your chances of acceptance. Whatever you do, make sure you spend time looking at the course description and modules on offer – this is vital because it means that you can hone the details of your personal statement to suit that particular course. These vary from university to university and available modules depend on the teaching staff they have at any given time. You may even find that one university stands out above all others because the modules reflect your interests. Putting in the time will allow you to make a fully informed decision and be confident that you have selected the top five courses for your degree programme.

Open days

Whether virtual or in-person, university open days are a brilliant way to learn more about the university that you are considering applying for. Students often lose sight of the fact that the location is very important – after all, you will be spending years of your life there so you want to have the right ‘fit’. On the day, you will have the chance to meet the Admissions Tutor for your course, lecturers and students who are enrolled there. This is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and benefit from the experience of people who know the university inside out. There is no better way to determine whether a university is right for you than by spending time there yourself. If, however, you are unable to do so – make the most of the virtual tours on offer or arrange a meeting online with Admissions staff who will be able to give you the information that you crave.

So – talking to your school, visiting the university websites and attending university open days are the key steps that you need to take in your journey to writing your UCAS application. Doing all of the above will be of great to help to you as you navigate uni applications. Let’s look at other ways that you can find help…

Blog pages

A simple google search will quickly identify huge amounts of webpages that will give you help with choosing universities and writing your UCAS personal statement. Your task is to make sure that you use reputable websites that offer you genuine and good advice. Start by visiting UCAS, WhatUni? and Which? University – where there is a vast amount of free and highly useful information to help you.

Personal statement writing services

On your search for help writing your personal statement, you will come across ads from people who will offer to write it for you. This might be tempting but it is very important that your personal statement is authentic. You must also remember that UCAS uses plagiarism detectors – so your only way to guarantee that you don’t fall victim to this, is to write it yourself.

Personal statement writing for university application

Feedback services are, however, an excellent way to ensure that your statement is a cut above the rest. By producing your own draft statement, teams of writers and people with a huge amount of expertise can ensure that you have included the right information and a structured it correctly. This can be a skill in and of itself due to the space constraints of the statement – and it is often this element that applicants struggle with the most. Feedback is therefore highly useful and can be excellent in terms of guiding you through the editing process, as well as identifying grammatical errors which are much easier to spot as an outsider.

4000 characters is not a lot. Many applicants find that they have a huge amount of information that they want to include and this is simply not possible. Feedback services can help you discern what is the most important information to include in your statement that is relevant to the course/courses that you are applying for.

This can be an excellent resource if you feel that you could benefit from one-to-one guidance – perhaps if you think that your teachers are too busy and your parents are unsure about the process. Whatever you do – make sure that you choose the people to help you with caution and that you make sure that you submit a UCAS personal statement that is authentic to you.

Below are two industry-leading companies that provide prospective students with extra support;

Getting In offers unparalleled support from editing personal statements to guiding applicants on selecting courses themselves, and preparing them for university interviews. A multitude of services are available that are all tailored to the specific needs of the client.

Personal Statement Service is the UK’s leading personal statement provider supporting undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD and Medical/Dentistry school applicants with expertly crafted statements for all institutions of higher education. The services are bespoke and use professional writers who complete the heavy-lifting when it comes to writing personal statements.

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Finding the right apprenticeship

Finding an apprenticeship upon leaving school has become an increasingly popular choice for young people. Working full-time in as an apprentice gives you the opportunity to train for a vocation whilst being paid and experiencing for yourself – on a daily basis – what working life will be like in your chosen sector. There are a multitude of fantastic opportunities available for people who are willing to put in hard work and prove themselves to be suited to the industry. For some, practical skills and on-hand training are preferable to periods of long and intense study and apprenticeships typically come with a high degree of flexibility in terms of long-term career planning.

As you will know, the job market is highly competitive and individuals who have lengthy training and experience in a given sector are very appealing prospects for potential employers who want to know that their staff are fully capable. Book learning can only ever get you so far – it is having the ability to apply what you have learnt into reality that is the most important skill and apprenticeships are designed with this central goal in mind. Knowing where and when to look is the first step in securing an apprenticeship for yourself! Use the guide below to help you find the right apprenticeship.

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships combine classroom learning with on-the-job experience and training. Finding the right apprenticeship for you is critical and will take time and effort on your part. Apprentices will work with people who have been in the industry for a long time and will therefore benefit from their expertise and knowledge and participate fully in the machinations of the business. Combining study with skills and knowledge in a sector is an excellent way to ensure that you are gaining experience that will translate into vocational work. Yearly, there are a vast pool of graduates all searching for work experience and graduate jobs. Apprentices stand out from these people because they have a wealth of experience in their given sector. During this time, apprentices are paid which has the additional advantage of cutting out the worry and concern of student debt.

Find apprenticeship

What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship versus a university degree?

  • NO FEES – unburden yourself from student debt! Your employer pays tuition costs so you don’t need to take out huge student loans that you will spend a long time paying back. This is very appealing for people, particularly in a saturated job market full of recent graduates.
  • Different types of apprenticeships – There are FOUR levels of apprenticeships
  1. Intermediate (Level 2) – roughly the same as having 4 or 5 GCSEs.
  2. Advanced (Level 3) – roughly equivalent to two A levels/Highers.
  3. Higher/technical (levels 4 to 7) – equivalent to a Higher National Diploma (HND).
  4. Degree/professional (levels 5 to 7) – equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. At this level of apprenticeship, you will combine classroom learning – lectures, seminars and independent study, with on-the-job training and end with a fully accredited degree. This also gives you the option to progress to Master’s level.
  • Apprenticeships are for everyone – You do not have to be a school leaver to apply for an apprenticeship. They are open to people of all ages and many businesses welcome applications from mature applicants, valuing the fact that they would bring to their company a wealth of knowledge from previous work, as well as invaluable life experience.
  • Learning – During your apprenticeship, you will learn the same things as students at university. It will likely be a better learning experience in terms of witnessing first-hand the reality of the job and having the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge with practical delivery simultaneously. This is very attractive for employers who – upon completion of your apprenticeship – know that you are fully trained to carry out the specific role, without requiring a huge amount of training and draining company resources.

What apprenticeship is right for me?

After you have spent some time looking, you will know that you have found the right apprenticeship if you find yourself excited to apply!

Finding an apprenticeship

It is worthwhile approaching companies and businesses directly if you feel that it is the right ‘fit’ for you – in today’s job market, it pays to be bold and take some initiative. Spend time honing your application and tailor your cover letter to appeal to the company and their ethos and business objectives.

Before you submit your application, spend time researching the company so that you know the right questions to ask.

Think about:

  • Staff testimonials – have a look on their website and look into job satisfaction and the testimonies of current or previous employees – this will give you a good indication of what the company is like to work for. A happy employee = happy working environment
  • Career progression – does the company foster an environment of progression and support their staff in this respect? This is very important because it will allow you to plan your own career path following the apprenticeship.
  • Study time – Look into the specifics of the apprenticeships; how much time is allocated to study versus working hours? Does it seem manageable and fair to you?

How to find an apprenticeship

There are lots of different ways to find apprenticeships. Services are available such as the National Apprenticeship Service or Career Finder via UCAS which will give you a huge variety of options and help you begin your search.

University open days and UCAS exhibitions host employers and apprentices that are armed with the knowledge and experience to guide you in your search. It is also important to spend time looking into different sectors and thinking about your suitability and existing skillset. Larger businesses and companies will likely have a section on their website relating to apprenticeships so you can conduct a search independently and hone your applications accordingly.

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Finding the right university course

Choosing a university course is one of the most important decisions that you will ever make. If you are lucky enough to be someone who is – and has been for a long time – absolutely certain of the correct course and career choice for you – then that is fantastic! But, for the vast majority of school leavers and prospective students, the possibilities seem endless and this can be a bit of an onerous task.

Spending time thinking about your skills and talents and researching various courses is absolutely essential in order to make the right decision – and a decision that you don’t live to regret. Thankfully, universities spend a lot of time and resources ensuring that applicants have a vast amount of information available to them to aid their search. You can download prospectuses, visit university open days and speak to current or previous students about the course/s that you are interested in applying for.

Choose university course in the UK

Looking at the module breakdowns for each course will likely help you ‘hone in’ on the correct university course for you – does one university offer modules that appeal to your specific interests? If so, the chances are you have found a good fit. Arm yourself with the knowledge to make an informed decision – rather than panicking and selecting courses at random on applications! Remember that your first year at university gives you some flexibility (dependent on the institution) so you might find that you are able to mix different disciplines before specialising at a later stage. All of the information about this will be in university guides and it is therefore vital that you familiarise yourself with these. Whatever you do – don’t lose sight of the fact that this is your degree and that it has to be enjoyable and targeted towards a career path to set you up for the future.

How to choose a course that fits you

First of all, think about what your interests are aka. what have you been studying at school, and what did you enjoy the most? These questions are vital to consider when choosing the right university course. Here are some questions to ask yourself;

  • What are you good at doing – in or outside of school?
  • What subjects did you enjoy the most during high school?
  • In which subjects did you achieve the best grades?
  • Where do your interests lie? Do you find theory appealing (a more academic approach to studying) or do you enjoy practical learning (more clearly focused on a specific job role)
How to choose a university course in the UK

Once you have identified these things, you will then be in a better position to find a university course that fits you. If you are interested and passionate about something, this tends to correspond to being quite good at it because you will typically apply yourself with more enthusiasm! This is critical because you will be immersed in the subject for at least three years during your undergraduate programme, so it is important that you are enthusiastic about it to help you in your studies. When you are writing your application for your course of choice, admissions teams will want to know why you care about the subject and what makes you a suitable candidate – thinking about this at an early stage will stand you in good stead!

People often ask, ‘Should I choose a subject with an obvious career path?’ and the answer is simple: Don’t be afraid or unwilling to pick a course that does not have an obvious career path … over the course of your study, various career routes will be identified – some, perhaps, that you had not even thought about or that seem related to your course of choice! For most people, this is the reality of university and employers are more interested in the skills that you have picked up along the way such as researching, writing, communicating your ideas and working collaboratively with other people towards a shared objective. With this in mind, don’t spend too long stressing about what career you may have. Instead, concern yourself with the task of choosing the right course that you think you will do well in and will play to your strengths.

Best courses to study at university

The following are considered the best courses to study at university in terms of securing employment:

  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Marketing / Business Studies
  • Law
  • Accounting
  • Architecture
  • Medicine
  • History/Politics

This list is not exhaustive and is not designed to make people outside of those disciplines panic – these are, quite simply, the most ‘vocational’ options that translate to jobs that are readily available. There are a plethora of jobs and industries out there – some of which you may not even have heard of or considered before. At this stage, it is simply a task of identifying your strengths and the course that best suits your interests and skills. The rest will follow.

Joint honours options give you the flexibility of studying different disciplines as well as opening up the job market in terms of the scope of opportunities available to you. It is well worthwhile looking at university prospectuses or speaking to alumni to give you some idea of the types of jobs that graduates have secured upon completing their degree (this would be most helpful for those applying to courses that do not have a clear ‘job’ at the end). Remember that everyone is in the same boat – even medical students are faced with the dilemma of what area to specialise in, and this is a daunting prospect before you even begin!

Consider this phase of research a fact-finding exercise to give you the knowledge and information that you need to help you choose the right university course and make the best decision for yourself. This is a highly exciting time in your life and you will meet people and experience things that will set you up for the future – making sure that you are positive about it and excited to begin is absolutely critical so try not to lose sight of that in your search!

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University Open Days

University Open Days

If you are applying for university this year, you are likely to have a lot of questions and will be anxious to make sure that you are making the right decision for you – and for your future. Universities know this and want to give students the knowledge to make informed decisions – as well as to convince you that their institution stands out! University open days are your chance to visit a variety of campuses (and cities) so that you get a feel for what life would be like. This is somewhere that you will be spending at least three years of your life – and it is therefore very important that you are happy with your choice. Find out how you can prepare yourself for uni open days, why they are beneficial to you and how you can prepare:

What are university open days?

University open days are held every year by every university throughout the country, giving prospective students a chance to visit the institution and get a flavour of what it is like. This is, after all, a big decision and it is important that you feel as comfortable as possible with your choices. University open days often include guest speakers (typically alumni) who will ask you any questions that you might have, as well as tours of the campus and different departments.

University Open Days in the UK

When should you visit uni open days?

Every university will advertise the date of their open day – typically on their website. You should take a note of these and establish when and where you need to be. In the event that you are not able to make it in person, you have the option of attending a virtual open day that will usually involve a virtual tour of the campus and, depending on the university, a question-and-answer session. Where possible, you should aim to attend university open days prior to submitting your personal statements and applications. Why? Because this will mean that you can tailor your statement to make a case as to why this university is the perfect fit for you. Uni open days tend to be clustered in a similar time-frame so you should be able to co-ordinate them easily and – most importantly – to arrive prepared!

How many uni open days should I go to?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some students have a fixed idea in their heads of what university they want to go to and visiting the insitution is more of a box-ticking exercise. For others (and the vast majority), the sheer variety on offer can be a bit overwhelming and it is therefore a very good idea to visit a number of campuses so that you can compare and contrast. What is ’right’ for one person could be an entirely wrong fit for another, and so this is your chance to explore the university and surrounding area and ask yourself, ’Can I see myself here?’. Depending on the number of universities that you are applying for, it is advisable that you attend the uni open days for the universities that you have identified as the top contenders for your course of choice. This will mean that when you receive offers, you have a rough idea of what your favoured option was and can make an informed decision. Would you buy a car without going on a test drive first? Testing several cars would then allow you to notice differences between them and figure out which one felt the best for you. Uni open days are no different! Busy university campuses are situated within very different cities and the location is just as important as the course. Visiting different campuses and picking out the pros and cons is an excellent exercise in whittling down the options available to you – and soothing any anxieties that you might have.

How can I prepare for University open days?

The most important thing that you can do is make a list of the university open days that you wish to attend and plan a schedule around this. If you cannot attend an open day, find out when their virtual open day is and try to fit this in. You will then have a strong idea of the timescale that you are working towards. Once you have done this, think about the following:

  • University prospectus – download copies of the university prospectus for each of the universities that you are planning to visit. Spend time looking at the course options and selecting those that most appeal to you. This will mean that you are familiar with the department and modules and can go to the university open day prepared to ask specific questions to department members.
  • Write a list of questions – These could be specific to your course of choice or more general, about life on campus, clubs and societies or the wider area. Go prepared! The staff members and students who host the uni open days will fully expect lots of questions from attendees so don’t be afraid to ask. Writing a list will mean that you don’t forget anything on the day!
  • Compare and contrast – As you read the university prospectuses, you will find that although universities offer the same courses, the way that that they teach them can be very different indeed. Approach each univerisity from a comparative point of view and ask yourself, ’Do the modules for this course appeal to me more?’ – simply by scanning the available modules, you will be able to see the different focuses (often relating to the expertise of departmental staff).

Virtual uni open days

Try not to be alarmed if you find yourself in the situation where you cannot attend an open day in person. Lots of students will find themselves in the same situation – especially because of ongoing travel restrictions. Universities will have put a lot of time and care into their virtual open days, knowing the importance of these to attract students. Explore virtually and – if you have any questions after the virtual tour – don’t be afraid to contact university representatives for more information.

Posted in university |

How to choose a university and prepare

‘How do I choose a university?’, is a question that we hear time and time again from prospective students who find themselves overwhelmed by the choices on offer. Choosing a university is no small task and we advise our clients to take a calm and methodical approach. As with anything, the more information you have – the better prepared you are to make informed choices. Universities differ hugely in terms of life on campus, the style of teaching, module options and teaching teams. All of this information is available to you, as well as the chance to visit universities during their open days in order to get a feel for them and an opportunity to ask questions.

How to choose university in the UK

Things to consider when choosing a university

Subject

Identifying the subject that you want to study is your first step. This will mean that you can then identify the universities that are recognised as housing an exceptional department and compare your university options. Spend time looking into the career options that you will have after studying in your chosen area – it is important to think about the ‘bigger picture’ and plan ahead – rather than finding yourself on the wrong course!

Course modules

Once you have selected your subject, go through different university websites or prospectuses and look at their module options. This is very important because the courses on offer change frequently and are often dependent on the expertise of staff members. For example, one university might have a team of Americanists in their History department, and this is likely to mean that the module options are skewed towards American History – if this aligns with your interests – great! If not, you might find that the module options at another university are better suited to you.

University rankings

University rankings are available and are updated yearly. Spend some time looking at the ranking of U.K. universities – this will very quickly (and visually) identify you the top contenders and give you something to work towards.

Student Life

Choosing the right university is not solely about identifying your subject choice and module options. It is vital to remember that this is somewhere that you will be living – not just working. While you will be studying over a period of years, you will study harder and more effectively if you are happy with your environment. With this in mind, visit the student accommodation and ask current students about their experiences with different clubs and societies. Even more importantly – explore the city! Universities are usually the heartbeat of a city with vibrant culture and diverse student populations. It is a very worthwhile task to take the time to explore the city itself, once you have visited the university campus. After all, this is the place that you will call home for a number of years! Its vital when writing your personal statement to ensure the university knows you are going to be a great assent and embrace university life.

Cambridge is the most popular univesity in the UK

Most popular universities in the U.K.

The U.K.’s TOP universities in terms of academic achievement are:

  • University of Oxford
  • University of Cambridge
  • Imperial College London
  • UCL (University College London)
  • University of Edinburgh
  • The University of Manchester
  • King’s College London (KCL)
  • London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
  • The University of Bristol
  • The University of Warwick

This is just the top selection of a vast number of world-renowned universities that the U.K. is home to. Every year, universities carry out student satisfaction surveys and these are fully accessible so that prospective students can gauge the student experience – from those who have just studied at the institution! You can use the Times Higher Education World University Rankings to help you as well, where you can look at profiles of different universities and see how they compare on the world stage. This is a very useful resource in terms of identifying if – and how – the institution that you are looking at compares favourably. It is worthwhile remembering, though, that statistics will only get you so far in your search – by far, the most important thing that you can do when choosing a university visits them in person (or on a virtual tour) and make your mind up. The chances are, if it feels right to you and offers you a selection of modules that excites you and makes you want to work hard – then that is the course and university for you.

Choosing a university checklist

  1. Does the university offer the course that you want to do?
  2. Have you compared your course choice with other universities?
  3. Have you visited the campus/gone to a university open day?
  4. Have you spent time in the city? What is it like?
  5. Have you enquired about or looked into clubs and societies at the university?
  6. What is the student accommodation like?
  7. How does the university compare in league tables?
  8. How does the university do in student satisfaction surveys?
  9. Does it feel ‘right’ to you?
  10. Are you going to be able to write a personal statement showing your passion for applying?

Keep the questions in this checklist in mind during your university search. Choosing the right uni is a hugely important decision that will impact the rest of your life. Taking the time to explore the different options available to you is well worth taking the time to do so, so that you can make the right decision for you. Always remember that while league tables and statistics are important, different things matter to different people in their search. Don’t be afraid to approach universities directly with questions – the best time to do this is during uni open days but – in the event that you have questions after or before this day – get in touch with individuals identified in the prospectus to gain an insight into your course of choice. Remember that they want to attract capable, enthusiastic and determined individuals to their course and it is in their best interest to be warm and welcoming towards someone who might be part of the next cohort! Lastly – enjoy the experience. For most people, this will only happen once in a lifetime and it will be over in a flash so savour the excitement of the unknown.

If you need help with a personal statement service when applying, we would recommend Getting In

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