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Masters in social work personal statement

If you'd like to become a social worker but didn't study the subject at undergraduate level then a Masters degree is essential for entry into the profession. You'll need to write a personal statement that coveys your commitment and passion to social work

Writing a personal statement for a vocational postgraduate course, like the MSc or Postgraduate Diploma in social work requires a slightly different approach from what you might be used to when applying for academic courses, as you're not only applying for a course, but to train for a particular profession.

You will be expected to:

  • discuss your motivations to train as a social worker
  • reflect on your experiences to demonstrate that you have a realistic insight into the role of a social worker and how they work to support people
  • provide evidence that you have, or are developing relevant skills and qualities for the role
  • show that you have the academic suitability to undertake a postgraduate level course.

For many social work courses it is a requirement to have undertaken relevant work experience in a social work or social care setting. You can see in the example statement, rather than describing the experience and tasks undertaken, you will need to reflect on how your experience has shaped your motivation to train as a social worker and what you have learned about the role. You will also need to provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated the skills, qualities and professional values of a social worker.

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.

Masters in social work personal statement example

I gained my first insight into social work while studying a 'Social work perspectives' module during the first year of my degree in health and social care. Learning about the ethics that underpin social work practice challenged my assumptions about the role social workers play, demonstrating the importance of the role for empowering vulnerable people and coordinating support to overcome challenges to health, safety and wellbeing.

I was able to observe this in practice during my placement at a supported living service for young people with learning disabilities. Social workers were integral to enabling the young people to safely transition to independent living, advocating for them to secure appropriate accommodation, coordinating access to disability services and providing support to develop independent living skills and money management. Without this advocacy, many of the young people may never have had the opportunity to live independently.

I have recently started a placement working with a local mental health charity, spent a year volunteering with Citizens Advice and am currently volunteering with the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT). Through these experiences I have observed the challenges faced by different groups of people, many of which can be alleviated or managed through empowerment of individuals and access to the right support. Becoming a social worker would enable me to work with diverse groups and support them to overcome these challenges and live more successfully within our society.

Through my experience, I have responded to individuals with empathy and respect and have demonstrated that I can uphold the values and ethical principles of the social work profession, while resiliently managing the challenges of working under pressure and supporting those who may not always be receptive to me. As a volunteer adviser at Citizens Advice I was often the first point of contact for individuals facing stressful and time-pressured problems, such as eviction or debt. I responded calmly and focused on the issues at hand, taking a non-judgemental approach to the individual's circumstances by clearly explaining why I was asking particular questions and how this would enable me to direct them to the appropriate support. At PACT, I facilitate family play sessions with prisoners and their children. I have taken the time to build rapport with the individual and their families; focusing on the person's identity as a parent and ways I can support them to feel they have a positive societal role. As a social worker it is important to treat people holistically while promoting dignity and wellbeing, these examples show my potential to respond in a positive, impartial way regardless of people's circumstances.

Many of my interactions at the mental health charity are with individuals in challenging circumstances, who are reluctant to seek help from external services due to poor past experiences. Many of my interactions have been with people who are angry, frustrated or suspicious. I take the time to listen to their concerns, provide reassurance and identify an initial starting point. When faced with particularly challenging or complex cases I do not hesitate to seek advice from colleagues or request a referral, always involving the individual in this process. These experiences have enabled me to recognise the importance of multi-disciplinary teams to meet complex and multi-faceted needs. These interactions have better prepared me to work with people who may present in a challenging way due to their circumstances and have helped me to develop the resilience to manage those interactions professionally and calmly.

My degree has prepared me for both the academic study and practice elements of the MSc in Social work. The interdisciplinary nature of my degree has introduced me to approaches from sociology, philosophy, health, policy and psychology, which provide a strong foundation to build upon in the social work course. In safeguarding modules I was introduced to the legal and policy frameworks underpinning practice when analysing a number of recent serious case reviews. This developed my ability to analyse complex situations where the application of law and policy is not always straightforward. Undertaking practice placements will enable me to further develop and apply this knowledge to real scenarios, building my confidence in making effective, evidence-informed decisions.

My dissertation project evaluated the impact of a local mental health charity's peer support programme, enabling me to develop a strong understanding of the ethics of participant research. I developed the methodology, completed the literature review and carried out primary research. This has prepared me with the core academic skills to evaluate research and develop evidence informed approaches during the Masters course.

Undertaking placements and volunteering alongside my degree has seen me organise my time effectively, consistently meeting coursework deadlines and completing work to a standard that has put me on track to achieve a 2:1, while receiving positive feedback from placements on my reliability. This demonstrates my ability to successfully balance academic work alongside the demands of practice placements during the Masters.

My work experience has motivated me to pursue a social work career in mental health, advocating for those who may not be in a position to advocate for themselves. The course will equip me with tools and approaches for working with service users in a range of circumstances, from those in crisis to those who need practical support to manage their condition in the community. I particularly look forward to professional placements where I can apply my learning while supported by experienced practitioners to navigate this complex area of social work. The MSc in Social work will build upon the knowledge and skills gained through my degree and experience, equipping me to undertake this challenging and demanding role.

Find out more

  • Search for postgraduate courses in social work .
  • Take a look at the social worker job profile.
  • Discover more about social work courses .
  • Learn more about personal statements for postgraduate applications .
  • Read up on the BASWs Code of Ethics for Social Workers .

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Rafal Reyzer

Write a Master’s in Social Work Personal Statement (10 Top Tips)

Author: Rafal Reyzer

Are you looking for educational and career advancement after completing your Bachelor of Social Work?

You’re probably wondering now how to write your Master’s in Social Work Personal Statement, a requirement for admittance to a postgraduate course. Well, wonder no more! Read on for top tips to make your statement stand out and impress the admissions board.

Help! What is a Personal Statement?!

Not all colleges ask for a personal statement for a Bachelor of Social Work. So, if you’ve never done one and don’t know what to include, don’t panic. I’ll explain it all. Some colleges will give you a prompt to answer, but it is a short essay. In it, you explain why you are suitable to study a Master of Social Work course.

confused writer

What Should I Include in my Statement?

  • Your education – where did you study and what grades did you achieve?
  • Your experience – what work or volunteering have you done? If you have experience related to social work, include that.
  • Your goals – What are you going to do after earning your master’s degree?
  • Your challenges – what challenges or obstacles have you faced? How did you overcome them?
  • Anything else relevant

You might feel ready to write a Personal Statement now that you know what to include. Don’t rush off yet, though. Listen to the following tips first. They’ll help make your composition more outstanding.

10 Top Tips for Writing a Master’s in Social Work Personal Statement:

Although a personal statement isn’t a long essay, it is very important. It is a significant part of your application, so don’t rush it. Work out what you are going to say, and how you are going to say it. A mind map can be useful in identifying everything you want to include in your essay. It groups your ideas and will help you create a structure for your composition. Try it! Having a plan also makes getting started less daunting. It’s hard to start when you are staring at a blank page. A page with a plan written on it isn’t blank anymore, so you’re already started. Winner!

Mind Map

This is a basic mind map for general essay writing that I did as an example. Branches and sub-branches can be added or subtracted as needed or desired.

2. Let Your Personality Shine

One of the most important things when you are writing a personal statement is to make it personal. It says so in the title! The admissions board wants to know who you are. They will read hundreds of personal statements, so you need to make yours stand out. Through your essay, your reader should know who you are as a person and why you would excel in the master’s course. Make sure you tell them!

3. Tell A Story

Using a narrative style to tell your reader about yourself is more engaging. A dry, informative essay might tell your reader some facts. But it won’t stay with them. Bring your essay to life by writing it as a (true) story. This will be much more memorable and that is what you want. When your reader puts down your statement, you want them to remember who you are and what you said. Think of it as writing a memoir . It focuses on certain chapters of your life that highlight your suitability for a career in social work.

4. Explain Your Drive

What makes you want to pursue a career in social work? Presumably, you want to take a master’s in social work not only because you want to work in, it but because you want to excel in that field. Was there an event or a person in your life that gave you this drive? This is part of what will make your statement stand out from the rest. Think about the first time you thought about studying social work…what happened? It will pique the interest of your readers and make them want to know you a little better.

caring for a sick relative

Specialization in social work needed a genuine desire to care for others, especially those who needed help most – the sick, orphans, the elderly, and those who were down on their luck.

5. Sell Yourself

Above all, you need to sell yourself to the admissions board. Your Master’s in Social Work Personal Statement is the key to doing that. Be sure to highlight the traits which make you ideal for a career in social work. Cite real-life examples to back up your application. Just saying you are compassionate and caring won’t make you stand out. But telling about the time when you took care of a lost child until his mother was found, will. Do you see the difference? You also need to let the admissions board know what studies you have already undertaken. Where did you do your Bachelor of Social Work ? Are you moving on to your master’s so that you can provide therapy? Make sure your essay reassures your reader that you would be a great fit for their college!

6. Your 5 (or 10) Year Plan

College admissions boards want to know that you have a career plan in place. Prove to them you have goals and have thought beyond the next year or two. Consider what you plan to do with your master’s degree and what your next steps are from there. Will you have a bustling therapy practice in 10 years? Will you be supporting vulnerable adults in your community? Whatever your goals in social work are, make it a point to outline them.

7. Challenges

Don’t be afraid to talk about challenges you have faced or times when life didn’t go your way. Some people might use their essays to focus on their achievements and successes. So, going the other way will set you apart. Especially when you emphasize the lessons you’ve learned from each setback. This is a perfect opportunity to tell your reader how you overcome problems and move forward. It shows resilience and optimism.

silence is violence

The bitter chapters in our lives can either make or break us. The expression of a strong desire to triumph over any adversity, not only for yourself but for others, could add more power to your Master’s in Social Work Personal Statement.

8. It’s All in the Details

If the college you are applying to has guidelines and prompts, make sure you follow them! There is likely to be a word count, perhaps in the region of 500 words. But not all colleges are the same, so make sure you know the limit for the one you are applying for. Colleges often have their preferred formatting style. Check their website or call to confirm if you don’t know what it is. You want to create the impression of someone who has good attention to detail . Don’t fall at the first hurdle by not following the rules for essay submission.

9. Strong Start, Excellent End

What you say in the body of your statement is important. But you also need to make sure you have a strong start and end. From the first sentence, you want to draw your reader in. Have a great hook – start with a question or relevant quote or statistic. You want to grab your reader’s attention right away and make them want to read more. You also need a strong finish. Your conclusion needs to create a lasting impression. You want your essay to stand out so that they remember you at the end of the day.

competitive swimmer

Competitive swimmers are taught to increase acceleration in the first and last 5 meters of each lap. Have that mindset in writing your essay – start and finish strong.

10. Proofreading / Editing

Once you’ve written your Master’s in Social Work Personal Statement, you might think you are done. You are not! You need to dedicate time to editing and proofreading your statement to make sure it is as good as it can be. A great idea is to try reading it out loud. This will help you assess your sentence structure. Struggling to catch your breath? Your sentences are too long. Does it sound repetitive? Try using different phrases or changing your sentence structure. When you spend a lot of time on an essay, it’s difficult to remain objective about it. If you have a friend who will read it for you, let them. They could offer a different perspective and suggest improvements. You should also take the time to double-check those details. After all, a career in social work will involve report writing and you need to be a great communicator in doing that. You can use your statement to show off these skills, too.

These tips will help you write a Master’s in Social Work Personal Statement that stands out from the crowd. Remember, you are selling yourself through your story. Don’t be afraid to put your personality on the page. When the admissions board finishes reading your essay, they should feel like they know you. You should have shown them you will excel not only in the course but in the actual fieldwork. Your essay is the next step in advancing your career in social work! Next up, you may want to explore a guide to creating enticing essay hooks .

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Rafal Reyzer

Rafal Reyzer

Hey there, welcome to my blog! I'm a full-time entrepreneur building two companies, a digital marketer, and a content creator with 10+ years of experience. I started RafalReyzer.com to provide you with great tools and strategies you can use to become a proficient digital marketer and achieve freedom through online creativity. My site is a one-stop shop for digital marketers, and content enthusiasts who want to be independent, earn more money, and create beautiful things. Explore my journey here , and don't miss out on my AI Marketing Mastery online course.

Social Work Degrees

How to Write an Effective Personal Statement for Grad School

social work masters degree personal statement

Written by Michelle, Founder of MSW Helper

Schools of social work are looking for your ability to think critically and contribute to the social work field. This is more important than your grades and experience. I know this because I’ve seen people with high grades and a ton of experience get rejected from the program because they weren’t able to articulate their critical thinking skills (and I’ve seen it go the other way too, where applicants with low grades and little experience get accepted because of their strong personal statement).

So, let’s talk about how you can write an effective personal statement for your grad school application.

social work masters degree personal statement

Michelle is the Founder of MSW Helper, where she helps Master of Social Work Applicants write top notch personal statements for grad school. Michelle understands how stressful applying to the MSW can be, and strives to help applicants feel confident about their applications. 

Check out her website to learn more: https://www.mswhelper.com/

What schools of social work are looking for

In my experience, most schools of social work ask about these key areas:

  • Your experiences that motivated you to become a social worker, including personal, professional, academic, and other experiences
  • A discussion of a social problem and how social workers can work towards solving it
  • Your goals as a social worker

In addition, schools of social work typically assess your personal statement for the following:

  • Evidence of critical and analytical thinking skills
  • Potential contribution to the field of social work
  • Your ability to communicate clearly and succinctly

This is how you can demonstrate all of the following key areas seamlessly.

Contribution to the field

Let’s look at a personal statement of a past MSW applicant:

Applicant name: Sally ●        Experiences : Sally works at a women’s shelter and talks about what she learned there. ●        Social Justice Issue : Sally decides to talk about an issue within child welfare. ●        Goal : Sally mentions that she wants to get an MSW so that she can qualify for a job at the hospital.

There are a few issues with Sally’s personal statement.

First, there is no cohesion between her experience, social justice issue, and goals, which makes it hard for the reader to understand why she wants to pursue an MSW and how she’ll be an asset to the field.

Second, Sally is talking about how an MSW will be beneficial for her, which comes off as a bit self-serving. When writing a personal statement, it’s important to talk about how pursuing an MSW will allow her to help others.

With this in mind, let’s see an example of how Sally could improve her personal statement:

Applicant: Sally ●        Experiences : Sally works at a women’s shelter and talks about what she learned there. ●        Social Justice Issue : Sally discusses an insight from her time at the women’s shelter, and backs it up with research that proves that her observation is part of a larger social problem.  ●        Goal : This issue that Sally noticed at the women’s shelter inspired her to get her MSW so that she can address that issue and support her clients in a different capacity and advocate for women’s rights at the macro level.

Better, right?

In this version of her personal statement, Sally demonstrates a high level of critical thinking by talking about her insights and backing them up with research, and she demonstrates her potential contribution to the field by discussing how a Master of Social Work will allow her to serve others in a greater capacity. 

If you’re planning to write a personal statement, a great place to start is to think about insights and problems you’ve observed from your work, volunteer, placement, and personal experiences, and use those insights to develop your social justice problem.

Evidence of critical and analytical thinking

In addition to demonstrating your potential to contribute to the field, there are some tangible ways you can demonstrate your critical thinking skills.

First, make sure you understand what social work actually is.

This might sound obvious, but there are a surprising number of applicants who have a pretty limited understanding of what social work entails. I don’t blame them. The media often portrays a specific image of what social workers look like (usually involving child welfare, case workers, or therapists).

However, social work is so much more than that. Social workers work at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of society, and can work in many areas at each of these levels.

Also, many applicants pursue social work out of a desire to help others, but it’s not good enough to say that in your personal statement. There are a lot of other jobs you can do that would allow you to help others. Think about how social workers are different from other helping professions (such as nurses, psychologists, police officers, teachers, lawyers, etc.).  Why do you want to be a social worker and not another helping profession?

Understanding what social work is will help you provide a stronger and more thorough answer to the question of “why” you want to become a social worker.

Finally, connect your insights to the bigger picture by integrating research into your personal statement .

It’s one thing to talk about the issues you’ve noticed from your experiences, and it’s another to connect your insight to the bigger picture with the help of research.

Let’s look at Sally again.

Sally’s role at the women’s shelter is to help her clients who experienced domestic violence find housing. Sally noticed that many of her previously housed clients got evicted and ended up back at the shelter.

Sally also did some research and found studies to suggest that women who experience domestic violence have an overall higher rate of housing instability due to barriers such as income loss and lack of social support.

This knowledge motivated Sally to pursue a Master of Social Work so that she can move into a policy role to advocate for income and social support for women who experience domestic violence.

Connecting experience to research will demonstrate a high level of critical thinking.

Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly

When it comes to writing your personal statement, it’s not only what you say, but also how you say it. Admissions committees are typically assessing your personal statement for your writing ability.

Make it easy to read : Admissions committees read literally hundreds of personal statements each application season, so it’s likely that whoever reads your personal statement is going to quickly skim through your personal statement to find your answers. With that in mind, it’s important to make your personal statement as skimmable and easy to read as possible.

You can do this by adding headings that match each question or prompt so that the reader can easily see that you did answer each prompt.

You should also be concise and get rid of filler words and sentences that don’t directly answer the prompts.

Finally, you should always try to include an introduction and a conclusion in your personal statement where you summarize your experience, social justice problem, and goals. This will allow the reader to get your whole story in a few sentences, and leave them with a strong impression at the beginning and end of your personal statement.

Treat your personal statement like an academic writing sample: Many applicants don’t realize that the personal statement is a sample of your academic writing and research skills. One way to stand out is to treat your personal statement like a school paper. I often advise applicants to use full APA formatting when writing their personal statement, as this will make your personal statement look more professional and will stand out from the crowd. 

Creating Your Own MSW Personal Statement

When writing a personal statement for your MSW, it’s important to demonstrate your potential contribution to the field, critical thinking skills, and strong writing ability. If you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to writing an effective personal statement that stands out.

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Msw personal statement, guidelines for preparing the social work interest and background statement also known as a personal statement.

The MSW Admissions Committee is interested in knowing more about you. Your response to the questions below will help the reviewers better understand your background, interests, goals, and suitability for the MSW program. Please take time to examine these questions and critically reflect on your experiences within the context of social work practice. Two to three paragraphs are expected for each question with a complete statement of five to seven pages (12 pt font and double spaced).

Factors to be considered in the evaluation of applicants' statement:

  • Personal qualities such as the capacity for self-awareness, maturity, genuine interest in addressing social problems and helping people in need, respect for human dignity, sensitivity, and responsiveness in relationships, openness to cultural and ethnic diversity, the potential for cultural humility, commitment to promoting social and economic justice, and work ethic.
  • Potential for professional competence; genuine interest in and a strong commitment to the social work profession.
  • Strong academic commitment to perform successfully in the MSW program.
  • An ability to engage in abstract reasoning, to think analytically and conceptually, to demonstrate critical thinking skills, and to formulate well-reasoned mature judgments.
  • Strong writing skills- the statement is cohesive, clear, well-organized, free of grammatical errors, and formatted correctly.

Questions to be answered in paragraph form to build a personal statement

  • What does social work mean to you? Why do you want to be a social worker? When you think about yourself as a professional social worker, what do you see as your strengths and areas for development?
  • How have your personal background and experiences, and your undergraduate academic work prepared you for a career in social work?
  • Describe how your personal experiences with diverse populations have contributed to your interest and readiness for social work practice. What were you taught from your family of origin about people different from yourself? What have you chosen to keep and what have you chosen to discard from this learning as you have developed your own current personal values and beliefs about people racially or ethnically different from yourself?
  • Describe a specific experience (personal or work-related) that raised ethical, legal, or value-related issues. Discuss your thoughts, underlying values, and what steps you took to resolve the situation.
  • How have you been engaged in advocating and promoting social and economic justice? Please provide an example. What kind of unmet needs did you observe? Did you try to tackle these unmet needs? What worked, what did not, and why? What would you do differently?
  • Tell us the ways you are connected to your community. What do you expect to give back to your community following the completion of your MSW degree?
  • Why is the MSW program at CSUMB a good fit for your academic and career goals? What knowledge and skills are you hoping to gain by attending our MSW program (e.g. Practice, policy, research, clinical, advocacy, etc.?).
  • Additionally, what are your strategies for success in graduate school? The social work program is rigorous, requiring 60 units of coursework and 960 hours (16 hours a week for 4 semesters) of field internships at human services agencies. How will you meet these challenges? How will you juggle the educational demands and other responsibilities in your life?

PPSC: School Social Work & Child Welfare Attendance Applicants - be certain to incorporate the following in your personal statement

  • Tell us about your interest in school social work and your long-term career goals.
  • Please describe your professional experience in a K-12 setting.
  • Reflecting on your personal K-12 experience, what was the relationship that your family had with your school? What were the messages you received at school early on?
  • Touch upon your personal and/or professional experiences with English Learners (ELs), Migrant students, and students with disabilities. Please share your experience with all three groups.

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social work masters degree personal statement

How to Write a Stand-Out Personal Statement for Your Graduate School Application

How to write a personal statement for grad school

While deciding to embark on the path to graduate school is an exciting first step toward advancing your career, the application process can sometimes feel daunting and confusing.

One major part of the application that most schools require is a personal statement. Writing a personal statement can be an arduous task: After all, most people don’t necessarily enjoy writing about themselves, let alone at length.

A compelling personal statement, however, can help bring your application to the top of the admissions pile. Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about crafting a personal statement to make your application shine.

What Is a Personal Statement?

The point of a personal statement is for the admissions board to gain a deeper understanding of who you are apart from your education and work experience. It explains why you’re the right fit for the program and a worthwhile applicant. It’s also an opportunity to highlight important factors that may not be readily available in the rest of your application.

A personal statement is different from a statement of purpose (if you’re asked for that as well). A statement of purpose will touch on your academic and career goals, as well as your past credentials. While those should also be discussed in your personal statement, it’s more about your life experiences and how they’ve shaped you and your journey to graduate school.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Writing a Personal Statement

Before you start crafting your essay, there are a few prompts you can ask yourself to help clarify what you want to accomplish.

  • What are the key points you want to communicate about yourself?
  • What personal characteristics or skills do you have that make you a strong candidate for this field?
  • What exactly are your career goals, and how does graduate school play into them?
  • What have you learned about this field already? When did you first choose to follow this path, and what do you enjoy about it?
  • What do you think is important for the admissions board to know specifically about you?
  • Are there any discrepancies or causes for concern in your application you need to address? For example, is there a career and schooling gap, or a low GPA at one point? This is the time to discuss whether a personal hardship may have affected your academics or career.
  • Have you dealt with any unusual obstacles or difficulties in your life? How have they affected and shaped you?
  • What sets you apart and makes you unique from other graduate school applicants?
  • What factors in your life have brought you to where you are today?

Top Tips for Writing a Graduate School Personal Statement

Pick a few points to emphasize about yourself . Introduce yourself to the admissions board. Select key factors about your background that you want the university to know — elements that reveal what kind of person you are and demonstrate why you’re a strong candidate for the school and field of study.

Be very specific . Again, a personal statement is all about communicating what distinguishes you from other applicants. To accomplish that, you need to share specific anecdotes that underscore your statements. If you say you’re a strong leader, present an example of a time you’ve proven that skill through work, school or your personal life. These specific, personal stories provide a deeper understanding of who you are and prove your intentions.

Do your research . Demonstrate what attracted you to the program. If there is a specific faculty member or class that caught your attention, or another aspect of the program that greatly interests you, convey it. This shows you’ve truly researched the school and have a passion for the program.

“Whatever the topic may be, I would recommend writing in a manner that reflects or parallels the institution’s and/or department’s missions, goals and values,” said Moises Cortés, a graduate/international credentials analyst for the Office of Graduate Admission at USC .

Address any gaps or discrepancies . Explain any factors that may have impacted your academic career. If you had an illness or any other personal hardships that affected your grades or work, discuss them. If there is a discrepancy between your grades and your test scores, you can also take the time to go over any extenuating circumstances.

Strike the right tone . While it’s important to give readers a glimpse of your personality, avoid oversharing or revealing intimate details of your life experiences. You should also avoid making jokes or using humorous cliches. Maintain a professional tone throughout your writing.

Start strong and finish strong . As with any piece of writing, you want to draw in your readers immediately. Make sure to start off with an interesting and captivating introduction. Similarly, your conclusion should be a well-written, engaging finish to the essay that highlights any important points.

“ For a personal statement, I think the first and last paragraphs are most important and should always relate the program they are applying to their own experiences and ideas,” Hoon H. Kang, a graduate/international credential analyst with the Office of Graduate Admission, told USC Online.

Proofread, proofread and proofread again . We can’t emphasize enough the importance of rereading your work. Your personal statement is also an analysis of your writing skills, so ensure you have proper grammar and spelling throughout. In addition, we recommend having multiple people look over your statement before submission. They can help with the proofreading (a second person always catches a mistake the writer may miss), give advice about the statement’s structure and content, and confirm it’s the proper recommended length.

Once you’ve considered all of the above and reviewed and edited your personal statement to perfection, it’s time to submit and check off any remaining application requirements, including your resume and letters of recommendation .

Personal statements are arguably one of the most challenging aspects of applying to graduate school, so make sure to revel in this accomplishment and acknowledge your successes.

For more information, visit the  Office of Graduate Admission at USC  and explore  USC Online ’s master’s degrees, doctoral programs and graduate certificates.

social work masters degree personal statement

social work masters degree personal statement

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Personal Statement Blogs

February 17th, 2023

Social Work Personal Statement Examples – With Writing Guide 2023

social work masters degree personal statement

Even though it feels interesting to say it, your social work personal statement is one of the key parts of your application.

You intend to write it carefully, don’t you?

That’s where we come in to help.

You can learn everything there is to know about a social work personal statement from this blog.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

  • What should be mentioned
  • What and how to write
  • Things to include and leave out
  • Examples for inspiration

What is Social Work Personal Statement? Why Do You Need One?

It is a personalised statement wherein you address your background, previous activities, educational and professional plans, and whatever else is important for applying to a social work program. 

  • To interact with the admissions committee
  • To state your aspirations and objectives.
  • To get to know you and your abilities personally.
  • To make a good impression.
  • To help accelerate the selection phase.

What is a Personal Statement Prompt? Where Can You Find Them?

An essay that addresses a question that emphasizes an issue or topic is known as a personal statement prompt.

NEED EXPERTS HELP FOR WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT? CLICK HERE NOW!

When Do You Need One?

  • Whenever you submit a bachelor’s or graduate-level programme application.
  • Every university has a different deadline.
  • A personal statement is necessary if you want to enrol in a social work programme overseas.
  • Write one after reviewing the conditions.
  • You will submit this together with other documents.

Why Do Universities Ask for a Personal Statement?

Your social work personal statement is the best strategy an admissions committee could have to get to know you before you actually meet them.

Things that universities look at in your MSW personal statement are:

  • The factors that led you to select this course.
  • Your past and education.
  • The hardships and difficulties you have encountered.
  • Previous experiences.
  • Reasons why you are a strong candidate for the programme.

How Long Should a Social Work Personal Statement Be?

The length of your MSW personal statement depends on your university.

Each university has different requirements to write it. 

Word count –

Character limit –, no.of pages –, margin –, font size –, font style –, how to select the perfect sample what should be considered.

When you are confused about your writing, what should you do? 

Read a sample.

Right? 

But what should you consider while selecting a sample for your social work personal statement? 

Reliability

Your sample personal statement for social work should be credible.

Genuine and honest information should be included in the personal statement.

A standard structure and format should be used for the sample.

Depending on the contents, it should be broken up into numerous paragraphs.

Tone of writing

Writing should be in a positive tone.

The active voice should be used.

No negative attitudes or feelings should be expressed in the writing.

The personal statement should serve its purpose through its content.

Your personal statement needs to address all key information.

Read more here:

Example 1 – MSW Personal Statement

In Kerala, talking to a transgender person will make people look at you as though you did something wrong. Those eyes are filled with contempt and wrath for such people. However, conversing with them can help you become more calm and quiet. Knowing that they promote the perception that they are a lady or man makes you wiser and stop, as you’ll learn how they are regarded in society. The online discussion that a college in Kerala held with one of its most well-known transgender residents serves as a perfect case. More than 1500 people attended that workshop, which was a big success. This led to its submission to the college’s YouTube channel. Later, reality stung me even more. The video was taken down by Christian College management because it didn’t follow their purported rules and regulations. It was once more shown that there are still people who reject them.

Of course, there was nothing we could do. The “gender” of the person ultimately decided the outcome, despite the programme receiving widespread praise. When I went to a temple in my hometown, a transgender woman was selling flowers in front of the temple. People were in awe as she circled the shrine carrying bouquets of flowers. They gave her a contemptuous expression as they examined her from head to toe. But what stuck in my memory was how honest she was in expressing who she wanted to be. I considered that great and remarkable, despite the fact that people opposed and avoided them. Since I don’t know, I cannot say with certainty. I’ve been getting older, and it’s only gotten harder.

I started to actively consider them while I finished my undergrad in social work. I wondered what I could do to make their lives better and boost their respect. Despite the fact that the modern age has undergone significant change, much work remains. I looked for a place that supported the LGBTQ community when I wanted to complete an internship for my degree. However, I couldn’t find one. I made the decision to act myself at that point. I can do that by working toward a master’s degree in social work with a focus on gender and sex and an LGBTQ specialisation. My dream is to build them a home.

For better outcomes, I must shape myself if I want to seek a master’s degree. Through online platforms, I have completed a number of gender and sex certification courses. It aided in my general understanding of society’s evolution and current state. I participated extensively in extracurricular activities in addition to my studies. I was a helper in a nursing home close to my house on weekends. It made me realise how my interactions with them could impact the end result as a whole. So I keep putting effort into honing my communication skills. A social worker needs to have empathy and compassion toward other people. I feel that I possess the qualities necessary to succeed in your master’s programme based on the many experiences I have had. They are viewed as unlucky by some individuals and as fortunate by others. Regardless of luck, they are still simply human. They are free and entitled to exercise their rights. I wish to reaffirm that notion through this course. If we don’t act in ways that indicate our superior intelligence to animals, what makes us human in the first place?

Masters of Social Work Personal Statement Sample

Life has taught me to trust in myself even in the face of adversity. That’s how I’ve always been, too. I don’t have any lovely family photos of my early years when I think back on them; instead, I keep having visions of social workers and walking through courtrooms. My father tried to halt my mother’s drug and alcohol abuse, but he failed. Divorce was the final result. She fought for the custody of my sister and me even while she was having trouble. My father, however, could not consent to it. It ultimately resulted in my siblings and I living in nursing homes with social workers. Even when I was a little child, at the age of six, I had so many issues compared to other kids. It took tremendous strength to confront and defeat them. But it strengthened and enlightened me anyway.

I learned how social workers can be of huge assistance to kids like me through the many social services and court actions that I experienced as a child. I was able to grow more sensitive and empathic toward other people as a result. My personal problems inspired me to be a social worker. I wanted to use my personal experiences to aid anyone who was going through a similar situation.

At XYZ College (name of institution), I’m presently enrolled in my final year of BSW study. I looked into the many elements of social work and how much it connects those with serious concerns, difficulties, and struggles. I interned part-time at a nursing home after finishing my intermediate studies. At this time, I am volunteering at a facility for children with disabilities. It has presented me with the chance to learn about an array of different service disciplines and has also offered me a glimpse of each of the disciplines that a social care programme would include. Working in various fields has given me more insight into how to treat each person I interact with respect and trust. Since I am an impartial person, I am mindful that each person has a particular set of concerns.

I discovered that social work requires sincerity, the aptitude for problem-solving, determination, and a great deal of patience and dedication. I was an NCC member and have gone to numerous camps, which introduced me to more people and places. The discipline and time management skills were a result of these activities. By organising departmental and college festivals, I improved my communication and organisational skills to a great extent.

All of these traits, which I developed through my personal and professional experience, make me a strong candidate for this degree. I want to pursue a career in social work due to my desire to help people achieve their own potential and become the best versions of themselves through utilising my skills and experience. In addition to giving people the tools they need to accomplish it themselves, I want to support them with problem-solving. By working in social services, I will be capable of dedicating my resources and time to helping people achieve their highest level of potential. I would consider working as a social worker to be my calling, not just a job.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Writing a Social Work Personal Statement

These are the steps to keep in mind if you want to understand how to draft a social work personal statement:

Write an introduction

A query, fact, or some interesting information are good ways to grab the reader’s attention when you start writing an introduction. 

State your goals and expertise

Give details of any professional or volunteer experiences you have that are important to the field.

Describe the goals you hope to achieve in your social work career.

Establish your values

Define the driving factors that influence your actions and motivate you to seek a career in social work.

To explain those values, you can use examples.

In your concluding paragraph, reaffirm your worthiness for the course and also how you can advance the domain of social work if given a chance.

Once you’ve finished, read your personal statement three or more times to check for any mistakes or inaccuracies.

For written work, proofreading is an important step.

It’s time to submit this document for application, along with other documents, once you’ve completed adequate editing and proofreading.

How to Arrange Social Work Personal Statement

Introduction.

Make sure you create a positive impression while writing the introductory paragraph of your social work personal statement.

“It was my desire to have a positive influence on people’s lives that motivated me to pursue social work as a career. Concern for the welfare of those I interact with has always been a source of great enthusiasm for me. I believe that studying social work would help me put this desire into practice.”

Describe your identity

Give the reader all the details they need to know about you in a quick description of who you are and what you are doing.

What motivated you to enrol in this programme?

Provide a passionate and ardent explanation of why you wish to enrol in a social work programme.

The main body of your essay should be captivating.

Give a detailed account of your background, experiences, and goals.

Do you have any volunteer or professional social work experience?

Positively describe your experiences and what you have gained from them.

What are your goals for your career?

Give an outline of your plans after the course.

What are your areas of strength?

Describe the strengths you possess that make you the ideal candidate for the social work programme.

The key points of your social work personal statement should be summed up here.

  • Your short-term and long-term objectives
  • Explain briefly why you’re the best applicant.
  • Thank the admissions committee for the chance.

What Do You Write in a Personal Statement for Social Work?

Don’t worry if you’re unsure what to put in your social work personal statement.

Your personal statement for social work should include the following:

Goals as related to social work

Describe your objectives for the social work sector and how you intend to achieve them.

Experiences you have

Talk about any prior work experiences or voluntary activities you may have undertaken.

Your suitability for the course

Describe why you are a good fit for this course. For instance, it may result from interest or prior work experiences.

Your abilities and qualities

Describe your abilities and skills.

In particular, the critical social work skills like communication, multitasking, etc.

To support your claims, provide instances.

Give appropriate instances to support

Add relevant examples to support your statement.

What Should You Avoid in a Personal Statement?

While writing your social work personal statement, try to avoid these things:

Too many personal details

Personal accomplishments unrelated to your academic and career ambitions shouldn’t be mentioned in your personal statement.

False information

Avoid lying or exaggerating in your personal statement as they could find out later.

Complaining about the past

Stay away from whining about difficult circumstances or previous educational experiences.

Avoid repetition

The facts related to the application shouldn’t be included in your personal statement.

This will prevent the repetition of replies on official forms.

Irrelevant details

Since your personal statement is a chance to express your career and academic aspirations, avoid irrelevant information in it.

The Top Universities for Social Work Programmes for You to Attend

University of michigan.

Courses offered: Master’s Degree, Ph.D.

The University of Texas

Courses available: bachelor’s and master’s

University of Toronto

Courses offered: master’s and doctoral

Columbia University

Courses given: Master’s degree, Ph.D.

University of Washington

Degree available: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Ph.D.

Your social work personal statement will undoubtedly stand out from the rest if you stick to the suggestions and tips given above.

Positive impressions are made by applicants with strong personal statements. You can do it!

Please let us know in the comments if you find our blog useful.

All the best!

Can you reuse your own personal statement?

You can use it. For each course and university, however, you must carefully review the guidelines and requirements for the personal statement.

Should you say thank you at the end of a personal statement?

It is not necessary to add a thank-you note. But if you want to add it, you can add it.

How do you sound passionate in a personal statement?

Following an expression of interest with instances of experience and work is the finest way to convey your passion.

Should I brag in my personal statement?

You can brag about yourself in the personal statement, but don’t exaggerate it.

Can you talk about mental health in a personal statement?

In your personal statement, you can mention any personal struggles that have affected your choice of qualifications. If not, don’t.

social work masters degree personal statement

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  • Social Work Personal Statement Examples

Are you applying to a Social Work course at a UK university ? It’s expected from you to have a strong sense of empathy, an ability to communicate effectively, and a commitment to social justice. 

A personal statement is an essential part of your application for a social work course, as it allows you to showcase your skills, experiences, and passion for helping others. You can find below successful social work personal statement examples from applicants to inspire and guide you in preparing your UCAS application .

Social Work Personal Statement Example

As a conscientious, responsible, enthusiastic, and open-minded individual, I am eager to pursue a career in social work. I have spent the last two years working in the social care field, and I am now ready to take the next step in my career by undertaking a degree programme in social work. My passion for social care stems from my desire to help those in need, and I have found immense satisfaction in doing so.

Working in a variety of settings has allowed me to meet and work with a diverse range of service users, and I have developed strong communication skills as a result. I have represented service users at Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangement meetings, Care Programme Approach (CPA) reviews, and Ward Round meetings. Working collaboratively with a team and partners has also taught me the importance of teamwork and partnership.

My commitment to helping those in need extends beyond my professional life. While in sixth form, I participated in a programme aimed at providing children with a low reading age with the support they needed to improve their reading levels. Additionally, I regularly visit a local care home for disabled individuals to talk and play games with the residents, as one of my close relatives lives there.

In my personal life, I enjoy keeping fit by working out in my home gym. I also enjoy listening to music and going out with friends, which provides me with a different environment from my work and studies and the opportunity to meet new people.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I volunteered to help with food delivery for elderly individuals, which further reinforced my desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives. These experiences have taught me the value of empathy, compassion, and the importance of supporting individuals in their times of need.

I believe that social work is a noble profession that offers the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives, and I am committed to pursuing this career path. With my strong communication skills, teamwork abilities, and passion for helping others, I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to the field of social work. I am excited to embark on this journey and am eager to learn and grow as a social worker.

Recommended for further reading:

  • How to Write a Personal Statement for a Master’s
  • How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD
  • UCAS Personal Statement: A Writing Guide And Tips For Success
  • Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for the University
  • How to Write a Personal Statement That Stands Out

Personal Statement Examples UK

  • Writing a Winning Medical Personal Statement
  • How To Write A Personal Statement For Psychology
  • How To Write A Dentistry Personal Statement

Social Work Personal Statement Example For UK University

As a thoughtful young leader who has always been fascinated by the complexities of human society and the issues that people face, I have decided to pursue a career in social work. My background in sociology and my experience as a Women’s Officer on my students’ union executive committee have given me a good understanding of the challenges that people from different backgrounds can face, and I am eager to use this knowledge to make a real difference in the lives of others.

My BA (Hons) in Politics with Law has given me the academic grounding necessary to succeed in a Social Work MA programme. Through my coursework, I have gained experience in reading and interpreting legal texts, which will be invaluable in understanding the legislation that social workers operate within, such as the Children’s Act 1989 and Mental Health Act 1983.

In addition to my academic qualifications, I have also developed important skills through my part-time job as a shop assistant. This work has taught me the importance of responsibility and has given me increased confidence. I have also developed my communication skills by dealing with unexpected problems and working with customers.

Throughout my life, I have always been willing to offer help and support to others. As a class rep in college, I was regularly asked for help and advice, which I was happy to provide. I believe that my non-judgmental, open, and empathetic nature makes me well-suited to a career in social work. I understand the importance of approaching each situation with sensitivity and understanding, and I am committed to providing the best possible care and support to those in need.

I am particularly interested in helping individuals and families who are facing abuse and other types of trauma. Through my sociology coursework, I have gained a good understanding of the problems that can arise in families, and I am eager to use this knowledge to help those who are in need. I believe that everyone deserves to live in a safe and supportive environment, and I am committed to doing everything in my power to make this a reality.

I believe that I have the necessary skills, knowledge, and personal qualities to succeed in a career in social work. I am passionate about helping others and making a positive difference in the world, and I am eager to take on the challenges that come with this important work. I look forward to the opportunity to continue my education and training in social work.

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

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 100,325 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…

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

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

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

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

For Formatting:

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

Language and tone to use:     

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

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

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

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

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

Personal Statement PDF

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

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

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

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

1. msw personal statement

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

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

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

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. computer science masters personal statement

statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf

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

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

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

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COMMENTS

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