Subject-Specific Advice

While the general principles of a strong personal statement apply to every subject, different disciplines have different cultures, expectations, and priorities. What works in a STEM application would feel odd in a Humanities statement, and vice versa. This lesson provides specific guidance for four broad groups — STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Creative subjects — and addresses the particular challenge of Joint Honours applications.

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STEM Subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

STEM admissions tutors are looking for evidence of scientific curiosity, problem-solving ability, and mathematical or logical thinking. They want to see that you are excited by how things work, not just by the results.

Motivation Section

• Be specific about what area of the subject excites you. "I want to study Engineering" is meaningless. "I am fascinated by how structural engineers use finite element analysis to model stress distribution in earthquake-resistant buildings" tells the tutor something real.
• Reference current research, technological developments, or scientific debates that have captured your interest.
• Show that you understand the nature of the discipline — that STEM subjects involve rigorous methodology, iterative problem-solving, and often uncertainty.