Arts management degree personal statement example (1a) work experience

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Arts management as a degree choice at University was something that I feel naturally inclined to do; I have always been organisational with a keen eye for details. From arranging small outings within my group of friends to helping out with the running of a big event at school, I am constantly trying to find outlets for my enthusiasm.

The arts have always had a high importance in my life, especially within the last few years. In 2007 I was a chorus member in a school production of ‘Fame’, where I learnt several dance routines, songs and knowledge about the general production and running of a musical. I have also been to the West End on several occasions to see various shows – all of which I have considered to be breathtaking and inspirational.

Although I know that this is a very competitive field and job security isn't certain, I still want to be able to go to places that have a very wide cultural and arts background, just so I can learn about societal differences and how they affect the arts community – especially seeing as I come from such a small place. I also want to bring my hard work, creativity and enthusiasm to not only the course but the university itself.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

From an artistic point of view, I have a great love and passion for photography. I have had some of my own work displayed within a gallery at school and am actively involved in an online photography sharing website. My photography A Level exposed me to what I consider to be some of the greatest photographers, such as Annie Leibovitz, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Anna Gaskell – all of whom have inspired me to take photographs in their creative style whilst thinking about and drawing inspiration from their own artistic influences.

On the opposite end of the creative spectrum, I am a great lover of music and like to share this passion through singing and playing the guitar. I have performed multiple times in front of large audiences, have taken singing lessons and passed an exam to a Grade 2 standard. Although the theoretical side still manages to confuse me, I will always have an affection and dedication to the practical angle.

Previous experience has given me a taste of what life is like in this sector of work. I have helped with two fundraising events at school, which not only taught me how fast paced the career is but also how stressful it can be at times; something which I am definitely prepared for. I have also written an article for the school newsletter about photography, which taught me about deadlines and how important it is that they are stuck to.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

During my gap year and my transition from A Levels to University life, I have secured myself two long term work experience placements. The first is with the events team at The Royal Yacht – a large and well established hotel that deals with not only corporate functions, but weddings and specialised gatherings like gala dinners or charity fundraisers. The second is within the events team at Jersey Heritage, who mainly deal with weddings and functions placed on historic sites that are specific to Jersey. I am extremely grateful to the two companies for allowing me to take a sneak peek into their working lives. It will definitely teach me more about what the management side of the job entails and allow me to build up and extend upon a bank of knowledge that I can then transfer and use on this degree course.

Universities applied to:

• Bath Spa
• Bournemouth Arts
• LIPA
• London
• South Bank
• London Metropolitan

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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