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English degree personal statement example (1e) with review

This is a real English personal statement written by a student for their university application. It has been carefully edited into the new three-question format, with all of the original wording kept. It may have strengths and weaknesses, but it can be used as inspiration for writing your own UCAS personal statement. Ensure your personal statement is entirely your own work, copying from this example or other sources is considered plagiarism and can affect your application. There are lots more examples in our collection of sample personal statements.

This statement has been reviewed by one of The Student Room's personal statement reviewers, and their feedback is included below.

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

After careful consideration and consultation between my parents, tutor and teachers, I have chosen to apply for a degree course in English, as it is a subject for which I have a real passion, and would be useful for a future career in the media industry. I am currently studying A-Level English Language, and the course has enabled me to develop knowledge of interesting issues relating to the English language. For example, an intriguing topic I studied involved the study on how each gender uses language, leading to interesting topics of discussion. I also looked at language used within the media industry, allowing me to develop an insight into journalistic styles of writing. I have also extended my linguistic skills, and am able to carry out in-depth textual analyses. English is a subject I have a real enthusiasm for and is a subject I'd like to continue studying.

Alongside English, I am currently studying A-Levels in Media Studies and ICT, both of which I enjoy immensely. Media Studies has enabled me to have some experience of the work and issues involved in the media and is another subject I have a real interest in. The course has given me a useful insight into how the media works and the production techniques and values contributing to the creation of media texts.

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

There have been many assignments that have been enjoyable. For example, I produced my own mock supplement for a Sunday newspaper, including celebrity pages and film reviews, using my linguistic and writing skills to my advantage. I also worked in a team to produce a short documentary on fast food consumption in the UK. I believe both projects were successful, achieving quality end products.

In ICT, I have explored various multimedia packages and issues surrounding the computing industry, informing me on the role of communications in society. A favourite project of mine was designing a software package on Microsoft Excel. I decided to create a fantasy football competition for a secondary school, providing a comprehensive system for the students. I was proud of the end result and received the highest mark in the year.

I believe I have achieved a lot during my education and have enjoyed the subjects I have studied. With my determination and willingness to succeed, I believe I am responsible enough to handle the transition to university life. I was selected to represent the Media Studies department in my college's prospectus, to inform future students about the course. I also represented my secondary school in a Mathematics Masterclass and was also picked to be a political party leader in a mock school general election, which involved speech writing and preparing manifestos as part of the campaign.

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

Outside of my academic studies, I enjoy participating in sports, particularly football, of which I am a keen player and supporter. I also enjoy tennis and have been awarded certificates to a high level at swimming. I believe my participation in sports has allowed me to develop important teamwork and organizational skills. Other hobbies of mine include listening to music and playing chess. I am also computer literate, and often use the Internet, allowing me to develop web design and programming skills.

In conclusion, I consider myself to be a dedicated and committed student, with an excellent attendance record and I am excited at the prospect of studying English at degree level and looking forward to getting into university life.

Expert feedback from The Student Room personal statement reviewer

General Comments:

Comments on the statement:

After careful consideration and consultation between my parents, tutor and teachers, I have chosen to apply for a degree course in English This is unnecessary information and makes it sound as if you were unsure about applying for English as it is a subject for which I have a real passion Passion is a clichéd word, and would be useful for a future career in the media industry. I am currently studying A-Level English Language, and the course has enabled me to develop knowledge of interesting issues relating to the English language. For example, an intriguing topic I studied, 'Check your grammar here' involved the study on how each gender uses language, leading to interesting topics of discussion. Elaborate on this I also looked at language used within the media industry, allowing me to develop an insight into journalistic styles of writing. I have also extended my linguistic skills, and am able to carry out in-depth textual analyses. English is a subject I have a real enthusiasm for and is a subject I'd like to continue studying Try not to repeat words like 'subject' too much. You haven't mentioned a single text or author which interests you and therefore haven't demonstrated your interest in wider reading.

Alongside English, I am currently studying A-Levels in Media Studies and ICT, both of which I enjoy immensely. Media Studies has enabled me to have some experience of the work and issues involved in the media and is another subject I have a real interest in. The course has given me a useful insight into how the media works and the production techniques and values contributing to the creation of media texts.

There have been many assignments that have been enjoyable. For example, I produced my own mock supplement for a Sunday newspaper, including celebrity pages and film reviews, using my linguistic and writing skills to my advantage. I also worked in a team to produce a short documentary on fast food consumption in the UK. I believe both projects were successful, achieving quality end products.

In ICT, I have explored various multimedia packages and issues surrounding the computing industry, informing me on the role of communications in society. A favourite project of mine was designing a software package on Microsoft Excel. I decided to create a fantasy football competition for a secondary school, providing a comprehensive system for the students. I was proud of the end result and received the highest mark in the year This isn't related to your chosen subject. You've dedicated three paragraphs to ICT and Media. Ideally it should be one paragraph.

I believe I have achieved a lot during my education and have enjoyed the subjects I have studied. With my determination and willingness to succeed, I believe I am responsible enough to handle the transition to university life. I was selected to represent the Media Studies department in my college's prospectus, to inform future students about the course. I also represented my secondary school in a Mathematics Masterclass and was also picked to be a political party leader in a mock school general election, which involved speech writing and preparing manifestos as part of the campaign.

Outside of my academic studies, I enjoy participating in sports, particularly football, of which I am a keen player and supporter. I also enjoy tennis and have been awarded certificates to a high level at swimming. I believe my participation in sports has allowed me to develop important teamwork and organizational skills. Other hobbies of mine include listening to music and playing chess. I am also computer literate, and often use the Internet, allowing me to develop web design and programming skills Stay focused on your subject. In general you have too much info about extra-currics and outside interests.

In conclusion This is very formulaic and GCSE essay style, I consider myself to be a dedicated and committed student, with an excellent attendance record and I am excited at the prospect of studying English at degree level and looking forward to getting into university life.

AI generated feedback

This feedback is AI-generated, based on the text of this personal statement:

This personal statement shows clear enthusiasm for English and media studies, highlighting relevant coursework and projects that demonstrate useful skills. To improve the new Ucas personal statement presentation, it would benefit from focusing more specifically on English literature or language by mentioning particular authors, texts, or literary interests to deepen the academic passion.

Condensing the details on ICT and media into one paragraph could strengthen the narrative relevance, maintaining focus on English while showing transferable skills. Extra-curricular activities are noted well for transferable teamwork and organizational skills but could be kept more concise to align with best practices for 2026 applications by emphasizing how these sharpen relevant attributes for university study.

Overall, the statement has a genuine voice but would improve by reducing repetition, avoiding clichés like "passion," and providing more precise examples of academic interests. Transitioning away from formulaic conclusions towards a more reflective closing about future aspirations related to the course would enhance professionalism and impact.

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.

Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.

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