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Writing your Creative Personal Statement
Tuesday, 26 November, 2024 — Your personal statement is an important part of your UCAS application, but it can be a daunting task to get started on, so we’ve pulled together a quick guide to help you create a personal statement that feels authentic to you.
<p dir="ltr">Sitting down to submit your <a href="https://www.ucas.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCAS</a> application and writing your personal statement might seem like an intimidating task, but if you break it down into bite-sized chunks it will be much easier. </p>
<p dir="ltr">To write a successful creative personal statement it is important to talk about your academic achievements and experiences in a confident way to evidence why you are well suited to the course you’re applying to. If you’re applying to a creative arts course or university, it is just as important to talk about your creative work, influences, motivations and interests, referencing any skills that you have that are relevant to the course. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Starting your personal statement will require a good plan, and several drafts or edits before it’s ready to send off, so it’s better to get ahead and start sooner rather than later. An important thing to note is that UCAS<a href="https://www.ucas.com/"> </a>has changed the format of <a href="https://www.ucas.com/advisers/help-and-training/guides-resources-and-training/pre-application-support/personal-statements-2026-entry-onwards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personal statements </a>this year, meaning rather than one longer piece of text, you are required to write 3 separate sections, each with a different question to help shape the focus of your answers.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We’ve put together a guide to help you write your creative personal statement that will impress any admissions officer, as well as explain the internal admissions process to keep it real with you. <br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">As a University, it is our commitment to you to ensure that your interests are protected and prioritised above all else. When speaking to our admissions team, they will advise and support you appropriately, without creating any unnecessary pressure on your choice. You will be equipped with all available information to ensure that you are making the right decision for you when it comes to picking your UCAS choices. The conditions of your offer are not to provide any extra pressure when it comes to you accepting or declining. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Our admissions team are here to help you, and will provide all available information to help you make the best choice, including the prior qualifications you may need, how the admissions team make their decisions as well as the type of offers you are able to receive. </p>
<p dir="ltr">When reviewing your application, our admissions team will assess your capability of completing the course not just based on your academic qualifications but also your individual experiences and achievements outside of academia. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Our admissions team's approach to assessing your application is defined by the following steps…</p>
<p dir="ltr">When applying to Arts University Plymouth, we want to make it clear that any barriers to entry have nothing to do with your potential or ability to succeed on the course, such as where you grew up or any disabilities. If you have trouble with access and need extra support when applying to study with us, you can talk to someone <a href="mailto:admissions@aup.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.<br /></p>
<p>Writing a creative personal statement may feel overwhelming, but breaking it into the three sections now required by UCAS can help you tackle it step by step. Here’s how to approach each section, with guidance on what to include and examples to inspire you.<br /></p>
<p>This section is your chance to show why you’re passionate about the course and how it aligns with your interests, experiences, and future ambitions. Universities want to see curiosity, knowledge, and a genuine enthusiasm for the subject.</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Your motivations: Share why this subject excites you. Was it inspired by a personal experience, a role model, or a book, podcast, or event?</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Your interests and research: Talk about how you’ve explored the subject through super-curricular activities like museum visits, reading, or projects.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Future aspirations: Link your choice of course to your goals, whether it’s a career path or personal growth.</p></li></ul>
<ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">A book or article that changed how you see your subject.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">A visit to a gallery or a talk by an industry professional that sparked your passion.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">A personal story, like how caring for a family member inspired you to study a subject related to health or empathy.</p></li></ul>
<p>This is where you connect your academic background to your chosen course. Highlight relevant skills and achievements that show you’re ready to succeed.</p>
<ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Relevant subjects or modules: Discuss specific areas of study or projects that relate to the course.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Skills you’ve gained: Focus on transferable skills like critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, or problem-solving.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Educational achievements: Go beyond grades—mention essays, competitions, or leadership roles that demonstrate your potential.</p></li></ul>
<ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">An Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on a topic connected to your course.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Winning a competition in a related field, such as design, writing, or maths.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Leading a group project that built your communication and teamwork skills.</p></li></ul>
<p>This section is your opportunity to showcase everything you’ve done outside of formal education to develop relevant skills and experiences.</p>
<ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Work experience or volunteering: Reflect on what you learned and how it applies to your course.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Extracurricular activities or hobbies: Show how your passions outside the classroom demonstrate creativity, discipline, or leadership.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Personal challenges or achievements: Share meaningful experiences that have shaped your character or skills.</p></li></ul>
<ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Volunteering at a local arts centre to learn about curation and community engagement.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Organising an event, such as a charity fundraiser, demonstrating planning and leadership skills.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">A hobby like photography or painting that has helped develop your creative eye and technical ability.</p></li></ul>
<ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Keep it focused: Use the PEEL method—Point, Evidence, Explain, Link—to give examples depth and relevance.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Be authentic: Admissions teams value honesty and personality over perfection. Share your unique perspective.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Don’t repeat information: Avoid listing qualifications that are already part of your application. Use the space to tell your story.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Proofread and edit: Check for clarity, grammar, and typos. Ask someone you trust to review it for feedback.</p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">Writing your personal statement is a vital step in your journey towards university and your future career. By breaking it down into manageable sections and showcasing your passion, experiences, and skills, you can craft a statement that highlights why you’re an ideal candidate for your chosen course. Remember, this is your chance to share your story and let your personality shine.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you’re ready to begin your journey towards a career in the creative industries, join us at Arts University Plymouth. We are proud to be the University of the Year for South West England based on student reviews in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, as well as ranked number two for Student Satisfaction in the UK and number two for Teaching Excellence in the UK in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025.</p>
<p dir="ltr">🎓 Come to our next Undergraduate Open Day on Saturday 30 November from 10am–2pm at our Tavistock Place Campus. Open Days are the perfect opportunity to connect with our friendly course leaders and admissions team, explore our state-of-the-art facilities, and discover which course is the best fit for your creative ambitions.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Start your journey today and let’s shape your future together.<br /></p>
<p>* Please note that this information is for 2025/26 applications only as it is subject to change. </p>
