Further education personal statement
A guide to writing your personal statement for further education courses.
Further education courses include:
- National Certificate (NC), National Qualification (NQ)
- Higher, National 5, National 4
- SVQ and up to SCQF Level 5/6
The personal statement is an opportunity for you to explain why you want to do the course you have applied for and show why you are suitable.
Your personal statement is used to help the campus understand more about your reasons for applying, your skills and experience. This statement might be used by the interviewer for your course to help them ask questions that are personal to you.
You should try to use correct spelling, punctuation and grammar, but these are not marked. If you would like assistance or guidance with this aspect, please contact the campus you are applying to.
Our tips for a successful personal statement
1. Your choice of course
1. Your choice of course
Think about why you are applying for your chosen course - why does this subject interest you?
Why do you think you're suitable for the course – do your current or previous studies relate to the course that you have chosen or have you taken part in any other activities that demonstrate your interest in the course?
2. Your interests
2. Your interests
Think about what things you enjoy doing and are passionate about:
- Are you a practical person, do you enjoy making things, cooking or baking, fixing things that aren’t working – give examples?
- Are you inquisitive? Do you enjoy finding out about things - how they work, enjoy learning about history or politics, reading novels or searching the web?
- Are you a member of any clubs or sports teams? Are you involved with any projects in your local community?
3. Your skills
3. Your skills
Think about any additional skills you might have that could relate to the course and attributes that make you interesting, special or unique:
- Are you creative or have a hidden talent - play a musical instrument, take part in sports, enjoy musical theatre, draw or paint, enjoy writing, or take photographs in your spare time?
- Do you have managerial skills – do you organise or look after any groups, control a budget or look after staff or finances?
- Are you compassionate – are you a carer for someone? Have you ever raised money for a charity?
- Are you multi-lingual – if you speak more than one language this should definitely be included!
4. Achievements
4. Achievements
Remember and include any other achievements you’re proud of, positions of responsibility that you hold or have held both in and out of school.
5. Work experience
5. Work experience
Also include details of jobs, placements, work experience or voluntary work, particularly if it's relevant to your chosen course. Try to link any experience to skills or qualities related to the course.
6. Your aspirations
6. Your aspirations
And finally, if you know what you’d like to do after completing the course – whether it’s to further study or employment, explain how you want to use the knowledge and experience that you gain.