In addition to a CV, often required for graduate programmes are a personal, purpose and research statement. Any of these as demanded by the institution are used by faculty and admission officers to know more about a candidate’s academic background, research interests, purpose for undertaking the programme and future plans.

The best source of expectations for this document is the specific instructions and samples provided by the institution.

Covered in these guides are:

• Why are you applying for the course?
• Why does this subject interest you?
• Why do you think you’re suitable for the course(s)? Do you have any particular skills and experience that will help you to succeed
• on the course(s)?
• Do your current or previous studies relate to the course(s) that you have chosen? If so, how?
• Have you taken part in any other activities that demonstrate your interest in the course(s)?
• What are the skills or achievements that you think will help you with the course?
• What other skills make you interesting?
• What is work experience or voluntary work that makes you right for the course?
• How does the course relate to what you want to do in the future?