Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Warwick International Foundation Programme

Personal Statement Requirements | International Foundation Programme at Warwick University

Guide to Writing your Personal Statement

What is a Personal Statement?

Your personal statement is an important part of your IFP application. It is your chance to explain why you are applying to study your course, and what makes you suitable for that particular course.

You need to answer three questions in total, and it should be no more than 600 words.

Personal statements requirements for the International Foundation Programme at Warwick

Before you start writing:

  • Do your research:

We recommend you view the IFP course pages on our website to read more information on the course description, modules, entry requirements and any additional requirements.

When you write:

  • Answer three questions:

There are three questions we need to answer, each question should be no more than 200 words:

  1. Why are you applying for the Warwick IFP and why does your chosen course subject area interest you? (200 words)

  2. How does the Warwick IFP relate to your future undergraduate degree choice(s) and career ambitions? (200 words)

  3. For your third question, please answer ONE of the following:

a. Guest speakers are regularly invited to the University to talk about their achievements. If you could invite somebody, past or present, who would you invite to speak and what questions would you ask them? (200 words)

b. Tell us about a challenge, set back or failure that you have experienced and how it affected you. What did you learn from the experience? (200 words)

c. You will meet lots of new people on the Warwick IFP. How would you describe yourself so that somebody could get to know you better? (200 words)

If you have a gap of more than a year since your last studies, please also include information on what you have been doing during this time.

  • Statement structure:
    1. Plan ahead and think about the structure of your statement.
    2. A well-structured, thoughtfully written statement can convey your suitability for and commitment to the course.
    3. Take care with spelling and grammar, and make sure that your ideas are expressed clearly and intelligently.
      • Be clear and concise, with a good structure of beginning, middle and end.
      • Get someone to proofread your statement for spelling and grammar before submitting your application.
      • Have a clear conclusion where you summarise your academic interest in your chosen course.

  • Things to Avoid:

    1. Try to avoid listing endless things in your personal statement. Instead, focus on a few topics, and go into greater depth about how they have contributed to you wanting to study your course.

    2. Given that you do not know who will be reading your personal statement, try to avoid using humour or making any controversial statements.

    3. If you do mention any books you like or participating in an extracurricular course - do make sure you have actually read them/participated in them. Remember that if you are asked to take part in an interview, you may be asked about anything you have mentioned in your personal statement.

    4. Try to avoid vague statements such as 'I have always wanted to go to your University because I have a passion for study.

Before you submit:

  • Ask a teacher, advisor, friend or family member to read your statement and support you to think of other examples that you might have missed. Ask them to do a final spelling and grammar check.
  • You may save your files as a .doc .pdf .jpg - other file types may not open.
  • The file size should not exceed 2 MB. If you wish to submit a file larger than this please wait until you have received the link for you to upload your supporting documents. You may upload as many documents as required in support of your application.