1. Making an Effective Application for Postgraduate Study Karen Parkhouse Careers Adviser

2. This session will cover.. a summary of the application process the importance of the personal statement what to include in your statement how to convince selectors of your suitability writing a well-structured, persuasive application To enable you to effectively market your skills, experience and academic potential for PG study

3. Application process Direct Direct application to HEI Unlimited choice Separate applications Personal statement Additional information may be required Centrally managed Apply to central body Limited choice Single application form Personal statement Specified deadlines

4. Making an application You will be expected to provide some or all of the following with your online application  Evidence of academic qualifications  Two referees including one academic  Outline of your proposed research project  Personal or supporting statement  Additional documents e.g. CV

5. Personal statement Your statement should include examples from relevant work, voluntary or study experiences that illustrate your skills (e.g. time and project management, communication, team working, problem solving). You should also cover your successes and achievements relevant to the course to show your aptitude for postgraduate study and outline why you have:  chosen the programme or research topic  chosen Newcastle University  how you will apply your current skills, knowledge and experience.  how the course fits into your career plans and ambitions.

6. Selectors will look for …  your reasons for applying to this programme  your potential to successfully complete the programme  a genuine interest and motivation in the subject

7. Why is your personal statement important?  first indicator of your level of motivation  likely to determine whether you’re offered a place or  whether you’ll be invited for interview and if so, used as a basis for this conversation  may be used to decide if you will receive funding  may tip the balance in your favour if you are a ‘borderline’ applicant

8. Purpose To persuade the reader you can and want to do research  Build a clear and convincing case  Use personal experiences and insights to provide evidence of your suitability and informed thinking  Describe and reflect on relevance of experiences  Don’t expect the reader to read between the lines  Use positive, assertive language throughout  Avoid “I think…I believe…I am passionate about…”  Avoid unsubstantiated claims and waffle!

9. A simple Structure PGT/PGR  Why are you applying (inc. career direction)?  Your academic experience  Your relevant non- academic experience  Why that university?  Concluding sentence Vocational courses  Why are you applying (inc. career direction)?  Relevant academic experience  What has your work experience taught you?  What extra experience do you have?  Concluding sentence

10. Opening paragraph You need to gain the reader’s attention and explain why you’re applying -  What sparked your interest?  How did the idea develop?  What have you done to find out more? Be specific and support statements (throughout) with evidence drawn from your experiences.

11. Getting started “I have always been interested in politics.” Since when? Why? How have you developed this interest? “I believe research is very worthwhile.” What has led to this conclusion? “I want to do postgraduate study because I love my subject.” What do you think postgraduate study will offer?

12. Evidence of interest and ability Voluntary or paid work e.g. placement, project, freelance, work shadowing. Sector specific? Interests and achievements e.g. travel, scholarships, study abroad, expeditions, student societies, additional responsibilities Additional skills or qualifications e.g. IT, business or legal training, field work, database management, languages, professional networks and memberships, additional courses …… Academic e.g. modules, strengths, research experience, projects, awards…

13. Be selective and reflective Include details of relevant experiences and achievements that have influenced your decision to apply and show your suitability for the programme. Demonstrate reflection and development:  what was the experience?  what did you achieve?  how has it developed and influenced you?  how is it relevant to the programme?

14. Reflect and analyse I also have a part-time job and enjoy being busy. X information only Working ten hours a week alongside my academic studies, I have learnt how to manage my time effectively and maintained strong results for my academic work. Discussions in weekly seminars and regular group work have developed my critical thinking and taught me how to tailor content and delivery to communicate effectively with different audiences.

15. First impressions? Last year, I worked for ten weeks on a Newcastle Work Experience project to investigate students’ reading habits in the School of Psychology at Newcastle University. Understanding human behaviour is a fundamental aspect of understanding social structure. I found the work very interesting and enjoyed making a contribution to the project.

16. Last year, I worked on a ten week educational research project under the supervision of Professor Browning. Undertaking a thorough review of literature, I learnt how to use various databases including Web of Science and psycINFO to summarise and manage relevant literature and developed my understanding of information retrieval methods. Furthermore, I assisted with the collection of detailed information about students’ reading habits and was involved in developing a questionnaire before being given individual responsibility for recruiting participants and collecting and analysing data. This prompted me to request further training in Excel. Attending regular research seminars and talking to members of the research group, I also deepened my understanding of social structure and behaviour which encouraged me to further explore postgraduate study in this field. I received positive feedback for the quality of my 2000 word final report. Since then, I ……

17. Last year, I worked on a ten week educational research project under the supervision of Professor Browning. Undertaking a thorough review of literature, I learnt how to use various databases including Web of Science and psycINFO to summarise and manage relevant literature and developed my understanding of information retrieval methods. Furthermore, I assisted with the collection of detailed information about students’ reading habits and was involved in developing a questionnaire before being given individual responsibility for recruiting participants and collecting and analysing data. This prompted me to request further training in Excel. Attending regular research seminars and talking to members of the research group, I also deepened my understanding of social structure and behaviour which prompted me to further explore postgraduate study in this field. I received positive feedback for the quality of my 2000 word final report. Since then, I ……

18. Compare “I am secretary of the Extreme Frisbee club and also have a part-time job in Tesco which has developed my communication skills.” “Alongside my current studies, I am secretary of the Extreme Frisbee club and also have a part-time job in Tesco. Managing these commitments has enabled me to develop effective time management skills, and so I am confident that I will cope well with the intense demands of this Masters course.”

19. Think ABC Activity:Active member of Dance Society or completed the Great North Run (mention when) Benefits:What are the transferable skills or insights you’ve acquired through this activity and how? For example, time-management, self-motivation and discipline, resilience, critical thinking, confident communication Course:How does this relate to the course you’re applying for?

20. Why course X and university Y? Structure of the programme, teaching quality, module choices, research options, supervision, assessment, external links? Staff and department: areas of expertise, strengths, reputation? Institution: location, size, student population, facilities, infrastructure, wider opportunities?

21. Do your research

22. Career direction Are you likely to finish the programme and what value might you bring?  What are your current career ideas?  What do you intend to do on graduation?  How will the programme benefit your current thinking about the future?

23. To summarise Purpose:persuade the reader you can and want to do the programme at their institution Content:provide evidence of the ability, skills, knowledge and motivation to succeed Structure:build a clear and convincing case based on experience, careful research and reflection

24. Essential preparation  Consult the web  Programme content and structure  Research areas and staff profiles  Facilities  Further advice  Talk to relevant academic staff  Check the reality of your ideas