Personal statement and reference

Personal statement

UCAS applicants must complete a personal statement which is split into three specific questions. Applicants applying using our direct application form should follow this guidance.

Below is our guidance on what we would expect to read in response to the standard UCAS questions:

Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Your personal statement should explain your reasons for wanting to study medicine and why you think you would make a good doctor.

Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

Successful applicants must be able to show evidence of the following:

• personal qualities such as empathy, good communication and listening skills, leadership skills and the ability to work in a team
• commitment to academic study, resilience, perseverance and intellectual potential

Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

The School will expect you to have an insight into medicine and healthcare gained from relevant medically related work experience, general reading, attending medical careers conferences, or talking to doctors or medical students. You should be able to reflect on your experiences and what you have learned about this career pathway.

You must have paid or unpaid work or shadowing experience in a caring or health environment. This experience could have been gained in hospitals, GP surgeries, nursing homes or local hospices, or by working with people who have ill health or a disability.

Virtual experience will be considered in addition to in-person experience.

Medicine is a profession that requires commitment. It is important that the choice to enter medicine is made with insight into where it might lead, the role of life-long learning, and with awareness that the course is a training for professional practice.

In considering the commitment involved in becoming a doctor, the following web pages provide important guidance:

• Medical Schools Council
• General Medical Council

Reference

If you are at school, your Principal or Head of Year will generally write your reference. If you are on a gap year after achieving your school-leaving qualifications, the reference should also be provided by your school.

If you are studying at a university, the School of Medicine will require a reference from your academic tutor or adviser of studies.

References from family members, close friends or employers are not acceptable.

Your reference should comment on:

• your attitude to study and academic performance
• the context in which your qualifications have been or will be achieved, which could include whether any resit exams were taken and other extenuating circumstances
• your approach to working with others, including communication skills
• your contribution to your school or university
• any other skills or attributes you have that make you a suitable candidate for medicine

If you are applying with qualifications not yet achieved, your reference must contain predicted grades for your expected performance in examinations still to be taken.