personal statement for fintech masters

Login to Fasthire

Reset password, create a free fasthire account, personal statement for msc in financial technology (fintech).

• September 5, 2021
• Personal Statement

This Personal Statement for MSc in Financial Technology (FinTech) is for guidelines only, and to help you understand how to write yours. Do not copy it verbatim; use it as a source of knowledge. 

When applying for MSc in Financial Technology (FinTech), write your Personal Statement to suit your academic and career profile.  Click here  if you would like us to assist you with your statement of purpose. 

NOTE: PERSONAL STATEMENT IS ALSO REFERRED TO AS LETTER OF INTENT, STATEMENT OF PURPOSE, LETTER OF MOTIVATION, OR LETTER OF EXPLANATION.

Table of Contents

Top Universities Offering MSc in Financial Technology

• University of Stirling
• University of Bradford
• Swansea University
• Salford Business School
• University of Glasgow
• University of Exeter

Sample: Personal Statement for MSc in Financial Technology (FinTech)

No other time in history has the finance sector been proffered a better solution for financial inclusion, as in the 21st century. Financial technology has moved beyond the technology employed at the back-end systems of big financial institutions. It’s now at the core of financial operations and processes, and is proving to be the best way to bridge the age-long institutional gaps in underdeveloped communities. With my 18+ years of banking experience, I understand the importance of Fintech in the financial sector. With advantages like; payment transparency, reduced cost, reduced running cost, and accessibility, Fintech is the new bride of the finance world.

Consequently, In the face of global events, including the recent Covid-19 pandemic , it’s not a secret that corporate institutions are in search of innovations and solutions that will enable them to maintain relevance, and reduce activities that are surplus to requirements. These actions mean that professionals are faced with the decision to grow or be left behind. Coupled with the ever-increasing competition in the corporate world, there’s the need for a professional like me to position myself as a thought leader in my industry by acquiring higher education.

Although , aside from working in the banking sector, I and my spouse have been successfully operating a mobile catering business, together with a barbecue restaurant and bar, for over XX years and XX years respectively. These businesses are growing, and will gain more with the infusion of technology-enabled ideas. Hence, obtaining a master’s degree in Fintech would complement my banking and entrepreneurial career.

Also, My years of working have allowed me to gain professional knowledge of insurance, retail and business enterprise, liability product management, portfolio management, amongst others. From professional training and certification, I have broadened my understanding of big data analysis and international retail banking. These experiences have provided me with the interest, and fundamental knowledge, needed to excel in any academic or career choice that highlights; insurance, trading, utility payment, lending and credit. More so, I believe I’ll excel in my academic pursuit with the mentorship of my husband who was once a Chief Digital Officer in a financial institution, and currently a consultant for Fintechs, banks, and OFIs. 

I have chosen to study in this school; firstly, because it allows me to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge. Secondly, …………………….. Thirdly……….. 

Additionally, My attributes include; critical thinking, empathy, interpersonal relationship, and trust. When I am not working, I take out time to read, study history, or watch talent shows. These activities give me the chance to relax, have some solemn discovery about life, and also meditate.

Hence, I am prepared to take up this study, and I am confident that I’ll meet the academic requirements needed to excel in this program. Upon completion of my master’s degree, I hope to use the knowledge acquired to consult for financial institutions, while growing my business ventures. I believe my technical expertise, coupled with the professional skills gained in my years of banking, will enable me to make significant progress in Fintech, and tackle any challenges that come along the way.

Lastly, It’ll be an honour to pursue my masters’ degree in this great institution. I’ll greatly appreciate your considerations.

Editor’s Recommendation

• MBA SOP Sample University Canada West
• Personal Statement Sample Business Management and Entrepreneurship
• Personal Statement for MSc Cyber Security Scotland
• Personal Statement for Advanced Mechanical Engineering Sample
• Personal Statement for Sports Management Florida State University
• MSc International Business and Data Analytics Personal Statement
• Employment Reference Letter for Australian Immigration Sample
• Best Letter of Recommendation Writing Services Online
• Study Abroad Series: How to Apply and Gain Admission Abroad

If you need assistance with your Personal Statement for MSc in Financial Technology (FinTech) Contact us today!

Recent News Articles

Accepted SOP for New Zealand University

Statement of purpose for canada visitor visa, sample statement of intent for healthcare administration, uae resident statement of purpose for canada visa (format & sample), accounting and finance personal statement example uk, ma in education personal statement uk university, personal statement example educational psychology, statement of purpose for msc bioinformatics canada.

+2348138235629

For candidates.

• Ghanaian SOP & Personal Statement
• Letter of Recommendation
• LinkedIn Optimization
• CV Writing Service
• Login/Register
• Career Advice

For Employers

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Refund Policy
• Testimonials

© Product of Okverse Services Limited 2020-2023. All Rights Reserved

How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 107,375 views

A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.

If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.

Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What is a personal statement?
• Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
• How to write a personal statement for masters
• Personal statement for masters sample
• Examples of personal statement for masters
• Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters

Read:  Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.

A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.

The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.

Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.

2. Plan Ahead

A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.

Let us throw more light on this…

For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.

In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.

No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.

3. Research Your Program Of Study

Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.

And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.

From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.

Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.

A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.

5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement

Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.

We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.

On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.

6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications

One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.

All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.

And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.

Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.

Check out:  How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.

If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.

There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:

1. Planning A Personal Statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.

Before You Start:

Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.

Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.

Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.

Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.

When Writing:

When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:

• Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
• How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
• How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
• What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
• How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?

On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

• Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
• How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
• How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.

We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…

My past educational experiences have always…

You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.

The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.

When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:  

• Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
• Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
• Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
• Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
• Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
• Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
• Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
• Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.

For Formatting:

• Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
• Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
• Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
• Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.

Language and tone to use:     

• The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
• Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
• Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
• Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
• Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.

Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.

To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.

Personal Statement PDF

You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.

While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.

1. msw personal statement

We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management .  , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement

7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy

8. business administration personal statement personal statement for masters in business administration

9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf masters degree personal statement examples for cyber security

10. personal statement for masters in finance msc finance personal statement examples

11. statement of purpose for masters in information technology pdf msc personal statement examples for information technology

12. international development personal statement statement of purpose for masters example

13. msc international business management personal statement international business management personal statement examples

14. computer science masters personal statement

statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf

15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics

16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration    

Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: •    Avoid negativity. •    Following an online template blindly. •    Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. •    Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. •    Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. •    Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. •    Do not make pleading statements. •    Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. •    Avoid using sentences that are too long. •    Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. •    Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. •    Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. •    Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.  

Related Articles:

How to Write a Good Letter of Recommendation for Students (10 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Financial Aid Appeal Letter (13 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Personal Statement for a Scholarship ( 7 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Good Motivation Letter For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Letter Of Intent For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample LOI Example).

Latest Blog Posts

• US Visa Types Fees & Requirements
• 20 Free Social Media Marketing Course
• 30 Best Medical Universities In The US 2024
• Tips To Find And Apply For Scholarships Online
• 30 Best Study Techniques To Try This 2024
• 26 Best Country To Teach English 2024
• 26 Best Free AI Chatbot 2024
• 20 Best Countries To Relocate 2024
• Best Scholarships
• Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at University of the Western Cape 2025
• University Of Bonn International Fellowships 2024 (Germany)
• Asian Development Bank 2024 Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
• The Gates Scholarship for Low-Income Undergraduate Students 2024
• Griffith University 2025 Australian Government Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship (Fully-funded)
• Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship Programme 2024
• Acorn Foundation Kenneth Perszyk Snr. Adult Learner Scholarship for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students 2025
• DAAD Research Grants in Germany Call for Application 2025 (Fully-funded)

Scholarship Tips

Scholarships by country to study.

• United Kingdom
• United States
• South Africa
• New Zealand
• Netherlands

Scholarships by Category

• Postgraduate
• Undergraduate
• College School
• Entrepreneurs
• Bachelors Degree
• Women Scholarships
• Fully Funded

Scholarships by Country of Origin

• African Students
• Developing Countries

Scholarships by Institution / Company

• Flinders University
• German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• University of Edinburgh
• The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)

Scholarships by School

• University of Melbourne
• University of Kent
• University Of Queensland, Australia
• University of East Anglia
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Scholarships

• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Masters Scholarships
• MBA Scholarships
• Ph.D Scholarships
• Fellowship Scholarships
• Fully Funded Scholarships
• F1 Visa Interview Questions And Answers
• Scholarship Application Letter
• Letter Of Intent For Scholarship
• Personal Statement For Masters
• Motivation Letter For Scholarship
• Scholarship Acceptance Letter

Other Locations

• Scholarships in UK
• Scholarships in Canada
• Scholarships for Nigerian Students
• Scholarships for African Students
• Study Abroad Community

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Applying to graduate school
• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

College essays

• College essay examples
• College essay format
• College essay style
• College essay length
• Diversity essays
• Scholarship essays

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Avoiding repetition
• Literature review
• Conceptual framework
• Dissertation outline
• Thesis acknowledgements
• Burned or burnt
• Canceled or cancelled
• Dreamt or dreamed
• Gray or grey
• Theater vs theatre

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, July 03). How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/graduate-school/personal-statement/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to write a graduate school resume | template & example, how (and who) to ask for a letter of recommendation, master's vs phd | a complete guide to the differences, get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

• The University of Warwick

A guide to writing a Masters personal statement

Share this article:

If you are considering postgraduate study, you will need to think about writing an application that demonstrates why you are the right candidate for the course and their university. This is where your personal statement comes in. 

You’ll already have written a personal statement for your undergraduate application, so the concept should be familiar. However, there are some things you should be aware of when it comes to writing specifically for postgraduate study. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how to write a stand-out Masters personal statement and provide you with some valuable insights from our Masters Recruitment Manager Danielle, here at Warwick Business School (WBS).

What is a Masters personal statement?

An MSc personal statement, also known as a ‘statement of purpose’, supports your application to study a postgraduate course at university. It should highlight your key skills and experience whilst demonstrating your understanding of the course and conveying your academic skills and interests.

From her experience in the Recruitment and Business Development team at WBS, Danielle gives her take on a personal statement: 

Your personal statement is your opportunity to sell yourself and differentiate yourself from any other applicant, share your passion for joining WBS and link your life experiences and skills to how you could contribute to a cohort.

How long should a Masters personal statement be?

A personal statement for postgraduate study should fit within two pages of A4. Whilst you won’t be penalised if it is slightly longer, you should always make sure the content is relevant and doesn’t repeat information elsewhere in your application. 

What do you need to prepare before writing a Masters personal statement? 

Before writing your personal statement for postgraduate study, there are a few things you should consider.

Research your options

Take the time to read through course pages and brochures. You’ll find in-depth information on what the course involves and how it might align with your career goals. Danielle explains how understanding what the course involves is key in demonstrating your suitability and passion for a course: 

All of our course webpages feature extensive information on the course modules, so take the time to show you’ve done your research in your personal statement. Your personal statement is your chance to relate yourself to our core values and demonstrate what a strong candidate you will be for one of our programmes. Ensure you also use this as an opportunity to link our programme to your future career.

Course titles should not be taken at face value. Whilst some universities will have courses with the same titles, the content will differ. You need to demonstrate you understand what the course entails and why you want to apply for a particular course as. Danielle adds:

Take time to look at the content of the course you are applying for; although course titles may be the same at different universities the course content can be different. Do your research and demonstrate this in your personal statement, showing how invested you are in studying at WBS.

Consider what you want from your studies

The range of choice when it comes to postgraduate study is vast, and it can feel overwhelming when deciding which course is right for you. 

Whilst opinions from your friends and family are important, they shouldn’t be the ultimate deciding factor when choosing a course. Ultimately you need to consider what you really want and whether it aligns with your career goals. 

Begin to prepare your application

Once you have decided which course you would like to apply for and you’ve ensured you meet the entry requirements, you will need to begin preparing your application. This includes collecting the correct documentation such as a CV, transcript, personal statement, and reference.

What should you include in a Masters personal statement?

Recruitment and admissions teams receive thousands of applications each year so it is important that your personal statement is to the point and demonstrates what they are looking for in their students. 

Danielle gives some insight into what our recruitment team looks for in a personal statement for a Masters degree:

Aim to keep your personal statement to the point by making sure you answer the following questions, addressing the key points our Selection Committee will be looking for:

• Why have you selected this course? What are your motivating factors?
• How do you see this course benefitting your career plans?
• What will you contribute to your cohort?

As well as addressing these key questions, you should also include the following:

Academic achievements 

You need to demonstrate how your undergraduate study has prepared you for a postgraduate course. You can do this by highlighting specific achievements, projects and pieces of work as well as mentioning any particular topics that interest you. 

Professional achievements

If you completed any professional work experience alongside your studies, it is a good idea to mention them here. Highlight any duties, tasks and responsibilities you had to demonstrate what you gained from this work experience. 

Relevant extracurricular activities

Including information about relevant extracurricular activities you are involved in can help to give a more rounded view of you as a person. This could include volunteering opportunities and any meaningful hobbies you have. 

Transferable skills

Your transferable skills should be highlighted throughout your personal statement. The types of things you could include are presentation skills, communication skills, analytical thinking and time management. Consider what you can bring to lectures and workshops. For example, if your course involves a lot of group work, use an example where you demonstrate your experience with this.

What should you avoid when writing a Masters personal statement?

Repetition of information.

When submitting both a CV and personal statement it can be easy to fall into the trap of just repeating the same information across both documents. Your personal statement is an opportunity for you to reflect and expand on what you have stated on your CV, rather than repeating the same information.

Not providing enough context

Simply listing your achievements without providing context will not prove to the recruitment teams that you are the right candidate for the course. Provide hard evidence to back up the statements you make and try to give two or three in-depth examples, rather than several weak answers. 

Not tailoring your application to the specific university or course

Recruitment and admissions teams are keen to hear why you have chosen a specific course and why you want to attend their university. You need to provide clear examples of what excites you about their institution and how you can align with their particular values.  

What do recruitment teams look for in a Masters personal statement?

University recruitment teams and selection committees review thousands of applications each year. To ensure your application stands out, you must show that you have taken the time to prepare and research your chosen university.

Recruitment teams want to see your passion for the subject and motivations for joining their institution. Detailing your experience and the skills you can bring will help to emphasise this. Danielle also suggests not overlooking the obvious when it comes to writing a personal statement:

It may sound simple but the first answer to this question is that the Selection Committee wants to see a well written, clearly structured personal statement which demonstrates good preparation and research.

What else do I need to include with my Masters application?

The documents you need to include in your application may vary by institution and course. But generally, as well as your personal statement, you will also need to include: 

• Academic and professional references
• Copies of your undergraduate degree certificate and academic transcripts
• A list of final year modules if you're still studying for an undergraduate degree
• A research proposal (not all courses will require this)

If you are an international student, there are some additional things you will need to provide including: 

• A copy of your passport
• Proof of your language proficiency through either a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) certificate, or any others that meet requirements outlined on our course pages.

When are the deadlines for Masters applications?

Deadlines for Masters programmes vary quite widely between courses and universities. Information on specific deadlines can be found on their respective course pages and postgraduate brochures . You should aim to make an application early in the cycle to ensure there are still places available on the course.

Deadlines for scholarships and external scholarships can also vary, so if you wish to apply for these, you will also have to factor in these deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an interview for masters programmes.

At WBS, there are no interviews for MSc courses. Instead, all decisions are made based on the application you submit. Your undergraduate transcript will be reviewed in depth along with your CV and personal statement.

How many Masters can you apply for?

If you are applying to a UK university, you can apply for as many courses and universities as you like. However, you should not over-stretch yourself and you should only apply for courses that you are really passionate about.

Writing an appropriately tailored application can be time-consuming and attempting to write too many could jeopardise your chances of being successful. 

Do you have to pay for your Masters application?

We require an application fee of £75 to cover administrative costs. If you're applying to multiple Warwick courses, remember each course will warrant its own application fee. 

How do I apply for a Masters degree?

We have our own application system, and you can find linked 'how to apply' sections on all of our course pages. 

------------------------

Discover our range of MSc courses at Warwick Business School

Designed for the change makers of the future, our postgraduate courses will drive you to learn, question, debate and make an impact on the world around you.

Our challenging and rewarding courses will provide you with everything you need to take your personal and professional skills to the next level. 

Related Blogs

Alum Sophia shares her incredible journey at WBS - dive into collaboration, new experiences, and distinct academic opportunities

MSc Management student Aditya shares his advice on balancing his wellbeing alongside studies at Warwick Business School.

WBS MSc Mathematical Finance graduate Luxmi Kiran shares his top tips and advice for future students.

Which program are you applying to?

Accepted Admissions Blog

Everything you need to know to get Accepted

August 1, 2018

How to Portray Experiences in Your Masters in Finance Essays

Your professional experience probably isn’t all that different from that of other Master’s in Finance (MFin or MSF) applicants. And you worry it won’t stand out. Maybe you feel it’s not interesting or dramatic enough to captivate adcom readers.

DON’T WORRY!

Only you have your experience; in a sense, you are your experience. So, it is inherently unique . That is why your experience should form the core of your essays.

And all of your MFin essays – your personal statements, statements of purpose, and goals essays – should include your actual experience. The more your real experience forms the muscle, bone, and sinew of the essay, the more individual, distinctive, and interesting the essay will be.

Which experiences should you present in your Masters of Finance application?

Different people will present different types of experiences. Follow these tips to choose the best experiences for you:

I often suggest to my clients that, when possible, make the essays, and the experiences portrayed in them, do “double duty,” e.g., a given story might underscore your ability to handle a quantitatively demanding role and simultaneously spotlight your teamwork skills or deftness in managing up or willingness to mentor a less quant-savvy colleague.

Select experiences/stories that show you effectively navigating the organizational arena and interacting effectively; perhaps displaying leadership (formal or informal). In addition, mine senior thesis research projects, club participation roles, volunteer and extracurricular experiences, etc. for experiences that are both relevant and distinctive.

And show that you understand the realities in the finance world and have integrated that knowledge and experience into your toolkit, perspective, and/or goals.

This applies to experienced and inexperienced applicants. Demonstrate your leadership skills, even though it’s not usually explicitly required by MFin adcoms.

Recent experiences reflect the current person who is applying (some people are fast out of the starting gate but don’t have staying power), and they give the adcom a sense of the talents and attributes you will bring to the table.

If you do decide to share an older experience, (a) make sure that you ALSO have a recent one or two, and (b) link it to the present somehow, e.g., show you’re applying a lesson learned, or a quality gained, or insight developed.

MFin applicants come from and are interested in a range of industry segments – and this is fine, so highlight your specific area of expertise!

How should you present experience in your Masters of Finance application?

Imagine sitting at a café (or a bar 😉) and recounting to a colleague or friend an interesting recent experience you had. You don’t cite every detail but rather convey just the details relevant to that particular conversation, and you supplement the facts of the story with brief reflections or elaborations of what you were thinking or feeling at a pivotal moment. You slow down when approaching the turning point. You wrap up with a brief comment or look back (“I learned a lot, but I really hope I never have to go through that again!”).

Well, that is the approach you’ll take in presenting experiences in your essays – simply narrate the story as you’d tell it to someone. Adapted, of course, for length and relevance.

Managing length and relevance in your storytelling

The story of an experience may comprise a whole essay, a paragraph within an essay, or a sentence or two within a paragraph. To incorporate experiences within a goals essay, which I encourage you to do, most likely it will be the last situation. And yes, you can tell a story in one sentence: “After weeks of preparation, a cancelled flight caused our team to miss the presentation in Kuala Lumpur, but to my dejected teammates’ surprise I found telecon resources at the airport and we did the presentation from there!”

The ABCs of narrating a story:

• A ttract the reader’s interest by setting the scene, which includes where, when, what, why, and who (or at least most of these elements).

• B e a storyteller: tell the story as it occurred.

• C onclude the story by relating results, changes, and outcomes that stemmed from the story.

Three additional tips to make your experience as interesting, exciting, meaningful, vivid, and memorable as possible:

• What project specifically, and what makes it “high profile”?

• What complex systems exactly?

• What global client organization? (if you can’t name the client, at least indicate industry)

• What specific outcomes? What was the actual impact?

• What stakeholders exactly – who are they?

• Clarify what’s at stake . The higher the stakes, the better.
• In a story, something changes; the starting point is different than the ending point. Frequently the main character has evolved (sometimes you and sometimes your team, department, and/or organization). Make sure to spotlight this development.

Learn more about applying to Masters in Finance programs by reading these additional MFin-focused posts .

Looking for one-on-one advising to help you through the MFin application process? Check out our Master’s in Finance Admissions Services for more information on how we can help you get ACCEPTED.

Related Resources:

• From Example to Exemplary , free guide to writing outstanding application essays • 4 Pillars of a Splendid Statement of Purpose , a short video • What is an Accomplishment?

About Us Press Room Contact Us Podcast Accepted Blog Privacy Policy Website Terms of Use Disclaimer Client Terms of Service

Accepted 1171 S. Robertson Blvd. #140 Los Angeles CA 90035 +1 (310) 815-9553 © 2022 Accepted

Degree Details

Choose to learn on-campus or online.

As a Duke FinTech master’s student, you’ll gain a strong grasp of fundamental skills of financial engineering, as well as learn the business, policy, and ethical dimensions of developing and deploying financial technology.

The degree can be completed full-time on campus in 12 months or in 17-22 months. For part-time online, the degree can be completed in 24-29 months.

With outstanding faculty from engineering, law, economics and business, the Duke FinTech Master of Engineering program is developing professionals with the skills to lead the next generation of innovation. Jimmie Lenz Director and Executive in Residence, FinTech Program LinkedIn Logo Google Logo

Our Students

2023 Admissions Data Profile

Average Age

Mid 50-percentile

Top Undergraduate Majors

Business/finance, engineering, computer science, fundamental skills gained, computer science and software engineering, financial engineering, business, policy, and ethical.

dimensions of developing and deploying financial technology

Time to Degree

12 to 22 months, 24 to 29 months, our graduates pursue careers in:.

• Quantitative analysis and trading
• Credit, liquidity, and risk management
• Digital assets, crypto and distributed ledger technologies
• Payment and transaction services
• Asset management and hedge funds

Employers of Duke FinTech Alumni

Degree requirements.

• Two (2) Industry Preparation Core courses
• Four (4) Technical Core courses in FinTech, programming and finance
• Technology Management
• Investment Management

View course descriptions

1 Industry Capstone Project

The culminating experience of the Duke FinTech program. Students in teams design and build FinTech solutions initiated by industry needs or pursue their own startup ideas.

View course information

1 Internship or Project

A required internship is an excellent way to gain valuable experience. Although students are responsible for finding their own internships, Duke provides a dedicated career development team to help.

Part-time students can receive credit for applying what they learn at work, or opt to complete a project.

Note: The 12-month track does not require an internship.

Seminar Series and On-Campus Residencies

On-campus students  participate in a seminar series, in which they learn directly from industry leaders

Online students participate in virtual seminars and also attend Fall residency on the Duke campus during which they participate in industry talks and classes, and meet students and faculty

Compare On-Campus (Traditional or Accelerated Tracks) or Online

The choice of online or on-campus is up to you. All students take the same courses, learn from the same faculty, and earn the same Duke degree.

Curriculum Schedules

On-campus program (traditional track) — schedule.

The Duke FinTech Master of Engineering can be completed on-campus in:

• 3 semesters —Take an elective as a fourth course in Spring 1 or Fall 2 full-time,  or
• 4 semesters —Take a final elective in Spring 2 as a part-time student

On-Campus Program (Accelerated Track) — Schedule

The Duke FinTech Master of Engineering can be completed in 12-months via the accelerated track.

Note: A minimum of 2 years of work experience is required to be admitted into this track.

Online Program — Schedule

The Duke FinTech Master of Engineering can be completed online in five semesters.

Residency for Online Students

Provide on-campus experience that bonds students to Duke and to each other. Provide opportunities to participate in Duke-curated professional enrichment activities including guest speakers, seminars and workshops.

Testimonials

Free Resources

PrepScholar GRE Prep

Gre prep online guides and tips, 3 successful graduate school personal statement examples.

Looking for grad school personal statement examples? Look no further! In this total guide to graduate school personal statement examples, we’ll discuss why you need a personal statement for grad school and what makes a good one. Then we’ll provide three graduate school personal statement samples from our grad school experts. After that, we’ll do a deep dive on one of our personal statement for graduate school examples. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a list of other grad school personal statements you can find online.

Why Do You Need a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a chance for admissions committees to get to know you: your goals and passions, what you’ll bring to the program, and what you’re hoping to get out of the program.  You need to sell the admissions committee on what makes you a worthwhile applicant. The personal statement is a good chance to highlight significant things about you that don’t appear elsewhere on your application.

A personal statement is slightly different from a statement of purpose (also known as a letter of intent). A statement of purpose/letter of intent tends to be more tightly focused on your academic or professional credentials and your future research and/or professional interests.

While a personal statement also addresses your academic experiences and goals, you have more leeway to be a little more, well, personal. In a personal statement, it’s often appropriate to include information on significant life experiences or challenges that aren’t necessarily directly relevant to your field of interest.

Some programs ask for both a personal statement and a statement of purpose/letter of intent. In this case, the personal statement is likely to be much more tightly focused on your life experience and personality assets while the statement of purpose will focus in much more on your academic/research experiences and goals.

However, there’s not always a hard-and-fast demarcation between a personal statement and a statement of purpose. The two statement types should address a lot of the same themes, especially as relates to your future goals and the valuable assets you bring to the program. Some programs will ask for a personal statement but the prompt will be focused primarily on your research and professional experiences and interests. Some will ask for a statement of purpose but the prompt will be more focused on your general life experiences.

When in doubt, give the program what they are asking for in the prompt and don’t get too hung up on whether they call it a personal statement or statement of purpose. You can always call the admissions office to get more clarification on what they want you to address in your admissions essay.

Quick side note: we've created the world's leading online GRE prep program that adapts to you and your strengths and weaknesses. Not sure what to study? Confused by how to improve your score? We give you minute by minute guide.

You don't NEED a prep program to get a great GRE score. But we believe PrepScholar is the best GRE prep program available right now , especially if you find it hard to organize your study schedule and don't know what to study .

Click here to learn how you can improve your GRE score by 7 points, guaranteed .

What Makes a Good Grad School Personal Statement?

A great graduate school personal statement can come in many forms and styles. However, strong grad school personal statement examples all share the same following elements:

A Clear Narrative

Above all, a good personal statement communicates clear messages about what makes you a strong applicant who is likely to have success in graduate school. So to that extent, think about a couple of key points that you want to communicate about yourself and then drill down on how you can best communicate those points. (Your key points should of course be related to what you can bring to the field and to the program specifically).

You can also decide whether to address things like setbacks or gaps in your application as part of your narrative. Have a low GPA for a couple semesters due to a health issue? Been out of a job for a while taking care of a family member? If you do decide to explain an issue like this, make sure that the overall arc is more about demonstrating positive qualities like resilience and diligence than about providing excuses.

Specific Examples

A great statement of purpose uses specific examples to illustrate its key messages. This can include anecdotes that demonstrate particular traits or even references to scholars and works that have influenced your academic trajectory to show that you are familiar and insightful about the relevant literature in your field.

Just saying “I love plants,” is pretty vague. Describing how you worked in a plant lab during undergrad and then went home and carefully cultivated your own greenhouse where you cross-bred new flower colors by hand is much more specific and vivid, which makes for better evidence.

A strong personal statement will describe why you are a good fit for the program, and why the program is a good fit for you. It’s important to identify specific things about the program that appeal to you, and how you’ll take advantage of those opportunities. It’s also a good idea to talk about specific professors you might be interested in working with. This shows that you are informed about and genuinely invested in the program.

Strong Writing

Even quantitative and science disciplines typically require some writing, so it’s important that your personal statement shows strong writing skills. Make sure that you are communicating clearly and that you don’t have any grammar and spelling errors. It’s helpful to get other people to read your statement and provide feedback. Plan on going through multiple drafts.

Another important thing here is to avoid cliches and gimmicks. Don’t deploy overused phrases and openings like “ever since I was a child.” Don’t structure your statement in a gimmicky way (i.e., writing a faux legal brief about yourself for a law school statement of purpose). The first will make your writing banal; the second is likely to make you stand out in a bad way.

Appropriate Boundaries

While you can be more personal in a personal statement than in a statement of purpose, it’s important to maintain appropriate boundaries in your writing. Don’t overshare anything too personal about relationships, bodily functions, or illegal activities. Similarly, don’t share anything that makes it seem like you may be out of control, unstable, or an otherwise risky investment. The personal statement is not a confessional booth. If you share inappropriately, you may seem like you have bad judgment, which is a huge red flag to admissions committees.

You should also be careful with how you deploy humor and jokes. Your statement doesn’t have to be totally joyless and serious, but bear in mind that the person reading the statement may not have the same sense of humor as you do. When in doubt, err towards the side of being as inoffensive as possible.

Just as being too intimate in your statement can hurt you, it’s also important not to be overly formal or staid. You should be professional, but conversational.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

Our graduate school experts have been kind enough to provide some successful grad school personal statement examples. We’ll provide three examples here, along with brief analysis of what makes each one successful.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 1

PDF of Sample Personal Statement 1 – Japanese Studies

For this Japanese Studies master’s degree, the applicant had to provide a statement of purpose outlining her academic goals and experience with Japanese and a separate personal statement describing her personal relationship with Japanese Studies and what led her to pursue a master’s degree.

Here’s what’s successful about this personal statement:

• An attention-grabbing beginning: The applicant begins with the statement that Japanese has never come easily to her and that it’s a brutal language to learn. Seeing as how this is an application for a Japanese Studies program, this is an intriguing beginning that makes the reader want to keep going.
• A compelling narrative: From this attention-grabbing beginning, the applicant builds a well-structured and dramatic narrative tracking her engagement with the Japanese language over time. The clear turning point is her experience studying abroad, leading to a resolution in which she has clarity about her plans. Seeing as how the applicant wants to be a translator of Japanese literature, the tight narrative structure here is a great way to show her writing skills.
• Specific examples that show important traits: The applicant clearly communicates both a deep passion for Japanese through examples of her continued engagement with Japanese and her determination and work ethic by highlighting the challenges she’s faced (and overcome) in her study of the language. This gives the impression that she is an engaged and dedicated student.

Overall, this is a very strong statement both in terms of style and content. It flows well, is memorable, and communicates that the applicant would make the most of the graduate school experience.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 2

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 2 – Musical Composition

This personal statement for a Music Composition master’s degree discusses the factors that motivate the applicant to pursue graduate study.

Here’s what works well in this statement:

• The applicant provides two clear reasons motivating the student to pursue graduate study: her experiences with music growing up, and her family’s musical history. She then supports those two reasons with examples and analysis.
• The description of her ancestors’ engagement with music is very compelling and memorable. The applicant paints her own involvement with music as almost inevitable based on her family’s long history with musical pursuits.
• The applicant gives thoughtful analysis of the advantages she has been afforded that have allowed her to study music so extensively. We get the sense that she is insightful and empathetic—qualities that would add greatly to any academic community.

This is a strong, serviceable personal statement. And in truth, given that this for a masters in music composition, other elements of the application (like work samples) are probably the most important.  However, here are two small changes I would make to improve it:

• I would probably to split the massive second paragraph into 2-3 separate paragraphs. I might use one paragraph to orient the reader to the family’s musical history, one paragraph to discuss Giacomo and Antonio, and one paragraph to discuss how the family has influenced the applicant. As it stands, it’s a little unwieldy and the second paragraph doesn’t have a super-clear focus even though it’s all loosely related to the applicant’s family history with music.
• I would also slightly shorten the anecdote about the applicant’s ancestors and expand more on how this family history has motivated the applicant’s interest in music. In what specific ways has her ancestors’ perseverance inspired her? Did she think about them during hard practice sessions? Is she interested in composing music in a style they might have played? More specific examples here would lend greater depth and clarity to the statement.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 3

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 3 – Public Health

This is my successful personal statement for Columbia’s Master’s program in Public Health. We’ll do a deep dive on this statement paragraph-by-paragraph in the next section, but I’ll highlight a couple of things that work in this statement here:

Want to improve your GRE score by 7 points?  We have the industry's leading GRE prep program. Built by world-class instructors with 99th percentile GRE scores , the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through machine learning data science, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible.

Try our 5-day full access trial for free:

• This statement is clearly organized. Almost every paragraph has a distinct focus and message, and when I move on to a new idea, I move on to a new paragraph with a logical transitions.
• This statement covers a lot of ground in a pretty short space. I discuss my family history, my goals, my educational background, and my professional background. But because the paragraphs are organized and I use specific examples, it doesn’t feel too vague or scattered.
• In addition to including information about my personal motivations, like my family, I also include some analysis about tailoring health interventions with my example of the Zande. This is a good way to show off what kinds of insights I might bring to the program based on my academic background.

Grad School Personal Statement Example: Deep Dive

Now let’s do a deep dive, paragraph-by-paragraph, on one of these sample graduate school personal statements. We’ll use my personal statement that I used when I applied to Columbia’s public health program.

Paragraph One: For twenty-three years, my grandmother (a Veterinarian and an Epidemiologist) ran the Communicable Disease Department of a mid-sized urban public health department. The stories of Grandma Betty doggedly tracking down the named sexual partners of the infected are part of our family lore. Grandma Betty would persuade people to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, encourage safer sexual practices, document the spread of infection and strive to contain and prevent it. Indeed, due to the large gay population in the city where she worked, Grandma Betty was at the forefront of the AIDS crises, and her analysis contributed greatly towards understanding how the disease was contracted and spread. My grandmother has always been a huge inspiration to me, and the reason why a career in public health was always on my radar.

This is an attention-grabbing opening anecdote that avoids most of the usual cliches about childhood dreams and proclivities. This story also subtly shows that I have a sense of public health history, given the significance of the AIDs crisis for public health as a field.

It’s good that I connect this family history to my own interests. However, if I were to revise this paragraph again, I might cut down on some of the detail because when it comes down to it, this story isn’t really about me. It’s important that even (sparingly used) anecdotes about other people ultimately reveal something about you in a personal statement.

Paragraph Two: Recent years have cemented that interest. In January 2012, my parents adopted my little brother Fred from China. Doctors in America subsequently diagnosed Fred with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). My parents were told that if Fred’s condition had been discovered in China, the (very poor) orphanage in which he spent the first 8+ years of his life would have recognized his DMD as a death sentence and denied him sustenance to hasten his demise.

Here’s another compelling anecdote to help explain my interest in public health. This is an appropriately personal detail for a personal statement—it’s a serious thing about my immediate family, but it doesn’t disclose anything that the admissions committee might find concerning or inappropriate.

If I were to take another pass through this paragraph, the main thing I would change is the last phrase. “Denied him sustenance to hasten his demise” is a little flowery. “Denied him food to hasten his death” is actually more powerful because it’s clearer and more direct.

Paragraph Three: It is not right that some people have access to the best doctors and treatment while others have no medical care. I want to pursue an MPH in Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia because studying social factors in health, with a particular focus on socio-health inequities, will prepare me to address these inequities. The interdisciplinary approach of the program appeals to me greatly as I believe interdisciplinary approaches are the most effective way to develop meaningful solutions to complex problems.

In this paragraph I make a neat and clear transition from discussing what sparked my interest in public health and health equity to what I am interested in about Columbia specifically: the interdisciplinary focus of the program, and how that focus will prepare me to solve complex health problems. This paragraph also serves as a good pivot point to start discussing my academic and professional background.

Paragraph Four: My undergraduate education has prepared me well for my chosen career. Understanding the underlying structure of a group’s culture is essential to successfully communicating with the group. In studying folklore and mythology, I’ve learned how to parse the unspoken structures of folk groups, and how those structures can be used to build bridges of understanding. For example, in a culture where most illnesses are believed to be caused by witchcraft, as is the case for the Zande people of central Africa, any successful health intervention or education program would of necessity take into account their very real belief in witchcraft.

In this paragraph, I link my undergraduate education and the skills I learned there to public health. The (very brief) analysis of tailoring health interventions to the Zande is a good way to show insight and show off the competencies I would bring to the program.

Paragraph Five: I now work in the healthcare industry for one of the largest providers of health benefits in the world. In addition to reigniting my passion for data and quantitative analytics, working for this company has immersed me in the business side of healthcare, a critical component of public health.

This brief paragraph highlights my relevant work experience in the healthcare industry. It also allows me to mention my work with data and quantitative analytics, which isn’t necessarily obvious from my academic background, which was primarily based in the social sciences.

Paragraph Six: I intend to pursue a PhD in order to become an expert in how social factors affect health, particularly as related to gender and sexuality. I intend to pursue a certificate in Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Reproduction. Working together with other experts to create effective interventions across cultures and societies, I want to help transform health landscapes both in America and abroad.

This final paragraph is about my future plans and intentions. Unfortunately, it’s a little disjointed, primarily because I discuss goals of pursuing a PhD before I talk about what certificate I want to pursue within the MPH program! Switching those two sentences and discussing my certificate goals within the MPH and then mentioning my PhD plans would make a lot more sense.

I also start two sentences in a row with “I intend,” which is repetitive.

The final sentence is a little bit generic; I might tailor it to specifically discuss a gender and sexual health issue, since that is the primary area of interest I’ve identified.

This was a successful personal statement; I got into (and attended!) the program. It has strong examples, clear organization, and outlines what interests me about the program (its interdisciplinary focus) and what competencies I would bring (a background in cultural analysis and experience with the business side of healthcare). However, a few slight tweaks would elevate this statement to the next level.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples You Can Find Online

So you need more samples for your personal statement for graduate school? Examples are everywhere on the internet, but they aren’t all of equal quality.

Most of examples are posted as part of writing guides published online by educational institutions. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones here if you are looking for more personal statement examples for graduate school.

Penn State Personal Statement Examples for Graduate School

This selection of ten short personal statements for graduate school and fellowship programs offers an interesting mix of approaches. Some focus more on personal adversity while others focus more closely on professional work within the field.

The writing in some of these statements is a little dry, and most deploy at least a few cliches. However, these are generally strong, serviceable statements that communicate clearly why the student is interested in the field, their skills and competencies, and what about the specific program appeals to them.

Cal State Sample Graduate School Personal Statements

These are good examples of personal statements for graduate school where students deploy lots of very vivid imagery and illustrative anecdotes of life experiences. There are also helpful comments about what works in each of these essays.

Want to improve your GRE score by 7+ points?

Check out our best-in-class online GRE prep program . We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your GRE score by 7 points or more.

PrepScholar GRE is entirely online, and it customizes your prep program to your strengths and weaknesses . We also feature 2,000 practice questions , official practice tests, 150 hours of interactive lessons, and 1-on-1 scoring and feedback on your AWA essays.

Check out our 5-day free trial now:

However, all of these statements are definitely pushing the boundaries of acceptable length, as all are above 1000 and one is almost 1500 words! Many programs limit you to 500 words; if you don’t have a limit, you should try to keep it to two single-spaced pages at most (which is about 1000 words).

University of Chicago Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples

These examples of successful essays to the University of Chicago law school cover a wide range of life experiences and topics. The writing in all is very vivid, and all communicate clear messages about the students’ strengths and competencies.

Note, however, that these are all essays that specifically worked for University of Chicago law school. That does not mean that they would work everywhere. In fact, one major thing to note is that many of these responses, while well-written and vivid, barely address the students’ interest in law school at all! This is something that might not work well for most graduate programs.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 10

This successful essay for law school from a Wheaton College undergraduate does a great job tracking the student’s interest in the law in a compelling and personal way. Wheaton offers other graduate school personal statement examples, but this one offers the most persuasive case for the students’ competencies. The student accomplishes this by using clear, well-elaborated examples, showing strong and vivid writing, and highlighting positive qualities like an interest in justice and empathy without seeming grandiose or out of touch.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 1

Based on the background information provided at the bottom of the essay, this essay was apparently successful for this applicant. However, I’ve actually included this essay because it demonstrates an extremely risky approach. While this personal statement is strikingly written and the story is very memorable, it could definitely communicate the wrong message to some admissions committees. The student’s decision not to report the drill sergeant may read incredibly poorly to some admissions committees. They may wonder if the student’s failure to report the sergeant’s violence will ultimately expose more soldiers-in-training to the same kinds of abuses. This incident perhaps reads especially poorly in light of the fact that the military has such a notable problem with violence against women being covered up and otherwise mishandled

It’s actually hard to get a complete picture of the student’s true motivations from this essay, and what we have might raise real questions about the student’s character to some admissions committees. This student took a risk and it paid off, but it could have just as easily backfired spectacularly.

Key Takeaways: Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

In this guide, we discussed why you need a personal statement and how it differs from a statement of purpose. (It’s more personal!)

We also discussed what you’ll find in a strong sample personal statement for graduate school:

• A clear narrative about the applicant and why they are qualified for graduate study.
• Specific examples to support that narrative.
• Compelling reasons why the applicant and the program are a good fit for each other.
• Strong writing, including clear organization and error-free, cliche-free language.
• Appropriate boundaries—sharing without over-sharing.

Then, we provided three strong graduate school personal statement examples for different fields, along with analysis. We did a deep-dive on the third statement.

Finally, we provided a list of other sample grad school personal statements online.

What’s Next?

Want more advice on writing a personal statement ? See our guide.

Writing a graduate school statement of purpose? See our statement of purpose samples  and a nine-step process for writing the best statement of purpose possible .

If you’re writing a graduate school CV or resume, see our how-to guide to writing a CV , a how-to guide to writing a resume , our list of sample resumes and CVs , resume and CV templates , and a special guide for writing resume objectives .

Need stellar graduate school recommendation letters ? See our guide.

See our 29 tips for successfully applying to graduate school .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Ellen McCammon

Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

Financial Technology MSc

London, Bloomsbury

The financial services sector has changed and is being disrupted by new emerging technologies and brand-new business models. This programme aims to make you an expert in both. Our Financial Technology MSc takes a computer-science-first approach, enabling you to stay ahead of the innovations that are changing the financial services industry.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications closed

Applications open

• Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper-second class UK Bachelor's degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering or a similarly quantitative subject. Programming experience in a language such as Python, C++ or Matlab is an advantage but is not mandatory. Relevant work experience is also taken into account. Some programming experience means that you have experience of working on projects deploying code or have passed modules/ assessments in your previous education with coding components. If you do not have this knowledge, there will be tutorials offered at the beginning of the programme, but you will be expected to get up to speed rapidly. A self-assessment test will be available to determine if you will need additional support for coding. A good knowledge of linear algebra, statistics and probability theory will be assumed.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 3

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

A range of established and emerging technologies are disrupting the financial sector. These are constantly evolving, requiring companies to embrace innovation to remain competitive. Through this programme, you will gain an in-depth understanding of these technologies, and how to apply them to financial services. A programme spanning finance, business and technology – taught by UCL Computer Science – this is where you will place yourself at the cutting edge of technology in the world of finance.

You will learn about blockchain technologies to machine learning applications to finance, as well as innovation and strategy in finance, core finance, programming and business strategy skills. You will have the opportunity to explore quantitative finance, algorithmic trading, database technologies, policy and regulation in finance, product management and software engineering in finance, and advanced applications of machine learning.

Practical coursework assignments reflect what is happening in current workplaces, and you will undertake a project during the summer term too. This brings opportunities to work with an industry partner on a real-world problem, or to embark on an academic project supervised by one of our leading academics.

Who this course is for

This programme is designed to appeal to those with backgrounds from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects who wish to pursue a career in technology-led finance and banking or to pursue further study or a career in academia.

What this course will give you

UCL is ranked 9th globally in the latest QS World University Rankings (2024) , giving you an exciting opportunity to study at one of the world’s best universities.

UCL Computer Science is recognised as a world leader in teaching and research. The department was ranked 1st in England and 2nd in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework ( REF2021 ). You will learn from leading experts at the forefront of computer science innovation.

UCL is also ranked 1st in the UK and 7th in the world for Blockchain education and research in the latest CoinDesk University Rankings .

This programme, created by UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies (CBT) and part of the Financial Computing and Analytics (FCA) research group, leverages a strong research and industry network. UCL CBT is a multidisciplinary research centre focusing on how blockchain and other emerging technologies impact the world’s socioeconomic systems and the financial services industry.

The FCA group’s research focuses on algorithmic trading, financial markets modelling and analysis, systemic risk and applying complexity science to social dynamics.

UCL CBT and the FCA research group have built partnerships over the years with some of the world's largest financial services and technology companies. These relationships exist, for instance, with Fidelity, Ripple, State Street, NatWest, Santander, R3, Oracle, DXC Technology, Santander, Ernst & Young, HSBC, Bank of England, BNP Paribas, PWC, AXA, Nomura, Credit Suisse and many others. These industry relationships inform the learnings of this programme.

You will have opportunities to get hands-on experience working on real-world projects with these leading industry partners through the Department’s Industry Exchange Network (IXN) .

The programme team takes an experimental approach to our subject, enjoying the challenge and opportunity of entrepreneurial partnerships, and placing a high value on our extensive range of industrial collaborations.

The foundation of your career

As a graduate of this programme, you could go on to work in traditional financial services, for finance institutions, or for consulting firms. You will also be well placed to work directly in technology roles in financial services firms, fintech companies or technology companies. Given the skills you will acquire in business and innovation, you will also have the background knowledge needed to enter the start-up world.

Employability

This programme gives you the skills you will need to work with technology and financial services, so you will come away with a suite of expertise that has exceptional relevance in the world of finance today.

In particular, you will have highly transferable knowledge about new digital business models, how innovation through technology is changing financial services, technology skills in blockchain, and machine learning applications in finance. You will also have quantitative finance skills, programming knowledge and the ability to apply technology within the financial domain.

The research-based curriculum also promotes strong research skills, which you will develop through your final research project/ dissertation. This will mean you are also well-equipped to undertake doctoral research.

UCL is proud to support innovation and link our students and research directly to real-world business applications. From internships to solving complex problems with commercial partners, UCL Engineering has a collaborative, innovative spirit at its core.

As a student and later as a graduate, you will have access to a UCL Engineering careers events programme, connecting you with employers and alumni. This programme provides invaluable insight into the reality of different roles, sectors, and current application processes.

Entrepreneurial minds thrive at UCL. For example, UCL’s IDEALondon was the first innovation centre led by a university in London, and incubates companies post-seed to reach technical and business milestones. Our academic and industrial networks provide a safe and supportive environment to grow a company.

Teaching and learning

The programme’s core curriculum is typically delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and lab classes, as well as directed and self-directed learning supported by teaching materials and resources, published through each module’s online virtual learning environment. Each module employs a teaching strategy that aligns with and supports its intended learning outcomes.

You will be assessed through a range of methods across the programme, which will vary depending on any optional or elective module choices. The programme’s core curriculum is typically assessed by methods including coursework, lab work, individual and group projects, class tests, written examinations, oral assessments, and, in all cases, culminating in a final research project/dissertation.

Contact time takes various forms, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervisions, demonstrations, practical classes and workshops, visits, placements, office hours (where staff are available for consultation), email, videoconference, or other media, and situations where feedback on assessed work is given (one-to-one or in a group).

Each module has a credit value that indicates the total notional learning hours a learner will spend to achieve its learning outcomes. One credit is considered equal to 10 hours of notional learning, which includes all contact time, self-directed study, and assessment.

The contact time for each of your 15 credit taught modules will typically include 22-30 hours of teaching activity over the term of its delivery, with the balance then comprised of self-directed learning and working on your assessments. You will have ongoing contact with teaching staff via each module’s online discussion forum, which is typically used for discussing and clarifying concepts or assessment matters and will have the opportunity to access additional support via regular office hours with module leaders and programme directors.

Your research project/dissertation module is 60 credits and will include regular contact with your project supervisor(s), who will guide and support you throughout your project. You will dedicate most of your time on this module to carrying out research in connection with your project and writing up your final report.

The Financial Technology MSc is a one-year programme.

In term 1, you will study topics in machine learning with applications in finance, blockchain technologies, and you will acquire finance and programming skills. You will choose from a range of optional specialist topics, including operational risk measurement, financial engineering, software engineering and product management, and the fundamentals of database systems.

In term 2, you will study topics in innovation, strategy and technology in financial services. You will choose further optional topics, which may include data-driven modelling and market modelling and analysis, applied computational finance, algorithmic trading, advanced machine learning, entrepreneurship, policy and regulation and systemic risk. You will also begin the preparation for your final research project/dissertation.

In term 3, you will primarily focus on your final research project/dissertation and any examinations in the main examination period.

Compulsory modules

Optional modules.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Financial Technology.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Department of Computer Science

Join us for a live online information session to hear from Computer Science staff. We will cover areas such as the general admission process, careers support, and industry links/placements. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask staff and current students any questions you may have. Two sessions will run for this event. These sessions are the same and are repeated to cater to people in different time zones.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

All full time students are required to pay a fee deposit of £2,000 for this programme. All part-time students are required to pay a fee deposit of £1,000.

Students will require a modern computer (PC or Mac) with minimum specifications 8GB RAM and 500GB SSD storage. A computer with the stated specifications is estimated to cost £500 or greater.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

UCL East London Scholarship

NOW CLOSED FOR 2024/25 ENTRY Value: Tuition fees plus £15,700 stipend () Criteria Based on financial need Eligibility: UK

UCL Friends & Alumni Association scholarship for Machine Learning

Deadline: 3 June 2024 Value: $20,000 (1 year) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: EU, Overseas

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees .

When we assess your application we wish to learn:

• why you want to study Financial Technology at taught postgraduate level
• why you want to study Financial Technology at UCL
• what particularly attracts you to this programme
• how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
• what programming experience you have
• where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver. Your application will be judged entirely on the evidence you provide.

Having an interest in financial technology, new innovative financial products and intellectual curiosity are desirable qualities.

Due to competition for places on this programme, no late applications will be considered. Students with visa requirements or applying for scholarships are advised to apply early.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Computer Science

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

Prospective Students Graduate

• Graduate degrees
• Taught degrees
• Taught Degrees
• Applying for Graduate Taught Study at UCL
• Research degrees
• Research Degrees
• Funded Research Opportunities
• Doctoral School
• Funded Doctoral Training Programmes
• Applying for Graduate Research Study at UCL
• Teacher training
• Teacher Training
• Early Years PGCE programmes
• Primary PGCE programmes
• Secondary PGCE programmes
• Further Education PGCE programme
• How to apply
• The IOE approach
• Teacher training in the heart of London
• Why choose UCL?
• Entrepreneurship
• Inspiring facilities and resources
• Careers and employability
• Your global alumni community
• Your wellbeing
• Postgraduate Students' Association
• Your life in London
• Accommodation
• Funding your Master's

MS Financial Technology

Master new tech to innovate for the future of financial services.

Financial technology is changing the way all financial services are offered. The innovations from FinTech improve the delivery of many banking and payment services as well as creating innovative services that bring new value for both providers and customers. The Finance industry needs professionals who understand this technology and can make decisions about how these advances will be integrated across the market.

The MS in Financial Technology prepares graduates to encounter new technology in Finance and make the important assessments about how it is applied to add value for customers and the institutions. This program teaches critical thinking skills for management decision-making through a cross-discipline curriculum of Finance, Data Analytics, and Management.

The outcome for the student is a more comprehensive understanding of how this dynamic technology creates change in 3 primary ways:

• New channels of delivery that disrupt the market structure allowing services to be offered through a range of new industry participants.
• New combinations of financial services and digital assets that present value in new ways for the market.
• New capabilities to drive effective regulatory supervision and compliance.

The program is designed to be completed in as little as 9 months in a full-time format, or over 1-2 years as part-time. The entire program can be completed online with many of the courses also available in-person. Candidates interested in either FinTech start-ups or the development side of traditional institutions will find the program will help advance their career.

The STEM-designated degree program provides graduates with intricate knowledge of cutting-edge developments in the field of FinTech and is available in both a fully online or hybrid format .

Completion:  9 - 24 months

Schedule: Full-time | Part-time

Start Dates: Fall (September) 

RSVP for Our Next Information Session Thursday, July 25 at 6 p.m. E.T.

MS in FinTech Curriculum

Stay ahead of the trends in FinTech.

Fairfield’s MS in FinTech program focuses on data-driven financial technologies including instruction in financial analytics, data processing, data visualization, machine learning, statistical inference, and project management. Students progress through coursework in finance, FinTech, analytics, and management with a specific focus on ethics and entrepreneurship.

Finance courses provide a foundational background in traditional finance, FinTech classes explore leading innovations in the field, analytics courses provide an in-depth understanding of the technology that is driving innovation, and management classes prepare students to be leaders in the sector.

Learn more about the Fairfield University MS in FinTech degree. Take the Next Step

Courses (30 total credits)

• Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation: The Entrepreneurial Firm
• Data Warehousing and Visualization
• Artificial Intelligence Applications
• Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
• Decentralized Finance
• Algorithmic Trading
• Ethical Considerations in and Regulation of FinTech
• Derivative Securities
• Global Financial Markets and Institutions
• Investment Analysis
• Portfolio Management
• Financial Risk Management
• Leading with Analytics
• Business Intelligence & Data Storytelling
• Data Science & MLOps
• Python Fundamentals
• Data Munging in Python
• Statistics & Forecasting

View Course Catalog

AACSB Accredited

AACSB accreditation means that the Dolan School of Business has proven to be among the top 5% in business education anywhere in the world. This quality is recognized across the globe by top employers, other universities, and recruiters.

Gain the skills you need to make an impact.

Students will study instruction in financial analytics, financial data processing, knowledge management, data visualization, effective decision communication, machine learning for finance, statistical inference and dynamic modeling on financial data, and project management.

Professional Development Services available to support your needs.

The Dolan Career Development Center provides professional development services that enrich graduate students’ academic experiences to inspire tomorrow’s business leaders.

News & Resources

Introducing the New Master of Science in Financial Technology Program

Read the Article

U.S. News Ranks Dolan Grad Programs Among the Best in the Nation

Breaking into FinTech: Emerging Trends and Career Paths

Faculty & academic approach.

Learn from expert faculty with industry experience.

Fairfield’s esteemed faculty bring personal expertise and global perspective to the classroom. Students benefit from the guidance of their professors and develop a support network to achieve their career goals. 

Attend an Information Session

Katsiaryna Salavei Bardos

Katsiaryna Bardos is the chair of the Finance Department and an associate professor of finance. She serves as a faculty advisor to students competing in the Charted Financial Analyst (CFA) Investment Research Challenge and Fairfield’s Real Estate and ESG clubs. Dr. Bardos’ industry experience includes managing General Electric Consumer Finance Group’s mortgage risk portfolio and her research areas of interest cover corporate finance, corporate governance, and real estate.

David Mangini

David Mangini is an Instructor of the Practice specializing in financial technology, it's regulation, and it's impact on financial services. Mr. Mangini teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on FinTech, Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, and more. With a background spanning payments, IT security, telecommunications, and strategy consulting for Central Banks, Mr. Mangini brings extensive industry experiences to his role. He holds a master's degree in engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from the University of Connecticut.

Experience the Dolan difference.

The Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University offers nationally ranked graduate business programs with a mission of academic excellence by fostering an engaging and diverse learning community. Our partnerships with world-renowned companies and growing group of successful graduates will offer you real-world learning opportunities and lifelong connections. Experience our unmatched placement rates for yourself as you join the vast network of accomplished Fairfield alumni.

Learn more about Fairfield Dolan

Learn how Fairfield is committed to diversity and inclusion

Develop an unmatched understanding of the technology that drives innovation in finance.

Admissions & Aid

Ongoing support on the path to earning your MS in FinTech.

From your first admissions conversation to graduation and beyond, you’ll find support at every turn. The Fairfield University student support network is second-to-none, offering personal, academic, and financial guidance for students earning their MS in Fintech online or in person.

Admission requirements

This graduate program at Fairfield University is open to students with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, provided you have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a strong personal statement. No GMAT or GRE is required.

For the most up-to-date and thorough admission requirements, please visit the Fairfield Dolan admission page.

Start Your Application

Graduate Assistantship

Graduate assistants provide services to the Dolan School of Business such as administrative and faculty support, professional development, internship support, peer advising, and other clerical duties for the academic year. In return, graduate assistants receive a stipend disbursed twice; once in fall semester and once in the spring semester.

Please contact Leanne De Los Santos at [email protected] for more information.

Want details on courses, schedules, and financial aid? We’re here to help.

Related Programs

MS Marketing Analytics and Strategy

MS in Finance

MS Business Analytics

The future you want starts here.

Earn a graduate degree that fits your life and your goals. We’ll give you the flexibility and career skills you need to make it happen. Take the next step and learn more.

Search Results

We use cookies to help our site work, to understand how it is used, and to tailor ads that are more relevant to you and your interests.

By accepting, you agree to cookies being stored on your device. You can view details and manage settings at any time on our cookies policy page.

MSc — 2024 entry FinTech and Policy

The new FinTech sector is transforming the global financial services industry, which has increasing demand for advanced data analytics skills and knowledge. Our MSc will give you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to understand the ever-changing FinTech landscape. 

UK students: you can apply by 1 September 2024

Key course information

• September 2024 - Full-time
• February 2025 - Full-time

Why choose this course?

• As an entrepreneurship & innovation management student, you’ll be based in the Surrey Business School and be part of a vibrant community, focused on improving business practice and creating a sustainable and positive change. 
• We combine an academic foundation with practical experience to reinforce your skills. This includes the MSc Corporate Challenge which supports digital marketing activity for SMEs as well as the product-market research project which supports start-ups with product development and builds on synergies with the  SETSquared Partnership which is typically ranked as one of the top university business incubators worldwide by UBI Global 
• You can also tailor your learning through a range of optional modules, including modules in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and a module to develop an original business idea with mentoring through SET-Squared Surrey. For the final project, students can choose either a consulting project with an existing company or a business plan based on original business idea while benefiting from mentoring to help you design your future career path. 
• World-class teaching and research
• Strong focus on entrepreneurship and enterprise
• Vibrant and diverse community
• Excellent career prospects.

Fantastic graduate prospects

94% of our Surrey Business School postgraduate students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA) 

Top 75 globally

Surrey is ranked 67th in the THE World University 2023 Business and Economics subject rankings

Surrey is ranked 9th in the UK for overall satisfaction (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023) 

Accreditation

Five reasons to study a masters in FinTech and policy at Surrey

Virtual tour

Top jobs with one of our MScs in finance and accounting

More than a Masters: Surrey Business School

Course details open, what you will study.

In an intensely competitive employment market, employers are increasingly looking for graduates with transferable knowledge and skills that cut across the evolving areas of finance, law and technology. 

Our FinTech and Policy MSc will enable you to understand the rapidly changing financial market conditions, investment technologies and regulatory climates that drive business decisions around the world. 

Our course will equip you with the skills and training to give you a competitive edge in today’s job market, especially for those seeking to combine business training with exploration of the law and ethics, in responding to and shaping technological innovation. 

Professional recognition

MSc - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Surrey Business School will also provide you with opportunities to obtain practical skills development through a state-of-the-art Bloomberg trading room.

Dr Shuhui Wang

Programme leader

Surrey Business School

This course is taught by academic staff from the Surrey Business School.

Course structure Open

Full-time students complete four modules per semester. Case and project topics are normally allocated towards the end of Semester 2, and work on these will be carried out during the summer period.

The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:

FinTech and Policy MSc

Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.

The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff.

Course options

Overview of fintech.

FinTech is revolutionizing and rapidly changing the global financial services industries. Business models that can facilitate disintermediation, revolutionize how existing firms create and deliver products and services, address privacy, regulatory and law-enforcement challenges, provide new gateways for entrepreneurship, and seed opportunities for inclusive growth. This module provides an introduction to the FinTech sector. Topics may include but are not limited to: blockchain, cryptocurrencies, decentralized applications, smart contracts, payments services, alternative and P2P lending and crowdfunding, AI, machine learning (including applications such as robo-advising) and Insurtech. Students are expected to develop a broad understanding of recent FinTech development, valuation, risk and its impact in the financial industries.

PRINCIPLES OF ANALYTICS

The primary purpose of this module is to teach students how to structure a business data analysis from end to end, from business question to communication of options and insights. Such a skill is fundamental to all Business Analytics, and will help students structure their analyses throughout the rest of the programme. Students will learn how to apply data analysis within a general decision-making framework by practical first-hand experience, taking a business problem (and associated dataset) from start to finish, with each week teaching them how to progress through one step of the analytical process. Along the way they will learn key concepts that determine the quality of a data analysis, including how to generate a specific business question, how to generate reliable, clean data, how to differentiate signal from noise, such that they may identify useful business insights. At the end of the module, they will take their analyses and learn how to communicate data insights through visualisation and dashboarding.

 Digital technology influences every aspect of daily life, shaping the way that individuals live, work and socialise (and therefore also inevitably matters of civil law, such as contract and tort) but it has a less positive aspect as it has also transformed criminal behaviour. This module considers the legal, regulatory and commercial issues relating to the internet and digitisation as well as the dark side of technology that has led to the growth of online crime. It reflects on the ensuing impact on the digital economy, platforms and the wider business community plus the legal regulation thereof taking account of the unprecedented transformation in the digitisation of the law and the way business is conducted in the 21st century. The module encourages critical engagement with the way in which the law operates in an effort to both facilitate digitisation as well as combat cybercrime. It brings together theoretical ideas about the function of law with the practical considerations of the impact of criminal behaviour on society. It also engages with the challenges of preventing online crime and policing the internet. 

PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE AND INVESTMENT

The module provides the theoretical underpinnings of our MSc Accounting and Finance programme. It introduces the pivotal concepts which form the basis of theoretical finance under three broad headings; Portfolio Theory and Practice, Equilibrium in Capital Markets and Introductory Analysis of Asset Classes. Core concepts include the relationship between risk and return, the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) but the module also extends this analysis into new theoretical areas such as Behavioural Finance.

FUNDAMENTALS OF BLOCKCHAIN

The module has the aim of introducing students to core concepts in the blockchain technology. Students will become familiar with applications of cryptography to financial transactions and the technicalities behind cryptocurrencies and their workings. Using case studies and simulations, students will be exposed to the use of software wallets and engage in blockchain and cryptocurrency related transactions.

DATA MINING AND TEXT ANALYTICS

Data mining is the process of finding anomalies, patterns and correlations within large data sets to predict outcomes. It involves searching through databases for potentially useful information such as knowledge rules, patterns, regularities, and other trends hidden in the data. Using a broad range of techniques, this information is leveraged to increase revenues, cut costs, improve customer relationships, reduce risks and more. Applications of data mining and business analytics are highly useful in today's competitive market. In this module several case studies of well- known data mining techniques are used; e.g. shopping basket analysis such as Tesco club card, credit card fraud detection, predicting stock market returns, risk analysis in banking, web analytics and social network analysis including Facebook and Twitter.

FINANCIAL REGULATION AND FINTECH POLICY

This module provides an overview of financial regulation including regulation of banking, capital markets payments and digital assets. Building on prior knowledge of private and public law, it introduces the regulatory frameworks for each of these areas and the policy considerations that animate regulatory policy. The module also examines the impact of financial regulation on emerging FinTech businesses and considers the ways in which new technology challenges traditional models of financial regulation.

PYTHON PROGRAMMING IN FINTECH

This course introduces modern programming concepts and practice for students with little or no background in computing using the computer language Python. The course will start with a presentation of basic programming concepts, including data types and structures as they exist in Python. Loops and conditional statements will then be introduced, as well as custom functions, along with a wider discussion of structured programming and ways to reuse code. Students will then consider practical applications of programming. They will learn to work with data input and output in different formats, use suitable libraries for scientific computing and data analysis, and create plots and visualizations to display results. Throughout the course, students will engage with professional programming practices and tools (test-driven development, version control, code reviewing, debugging), and will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers to develop their skills.

FINTECH AND POLICY PROJECT

This is a compulsory module for the MSc in FinTech and Policy Programme. The module provides an opportunity to conduct study on a FinTech-related situation and reflect on it. Students are expected to select a FinTech and policy-related issue, conduct an independent research and complete a report within a stipulated period. Students will have the opportunity to consult with the Module Convenor while deciding on the business case that interests them. The research should be based on secondary data sources. Students will have opportunity to understand the techniques essential in writing financial reports in the taught module “Cases in FinTech”. In addition, support session will be conducted by the module convenor to assist students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the requirements of the report

CASES IN FINTECH AND POLICY

Cases in FinTech and Policy is a compulsory module that aims to help students develop an understanding of the process involved in successfully analyzing case information to complete a Fintech-related project, in preparation for the FinTech and Policy Project module. It enables students to understand a real-life, complex, multi-layered, global issue and synthesize appropriate information while preparing an analysis on the case and / or critically evaluating the evolving market structure / competitive environment and developments in regulatory policy. The Cases in FinTech and Policy module facilitates the independent learning process and provides students with the knowledge, skills and understanding required to articulate findings in a structured report format.

ETHICS IN FINANCE

As a result of a range of recent corporate scandals an increased emphasis has been put on corporate social responsibility and the need for the board of directors to conform to an ethical code of conduct while managing the affairs of an entity. This module explores how corporate governance examines the system of rules, principles and procedures through which a company is run to promote the best interest of its shareholders, other stakeholders and the wider society. 

RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk management focuses on the following types of financial risk that arise for a business: market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. A brief introduction to non-financial risks is also given, but is not the main focus. This module considers financial risk management strategies; how risk is evaluated; the methods that are available to hedge against risk and the strategies that are employed to mitigate risk. This is complemented by consideration of key risk management issues for financial institutions including bank capital adequacy. The lessons to be learned from the Financial Crisis of 2007-08 are also investigated. Understanding risk and how to identify and deal with it provides a key input for students of finance, accounting or banking.

FINANCIAL MODELLING

The module equips students with the knowledge and tools to implement financial models using Python. The course introduces students to the general principles of building financial models, as well as a number of specific financial modelling tools, including matrix calculations, optimization, regression analysis (both time-series modelling and panel data modelling), out-of-sample forecasting and simulation. These methods are applied to a range of practical problems in finance, including passive and active portfolio management, risk management and currency valuation. The emphasis of the course is on practical application of the theory, with lectures on each topic followed by in-depth practical classes, in which students work through real world problems using Python.

INTERNATIONAL FINANCE

This module examines international currency markets and currency transactions, exchange rate systems and the implications of exchange rate volatility. It also explores various currency risks that arise from international operations and examines issues that arise when firms seek financing outside their home markets.

Optional modules for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7

For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the course catalogue .

Teaching and learning

Taught by an incredible team of subject experts, including Professor Bonnie Buchanan , Director of the FinTech Research Centre, who wrote the Turing Institute Report on AI in Financial Services and SWIFT report on FinTech in China versus the West. Professor Buchanan has presented seminars and workshops on FinTech and AI at SIBOS, the Bank of England and Bank of Finland. She has also testified before the US House of Financial Services on AI and algorithmic bias and appears regularly in the media. Professor Buchanan is the co-recipient of a £233,000 UK Innovate grant on AI.

General course information

Contact hours.

Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.

New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.

Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.

View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Career opportunities Open

We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.

94 per cent of our Surrey Business School postgraduate students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA).

Our masters will give you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to understand the ever-changing FinTech landscape.

With an MSc in FinTech and Policy, it's likely you'll pursue a career in roles like the following:

• Risk manager
• App developer
• Compliance officer
• Data specialist
• Financial analyst
• Blockchain developer.

Entry requirements Open

Uk qualifications.

A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in any recognised subject is required, although students with degrees with any of the following subjects would be especially well equipped for our MSc programme: Accountancy, banking, business administration, law, politics, economics, engineering, finance, management, mathematics or science or a recognised equivalent international qualification.

We may be able to take relevant work experience into consideration if you don't meet these requirements. If you have at least one year of relevant experience in a full-time graduate-level role (or a minimum of two years’ experience in a relevant graduate-level part-time role) please provide full details of your role and responsibilities in your personal statement and CV when you submit your application.

Country-specific qualifications

International students in the united kingdom, english language requirements.

IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each element.

These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses , designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Recognition of prior learning

We recognise that many students enter their course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of ways.

If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning process may mean you can join a course without the formal entry requirements, or at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.

There are restrictions for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please contact the Admissions team with any queries.

Fees and funding Open

Fees per year.

Explore  UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the  list of fees for all postgraduate courses.

September 2024 - Full-time - 1 year

February 2025 - full-time - 1 year.

• These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2024-25 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually
• Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.

Payment schedule

• Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule (students on an unstructured self-paced part-time course are not eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan).
• Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
• 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
• 50% in January of the same academic year.
• Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis: cannot pay fees by instalment.
• Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.

The exact date(s) will be on invoices. 

You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance .

Scholarships and bursaries

Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.

Early payment discount - Postgraduate

This is an automatic award of £2,000 for self-funded international fee-paying students who pay their deposit by the deadline stated on the s...

Discounts for Surrey graduates

Thinking of continuing your education at Surrey? As graduate of Surrey you may be eligible for a 20 per cent discount on our taught masters ...

Apply online

To apply online first select the course you'd like to apply for then log in.

Select your course

Choose the course option you wish to apply for.

Create an account and sign into our application portal.

Full-time, 12 months, September 2024

We will continue to accept applications from UK students until 1 September 2024.

Full-time, 12 months, February 2025

Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.

Admissions information

Once you apply, you can expect to hear back from us within 14 days. This might be with a decision on your application or with a request for further information.

Our code of practice for postgraduate admissions policy explains how the Admissions team considers applications and admits students. Read our postgraduate applicant guidance for more information on applying.

Related courses

Economics and Finance MSc

International Corporate Finance MSc

International Financial Management MSc

About the university of surrey.

Accommodation

We have a range of housing to suit all requirements and budgets. There are more than 6,000 rooms available (en-suite, single-sex, studio flat, shared or single).

Student life

At Surrey we offer a friendly university campus set in beautiful countryside, with the convenience and social life of bustling Guildford on your doorstep.

Need more information?

Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures , student regulations , and terms and conditions .

We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:

• First when we make an offer.
• Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).

View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.

This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.

Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.

It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer .

Call us : +88 (0) 1712969390, +44 (0) 7495942849, +44 (0) 7459725824

[email protected]

Sign in  |  Sign up     

Personal Statement of Purpose Finance and Accounting MSc

• Sample personal statement

28 July, 2022

Personal statement of purpose finance and accounting msc share.

• 12 May, 2013

With my deep interest, I want to pursue the course Finance and Accounting MSc at the University of Brighton because this course has access to modern computing facilities and specialist computing packages. And this course will provide me with the skills to make these investment decisions across various business areas. This degree will give me develop an in-depth knowledge of financial theory and practice, research methods, financial markets, financial accounting and management accounting. Moreover, I found this Finance and Accounting MSc will help me to specialise and meet the growing demand for finance professionals with strong research skills. I can also progress with or continue by studying for a Ph.D. I want to develop my career in this sector and the accounting and financial services sectors require a high level of understanding of theory and practice. And this MSc course can make me professional. I believe that this course will help me become professional and proficient in my future career.

Following my Intermediate and Secondary education from the Business Studies group, I completed my Bachelor’s degree major in Accounting in February 2022 from National University, Gazipur, Bangladesh. In my home country, there are many open places to develop a career in accountancy but they require a professional applicant. From this MSc course, I can meet the growing demand for finance professionals with strong research skills. So, I decided to complete my further higher studies by choosing this Finance and Accounting MSc at the University of Brighton. While studying, I was involved in various co- curricular activities to enrich my knowledge and skills. Attended and organized different types of seminars and workshops, participated in different voluntary services and activities, and actively participated. From my last education qualification, I have realized that I need to gain knowledge about business accounting and finance part as well as I want to grow my career in this area. I also have my English language concern and I attend a UKVI IELTS test where my overall band score is 6.0. I think I should gain more knowledge in the field so I decided to continue my further studies with this course. I am confident that my professional goal makes me a suitable candidate for the course.

By reviewing the university website, I have seen the course Finance and Accounting MSc at the University of Brighton is ideal preparation for continuing my studies at MPhil or Ph.D. level, also I will be able to work as a professional researcher in finance. The course will prepare me for a specific level of accounting and financial roles, accountancy firms, consultancies and finance departments in the private and public sectors. Studying in a simulated business environment will teach me to explore business practices from regulatory and risk management issues to how financial markets operate and what makes them crash. This course has been designed to help me develop the necessary skills to solve the financial accounting standards, complex business problems in recent facing situations. Modules on the course involve both taught sessions and guided independent study. The core module units include Economics of Financial Markets, Financial Theory and Practice, Research Methods for Finance and Economics, Dissertation or Work Placement Project. Mandatory specialism modules are- Contemporary Issues in Accounting, International Investment and Trading, Economics of Money, Interest Rates, Banking and Financial Institutions. Completion of my dissertation will teach me the undertake research leading to practicable recommendations based on sound analysis and judgment. All of these modules will help me to broaden my knowledge of accountancy understanding in an international context which will prepare me for my employment in an increasingly internationalized business world. Hopefully, I have been able to clear the purpose of my admission to the university. Moreover, during times of crisis, accountancy is seen as a stable profession. By completing this course, I will be able to work with reputed organisations in my home country ranging from accountancy, banking, financial management, and management consultancy. So, I believe this course will be the right choice for my career plans and objectives.

UK’s academic reputation is globally renowned and it is known that having a graduate degree from a UK university will definitely propel one’s career to a significant level. However, the study environment in my country follows the theoretical system of education which is quite different and no soft skills are acquired. The UK maintains a quality management system with high standards in all fields. In recent years, all companies in Bangladesh are emphasizing hiring of Bangladeshi graduates with degrees from abroad, as they see the transferrable skills carried forward from the international education will play a key role in transforming their approach to the business and believe these graduates are capable of doing so. The transferable skills from the UK are key to advancing graduates through organizational growth and gaining a competitive advantage. This reason attracted me to pursue a degree in the UK. A recent survey of International Graduation Results in 2019 produced by iGraduate by Universities UK International shows that 82% of international graduates say their UK degree is valuable for financial investment and a similar number of graduates say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their careers. About 83% think a UK degree has helped them get a job. These aspects have driven my ambition to get a degree from a UK institution.

University of Brighton is one of the re-known top universities in the UK. As my study destination is the UK and I wish to study at the University of Brighton, because it offers an experience that goes way beyond the classroom. Their core values are part of a dynamic, diverse and creative community that embraces partnership working and that makes a positive difference to society. From there, I will be able to gain real-world knowledge and transferable skills that employers look for in graduate recruits. And by the time I graduate, I’ll feel confident and fully prepared to start my career anywhere in the world. The university won a Silver Award in Teaching Excellence Framework, which means that the learning environment and the teaching I will receive are consistently better than the national requirements for UK Higher Education. The university has around 18,000 students and 2,400 staff studying and working at four campuses in Brighton and Eastbourne. Also, according to Destination Leavers from Higher Education 2017-2018, 94% of University of Brighton graduates get engaged in work or further study within the first 6 months. I will also be able to make connections with local, national and international companies, as the university has links with over 1800 businesses, including Fujitsu, BT, Sky, Boots, IBM, and the NHS, while the university educates professionals from 90% of FTSE 100 companies. The university puts students on a fast track that is designed to get a postgraduate degree into faster employment with excellent career opportunities. Moreover, the University brings the workplace into classrooms so it will be beneficial for me to attain my personal career objectives by practicing in this type of learning environment. I am looking forward to studying and wish to experience all the opportunities the University of Brighton has to offer.

Find more resources

• MSc International Marketing
• MSc Accounting and Finance
• MSc Clinical Dermatology
• MSc Finance and Accounting
• MSc Management with Digital Marketing

Read similar resources

BA (Hons) Business Management (Final Year)

Business success requires a breadth of knowledge and abilities of efficient management to survive in fierce global co...

BA (Hons) Business and Marketing

Modern business is a dynamic environment in which customer wants and needs constantly change at an ever-faster pace. ...

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

Following my MSc in Financial Management qualification in 2012, I have been in constant search for a real career for ...

Are you looking to study abroad?

Touch your dream with University Admission Expert

• Offering 15,000+ courses at 100+ study locations
• Maintaining 99% visa success rate
• Serving with 14+ years accumulative admission experience
• Providing end-to-end services, almost 24/7

Newsletter Subscription

Keep up to date with the latest news on UK student visa, courses, universities, scholarships, start dates, study guides etc.

Post Comment

• How To Write Your Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate study

• Qualification types
• What are the differences between an undergraduate and postgraduate personal statement?
• Why study postgraduate?

What's on this page?

What is a personal statement, preparing to write your personal statement, opening your personal statement, work experience and future plans, ending your personal statement.

Your postgraduate personal statement is your chance to get noticed for your expertise and experience you’ve gathered. It’s an important part of the application process as it allows you to talk about yourself and your passions and prove the value you can bring to your chosen university.

In this article, we’re going to talk you through how to write a postgraduate personal statement that stands out and gives you the best chance of being offered a place on the master’s programme you’re applying for. 

Shona Barrie – Director of Admissions, University of Stirling

You’ll have already written a personal statement for your undergraduate study, so you’ll know the importance of preparation. There are two things to think about when you’re planning:

• The practical and factual information you need to get across.
• Then, the more emotional, human parts of you that make you different to everyone else. 

Before you start writing, take some time to think about the key things you’d want your chosen university to know about you, and get them down on paper.

Questions to focus your mind

• Why have you chosen this master’s programme?
• Why are you passionate about this subject matter? 
• How has your undergraduate study influenced your decision to apply?
• Have you got any work experience that might help you?
• What life experiences have you had that you could talk about?
• What achievements can you talk about to support your application?
• Why do you want to study at this particular university?
• What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Three top tips

Be specific.

Remember that a postgraduate personal statement needs you to talk specifically about the university you’ve chosen.

Demonstrate experience

Universities will be looking for postgraduate students who are able to demonstrate expertise in a particular subject – so include that.

Show what you've learnt

Tell the university about your university life as an undergraduate and include any clubs or societies you were involved in.

Admissions tutors will be reading a lot of personal statements so it’s important to grab their attention right from the start. 

You can find a full guide on How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber but here are the main things for you to think about. 

• Don’t overthink the opening . Just start by showing your enthusiasm for the subject, showcasing your knowledge and understanding, and sharing your ambitions of what you want to achieve.
• Avoid cliches . Remember, this opening part is simply about introducing yourself, so let the admissions tutor reading your personal statement get to know you. 
• Keep it relevant and simple . You’re limited on how much you can include so avoid long-winded explanations. Why use 50 words when ten can make your point?

Talking about the course

Now you’re ready to start talking about the course and subject you’re applying for.

There are four main areas you’ll need to cover in this section of your personal statement. 

• Why are you applying for this master’s?  Think about your undergraduate study and how this master’s will develop your expertise further. Do you have career aspirations this course will help you achieve?
• Why does the subject interest you? This is your chance to show your passion and really demonstrate who you are. If you have work or volunteering experiences related to the subject, include them here.
• Why do you think you’ll be an asset to the university?  Your personal and practical skills combined together create a unique picture of who you are and why you’ll be a successful postgraduate student, so include both. 
• How does your previous undergraduate study relate to the course? Showcase your enthusiasm for your current study and take the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and knowledge now, and how you want to build on that. 

Next, you’ll need to write about your personal skills and achievements.

Universities like to know the abilities you have that’ll help you on the course, or generally with life at university. Don’t forget to include evidence to back up why you’re so passionate about the programme you’ve chosen.

Your personal skills and achievements

Be bold and talk about the achievements you’re proud of., include positions of responsibility you hold, or have held, both in and out of school., what are the things that make you interesting, special, or unique .

Your work experience and future plans are important to include in your personal statement. You should share details of jobs, placements, work experience, or voluntary work, particularly if it's relevant to your course. 

• Try to link any experience to skills or qualities that’ll make you successful on your course.
• If you know what you’d like to do after as a career, explain how you plan to use the knowledge and experience you’ll gain.

It’s always good to connect the beginning of your statement to the end and a great way to reinforce what you said at the start. You want to see the ending as your chance to end in a way that’ll make the university remember you. 

This final part of your personal statement should emphasise the great points you’ve already made and answer the question of why you should be offered a place on the course. 

Read our full guide on How to finish your statement the right way .

Aakriti Labra – MSc Occupational and Organisational Psychology, University of Surrey

Now you’ve written your postgraduate personal statement, you’ll need to do a couple of final things before you submit it. 

• Have you proofread your personal statement? Don’t just rely on spellcheckers. We’d recommend reading it out loud as that’s a great way to spot any errors as well as checking it sounds like you. 
• Have you asked for feedback? Ask friends, family or your undergraduate university tutors to have a read through your personal statement and take their feedback on board.
• Check out our personal statement dos and don'ts Have a look at the common pitfalls against your final draft to make sure you haven't made any obvious errors!

Postgraduate

More advice.

Use the UCAS’ personal statement tool alongside this guide to help you structure your ideas.

Do you want to understand the differences between an undergraduate and postgraduate personal statement? Take a look at our guide here.

Why study a postgraduate course? Find out here.  

What funding is there for postgraduate courses?  

Sponsored articles UCAS Media Service

Five reasons to sign up to the ucas newsletter, how to find a job, student finance for postgraduate loans.

Choose start date: Start date: 30 August 2024 Duration: One year Deadline: Applications for 2024 entry are now closed. Fee: £45,400 Location: London, UK Fees and funding Career impact

Applying for MSc Financial Technology 

 Are you ready to begin your MSc Financial Technology programme at a Business School where business and technology collide? We take a holistic approach to admissions, considering not only your academic and professional achievements, but also who you are, what motivates you and how you collaborate with those around you.

Applications are now closed for the programme starting in August 2024.

What we look for in a MSc Financial Technology candidate

If you’re an intellectually curious individual with excellent quantitative skills, first-rate programming skills, commercial awareness and good problem-solving skills, then MSc Financial Technology at Imperial College Business School is a good fit for you. This programme has a focus on innovation, and attracts individuals who want to understand and champion new technological advancements. MSc Financial Technology will prepare you for a variety of exciting roles within the finance sector, in both established financial institutions and technology companies, and fintech start-ups.

Further detailed entry requirements are below.

Entry requirements

Academic requirement.

You should have a First or Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree from a recognised university or the  international equivalent in a highly quantitative discipline such as:  

• Computer Science 
• Engineering 
• Mathematics 

Programming skills using languages such as C++, Java, R or Python will add weight to your application. You can provide details of your experience in the software packages and programming languages section of the application form. 

There are no specific ‘A’ Level criteria, but many banks and companies in the financial sector have very strict grade requirements for their graduate programmes. We strongly recommend that you research the entry requirements of any companies you are interested in working for. 

Prerequisite knowledge requirements

MSc Financial Technology is a highly quantitative programme and therefore all students commencing the programme are expected to be proficient in probability, calculus, matrix algebra and real analysis. 

You should use the Quantitative Experience Statement on the application form to list the most advanced quantitative courses that you have taken in your academic career to date and to provide brief examples of the relevant topics covered by the programme. 

Complete our  online Maths test  to determine if you are suitable to apply for the programme.  

Internships and work experience

You are strongly recommended to undertake relevant internships and work placements and list them in the ‘Industrial/Professional Experience’ section of the application form and your CV, as this will add weight to your application. 

If you are committed to a career in the finance sector, we expect to see evidence of how you’ve been building your professional experience and knowledge throughout your undergraduate degree. 

English language requirement

All home, EU, and overseas applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Students who were not awarded their degree in a qualifying English-speaking country must demonstrate their proficiency by completing an approved English language qualification at the required level. Minimum test requirements for the most popular tests are: 

IELTS (academic): A minimum score of 7.0 with minimum scores of 6.5 in all elements 

TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 100 overall with minimum scores of 22 in all elements 

Duolingo English Test: 125 Overall with no less than 115 in any band score 

More detailed information can be found on our English language requirements page .

GMAT or GRE

GMAT is not required for MSc Financial Technology but a well balanced GMAT Exam result will add weight to your application. For the  GMAT Exam  you will need a minimum overall percentile ranking of 55%. If you have taken the  GMAT Exam (10th Edition) , you will need a score of at least 600 (our current average is 666). Scores are valid for five years from your appointment date.

If you are taking the GRE, a score of 159 in the quantitative section can also add weight to your application. GMAT or GRE is highly recommended for candidates with less quantitative degree backgrounds.

How to apply

Start your application online  .

• Go to the application portal    
• Create an account and input your personal details   
• Pay the £100 application processing fee   

Complete the application questions

As part of your application, you will need to complete:  

• Career planning questions 
• Quantitative experience statement 
• Programming/computer software experience 

You will also have the option to indicate which other areas of finance are of most interest to you. If we do not make you an offer for your selected programme, we will automatically consider you for alternative programmes within the Finance Suite.

Submit your supporting documents

•  Complete degree transcripts with English translation if necessary   ( view international entry requirements )
• Personal statement:  view guidance blog on how to write a personal statement
• Current resume/CV - you can use  our CV template for  guidance 
• Contact details of two referees:  two academic, or one professional, one academic
• GMAT or GRE results (recommended but not compulsory) 
• English language scores , if required i.e. TOEFL, IELTS

Complete your application 

Once you have submitted your supporting documents you can complete your application. Please note: referees may respond after submission.

Interview  

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. This is the best opportunity for you to demonstrate your passion and drive, and why you want to study a Master’s at Imperial.

Normally this will be through our video interview platform, which you can access online to record and submit your answers; occasionally you may be invited to interview via Skype or telephone instead.

Admissions decision  

You will be notified informally via email and officially via your Imperial Gateway account with the result of your application.  Our normal application processing time is approximately 6-8 weeks. 

Submit outstanding documents and pay your deposit  

Once you receive your offer, you may be required to submit documents to satisfy your offer conditions. The application portal is where you respond to your offer and view full details of your conditions. You will then be required to pay your 10% deposit for the programme.

Start your Master's journey today

Key dates and deadlines.

Applications are now closed for the programme starting in August 2024. Applications to join MSc Financial Technology in 2025 will open in August. Please  sign up to our newsletter  to be notified when applications open. 

We operate a staged admissions process with several deadlines throughout the year. This programme is highly competitive, so early application is advised; this will put you in a stronger position to be considered for a scholarship, and provide access to exclusive admitted students events.

Candidates should submit their application by 23.59 UK time on the day of the application deadline.

2024 scholarship deadlines

Deadlines for 2025 entry

Invest in yourself

Choosing to pursue an master's is one of the most important decisions you will make and is a substantial investment in yourself.

Many of our students fund their studies through multiple funding sources. We offer a wide range of awards, including a number of scholarships to the most talented applicants.

Head over to our Fees and funding page to find out more about tuition fees, scholarships and the different financing options available to you.

Join an upcoming event

Attending an event is a great way to find out more about our programmes and what it’s like to study at Imperial College Business School.

Toronto | Recruitment Team One-to-Ones

Register your interest for an in-person one-to-one with a member of the Student Recruitment Team in Toronto

New York City | Recruitment Team One-to-Ones

Register your interest for an in-person one-to-one with a member of the Student Recruitment Team in New York City.

Monterrey | Recruitment Team One-to-Ones

Register your interest for a one-to-one in Monterrey with our Recruitment Team, and have any questions answered about the MBA and MSc programmes at the Business School.

Mexico City | Recruitment Team One-to-Ones

Register your interest for a one-to-one in Mexico City, Mexico with our Recruitment Team, and have any questions answered about the MBA and MSc programmes at the Business School.

Lima | Recruitment Team One-to-Ones

Register your interest for an in-person one-to-one with a member of the Student Recruitment Team in Lima.

Santiago | Recruitment Team One-to-Ones

Join us for a one-to-one meeting in Santiago with a member of our Recruitment Team, and have any questions answered about our MBA and MSc programmes at the Business School.

Frequently asked questions

How do i submit an application and what documents do i need to provide.

All applications to our postgraduate programmes are made online – we do not accept paper applications. Please refer to the ‘How to apply’ section of each programme page to see what documents you are required to submit with your application and to view the selection process.

Why do I need to complete a quantitative experience statement?

All of our programmes are academically rigorous and include a quantitative component so all candidates are expected to be familiar with a basic level of mathematics before the start of the programme. The quantitative experience statement provides an opportunity to demonstrate this to the selection committee.

In the quantitative experience statement, you need to list up to five of the most quantitative modules or elements of your studies to date. You should list the main topics of study (eg: algebra, probability etc) as well as the level of study (eg: high school, undergraduate degree, short course etc) as this will allow the selection committee to have an understanding of your quantitative experience to date.

Quantitative experience is a key selection criterion for our more quantitative programmes (MSc Finance, MSc Finance & Accounting, MSc Financial Technology, MSc Investment & Wealth Management, MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering, MSc Business Analytics, MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance and MSc Economics & Strategy for Business) so please be sure to check the entry requirements for your programme of interest to ensure your background is sufficiently quantitative. For other programmes, candidates are advised to review both the programme content and the pre-study modules to see what the numerical content of the programme includes before they submit an application.

How many programmes can I be considered for each year?

You can apply to be considered for one programme each year. We will take your areas of interest and eligibility into account when considering you for alternative programmes.

Do I need to submit evidence of my English language proficiency with my application?

While it is not compulsory to submit the results of an approved English language test with your application, it is strongly encouraged and will add weight to your application if you are able to show that you have met the language requirement prior to applying. You can find detailed information regarding the Business School’s language requirements and the tests that we accept here .

When will my referees be asked to provide a reference?

As part of your application, you will be asked to provide the contact details of two referees. Your referees will be contacted by email once you have completed and submitted your application, and the email will contain instructions on how they can submit your reference via our application system.

Please ensure that each reference letter that is submitted has been sent from an academic or professional email address. We cannot accept references sent from personal email addresses, such as Gmail, Hotmail, 126, 163, Sina, QQ, and Yahoo.

I’ve received an email confirming that my referees have submitted my references, but this isn’t yet confirmed on my account?

Our electronic application service is provided by an external provider, so there may be a delay before the receipt of your references is confirmed on your student application account.

If you receive confirmation that your references have been received but this still isn’t confirmed on your account a week after receiving the confirmation, please contact the Central Admissions team at [email protected] .

Will I be invited to interview?

Yes. As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates for our MSc programmes will be invited to complete an interview. Interviews are conducted through Kira Talent, our video interview platform, which you can access online to record and submit your answers.

The interview process typically takes about 20 minutes and does not require extensive preparation. It aims to supplement your written application by providing a further opportunity for you to articulate your suitability for your MSc programme of choice through questions about your previous experience and future aspirations.

What interview platform do you use, and how will I be notified if I need to complete an online interview?

If you are invited to submit a video interview, you will be sent details of how to access and use the Kira Talent online interview platform.

Once you have created an account, you will be asked a series of questions, to which you can record your answers as short videos and submit them online.

Please make sure that the invitation doesn’t go to your junk mail by adding kiratalent.com to your list of safe senders. You must complete your online interview by the deadline stated in the email. If the email has gone into a junk, spam, or clutter folder in your inbox, we will not be able to rearrange a new interview for you, and your application will be considered for withdrawal.

Please note: our video interviews are conducted via the Kira Talent platform. As Kira Talent is an independent third party service provider with their own terms and conditions of service and privacy policy, please familiarise yourself with these and ensure you are happy with them before proceeding to use the Kira service and platform.

When will I receive a decision on my application?

For all MSc programmes, you can normally expect to receive a decision within 6-8 weeks of having submitted a complete application. Please keep in mind that during busy times and/or where documents are missing from an application, this time may increase.

Why is my offer subject to checks by Central Admissions?

When an offer is submitted by the Business School, the Central Admissions need to make a number of final checks before it can be formally approved. These may include an additional review of an applicant’s academic background or ensuring the references we have received are valid. Until you have received confirmation of the official offer via the College’s applicant portal, please do not arrange accommodation, book flights or decline any other offers you may be holding. The majority of offers are successfully approved by Central Admissions and you will be able to see full details of your offer conditions once your official offer has been confirmed.

I’ve been put on a waiting list, when will I receive a final decision?

Unfortunately, we are unable to confirm when you will receive a decision on your application but we will be in touch via email as soon as there is an update. Please be aware that you do not need to provide any additional information unless you think that this will add significant weight to your application (e.g. updated transcripts, relevant internships, English language results).

My application has been unsuccessful; can I have some feedback?

Please email your programme admissions team if you would like feedback on your application. Please note that whilst limited feedback can be provided, the decision of the academic selectors is final and it will not be possible for your application to be reconsidered.

Can you advise me on my eligibility?

We are unable to assess eligibility before an applicant applies as the academic selection committee needs to review a full application before any decision can be made. Please check the specific entry requirements of the programme you are interested in studying along with our international entry requirements. If you feel you meet our entry requirements you can apply online.

In addition to the guidance available on our website, we also hold regular information sessions both online and on-campus throughout the year where we would be happy to discuss your suitability in more detail.

What are the international entry requirements?

We accept a wide range of international qualifications for postgraduate study at Imperial.

We've provided general guidance in the country and region index on how qualifications awarded by public institutions overseas may satisfy our minimum academic admission requirements.

We review our requirements annually. Updates usually happen in September each year before the next academic year of entry.

If your country or region is not listed, please contact the relevant Admissions team for further information.

View accepted qualifications

I don't meet the academic entry requirement but I have some work experience, will I be considered?

The majority of the MSc programmes require a minimum of an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or international equivalent) to be admitted. While work experience can add weight to an application, this would not be considered in place of meeting the academic requirement, regardless of how lengthy the experience has been.

The exceptions to this are  MSc Global Health Management ,  MSc Business Analytics (online delivery, part-time) , and  MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) . Please refer to the programme’s entry requirements for more detailed information.

We may consider candidates applying to MSc Business Analytics (online delivery, part-time) with non-traditional qualifications and backgrounds, on the basis of highly relevant work experience or demonstrated interest.

Does the Business School offer Pre-sessional English?

The Business School does not offer pre-sessional English courses or accept attendance of a pre-sessional English course as a means of meeting the English language requirement.

Can I pay my tuition fees in instalments?

Yes, you can. You can pay your tuition fees in either one or two instalments payable at the start of term, or at the start of term and February, respectively. If you pay in instalments there will be a 2% surcharge of the total amount added to your first instalment. You would be asked to select a payment schedule during the offer acceptance process. Please contact the  Student Finance Team  if you have further questions about this process.

What Scholarships am I eligible to apply for, and where can I find out further information about these?

The Business School offers a variety of different scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria.

All candidates who submit an MSc application before the scholarship deadlines (listed on our website) and receive an offer for one of our programmes will automatically be considered for scholarship(s) relevant to their programme, providing they do not have additional criteria such as a video submission. You can be considered for multiple scholarships at the same time.

Additionally, there are a number of cross-programme awards and programme specific awards also available. Please check on the scholarships page on your programme of choice for eligibility and entry requirements.

Find out more information about all our scholarships.

I have previously studied at Imperial College London, am I eligible for an Alumni discount on the tuition fee cost?

Yes, we offer a 10% bursary on programme fees to successful candidates with an undergraduate degree from Imperial awarded at a minimum of upper second class, or Master’s degree awarded with a minimum of Merit. In order to be considered for this bursary, you must submit your application by the scholarship deadline. 

I’m being sponsored; what documents do I need to provide?

If you are being sponsored by an organisation that will be responsible for paying your tuition fees, you must provide acceptable proof of the award.

Satisfactory evidence of sponsorship is usually regarded as an original, dated and duly authorised letter from your sponsor on headed paper which includes the following:

Your name and College Identifier Number

The programme for which you have been offered a place

The amount of fees which will be paid by your sponsor (please report in GBP)

The address to which the invoice should be sent

Any Purchase Order Number required

Confirmation that the fees will be sent directly to Imperial College

Sponsorship letters should be emailed to the Central Admissions team at [email protected]  

What do I need for my visa appointment?

Your CAS number holds information about the programme you will study and if you have paid any fees. You will not need a formal letter from the College confirming your offer status for your visa appointment.

For more information about what you will need, see the  UKVI website .

If you need any advice about your visa please contact the  International Student Support team . Most information can be found on the  International Student Support website .

I require a visa to study in the UK, when will I receive my CAS?

We will start to issue CAS numbers from April. The details of your CAS will appear on your My Imperial record after you have met all the conditions of your offer. Please note that you will need to upload a scanned copy of the photo page of your passport and current visa (if you have recently completed a degree in the UK), before your CAS can be issued. Please upload these documents to the ‘Passport/visa’ section of your My Imperial account.

Once your CAS is ready, you will receive an email confirming that it has been uploaded onto your My Imperial account. If you log into My Imperial you will be able to find your CAS number and the details that have been included in your CAS.

Please note that we cannot provide you with a CAS if you have outstanding conditions on your offer. Please ensure that you allow enough time to meet your conditions and apply for a visa before the start date of your programme of study.

The programme

Fees and funding, career impact, connect with us.

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance
• Personal Statements
• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities
• University Interviews
• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising
• Studying Abroad
• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Blogs

• Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

• Postgraduate Personal Statements
• International Student Personal Statements
• Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

• Personal Statement Changes 2025
• Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

• Mature Student Personal Statements
• Personal Statements By University
• Accountancy and Finance Personal Statements
• Actuarial Science Personal Statements
• American Studies Personal Statements
• Anthropology Personal Statements
• Archaeology Personal Statements
• Architecture Personal Statements
• Art and Design Personal Statements
• Biochemistry Personal Statements
• Bioengineering Personal Statements
• Biology Personal Statements
• Biomedical Science Personal Statements
• Biotechnology Personal Statements
• Business Management Personal Statement Examples
• Business Personal Statements
• Catering and Food Personal Statements
• Chemistry Personal Statements
• Classics Personal Statements
• Computer Science Personal Statements
• Computing and IT Personal Statements
• Criminology Personal Statements
• Dance Personal Statements
• Dentistry Personal Statements
• Design Personal Statements
• Dietetics Personal Statements
• Drama Personal Statements
• Economics Personal Statement Examples
• Education Personal Statements
• Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• English Personal Statements
• Environment Personal Statements
• Environmental Science Personal Statements
• Event Management Personal Statements
• Fashion Personal Statements
• Film Personal Statements
• Finance Personal Statements
• Forensic Science Personal Statements
• Geography Personal Statements
• Geology Personal Statements
• Health Sciences Personal Statements
• History Personal Statements
• History of Art Personal Statements
• Hotel Management Personal Statements
• International Relations Personal Statements
• International Studies Personal Statements
• Islamic Studies Personal Statements
• Japanese Studies Personal Statements
• Journalism Personal Statements
• Land Economy Personal Statements
• Languages Personal Statements
• Law Personal Statement Examples
• Linguistics Personal Statements
• Management Personal Statements
• Marketing Personal Statements
• Mathematics Personal Statements
• Media Personal Statements
• Medicine Personal Statement Examples
• Midwifery Personal Statements
• Music Personal Statements
• Music Technology Personal Statements
• Natural Sciences Personal Statements
• Neuroscience Personal Statements
• Nursing Personal Statements
• Occupational Therapy Personal Statements
• Osteopathy Personal Statements
• Oxbridge Personal Statements
• Pharmacy Personal Statements
• Philosophy Personal Statements
• Photography Personal Statements
• Physics Personal Statements
• Physiology Personal Statements
• Physiotherapy Personal Statements
• Politics Personal Statements
• Psychology Personal Statement Examples
• Radiography Personal Statements
• Religious Studies Personal Statements
• Social Work Personal Statements
• Sociology Personal Statements
• Sports & Leisure Personal Statements
• Sports Science Personal Statements
• Surveying Personal Statements
• Teacher Training Personal Statements
• Theology Personal Statements
• Travel and Tourism Personal Statements
• Urban Planning Personal Statements
• Veterinary Science Personal Statements
• Zoology Personal Statements
• Personal Statement Editing Service
• Personal Statement Writing Guide
• Submit Your Personal Statement
• Personal Statement Questions 2025

Accounting and Finance Personal Statement Examples

What is an accounting and finance personal statement?

Writing a personal statement for accounting and finance is a chance to sell yourself to the admissions tutors and show them why you would make a great candidate for an accounting course.

It’s the place on your UCAS form to describe your skills and strengths that will make you a valuable asset to a university, as well as your plans for a career in accounting.

You are allowed up to 4,000 characters to explain why you are applying for an accounting and finance degree, so you need to make sure your statement is as polished as possible to stand out from the crowd.

How do I write a good accounting and finance personal statement?

All successful accounting personal statements always use evidence to support their claims.

You need to convince admissions tutors that you’re a good match for the programme, so if you claim to be committed or inquisitive, then use examples from your life to back it up.

To write a great accounting personal statement you need to start early, brainstorm some ideas, and then begin your first draft.

This will then need to be carefully revised and edited before asking family and friends for feedback. Incorporate their comments and suggestions, and see how it is improved before asking them to look at it again.

Read through our accounting personal statement examples above to get an idea of what a good accounting and finance statement looks like.

Make sure you proofread your statement for grammar and spelling before sending it off, and if you feel you need a little extra help, take a look at our personal statement editing services .

What should I include in my accounting personal statement?

Many students choose to start their statement by picking a specific aspect of accounting and explaining why they enjoy it, e.g. trading simulation, quantitative techniques.

Admissions tutors want candidates that are as passionate about the subject as they are.

As well as your motivations for studying accounting and finance, think about your hobbies and extracurricular activities too. What skills have you learned from these and how will these help you in your accounting degree?

Talk about any work experience placements you have completed, e.g. shadowing an accountant or assisting a bookeeper. What did you take away from this experience? Do you feel you have all the necessary personal traits and qualities that make a good accounting student?

Your wider reading is also important, so it's worth mentioning anything you've read recently that you found interesting and why. Generally, admissions tutors like students who express their views and opinions, and use examples to back up their claims.

For more help and advice on what to write in your accounting personal statement, please see:

• Personal Statement Editing Services
• Personal Statement Tips From A Teacher
• Analysis Of A Personal Statement
• The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
• Personal Statement FAQs
• Personal Statement Timeline
• 10 Top Personal Statement Writing Tips
• What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline

How do I write my accounting personal statement introduction?

We recommend opening your accounting personal statement with the reasons why you are enthusiastic about this subject. You can do this either by picking out one or two aspects of the subject that particularly interest you, or if you have something relevant to share, you can relate an anecdote that explains why you've chosen to study accounting at university. For example, this applicant has chosen to talk about how a trip to Ghana made them want to pursue a career in accounting and finance:

"When thinking of how much power polymer notes hold, it was normal for a child like myself to ask, 'What is money?'. Looking back the answer was obvious. The literal meaning might be 'a medium of exchange' but I simply see it as 'to sustain'. I came to my interpretation of money through a trip to my motherland, Ghana.

For years, Ghana has experienced severe electricity supply challenges due to the economic crisis that led to the scarcity of consumers' payments. The frequent lack of electricity during my time there, impacted my daily activities. Although this was a short stay, having to come up with solutions everyday was frustrating, but it also made me think about the people who go through it every day.

This made me acknowledge the importance of business strategy and investment management. The ability of the Ghanaian government to come up with solutions for their monetary purposes is what inspired me to choose Accounting and Finance."

These opening paragraphs demonstrate that the candidate has thought about their career choice and explained why accounting and finance appeals to them so much. Remember that admissions tutors want to see students on their course that really want to be there, learn more about the subject in-depth and (hopefully) go on to taking up a job in their field.

Another candidate has chosen to open their accounting personal statement differently, by talking about their love of problem-solving and their work experience at a Chartered Accountants:

"I believe that within the financial world the importance of good fiscal decision-making is paramount, as well as the preparation of accounts and other related practices. The development of companies and monetary systems is a particular field of study that I find fascinating as it goes hand in hand with my love of problem-solving. This is a key element of accounting and allows clients to organise their finances in the most effective way. The chance for me to learn the way money is managed in a changing global economy, as well as in business, is why I want to study this degree course.

My desire to study accountancy was reinforced through my work experience at ***** *** Chartered Accountants. Whilst there I evaluated clients’ expenditures and incomes, I found this interesting as the need for attention to detail is key for successful modern accountancy. As well as this I reconciled multiple accounts and was shown how to calculate tax returns for a company or client over a set period of time. I found it really fascinating to be part of the workplace and it showed me how much breadth the field of accountancy has and this has only motivated me to work harder towards my goal of pursuing this career path."

However you decide to open your accounting personal statement, try to convey your passion for the subject, and focus on talking about the reasons why you've decided to study this subject for your degree.

How do I write a conclusion for my accounting personal statement?

One of the best ways to round off your statement is to talk about how you hope your accounting degree will help you grow your skills and knowledge, as well as achieving your plans for the future. For example, this candidate talks about how they've aspired to go to university from a young age, and how the challenges of a degree will help them solve economic problems in the future:

"Attending university has been an aspiration of mine from a young age, the thought of taking on new challenges and learning new things infatuates me with a burning desire to succeed. Long term, I plan to one day be able to construct solutions for the economic problems I read about and as a consequence become an asset to a global firm."

Other students choose to reiterate their interest in the subject, and why they would be a great candidate. For example, they might talk about how their personal qualities and/or experiences have equipped them with the right skills to pursue a degree in accounting.

Whatever you decide to conclude your statement with, try to make it memorable, and encourage the reader to think that you would be an asset to their department.

Further resources

• Finance and accounting personal statements - UCAS.com
• Accounting degree courses - UCAS.com
• Accountancy Undergraduate Degree Courses - WhatUni
• What can I do with an accounting and finance degree? - Prospects
• Accounting and Finance Degrees - Study In UK

Related resources

Best uk universities for accounting.

Find out more

How To Become An Accountant

Accountancy Careers

UCAS Accounting Degrees

• Ask a question Ask
• go advanced Search
• Please enter a title
• Please enter a message
• Your discussion will live here... (Start typing, we will pick a forum for you) Please select a forum Change forum View more forums... View less forums... GCSEs A-levels Applications, Clearing and UCAS University Life Student Finance England Part-time and temporary employment Chat Everyday issues Friends, family and work Relationships Health News Student Surveys and Research
• post anonymously
• All study help
• Uni applications
• University and HE colleges
• University help and courses
• University student life

Postgraduate

• Careers and jobs
• Teacher training
• Finance and accountancy
• Relationships
• Sexual health
• Give feedback or report a problem
• University and university courses
• Universities and HE colleges
• Life and style
• Entertainment
• Debate and current affairs
• Careers and Jobs
• Scottish qualifications
• Foreign languages
• GCSE articles
• A-level articles
• Exam and revision articles
• What to do after GCSEs
• What to do after A-levels
• When is A-level results day 2024?
• When is GCSE results day 2024?
• Studying, revision and exam support
• Grow your Grades

Exam results articles and chat

• Exam results homepage
• A guide to GCSE and A-level grade boundaries
• Year 13 chat
• Year 12 chat
• Year 11 chat

A-level results

• Guide to A-level results day
• Get help preparing for results day
• A-level retakes and resits
• Exam reviews and remarks
• Here’s what to expect on A-level results day
• Six ways to help results day nerves
• Understanding your A-level results slip

GCSE results

• Guide to GCSE results day
• How GCSE combined science grades work
• Stressed about GCSE results day?
• Understanding your GCSE results slip

Finding a uni in Clearing

• Clearing articles and chat
• UK university contact details
• Guide to Clearing
• Seven things people get wrong about Clearing
• How to make a great Clearing call
• Finding accommodation after Clearing
• How Clearing can help you prepare for results day
• All universities
• Applying through Ucas
• Student finance
• Personal statement
• Postgraduate study
• Uni accommodation
• University life
• All uni courses
• Apprenticeships
• Arts and humanities courses
• Stem courses
• Social science courses

Universities by region

• North of England
• South of England
• Greater London
• Distance learning
• International study

University guides and articles

• All university articles
• Applying to uni articles
• Personal statements

Personal statement examples

• University open days
• Studying law at university
• Student life at university
• Careers and jobs discussion
• Apprenticeships discussion
• Part-time and temp jobs
• Career forums by sector
• Armed forces careers
• Consultancy careers
• Finance careers
• Legal careers
• Marketing careers
• Medicine and healthcare careers
• Public sector careers
• Stem careers
• Teaching careers
• General chat
• Relationships chat
• Friends, family and colleagues
• Advice on everyday issues
• General health
• Mental health
• UK and world politics
• Educational debate

Undergraduate

• Postgraduate Master’s Loan
• Postgraduate Doctoral Loan
• Disabled Students’ Allowances
• Taking a break or withdrawing from your course

Further information

• Parents and partners
• Advanced Learner Loan

Finance personal statements

On this page you'll find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study finance courses at university.

These personal statements are written by real students - don't expect them all to be perfect! But by reading through a few of these samples, you'll be able to get some ideas and inspiration for your own personal statement. 

Finance personal statement examples

More help with your personal statement.

You can find personal statement examples for other courses by using this subject list, or by returning to our personal statements by subject page.

Other useful links

• Applying to university

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are both part of The Student Room Group.

• Main topics
• GCSE and A-level
• Exam results
• Life and relationships

Get Started

• Today's posts
• Unanswered posts
• Community guidelines
• TSR help centre
• Cookies & online safety
• Terms & conditions
• Privacy notice

Connect with TSR

© Copyright The Student Room 2023 all rights reserved

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd.

Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB

Provide details on what you need help with along with a budget and time limit. Questions are posted anonymously and can be made 100% private.

Studypool matches you to the best tutor to help you with your question. Our tutors are highly qualified and vetted.

Your matched tutor provides personalized help according to your question details. Payment is made only after you have completed your 1-on-1 session and are satisfied with your session.

• Homework Q&A
• Become a Tutor

All Subjects

Mathematics

Programming

Health & Medical

Engineering

Computer Science

Foreign Languages

Access over 35 million academic & study documents

Personal statement for masters in fintech.

Sign up to view the full document!

24/7 Study Help

Stuck on a study question? Our verified tutors can answer all questions, from basic  math  to advanced rocket science !

Similar Documents

working on a study question?

Studypool is powered by Microtutoring TM

Copyright © 2024. Studypool Inc.

Studypool is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university.

Ongoing Conversations

Access over 35 million study documents through the notebank

Get on-demand Q&A study help from verified tutors

Read 1000s of rich book guides covering popular titles

Sign up with Google

Sign up with Facebook

Already have an account? Login

Login with Google

Login with Facebook

Don't have an account? Sign Up

24/7 writing help on your phone

To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”

Masters' degree with a Focus on Financial Technology

Save to my list

Remove from my list

Similar topics:

Masters' degree with a Focus on Financial Technology. (2019, Dec 04). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/masters-degree-with-a-focus-on-financial-technology-essay

"Masters' degree with a Focus on Financial Technology." StudyMoose , 4 Dec 2019, https://studymoose.com/masters-degree-with-a-focus-on-financial-technology-essay

StudyMoose. (2019). Masters' degree with a Focus on Financial Technology . [Online]. Available at: https://studymoose.com/masters-degree-with-a-focus-on-financial-technology-essay [Accessed: 9 Aug. 2024]

"Masters' degree with a Focus on Financial Technology." StudyMoose, Dec 04, 2019. Accessed August 9, 2024. https://studymoose.com/masters-degree-with-a-focus-on-financial-technology-essay

"Masters' degree with a Focus on Financial Technology," StudyMoose , 04-Dec-2019. [Online]. Available: https://studymoose.com/masters-degree-with-a-focus-on-financial-technology-essay. [Accessed: 9-Aug-2024]

StudyMoose. (2019). Masters' degree with a Focus on Financial Technology . [Online]. Available at: https://studymoose.com/masters-degree-with-a-focus-on-financial-technology-essay [Accessed: 9-Aug-2024]

• Thank You Letter for Obtaining Masters Degree Scholarship Pages: 3 (724 words)
• College Degree For Job: Is a College Degree Necessary For Success Pages: 6 (1504 words)
• The Lives and Works of Masters in Visual Arts Pages: 4 (1180 words)
• Engineering Masters Personal Statement Pages: 6 (1653 words)
• The Roman Navy: Masters of the Mediterranean Pages: 6 (1596 words)
• Seven Taoist Masters Novel Summary Pages: 5 (1334 words)
• Masters of Satire: John Dryden and Jonathan Swift Pages: 2 (376 words)
• Relationship Between Slaves And Masters Pages: 2 (521 words)
• Sop for Masters in Ece Pages: 2 (523 words)
• There are tons of things Edgar Lee Masters did in his poems Pages: 6 (1523 words)

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.