medicine personal statement leeds

Personal statement tips

The personal statement is an important part of your UCAS application.

It helps admissions staff at the University decide whether to make you an offer. Some courses have many more applicants than places and there may be many students with good grades applying for the same course as you. 

What is it?

Your personal statement is a short written piece about you. It gives evidence of your skills, knowledge and experience. It’s your chance to tell us why you want to study a particular course and why you would make a great student. Read about:

How to write a UCAS undergraduate personal statement (UCAS website)

Top tips for writing the perfect personal statement (The Complete University Guide)

Maximum length

47 lines or 4,000 characters maximum – whichever comes first.

What to include

Your personal statement is your chance to stand out from the crowd. It is unique and individual to you, but some things to include are:

• Enthusiasm and motivation – your passion for the course should be clear and relate to you and your experiences (eg projects, field trips or experiences at school that sparked your interest in your subject). 
• Understanding of the subject – you need to show you have some knowledge and understanding, even if you have not studied the subject at high school or college. If you have done some reading about the subject, outside of school, mention this.
• Academic prizes or scholarships – this will help you stand out and show evidence of your potential.
• Career aspirations – even if you do not have clear career plans yet, you can show you have thought about your future career and how your chosen degree could help you achieve this.
• Relevant work experience/voluntary activities – explain what skills you have gained from the experience, including skills that would be useful in your university studies. 
• Non-academic interests – your hobbies (such as sports, baking or reading) show your personality and can be a chance to demonstrate different skills.
• What you will contribute to the university community – we want to know what you can bring to Leeds, as well as what you want to get out of university life.

International and EU students

If you are a non-UK student, you should also mention:

• Why you want to study in the UK.
• Why you want to be an international student, rather than study in your own country.

What to avoid

• Plagiarism (copying) – all statements will be checked for plagiarism. Your statement must be your own work so do not use templates. If you have applied before, check your personal statement is completely up to date and relevant to your current application.
• Skills without examples – show how you have developed the skills you think you will need, don't just list them.
• Listing subject knowledge – explain how your knowledge has helped you build career aspirations, choose your degree, or prepare for coming to university.
• Repeating qualifications – don't repeat information covered elsewhere on the application. This uses up valuable space in your personal statement.
• Short personal statement – make the most of the space you have. A short statement suggests you lack of passion or commitment to the course you are applying for.

Our top tips

• Write your personal statement in MS Word (or similar) first, so you can check your spelling and grammar before you add it into your application.
• Get someone else, like your tutor, family or friends, to read your statement to check for any errors and make suggestions before you submit it. You may need a few drafts before you are happy with the final version.
• If English is not your first language, you could mention any opportunities you have had to use English (eg an English-speaking school or work with a company that uses English).
• Use plain, clear English. Be careful with humour, quotes or anything unusual. The admissions tutor might not have the same sense of humour as you!
• Don’t exaggerate. If you get an interview, you might be asked for more detail about what you have written.
• Check the faculty or school website of your chosen course for guidance on your personal statement - especially important if you are applying for a course in medicine or dentistry. For example, see Leeds University Business School's 8 ways to perfect your UK university application .
• Check UCAS application deadlines  to make sure you apply before the closing date. For courses in medicine and dentistry, this is earlier than many other courses.

Related links

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Leeds Medical School

Section 1: The Application Process for Medicine at Leeds

1. what qualities does leeds school of medicine look for in a student.

The Leeds School of Medicine places a strong emphasis on clinical skills and particularly values students with good communication skills, who can demonstrate empathy when interacting with patients. These skills are built on and reinforced throughout the course.

2. What elements of your application does Leeds value most?

Leeds predominantly uses academic achievement to select which applicants will be offered an interview. This includes past and predicted grades and the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) score, making these very important aspects of your application. Whilst BMAT scores are used to rank applicants into quintiles, there is no cut-off score, meaning a low BMAT score doesn't necessarily exclude you from receiving an interview.

The personal statement is also considered as it gives an important insight into your interests and achievements, however isn't formally scored.

Using all of this information, the school of medicine ranks applicants and invites those that are highest ranked for an interview. Offers are made on the basis of merit and the ability of each applicant to meet the academic and non-academic criteria for admission. Approximately 1,000 candidates are expected to be invited to interview.

Once the interview stage is reached, the decision to subsequently make an offer depends entirely on your interview performance, not on your predicted or achieved academic performance, or other scores.

3. How important is the BMAT score at Leeds?

Leeds uses the BMAT. As mentioned previously, applicants' BMAT scores are used to rank them into quintiles: candidates in the highest 20% receive a score of five out of five, and those in the lowest 20% receive a score of one out of five. Everything in between is scored according to where they are placed in this distribution. A combination score using academic achievement and BMAT is used to determine a rank for shortlisting to interview. This information was taken from https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/a101_gateway_to_medicine_2021_ad#incoming-1830205.

4. How important are the grades you ultimately achieve for medicine at Leeds?

A-level entry requirements are AAA including Chemistry or Biology. Physics or Maths must also be offered if Chemistry is not taken. For detailed entry requirements see here: https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/5580/medicine-and-surgery-mbchb.

However, there are various widening participation schemes offered at Leeds that have lower A-level entry requirements. For example, this includes a new Gateway to Medicine course. The A-Level entry requirement for the Gateway Year to Medicine is BBC including Chemistry or Biology at B grade. In the first year of the course, you’ll study material to refine your scientific understanding, develop your study skills and equip you with the skills and knowledge needed as the course develops. After successfully completing this Gateway year, including reaching the required grades on the assessment elements of the course, you’ll progress to the five standard years of the Medicine degree. Another alternative admission scheme is Access to Leeds, which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low-income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted. The typical Access to Leeds A Levels offer is ABB including A in Chemistry or Biology.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions .

5. What other requirements does Leeds have for Medicine?

The course GCSE entry requirements are as follows: 6 A*- B or 9 - 5 including Chemistry and Biology (or Dual Science/Double Science), English Language and Mathematics.

These are the minimum entry requirements, but admission is competitive and the majority of applicants will have qualifications well above this standard.

6. What should I put in my personal statement for Medicine at Leeds?

The personal statement is an important aspect of the application process as it helps to assess the non-academic attributes that are essential in a career in medicine.

The university acknowledges that traditional GP surgery or hospital work experience can be difficult to obtain, especially over the last year due to the pandemic, but expects applicants to be able to demonstrate their motivation and enthusiasm to study medicine through experience in any health and social care setting, such as at hospices or homes for the elderly. Non-clinical and extra-curricular activities are also looked upon favourably, examples include volunteering at charity shops, involvement in the Scout/Guide Association, volunteering as a youth leader, coaching children, helping run a science club etc.

7. What is the structure of the Medicine interview for Leeds?

The Leeds MBChB interview is a multiple-mini interview (MMI) style. The MMI process consists of 8 different stations. Each station will last 6 minutes with 1 minute to move between stations and read the next task. At the end of each station, the examiners award marks according to a pre-determined standardised scale. After the completion of all 8 stations, a cumulative score will be given and candidates are ranked.

8. What are my chances of getting into Medicine at Leeds?

Around 1000 applicants are invited for an interview each year. Invitations to interview are issued by email in batches starting in December. In 2019 there were 2486 applications, of which 1056 applicants were interviewed and 394 offers were given. Offer holders achieved grades from ABB to A A A A at A-Level

This information was taken from https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/medicine_application_statistics_6#incoming-1622859.

Section 2: What is Medicine at Leeds really like?

1. what types of medicine courses are available at leeds.

Most applicants apply to the standard 5 year MBChB. Graduates are also accepted onto the traditional 5 year MBChB.

Leeds also offers a 'Gateway to Medicine' course. This is for students who meet Leeds Widening Participation criteria. It is a 6 year course consisting of a gateway year, followed by the 5 year MBChB course. More information can be found here: https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/i900/gateway-year-to-medicine-mbchb.

2. What is the course structure for the 5 year Medicine course?

The MBChB has an integrated course structure, which combines the core biomedical scientific principles with early clinical exposure.

Some of the modules in Year 1 include:

• IDEALS (Innovation, Development, Enterprise, Leadership, Safety) - this addresses the challenges and requirements of modern practice.
• Campus to Clinic - in this module you will develop your clinical decision-making and patient safety skills.
• Individuals and Populations - this explores the psychological and societal aspects of behaviour and human development, their role in health and illness and treatment of medical problems.

Other important areas of study include biomedical sciences, anatomy and pharmacology.

In year 2, you’ll learn about the anatomy of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Further exposure to clinical practise will help develop your consultation, diagnostic and practical skills.

You’ll be trained in the skills needed to carry out research effectively. You’ll also participate in a two-week project on enterprise.

In years 3, 4 and 5 your time spent on clinical placement will increase, as you transition from medical student to doctor

As well as the wide-ranging curriculum, there’s also a chance to tailor your studies through:

• ‍ Intercalation – taking an extra degree in one year, usually after years 2, 3 or 4 of the MBChB. It’s a chance to broaden your knowledge and enhance your career opportunities. Up to half of Leeds undergraduate medical students choose to intercalate each year.
• 6-week elective – between years 4 and 5, this can allow you to gain wider clinical experience or carry out a particular project in the UK or abroad. The elective is about gaining wider clinical experience or carrying out a specific project. Past students have worked in health centres, charities, universities and hospitals in Australia, Samoa, Vanuatu, China, Italy, Nepal and Tanzania.

3. What is the teaching style?

The teaching style is traditional, with early exposure to clinical placement starting with half a day per week in Year 1 and moving up to 4 days per week in Year 4.

In Year 1 and 2 more than half your time is spent in lectures. Lectures are recorded, but students are expected to attend in person. The remaining time is divided between tutorials, small group work and clinical placement.

Anatomy is taught by cadaver prosection in the first two years. It is worth noting that until a few years ago, anatomy at Leeds involved wet dissection. If this is something you're particularly interested in experiencing, Leeds offer an intercalated Clinical Anatomy BSc.

4. What does an average day as a first year medical student at Leeds look like?

Below is a typical 1st Year timetable:

IMS = Introduction to Medical Sciences.

RESS = Research, Evaluation and Special Studies.

I&P = Individuals & Populations.

C2C = Campus to Clinic.

IDEALS = Innovation, Development, Enterprise, Leadership and Safety.

As you can see, mornings are usually taken up with lectures. Wednesday afternoons are kept free for university sports traditionally. Friday afternoons can also often be free, which is handy if you plan on travelling home for the weekend.

In Years 3-5, the timetable becomes predominantly clinical placement. There is generally 1 week of lectures and clinical skills training, followed by a block of approximately 5 weeks on clinical placement. The hours on placement are often 8 am-4 pm, but in Years 4 and 5 there is some shift work including night shifts.

5. How does the structure of your day-to-day life change as you progress through the different years of the course?

As you progress through the course your time spent in the lecture theatre will decrease, while clinical placement time steadily increases.

Years 1 and 2

Half a day to 2 days of placement in a GP surgery and hospital each week. This involves shadowing medical professionals and working with voluntary groups close to your practice. You will learn and practice clinical skills such as injections and blood taking. You will also begin to develop your history taking, examination and interpersonal skills.

Students will integrate their clinical skills and knowledge by undertaking five junior clinical placements, each lasting five weeks. Placements include those in integrated medicine, surgery and peri-operative care, elderly and rehabilitation care, primary care and special senses.

Students undertake a further five clinical placements lasting six weeks each. These offer experience in specialist areas of medicine such as psychiatry, paediatrics and child health, gynaecology, obstetrics and sexual health, emergency and critical care, and cancer and continuing care.

Students will participate in a mandatory series of clinical placements with a strong focus on the transition to early postgraduate practice. These placements provide core experience in key clinical areas, with additional small variations in clinical exposure allowing you to tailor the final year to suit your individual learning needs.

6. Is an iBSc offered at Leeds?

Intercalated degrees give you the chance to study a subject in-depth and gain an additional degree in a single year. At Leeds intercalation is optional and can be undertaken at this university or elsewhere. The university offers intercalated BSc and Masters degrees. The specific iBSc courses that Leeds are known for include:

• Applied health (medical education)
• International health
• Clinical anatomy

More information can be found here: https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine-intercalation.

7. What is the typical cohort size and does this change as you progress through the course?

The typical cohort size is approximately 300 students. This can increase slightly with the entry of international medical students during the MBChB.

8. Which hospitals are linked to Leeds School of Medicine?

The School of Medicine is primarily linked with the following hospitals:

• Leeds General Infirmary
• St James's University Hospital
• Bradford Royal Infirmary
• Airedale General Hospital
• Harrogate District Hospital
• Mid Yorkshire Hospitals - Pinderfields Hospital, Dewsbury and District Hospital, and Pontefract Hospital

Hospital and GP surgery locations vary from a few minutes to approximately 1 hour or more from the school of medicine. Hospitals outside of Leeds generally offer free accommodation or subsidised travel to students.

Section 3: University & Medical School Life

1. where is the university of leeds located.

The University of Leeds and the School of Medicine are all based on one campus, which is about 100 acres in size. The campus is just a 10-15 minute walk from the city centre and also nearby to the student-friendly Hyde Park and Headingly areas.

To learn more about the University of Leeds campus see here: https://medium.com/university-of-leeds/come-and-explore-campus-99ff2b93ef4f .

2. Are students encouraged to take part in societies?

There are over 300 sports teams and societies within Leeds University Union! As well as another 30 specifically for medics. Students in the first and second year can easily get involved in many societies, although the workload as the course progresses may limit involvement to just one or two!

Activities offered by the Union include football, rugby, dance and even chess, wine tasting and skydiving!

Notable medic run societies are listed below:

• Medsoc: events include the cocktail party, the spring ball, the summer barbeque and the ski trip. Fancy dress is a must at a Medsoc party!
• ‍ Cutting Edge Leeds : your one-stop shop for all things surgery!
• ‍ Healthcare Innovation Team : for those of you with an enterprising mind who want to improve the care provided to the wider population.
• Psyched (Psychiatry): a society open to all students who have an interest in mental health.

For more information see here: https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine-undergraduate/doc/clubs-societies.

3. What is the student satisfaction score for Medicine at Leeds?

In 2019, Leeds was ranked highly by the National Student Survey, scoring 96% for student satisfaction. This information was taken from the following article: https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/news/article/304/leeds-ranks-2nd-for-medicine-in-the-national-student-survey-2019.

The Complete University Guide ranks Leeds at number 22 out of 35 medical schools. This ranking is based on an overall score comprising entry requirements, student satisfaction, research quality and intensity. Leeds scores comparatively highly for student satisfaction, but less well for research compared to other universities. These rankings can be found here: https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/medicine?sortby=student-satisfaction.

4. What bursaries are available at Leeds for medical students?

Additional funding and bursaries are available to students on the MBChB which can be based upon academic merit, low income and whether you are experiencing hardship. For example, Leeds Financial Support (LFS) is a non-repayable grant for students from low-income backgrounds. The funding is offered yearly and the amount depends on household income.Students may apply for the Leeds Hardship Fund and NHS Hardship Grant, which are means-tested and depend upon individual circumstances. Further scholarships and awards based on academic merit are also available, see here fore more information: https://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/1000038/funding_for_medics_and_dentists/1204/additional_funding.

5. Are student support services readily available and easy to access?

The university is a very supportive environment. Students are given a personal tutor throughout their time at medical school and will meet with them at least 3 times per year. Other wellbeing support services, for example counselling, are also available to medical students.

The Leeds University Union also operates a student advice centre which comprises a self-help site as well as trained advisors, to answer any questions you have regarding all aspects of student life.

For more information on student support services at Leeds School of Medicine see here: https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine-undergraduate/doc/student-support-1 .

Students also have the option to apply for mitigating circumstances if required for exams or coursework.

6. What are the best food spots around the University of Leeds?

There is a huge amount of choice when it comes to eating out in Leeds. If you want to venture further than the many cafes in the university itself, Bakery 164 is a nearby student favourite. In Hyde Park you can indulge in pancakes for breakfast in LS6 cafe, or venture further for delicious South East Asian cuisine at May's Thai Cafe.

Good places to grab a drink include Terrace, where medical students often head straight after a big exam. There is also the famous Otley run - bring your best fancy dress and comfortable footwear for this 1.5 mile long pub crawl!

7. Is student accommodation available at the University of Leeds?

The university guarantees accommodation to 1st year students. Locations vary from the city centre to the university campus itself.

Residences popular with medical students tend to be those that are closest to campus since so much time is spent there! These include Charles Morris Hall, Henry Price, Lyddon Hall, Central Village, Cityside, Leodis and The Tannery.

Since these are all located within a 10 minute walk of campus you can expect to pay a little more for the convenience: approx £125-£160 per week.

For those who are willing to travel, Headingley is around a 40 minute walk, or 30 minute bus journey. Accommodation here includes Oxley and Lupton residences which charge from £95-£126 per week, depending on whether you opt for a shared bathroom or en-suite.

Detailed descriptions of each accommodation option can be found here: https://accommodation.leeds.ac.uk/residences.

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Medical School Profiles: Applying To Leeds Medical School

Welcome to our series of medical school profiles. These are entirely free as part of our commitment to making information on medical careers free and readily available. These medical school profiles can be used in conjunction with our free guide “ how to choose which medical schools to apply to ” which covers 19 points that you can systematically run through when considering if a medical school is an excellent choice for you to apply to.

What this guide to applying to study Medicine at Leeds Medical School covers

This medical school profile provides key information for applying to study Medicine at Leeds Medical School. We start by discussing the Medicine courses on offer at Leeds Medical School and the process of transferring from other degrees to study Medicine at Leeds. We then cover Leeds Medical School’s entry requirements for studying Medicine. This includes how Leeds Medical School uses applicants BMAT results; the interview process at Leeds Medical School; how Leeds Medical School uses Medicine personal statements and other key details and facts that will help you to apply to study Medicine at Leeds Medical School. Then, we cover tips on how to write a Medicine personal statement for Leeds Medical School and tips on passing the Leeds Medical School MMI interview.

Courses on offer at Leeds Medical School:

• Standard Entry Medicine (5 years). UCAS course code A100

Direct course transfers from other degrees to study Medicine at Leeds Medical School

• Leeds Medical School and the University of Bradford have a partnership allowing a modest number of the highest performing students from the University of Bradford’s Clinical Science programme to transfer directly to the 2 nd year of the Medicine course at Leeds Medical School. The number of students is typically 20 per year.
• Additionally, a modest number of students from the University of Bradford’s Foundation in Clinical Sciences can transfer to the 1 st year of the Medicine programme at Leeds Medical School. Again, the number is typically 20 students a year.
• The application process for students applying to transfer to the Leeds Medicine programme is similar to what is required from standard non-transfer applicants to study Medicine at Leeds. Medicine transfer applicants will have to perform exceptionally well at the University of Bradford, have a strong personal statement, reference, and perform well at interview and in the BMAT.
• Leeds Medical School have a programme allowing qualified dentists wishing to pursue a career in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery to directly enter the Medicine programme in year 3.

The competition for offers of a place to study Medicine at Leeds Medical School:

5-year Standard Entry Medicine Course:

Number of applicants per interview: 2.9 (home/EEA) 5.9 (international)

Number of applicants per place: 7.8 (home/EEA) 22.9 (international)

International Applicants to Medicine at Manchester Medical School

Leeds Medical School accepts international students on to its standard five-year Medicine programme. Overall the University of Leeds has around 6,000 international students of all disciplines enrolled across the university. There are also foundation years for international students.

Graduate Entry Medicine at Leeds Medical School:

Leeds Medical School does not have an accelerated 4-year Graduate Entry Medicine programme. Graduates wishing to apply to study Medicine at Leeds should apply to the standard five year Medicine programme. See our free and comprehensive guide to applying to Medicine as a graduate for more information on all aspects of the process from decision making to funding. We also have a free guide on how to write a graduate entry Medicine personal statement .

Course structure at Leeds Medical School:

The Leeds Medical School course structure is based on an integrated curriculum. This is the most common method of teaching Medicine in the UK. It means that Clinical Medicine is taught alongside the basic Sciences that underpin Clinical Medicine from the start of the curriculum. This contrasts with a traditional course structure (which is rare amongst modern medical schools) where Clinical Medicine is taught much later in the degree. Integrated Medicine courses allow medical students to study basic Sciences in the context of they present in real patients. The course structure at Leeds becomes increasingly clinically orientated as you advance through the Medicine degree. There is early patient contact from year one.

Intercalation at Leeds Medical School

Leeds Medical School offers its students the chance to intercalate, and this includes Masters level degrees. Intercalation allows students to interrupt their medical degree and gain an undergraduate or master’s degree in a chosen subject and then return to the Medicine degree. Intercalation is offered at medical schools throughout the UK and is a popular option. You can learn more about it in our free blogs. Leeds also accepts applications from external students from other medical schools wishing to study in one of Leeds intercalated programmes.

Electives and placements abroad at Leeds Medical School

Like most medical schools, the Leeds Medicine course has an elective period towards the end of the degree which allows students the chance to study Medicine in another setting, usually a different country. Leeds Medical School also offers students other opportunities to study abroad.

Open days at Leeds Medical School

Attending a Leeds Medical School open day allows you to see the medical school yourself and speak to staff and students. A Leeds Medical School open day also provides a great opportunity to explore the city of Leeds for yourself.

Age requirements for applying to Leeds Medical School:

To apply to Leeds Medical Schools, applicants must be 18 by the January of the first year of the Medicine course.

Entry Requirements for Leeds Medical School 5-year Medicine programme:

Applying to any medical school is competitive and will involve meeting high entry requirements. While sharing many similarities, medical schools will also have very different entry requirements and policies in specific areas. The entry requirements for Leeds Medical School are no different in this regard so you must carefully understand the entry requirements for Leeds Medical School before you make an application there. Below are some headline details about the entry requirements for Leeds Medical School for 2019 entry. You can see the full information on their prospectus or website.

A-Level entry requirements for Leeds Medical School: The standard offer is AAA including chemistry. A fourth A-level will not provide an advantage. Leeds Medical School welcomes General studies & Critical Thinking A-levels, but they will not form part of the offer. Related subjects, e.g. Biology & Human Biology; Maths & Further Maths will not count as two separate A-levels to meet the AAA requirements.

GCSE entry requirements for Leeds Medical School: At least 6 grade B/6 GCSEs which must include English; Mathematics; and either double Science, Science & Additional Science, or Chemistry & Biology. These are minimum requirements, and the majority of candidates will far exceed the GCSE entry requirement for Leeds Medical School.

Admissions tests – how does Leeds Medical School use BMAT scores?

Applicants wishing to study Medicine at Leeds must sit the BMAT test. BMAT scores are looked alongside other factors such as academic grades. Candidates with the strongest overall application will be invited for an interview to study Medicine at Leeds. One of the MMI stations at the Leeds Medical School interview will involve the applicant discussing their BMAT section three essay. For more information about the BMAT and how to prepare for the BMAT, see our free BMAT guide and FAQ .

How Does Leeds Medical School use the Medicine personal statement?

Leeds Medical School use the Medicine personal statement in their application process. Additionally, your Medicine personal statement may be discussed at one of the MMI stations at interview.

Tips on how to write a successful Medicine personal statement for Leeds Medical School

• Leeds Medical School use the attributes needed to be a doctor, produced by the medical school’s council as a basis for its admissions process. You can read about these attributes in our free article. Our free guides and blogs on the Medicine personal statement are also based on this. Additionally all of our doctors and proof readers who review Medicine personal statements are well trained in this guidance. Read More
• Read our entirely free guide, how to write a Medicine personal statement in 10 steps. This will take you from step 1 – with no plan and nothing written down, all the way to step 10 – a completed excellent personal statement ready for you to submit to UCAS. Read More
• The meaning and insight gained from experiences such as work experience or extracurricular activities are the most critical thing admissions tutors are looking for, even more so then what you actually did. Simply making long lists of achievements or diary accounts of activities is not what admissions tutors at Leeds Medical School or any other medical school are looking for. It is up to you to make the most of what you have done and show the medical school admissions panel how your experiences will make a good candidate to study Medicine. Our free article: How to show the attributes of self-reflection and personal insight into your Medicine application will help you to write in the manner that admissions tutors are looking for. Read More
• You can consider a Medicine personal statement review service . These are offered by various companies. They are not essential, so do not believe any company that tells you otherwise. However, services by competent providers can add real value to your Medicine application. When looking at providers ensure that they are by experts in Medicine admissions and have professional skills in editing and reviewing. Medicine Answered provide an excellent medical school personal statement review service with a unique level of expertise. A professional editor and then a doctor (who received all four offers to study Medicine) will examine the personal statement line by line and make the appropriate corrections. After making sure the grammar and writing are flawless, they will also comment on the overall strength of the application and make suggestions of things which may be asked at your Medicine interview based on your medical school personal statement.

What type of interview does Leeds Medical School use?

Leeds Medical School interview approximately 550 applicants every year. For 2019 entry, Leeds Medical School interview candidates using multiple mini interviews (MMI) stations. A Leeds MMI Medicine interview for 2019 entry will consist of eight MMI stations. Each Leeds MMI interview station will be seven minutes long with a one-minute gap between MMI stations. In this gap, information about the next MMI station will be given so candidates can start to plan what they will do in the next MMI station. The format of the Leeds Medicine MMI stations differs. Some MMI stations will ask you to discuss information on your UCAS form. Most MMI stations will require you to interact with an examiner or to an actor playing a role. Some MMI stations may involve writing. One MMI station will ask applicants to take part in a discussion around the essay they wrote for section three of the BMAT.

Tips for passing a Leeds Medical School MMI interview

Success at a Leeds Medical School interview, or any other medical school interview is not a random process. It involves a tried and tested set of steps that you can also follow:

• An strategic plan on how to prepare for your medical school interview  – This is covered in our free guide on how to prepare for your medical school interview in seven steps.
• Learning key medical school interview strategies –  We have plenty of free articles covering medical school interview strategies as well as a free database of real Medicine interview questions with examples of full competent answers, analysis, and advice on how to approach these Medicine interview questions. We also have a free guide to Medical Ethics and blog articles such as how to deal with hostile interviewers, how to answer opinion questions and more.
• Avoiding common medical school interview pitfalls – See our free guide on common medical school Interview pitfalls and how to avoid them.
• Intelligent, reflective medical school interview practice  – Use our free exclusive database of medical school interview questions and answers .
• Execution on the medical school interview day  – Preparation and practice are one part of success. The other part is peak performance and execution on the day of the Medicine interview. Read our free article about dealing with nerves before and during your medical school interview .

If you prefer a face to face approach, Medicine Answered also provide excellent doctor delivered one-day Medical School interview courses as well as one to one private tutoring online or in person. All of our courses and tutoring are delivered only by doctors who passed all four of their Medicine interviews. For more information see our services section.

Guides & Info

Medicine Personal Statement Examples

Last updated: 29/6/2023

• Is Medicine Right for Me?
• What do Doctors do?
• The Daily Life of a Doctor
• How to apply to medical school
• Different Routes into Medicine
• Factors to Consider
• Medicine at Oxford and Cambridge
• Your Fifth UCAS Choice
• Getting Your Grades
• Extra-curricular Activities
• What is the UCAT?
• Preparing for Your UCAT Test Day
• After Your UCAT
• BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)
• Work Experience and Dental Schools
• NHS Work Experience
• Personal Statement
• Medicine PS Examples
• Dentistry PS Examples
• UCAS References
• Medical and Dental School Interviews
• Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)
• Medical School Interview Questions
• Dental School Interview Questions
• Graduate Entry Courses
• Foundation and Access Courses
• International students
• Taking a Gap Year
• Medicine in Australia and NZ
• Medicine in Ireland Medicine in Eastern Europe
• Other Roles in Healthcare
• What Our "Plan B" Looked Like

The personal statement is changing to a series of free text questions for 2026 entry onwards, however it remains unchanged for 2025 entry. Keep an eye on our live updates page for guidance on these changes.

Your UCAS personal statement is a chance to showcase the skills, attributes, and experiences which make you suited to studying medicine. This can be quite a daunting prospect, especially when you have to boil all that down to just 4,000 characters, or 47 lines. 

In this article, we will:

• Examine examples of strong and weak medicine personal statements (interested in dentistry? Check out dentistry personal statement examples )
• Help you learn what you should and shouldn't include in your medicine personal statement

Want to explore more examples? Our Personal Statement Course has over 100 personal statement examples to help you find your voice.

What you'll find in this article:

Personal statement example 1 – introduction

Personal statement example 2 – introduction, personal statement example 1 – main body, personal statement example 2 – main body, personal statement example 1 – conclusion, personal statement example 2 – conclusion, strong personal statement example, weak personal statement example, what should your personal statement include.

To get into medical school , your personal statement should:

• Demonstrate meaningful insight into the profession, in the form of work experience or independent research. This could be partly based on medical books or podcasts when medical work experience is not possible
• Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and experiences
• Mention your extracurricular activities
• Discuss your academic interests and achievements

'At the moment I am working towards A-Level Chemistry, Biology and Maths. I achieved my AS-Level in Spanish but decided to drop it to focus on my more medically relevant subjects. I’ve been dreaming of studying medicine since I was a young child, and this was only reinforced when I contracted measles during my primary school exams. This affected my performance, but I found that this motivated me rather than discouraged me. A particularly inspiring doctor was heavily involved in helping me deal with the pressure. I was inspired by her to become a doctor myself and help others in a similar way. I am particularly interested in science and as such the practical side of medicine interested me. I’ve always enjoyed chemistry and biology the most, and have best learned when trying to link the pure science I learn in school back to it's practical and useful real-world applications. This is what is particularly interesting about medicine to me - you can apply pure, evidence-based science in a clinical and practical setting to have an obvious positive effect. Inspired by this interest, I invested in a subscription to the New Scientist magazine. I’ve read about a huge number of fascinating discoveries and how they’ve been applied in medical settings.'

This introductory section has some promising features, but there are areas the author could improve:

• The introductory sentence doesn’t catch the reader’s attention or hold much relevance for a medical personal statement. This sentence would be better suited to a subsequent section on the author’s academic achievements, and it would need to be supplemented with a suitable explanation as to why the chosen subjects are relevant for medicine. 
• The author uses an anecdote to illustrate why they first developed an interest in medicine. This is a good idea, but the anecdote they've chosen is not the most suitable. It references ‘primary school exams’, which uses the cliché of wanting to do medicine from a young age. This is not only overused, but is also underdeveloped. 
• The applicant mentions feeling under pressure for these primary school exams. This won’t fill the reader with confidence that the author will be able to cope with the demands of medical school and a career as a doctor. 
• The introduction should open with the anecdote rather than academic achievements. A strong and memorable opening line will catch the admission tutor’s attention, and gives the student an opportunity to summarise why they want to study medicine.
• It is far too long. A good introduction should be around 4-6 lines.

There are some parts of the introduction that are more effective:

• The part discussing why they enjoy chemistry and biology is useful – it links their love for pure science back to the passion they mentioned earlier for helping people. This demonstrates the blend of empathy and interest in science that medical schools will be looking for. 
• The same part also introduces the candidate’s reading of medical literature, which they could choose to discuss in more depth later in the statement, or which might be something that interviewers could choose to examine in more detail.

'From a young age, my real fascination in life has been science - in particular, the incredible intricacy of the human body. My passion to discover more about its inner workings fuelled my motivation to study medicine, and the challenging yet rewarding nature of the job leaves me certain that I want to pursue it as a career. I think that my chosen A-Levels have only made me more determined to become a doctor, while simultaneously allowing me to develop and improve my skills. I have become a better problem-solver by studying physics and maths, while also learning the importance of accuracy and attention to detail. I’ve particularly enjoyed chemistry, which has again helped me improve my problem solving skills and my ability to think rationally and logically. Throughout my chemistry and biology A-Levels, I’ve been required to engage in practical work which has taught me how to design and construct an experiment. I’ve also become better at communicating with other members of my team, something I witnessed the importance of during my work experience in A&E. During recent months, I’ve started reading more medical publications such as the Lancet and the British Medical Journal. I’ve been particularly interested in how this evidence-based science can be applied to clinical practice to really make an impact on patients.'

This introduction contains some useful reflection and demonstrates some insight, but is quite jumbled. The main areas of weakness are as follows:

• The content is good but much of it would be better suited to a later section and should be explored in more detail while being linked back to medicine (for example, the whole second half could be included in a longer segment on academia). 
• The applicant mentions that they improved their problem-solving skills. How did they do this? Why is this important in medicine? 
• They say that medicine is demanding but that this attracts them to the job. What experiences have they had to show the demanding nature of it? Why does this attract them to it? 
• The author also briefly mentions a stint of work experience in A&E, but the rushed nature of the introduction means that they can’t go into detail about the experience or reflect on what exactly they learned from it. 
• Similar to example 1, this introduction includes some clichés which detract from the author’s overall message. For example, that they have wanted to do medicine from a young age or that they love science (with no further explanation as to why). 
• It is far too long. Again, an introduction should be a succinct summary of why you're interested in medicine, and not a brief account of all of your experiences.

The stronger parts of this introduction include the following:

• The author does demonstrate that they can reflect on the skills they’ve improved through experience. For example, the analytical and problem-solving skills they gained from chemistry.
• The candidate shows an understanding of the link between evidence-based science and clinical application when discussing how they did further research around their physics course. This shows a good level of curiosity and insight.

'I first became interested in studying medicine when I carried out a work experience placement with my father an elderly care specialist. I really enjoyed the experience and it gave me a deeper insight into the challenges doctors face. I now believe that I better understand the resilience - both mental and physical - that doctors need to cope with the heavy workload and emotional challenges. A few months ago I was given the opportunity to attend work experience in St Mary’s hospital in Manchester where I visited and observed many different specialties and areas of the hospital like A&E and the labs and witnessed how doctors carried out their jobs. For the past year I’ve been doing some other volunteering work too, such as, taking meals around to patients on the ward, asking them about their experience in the hospital and just chatting with them about how they’re feeling. They’re often delighted to have someone to talk to especially during Covid when they weren’t allowed to receive visitors. I saw how my communication and empathy made a real impact on the mood of the lonelier patients. I spent a few days working in the same hospital, shadowing doctors and Allied Health professionals in the stroke ward. I became much more familiar with the process doctors used for treating stroke patients, and developed an understanding of the role that physiotherapists and occupational therapists have in their rehabilitation. On top of that I organised a placement with the emergency medicine doctors and spent time in the haemapheresis unit at St Mary’s.'

This example does contain some of the features we look for in a complete main body section but could definitely be improved: 

• The main issue with this is the list-like presentation, which goes hand-in-hand with a general lack of reflection or insight. Although it is good to discuss your work experience in your personal statement, it would be far better if the candidate focused on just one or two of the experiences mentioned, but went into far more detail about what they learned and the insight they gained. For example, after mentioning the role of Allied Health Professionals in the rehabilitation of stroke patients, they could go on to discuss how they came to appreciate the importance of these healthcare workers, and how the contribution of all these individuals within the multidisciplinary team is so important to achieving good outcomes.
• Statements like ‘I [...] witnessed how doctors carry out their jobs’ make it seem as if the candidate really wasn’t paying attention. They need to explain what they mean by this. Were they impressed by the doctors’ effective teamwork and communication skills, or perhaps by their positive attitude and morale? Did they seem well-trained and effective? What did they learn from this that might help them in the future?  ‍
• Similarly, the student simply states that they saw the effect of empathy on patients: ‘I saw how my communication and empathy made a real impact on the mood of the lonelier patients.’ This adopts a ‘telling’ approach, when the student needs to adopt a ‘showing’ approach. Simply telling us that they saw something does not adequately demonstrate an understanding of why those qualities are important, or what they actually mean. What does it mean to have empathy? What does that look like in real terms? How did they use it? What was the effect? Showing the tutor that you are empathetic is important, but simply saying it is disingenuous and shows a lack of understanding.
• The candidate spends a number of characters name-dropping the exact hospital they visited and its location, which isn’t the best use of valuable space, as it has no real impact on the message they’re trying to convey.
• Generally, it isn’t a good idea to talk about work experience with family members. Of course, this might be the reality, but try to have some other placements that you’ve organised yourself so that it doesn’t appear as if your family are doing all the hard work for you. At the very least, you could simply leave this information out.
• There are a few grammatical errors here, especially regarding the use of commas. It’s important to use a spell checker or to ask an English teacher to check your work for you before submitting your statement.

The better features of this example are:

• The candidate does show some insight into the role of a doctor when they talk about the resilience required by doctors to cope with the hard hours and challenging conditions. They just need to reflect in this way in other parts of the section, too.
• The author has clearly done a lot of work experience and is right to discuss this in their personal statement. Just remember that you don’t need to squeeze in every single little placement.

'I was pleased to be appointed as head boy in my last year of school, and as part of this role I headed up the school safety office. I carried out inspections of the dormitories, roll calls and helped in the running of school festivals and activity days. The office I was in charge of needed to ensure the safety of every student in the school and I helped plan and lead drills to prepare the students for storms, floods and fires. This role has made me a far better leader, and I also believe that I am now far more calm and logical when working under pressure or in uncertain situations. I’ve been an editor on the online school blog for over 2 years now and the experience has taught me how to work effectively in a team when under time pressure. In order to meet my deadlines I needed to remain motivated even when working independently, and I think that the diligence and work ethic I’ve developed as a result will be incredibly useful to me as a medical student. I took on the role of financial director for both the table tennis club and Model United Nations at my school. At first I struggled with the weight of responsibility as I was in charge of all of the clubs’ money and expenditures. However, I am now a far more organised individual as I came to appreciate the value of concise paperwork and of keeping a record of my actions. I not only manage the funds of the table tennis club but am also a regular member of it. I often play independently, and the lack of a specific coach means that I have to identify my own strengths and weaknesses. I am now far better at being honest about my weaknesses and then devising strategies for working on them. The sport has also allowed me to demonstrate my ability to work well in a team, but also to get my head down and work independently when necessary.'

This example is generally well written and showcases some of the features of a good main body section. However, there are some areas that can be improved:

• This section would benefit from the ‘show, don’t tell’ approach. Instead of explaining specific situations or events through which the candidate demonstrated certain attributes, they simply state them and then link them vaguely to a more general role or activity.
• The bigger problem, however, is that the author mentions a wide range of skills but falls short in linking these back to medicine.  ‍ For example, after reflecting on their role in the school safety office and the leadership skills they developed as a result, the author could talk about the senior role that doctors have within the multidisciplinary team and the importance of good leadership in a medical setting.  Similarly, the author mentions their ability to work independently but should really round this off by describing how this would benefit them in medical school, as the ability to progress your learning independently is crucial to success there. The student mentions an understanding of and proficiency with paperwork and recording their actions. Doctors must constantly do this when writing notes for each patient, so the candidate should really try to mention this in their statement to explain why their skills would be useful. The mention of teamwork could be followed by an explanation of why it is important in a medical setting and how the applicant witnessed this during their medical work experience. Finally, when the student talks about being able to identify and work on their weaknesses, they could use this as an opportunity to demonstrate further insight into the medical profession by discussing the importance of revalidation and audit in the modern NHS, or talking about how important it is for doctors to be able to work on their areas of weakness. 

Better aspects of this example:

• The applicant doesn’t simply list the activities they have been a part of, but also explains what they learned from these and the skills and attributes they developed as a result. This reflective ability is exactly what assessors will be looking for.
• The tone of the section is appropriate. The applicant doesn’t appear arrogant or over-confident, but at the same time, they manage to paint themselves in a good light, highlighting their range of skills relevant to medicine.
• This example uses the character count effectively. Unlike the earlier examples, almost all of the sentences serve a purpose and are succinct.
• They demonstrate a wide range of skills, most of which are very relevant to medicine.

' I am a resilient and empathetic individual and I think that I have the qualities to thrive despite the social and academic challenges of university. Through my work experience I’ve gained an insight into the difficulties doctors face but this has not dampened my enthusiasm. My placements and voluntary work have only strengthened my commitment and dedication to studying medicine.'

The effectiveness of a conclusion depends on the rest of the statement before it, so it is hard to judge how good a conclusion is without seeing what the candidate has mentioned in the rest of their statement. Assuming this follows on logically from the statement, however, we can say that this conclusion is generally good for the following reasons:

• It is brief, to the point, and highlights that the student holds some of the skills doctors need (this would of course need to be backed up with examples in the rest of the statement). 
• The author doesn’t introduce any new ideas here, as that would be inappropriate, but rather reiterates their determination, which is exactly what admissions tutors want to see. 
• The author demonstrates a balanced understanding of the demands of a medical career, illustrating this is a decision they have made rationally while considering the implications of their choice. 

As is always the case, this conclusion could still be improved:

• The mention of the social challenges of university is a bit too honest, even though these exist for everyone. Mentioning them could give the impression that the student struggles socially (which is not something they would want to highlight), or that they intend to dive into the social side of university at the expense of their studies. 
• If the candidate really insists on mentioning the social side, they should at least do this after discussing academics, and they should do it in the body of the statement, where they have space to explain what exactly they mean.
• The student describes themselves as empathetic. This should be avoided, as it should be evident from the statement itself.

'Over the years I have built up a large and extensive set of medical work experiences and volunteering opportunities. These have allowed me to demonstrate my ability to communicate effectively and work in a team, and they will allow me to become a more diligent student and effective doctor. I think that this, alongside my ability and strength of character mean that I should be considered for this course. I am excited to get started and begin to put my skills to good use.'

This is a reasonably strong conclusion. It provides a to-the-point summary of why the author believes they should be selected to study medicine and shows their excitement for starting this journey. However, there are some parts of this example that could be improved: 

• The author mentions 'ability' and 'strength of character.' These are nebulous terms and not specific to medicine or a medical degree in any way.
• The mention of a 'large and extensive range of medical work experiences' indicates overconfidence. Medical applicants are not expected to have any medical ability or any 'large and extensive range' of medical experience, nor is it probable that this candidate actually does (otherwise they wouldn’t need to go to medical school in the first place). Rather, medical students need a suitable set of skills and attributes in order to make the most of their medical education and become an effective doctor.
• On a similar note, the applicant says that their range of medical work experience will make them a better student and doctor, but this is only true if they can reflect on their experience and learn from it. Impassively watching an operation or clinic without properly engaging with it won’t make you a better doctor in the future.

We’ll now go on to look at an example of a strong personal statement. No personal statement is perfect, but this example demonstrates a good level of reflection, engagement and suitability to study medicine (we know this because the writer of this statement went on to receive four offers). 

It goes without saying that plagiarism of any of these examples is a bad idea. They are known to medical schools and will be flagged up when run through plagiarism detection software. 

Use these as examples of ways you could structure your own statement, how to reflect on experiences, and how to link them back to medicine and demonstrate suitable insight and motivation. 

'It is the coupling of patient-centred care with evidence-based science that draws me to medicine. The depth of medical science enthrals me, but seeing complex pathology affecting a real person is what drives home my captivation. As a doctor, you are not only there for people during their most vulnerable moments but are empowered by science to offer them help, and this capacity for doing good alongside the prospect of lifelong learning intrigues me. In recent years I have stayed busy academically - despite my medical focus I have kept a range of interests, studying Spanish and German to grow my social and cultural awareness and playing the violin and drums in groups to improve my confidence when working in teams and performing. This is similar to the team-working environment that dominates in medical settings, and I have found that my awareness of other cultures is a great help when interacting with the hugely diverse range of patients I meet during my volunteering work. The independent projects I am undertaking for my A-levels teach me how to rigorously construct and perform experiments, process data and present findings, developing my written communication. My work experience showed me the importance of these skills when making patients’ notes, and of course, medical academia must be concisely written and well constructed and communicated. Maths teaches me to problem-solve and recognise patterns, vital skills in diagnosis. Over the past two years, I have actively sought out and planned work experience and volunteering opportunities. My time last year in Critical Care showed me the importance of communication in healthcare to ensure patients understand their diagnosis and feel comfortable making decisions. I saw the value of empathy and patience when a doctor talked to a patient refusing to take her insulin and suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis. They tried to understand her position and remain compassionate despite her refusal. My experience deepened my insight into the realities of a medical career, as we were at the hospital for more than ten hours a day with breaks and lunches cut short by bleeps or calls from the ward. This helped me understand the physical resilience required by staff as I also came to appreciate the immense emotional burden they often had to bear. Despite this, the brilliant staff remained motivated and compassionate which I found inspirational. The Brighton and Sussex Medical School work experience and Observe GP courses I completed put emphasis on the value of holistic, patient-centred care, introducing me to specialities I had not previously considered such as geriatrics and oncology. Inspired by my experience I explored a variety of specialisms, reading memoirs (Do no harm) and textbooks (Oxford handbook of clinical medicine) alike. I investigated medical politics with my English persuasive piece, discussing the ethics behind the junior doctor strikes of 2016. I have been volunteering in a hospital ward since January, which helps improve my confidence and communication skills when talking to patients and relatives. I showed my ability to deal with unexpected situations when I found a patient smoking whilst on oxygen, and acted quickly to tell nurses. Over lockdown I felt privileged offering lonely patients some tea and a chat and seeing their mood change - it taught me that medicine is about treating patients as individuals, not a diagnosis. My work on the hospital door taught me to stay calm and interact assuredly with visitors, vital skills in public-service jobs like medicine. I coach tennis at a local club, planning and running sessions for younger children. I am responsible for players' safety and must manage risk while showing leadership qualities by making the sessions fun and inclusive. As a player, I am part of the self-run performance team, which forces me to better my ability without coaching. This means developing self-reflection and insight into my weaknesses, which I know to be integral skills for medics. One of the doctors I shadowed during my work experience was just starting her revalidation process and I saw the importance of self-awareness and honest reflection in meeting her targets and becoming a better doctor. I achieved my Gold Duke of Edinburgh certificate of achievement (and the Bronze and Silver awards), exhibiting my commitment and ability to self-reflect and improve. On our Silver expedition, we experienced severe rain, showing resilience by continuing when our kit was wet from day one. My diligence and academic ability will allow me to thrive in medical school, and I have the prerequisite qualities to become a compassionate and effective doctor. Despite the obstacles, I am determined to earn the privilege of being able to improve peoples' health. This is something that excites me and a career I would happily dedicate my life to.'

Strong personal statement example analysis

Introduction.

This statement is a good example of how a personal statement should be constructed and presented. The introduction is short and to the point, only dealing with the candidate’s motivations to study medicine while also demonstrating an insight into what the career involves. 

They demonstrate their insight briefly by mentioning that medicine involves lifelong learning. This is often seen as one of the challenges associated with the career but here they present it as an advantage which makes them seem more suited to the career. It also show they're a curious and interested individual who enjoys learning. 

The introduction's final sentence offers an opportunity for interviewers to probe the candidate further, to explore their curiosity, and ask them to explain what exactly attracts them to lifelong learning. An astute candidate would recognise this and try to think of a suitable answer in advance.

Paragraph 2 

The second paragraph opens the body of the statement by exploring the author’s academic interests. As with some of the previous example body paragraphs, the writer shows their reflective ability by explaining what each of their subjects taught them, and the skills they developed and demonstrated as a result. They improve upon this further by linking these skills back to medicine and explaining why they are important for doctors. 

This paragraph demonstrates the author’s work-life balance by showing their varied interests in languages and music, all without wasting characters by saying this directly. They also mention the diverse range of patients they encountered during their volunteering, which again implies an empathetic and conscientious nature while showing an insight into a medical career (particularly regarding the vast diversity of the patient cohort treated by the NHS). 

Their explanation of the relevance of maths could be more detailed, but again this could be something the applicant is hoping to be questioned on at interview. The candidate comes across as thoughtful and multi-talented, with the ability to reflect on their decisions and experiences, and with a suitable insight into how their strengths would play well into a medical career. 

In this particular paragraph, there isn’t much explanation as to how they drew their inferences about what a medical career entails from their volunteering and work experience (and what exactly these entailed), but these are explored in more detail later in the statement.

P aragraphs 3 and 4 

The next two paragraphs discuss the candidate’s work experience, beginning with a single work experience placement in detail. This is a better approach than the large lists of placements seen in the previous example body paragraphs. The author talks about a specific scenario and shows that they paid attention during their shadowing while also illustrating their ability to reflect on these experiences and the precise skills involved. 

The skills they mention here – communication, empathy, resilience – are skills that they specifically talk about developing and demonstrating through their activities in other parts of the statement. This shows that they have taken their learning and used it to inform the focus of their personal development. They also not only state that these skills are important for medics, but also explain why this is. For example, they explain that communication is important in helping patients relax and engage with their healthcare, and that resilience is required to deal with the antisocial hours.

In this section, the applicant briefly mentions a specific medical condition. This shows that they were engaging with the science during their placement and also provides interviewers with an opportunity to test the applicant’s scientific knowledge. Knowing this, the candidate would likely research diabetic ketoacidosis in order to be able to impress the panel. 

The author mentions some other virtual work experience opportunities they’ve been involved with and sets themselves up to discuss what these placements taught them. They then go on to explain the actions they took as a result of this, showing that they really engaged with the virtual placements and could identify what they learned and their areas of weakness. This is linked well to further reading and research they carried out, which illustrates their curiosity and engagement with medical science and literature. 

The reference to the junior doctor strikes at the end shows that they have engaged with medical news as well as the ethical side of medicine, which is something that many medical schools place a lot of emphasis on at interviews. Ideally, this section would explain how exactly they explored these different specialties and illustrate what they learned and how they developed their learning from the books mentioned.

Paragraphs 5 and 6 

These paragraphs discuss the applicant’s hospital volunteering and other extracurricular activities. The applicant doesn’t just state that they’ve volunteered in a hospital but goes into depth about the precise skills they developed as a result. They include an anecdote to illustrate their ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations, which is a great way to show that they’ve been paying attention (though this should really be backed up with an explanation as to why this is important in medicine). 

The candidate also shows their patient-centred approach when discussing how they cared for demoralised patients (again illustrating empathy and compassion). This style of healthcare is something that the modern NHS is really trying to promote, so showing an awareness of this and an aptitude for applying it practically will really impress your assessors. 

The author demonstrates another core attribute for medical students when talking about how their work on the front door of the hospital improved their confidence in communication, and they once more link this back to medicine. This last section could benefit from further explanation regarding the nature of their work on the hospital door and exactly how they developed these skills. 

In the second of these sections, the candidate simultaneously reflects on the skills they learnt from their tennis and explains how these apply to medicine, showing insight into the profession by mentioning and showing awareness of the process of revalidation. This will show assessors that the candidate paid attention during their work experience, reflected on what they learned, and then identified a way they could work on these skills in their own life.

The author name-checks the Duke of Edinburgh Award but then goes on to explain how exactly this helped them grow as a person. They link back to resilience, a skill they mentioned in an earlier section as being important for medics.

The conclusion is succinct and direct. Although clichéd in parts, it does a good job of summarising the points the candidate has made throughout the statement. They demonstrate confidence and dedication, not by introducing any confusing new information, but rather by remaking and reinforcing some of the author’s original claims from the introduction.

The following example illustrates how not to approach your personal statement. Now that you’ve read through the analysis of previous example passages and a complete example statement, try going through this statement yourself to identify the main recurring weaknesses and points for improvement. We’ve pointed out a few of the main ones at the end. You can even redraft it as a practice exercise.

' ‍ The combination of science with empathy and compassion is what attracts me most to a career in medicine. However, I wanted to ensure that the career was right for me so I attended a Medic Insight course in my local hospital. I enjoyed the course and it gave me new insight - the lectures and accounts from medical students and doctors helped me realise that medicine was the career for me. I was also introduced to the concept of the diagnostic puzzle which now particularly interests me. This is the challenge doctors face when trying to make a diagnosis, as they have to avoid differential diagnoses and use their skills and past experiences to come to a decision and produce the right prognosis. In order to gain further insight into both the positives and downsides of being a doctor, I organised some work experience in my local GP’s surgery. I managed to see consultations for chest pain, headaches, contraception and some chronic conditions which was very interesting. I also sat in on and observed the asthma clinic, which proved to be a very educational experience. During my experience, I tried to chat to as many doctors as possible about their jobs and what they enjoyed. I recently took up some work volunteering in a local elderly care home. Many of the residents had quite complex needs making it arduous work, but I learned a lot about caring for different people and some appropriate techniques for making them feel comfortable and at home. I became a better communicator as a result of my experience Nevertheless I really enjoyed my time there and I found it fulfilling when the patients managed to have fun or see their family. I appreciated how doctors often have high job satisfaction, as when I managed to facilitate a resident to do something not otherwise available to them I felt like I was making a real difference. My academic interests have also been very useful in developing skills that will be crucial as a doctor. I chose to study Physics and business at a-level and these have helped me develop more of an interest in scientific research and understanding; I’ve also become a more logical thinker as a result of the challenging questions we receive in physics exams. I know how important communication is as a doctor so I chose to study Mandarin, a language I know to be spoken widely around the globe. I was the lead violin in my school orchestra and also took part in the wind band, showing that I was willing to throw myself into school life. I really enjoyed our school’s concert, in which I had to perform a solo and demonstrate that I could stay calm under pressure and cope with great responsibility and i think that I’m now a better leader. This skill has also been improved in roles within my school on the pupil council and as form captain, which have improved my self-confidence. I needed to work hard in order to achieve my bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh awards, and have dedicated much of my time outside school to this endeavour over the past few years. I endured weekly sessions of Taekwondo, worked voluntarily in the charity shop Barnardo’s and took part in violin lessons.  As I’ve demonstrated throughout this statement I have an affinity for music, and so at university I plan to get involved with orchestras and bands. I also want to widen my horizons and discover new interests and hobbies, while trying to make new friends and cultivate a good work-life balance. I’m also keen to hike in the university’s surrounding territories. If I were allowed to study medicine, it would not only allow me to achieve one of my life goals, but to prove to you that I can become an effective, and successful doctor. I am absolutely dedicated to the study of medicine and know that I have the prerequisite skils and qualities to thrive in medical school and become a credit to your institution.”

Weak personal statement example analysis

• This personal statement does have some promising features, but overall it isn’t well structured and lacks appropriate reflection and insight. You can see this by comparing it to the strong example above. The author in this weak example very rarely describes what exactly they learned or gained from an experience and rarely links this back to medicine. 
• It reads quite like a list, with the candidate reeling off the experiences they’ve had or activities they’ve taken part in, without going into any real depth. They also use some vocabulary that implies that they really weren’t enjoying these experiences, such as when they speak of ‘enduring’ their time doing taekwondo, or of caring for residents being ‘arduous’ work. You don’t have to enjoy every activity you take part in, but implying that caring for people (a huge part of the job you are applying for and claiming to enjoy) is something you consider a chore isn’t a great start. This statement also has some questionable grammar and punctuation errors, which raises a red flag. Don’t forget to proofread your statement carefully before you submit it.
• The candidate often starts off their sections in a promising way. For example, by stating that they started volunteering in a local GP practice to gain more insight into the profession, but they rarely actually follow through on this. You never find out what insight the candidate actually gained or how they used this to inform their decision to apply for medicine. 
• Such lack of explanation and specificity is a theme throughout the statement. In the introduction, they say that personal accounts and lectures confirmed their wish to become a doctor, but they don’t actually explain how or why. They mention that their school subjects have helped them think more logically or improved their communication skills (which is good), but then they never go on to explain why this is relevant to medicine. They talk about leadership and self-confidence but again don’t link this back to the importance of self-confidence and the prominence of leadership in a medical setting.

To create an effective medicine personal statement, you need to provide plenty of detail. This includes concrete experiences demonstrating qualities that make a good doctor. If you can do this authentically, humbly and without selling yourself short, your personal statement will be in very good shape.

‍ ‍ If you're looking for more inspiration to craft a compelling medicine personal statement, check out our Personal Statement Online Course . It has over 100 personal statement examples, in-depth tutorials, and guidance from admissions experts, to help you create a ready-to-submit personal statement in just three days.

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Personal Statement for Medicine

Composing a personal statement for any degree is a challenge but for medicine, this is your chance to illustrate your academic prowess and work experience alongside a genuine passion and fascination for the medical subjects you love. a personal statement can support your application if your exam results are slightly below your expectations or can enhance a strong set of grades for the best chance of acceptance., make the most of your words.

UCAS , the admissions service for universities in the UK, describes a personal statement as “your opportunity to sell yourself to your prospective school, college or training provider.” Students are given a 47 line, 4,000 character limit (which roughly equates to 500 words) in which to show off their appeal to the institutions of their choosing. 

Here, it’s important to get into the mind of the member of admissions staff that will be reading your statement – what do they want to see? 500 words may seem like plenty, but you’ll likely find that space is at a premium when you’re trying to find the perfect formula to impress your chosen university.

Research a career in medicine before you apply

The key things that medical schools will be looking for are evidence of motivation, explorative work experience and suitability for fitting into their learning environment.

Your personal statement is not only an opportunity to demonstrate your motivations for studying medicine, but also to convey a sense of insight into medicine as a career. It is a chance to reflect on your experiences thus far and outline your personal qualities which will enable you to excel as both a medical student and future doctor.

Developing an understanding about the roles and responsibilities of a doctor will help you prepare your personal statement with ease. Volunteering in your local community and undertaking work experience placements are examples of activities which may allow you to gain a deeper insight into medicine. However, reading official resources such as those produced by the General Medical Council (GMC) before you even begin to think about the content of your personal statement, can help to give your writing a clear focus and direction.

Check how universities will use your personal statement 

Your personal statement may be used in the selection process for interviews to a varying degree by each medical school. Having said this, on the whole, personal statements do not feature heavily in the selection process for interview. Whilst this is the case for most medical schools in the UK, a few medical schools will utilise a scoring system to assess the personal statement at some point in their selection process; either before interview (for interview selection) or at the interview itself.

If this is the case for one or more of the universities you intend to apply to, pay careful attention to any details on their website which discuss exactly what the admissions team are looking for in a personal statement. For example, the University of Oxford place a larger emphasis on showing an interest in medical science and academia.

Where to find this information

It is important to check exactly how the medical schools you intend to apply to will use your personal statement both before and during the interview. To access the most relevant and up-to-date information you should check the websites for each of the medical schools you may apply to. If you have any queries about how your personal statement will be used, or if anything you find on their websites is unclear, email the admissions team directly.

Key things to remember about your personal statement 

Writing a personal statement can be daunting, but we are here to help make the process less stressful. To break it down, we have listed some essential factors you should remember to focus on when writing your own personal statement:

• Structure and flow: Creating a clear and organised structure allows the reader to follow your thought process and enables you, the writer, to include the most relevant information about yourself, given the restricted word count.
• Authenticity: The clue is in the title; your personal statement should be personal! Be genuine and honest about your experiences and skills and let your personality shine through your writing. 
• Relevance: With the limited word count, you need to include only the most relevant experiences and skills you have that are directly relevant to medicine. 
• Specificity: Provide details about your experiences and give examples. Avoid any vague and general statements. 

Goals and aspirations: You should mention your goals and aspirations and what you want to get out of a degree in medicine. What are your short-term and long-term goals?

The aim of this section is for you to establish a structure that works for you, by deciding what the main components of your personal statement will be about.

Before diving into finding the best structure for your personal statement, it is important to remember there is no set format or st ructure. Reading a few example statements may help to give you an idea of where you start ; however it is all about finding the right balance that is appropriate for you. This balance will be based on your personal experiences and what has been important in shaping your journey towards Medicine.

You should start your personal statement with a clear introduction and end with a conclusion .

DEVELOPING A STRUCTURE THAT WORKS FOR YOU

Here, we will focus on developing a structure for the main body of your personal statement. The importance of having a well-thought-out structure is that it will make your thoughts and experiences easier to follow. A good structure will help reinforce the key content of your statement, further giving admissions tutors the impression that you have a focused understanding of medicine and yourself. 

T here is no one way to structure the main body ; in fact , there are many ways! The components you discuss will differ according to your experiences, and the weighting given to these components will largely be based on what medical schools you apply to.

EXAMPLES OF PERSONAL STATEMENT STRUCTURE 

Here is an example of how to divide the main body of your personal statement:

• Interest in academia and wider reading
• Work experience and voluntary commitments
• Extra-curricular Activities

Remember, this is only one example. Alternatively, you could base your paragraphs on the qualities you want to demonstrate, such as:

• Interest in medicine, science, and academia
• Compassion, communication skills and empathy
• Leadership, teamwork and problem-solving

These ideas are here to prompt you, so work around them based on your experiences. If there is a particularly valuable quality, such as resilience, that you are passionate about and have relevant experiences in, of course , this should be included!

The idea of convincing an admissions tutor, in around 500 words, that you are an ideal prospective medical student can be overwhelming. This, as well as the fact that they will be reading through hundreds of personal statements of people applying for the same course, might make you feel pressured to have an introduction that will grab their attention and set you aside from the majority.

DON’T FOCUS TOO MUCH ON YOUR INTRODUCTION

A powerful introduction will state an intrinsic motivation to study medicine, whilst also outlining your understanding of the career. However, your reasons for wanting to pursue medicine do not have to be entirely crammed into your introduction. 

W hile there is no set length for an introduction, you should make sure it is not too short that it seems rushed and neglected, but not so long that it is the same size as the paragraphs of your main body. A few sentences should be sufficient for an introduction.

TRY STARTING WITH THE MAIN BODY FIRST

It might seem logical and necessary to begin by writing the introduction, but this is not the case! It is perfectly reasonable to work on other parts of your personal statement and return to write the introduction at a later point in time. Some people even find that once they have written the majority of their personal statement, they are able to pick out points they think will work well for their introduction.

• Be original: It is a personal statement , so keep it personal. It should accurately depict why you want to study medicine .
• Give examples: Stories can add to the personal element of motivation to study medicine but ensure that this comes across as genuine. Do not try and pin your motivation down to a single event as this can appear naïve . I nstead , state how this scenario was one of the elements that led you to pursue medicine.
• Use your time wisely: Do not spend all your time trying to think of a catchy opening. Remember that you can always come back to the introduction.
• Remember you have a word limit: Keep your statements succinct and to the point.
• Use a professional tone: Stay away from using humour as the person reading your personal statement may not receive it as well as you would hope. The aim is to be professional and put across your interest in medicine.

Keep in mind that depending on the interview style of the medical schools you are applying to; your personal statement can be used as part of your interview. They may pick out parts of your introduction and ask you to elaborate on them. 

C heck this beforehand and if applicable, remember this when stating your motivations to study medicine. If you would not be happy to talk about it in your interview, then avoid including it!

• Using cliché words and phrases such as ‘passionate’, ‘fascinated’ and ‘from a young age I have always wanted to’
• Using a quote without reflecting on how it adds to what you are trying to convey. If possible, avoid quotes and use your own words. After all, they are interested in what you have to say, not a scientist or author
• Making blank statements that do not add to what you are saying.
• Describing how TV shows attracted you to medicine, even if other reasons are raised, as this will reduce the power of your introduction.

Reflecting on your work experiences, wider reading and other relevant activities will form the bulk of the main body of your personal statement. Reflection is imperative to a successful application. A well-reflected personal statement shows that you have given serious thought to healthcare as a life-long career , and it goes down extremely well with the admission officers. The General Medical Council (GMC) has created a guide for medical students about reflection – most of the information is transferrable to medical applicants.

It is crucial to understand that the lessons and skills that you take away from an experience are far more superior to the number of activities you have undertaken or descriptions of consultations you may have seen. Therefore, this section will delve deeper into how you should reflect on an experience whilst undertaking it, as well as how this reflection can be incorporated concisely into your personal statement.

HOW TO REFLECT ON AN EXPERIENCE

Below are some general questions to think about when reflecting on any type of experience you have partaken in . R anging from clinical work experience placements to leadership roles, voluntary commitments, and par t-ti me jobs , you should ask yourself these questions when reflecting on your experiences.

• Description of the experience: W hat was your role? If you are telling a story, what happened , or what was the task at hand?
• Feelings and thoughts about the experience: What resonated with you or affected you the most?
• Analysis and evaluation of the experience: W hat went well and what didn’t? Which parts stood out to you? Did you have any challenging experiences? How did you deal with them?
• Conclusion and action plan: S ummary of what you learned and what you could have done differently . H ow could you relate this to your development as a doctor ?

HOW TO REFLECT ON YOUR LEARNING

The following questions will help you reflect and think critically about learning experiences. This includes anything you have read, listened to, or watched to gain a deeper insight into the life of a medical student and/or doctor.

• Description: What is the idea or concept you have been exposed to?
• Feelings and thoughts about what you have learned: What resonated with you or affected you the most?
• Analysis: Is there anything that drew your attention or anything you found challenging? Does this build upon what you had previously known or read about? Has it changed the way you think, opened your eyes to something new, or made you more confident and assured in a belief you already had?
• Conclusion and action plan: What other avenues of this concept would you like to explore? How can you implement what you’ve learned in your clinical practice?

HOW TO INCLUDE REFLECTION IN YOUR MEDICINE PERSONAL STATEMENT

Before you sit down and start typing away at your statement, we highly suggest that you first read through all of the reflective notes you wrote when undertaking any experience or activity that gave you an insight into medicine. This will allow you to look back at all of the wonderful experiences you have had and focus on the key points you can take away from them.

REFLECTION METHODS TO TRY

There are so many different approaches you can take to reflective writing in your personal statement , and different people prefer different methods. For example, you can structure your reflection according to Gibb’s reflective cycle . Another approach is the ‘STARR’ framework , which stands for ‘Situation, Task, Action, Result and Reflection’ . This is often a favourite among applicants for medicine interviews but can also be used in the personal statement to write structured reflections.

• S ituation: What is the setting in which you have undertaken your experience?
• T ask: What was the position or role you held?
• A ction: What actions did you specifically carry out on a regular basis?
• R esults: What was the most relevant and significant outcome of your activities?
• R eflection: What skills and knowledge have you acquired as a result of this activity? How and why had this experience influence d you?

Work experience can be loosely defined as any activity that is designed to sufficiently broaden your understanding of a particular career path. The aim of this section is to provide you with examples of the different types of work experiences you can undertake and how you should go about reflecting on them in your personal statement.

WHY IS MEDICAL WORK EXPERIENCE IMPORTANT?

Most students will feel that work experience gives the most realistic perspective of medicine as a career. Through shadowing in consultations, watching surgeries, and perhaps even just being in a clinical environment, you will start to build your understanding of the role of a doctor. 

A pplying to medical school is a huge commitment, so exploring the working life of a physician is definitely a wise thing to do. Work experience allows you to gain valuable skills that may be useful throughout your university life and your career as well.

WHAT IS THE AIM OF WORK EXPERIENCE?

W ork experience is evidence to show that you have taken the time to find out more about the realities of a career in medicine. Therefore, it is a vital aspect of not only the personal statement but your medical school application as a whole. The purpose and overall aim of your work experience will broadly fall into one or more of the following categories:

• To understand the realities of life as a doctor and medical student
• To develop the skills and qualities needed for a career in medicine
• To acquire more knowledge about your particular interests

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE WORK EXPERIENCE

Firstly, we will consider traditional in-person work experience activities, which are usually undertaken in a healthcare environment. This can include hospital, general practi c e, or pharmacy shadowing placements, as well as voluntary roles in a care home or hospice. To make the most out of these types of experiences, we would recommend the following:

• Listen to the types of questions that healthcare professionals use when taking a history or interacting with patients. What did you think about their interactions with patients? How do they adapt their communication style?
• Ask questions. This is an opportunity to ask all those burning questions ; don’t be shy! If possible, ask questions to a wide range of health care professionals about each of their individual roles as well as their experiences working in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Research one of the common conditions that you have seen during your placement and are interested in finding out more about it.

The above points will form the basis of your reflection, so it is important to start thinking about them as you go along with your work experience. Keep a reflective diary to jot down these thoughts and experiences. This diary will become especially useful when sitting down to write your personal statement.

TIPS FOR WRITING ABOUT MEDICAL WORK EXPERIENCE

• Mention the transferrable skills and attributes you will have developed. Skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and resilience in the face of adversity are vital to a career in medicine.
• State clearly the insights you have gained. For example, as the GP demonstrates active listening and shows empathy, you will see that the patient immediately opens up and gives more information , which will be helpful in establishing a diagnosis. If this resonates with you, include this in your personal statement.
• It is important to show that you understand the challenges a doctor will face. Be sure to reflect on any negative experiences which made you more aware of the demanding nature of the profession. What could have been done differently in the scenario you witnessed?
• Be as concise as possible . D escriptions should be kept to a minimum. It is more important to highlight your thoughts, understanding and values before and after an experience, rather than details about the experience itself.
• Viewing medical work experience as merely a tick box exercise. Try not to view work experience as a requirement for university statements or interviews. Instead, you should view this as a learning opportunity for yourself so that you can develop both academically and personally. If you have this mindset, you will be able to truly discover a lot more about the subject and about yourself too!
• Concerning yourself too much with the medical jargon and knowledge you come across during your work experience, whether in-person or virtual. Focus on the attitudes and transferrable skills, and definitely do try to explore the science , but ultimately , medical school will teach you the required knowledge for your career
• Breaching confidentiality when writing about your work experience, whether it be in your personal statement or reflective diary. This means that you do not include any identifiable information in your personal statement, such as, ‘I witnessed Mr Smith undergoing an ECG’.

Volunteering is the idea of offering your time or skills to benefit an unrelated person or organisation with no formal payment in return.

Relevant volunteering can be considered a form of work experience and can significantly enhance your personal statement. Whilst grades are important, medical schools are also highly interested in students who exhibit genuine care and compassion. 

Doing voluntary work can highlight this side of you and give some insight into the life of a doctor, which is very much a caring profession. Volunteering can assist you in developing the necessary skills and qualities relevant to medicine.

EXAMPLES OF VOLUNTEERING ROLES

The types of volunteering roles and commitments you can include in your personal statement, can vary extensively. Moreover, the volunteering you have undertaken does not need to be within a healthcare setting. It is more important that you can reflect on your experiences and appreciate how the skills you have developed are relevant to career in medicine. Below are just some examples of voluntary roles you may include in your personal statement:

• Carehome/hospice volunteer
• Hospital volunteer
• School mentor
• Charity shop assistant
• Youth group coordinator
• Foodbank volunteer

TIPS FOR WRITING ABOUT VOLUNTARY ROLES

• Emphasise any long-term or frequent volunteering commitments. This shows commitment to medicine and determination. Whilst long-term volunteering is favoured, do not worry if you were unable to complete any due to the pandemic!
• Use buzzwords alluding to the relevant skills and qualities learnt. Examples of buzzwords can include “contributed”, “enhanced” and “implemented”. 
• Discuss briefly how you found any volunteering opportunities , especially if you organised it yourself. This shows initiative! If an opportunity is extremely rare or competitive, make sure to highlight this.
• Group together experiences where you gained similar skills and insights, rather than discussing multiple experiences individually. This can get messy and take up a lot of your time
• Speak about your feelings and emotions during your volunteering! This shows you are human and comes across much more genuine and sincere.
• Clearly state your contribution and actions , not someone else’s!
• Discuss any sacrifices, mistakes, or challenges you faced during your volunteering. Also , make sure you are prepared to describe what you did/would do differently to overcome these challenges!
• Rambling on about experiences . U se the STARR structure to organise thoughts. Keep it concise!
• Writing a long list of all the voluntary roles you have ever held. Focus on one or two that you benefitted from greatly and reflect on them.
• Repeating experiences, certain insights, or qualities. Demonstrate variety in what you have learned.
• Lie or exaggerate any details!
• Superficially state what happened. If you are able to, delve further into your thoughts before, during and after volunteering.

When it comes to extra-curriculars, it ’s easy to get confused on what you should include and how to include it in your personal statement. As an aspiring medic, you might have done many different activities at school (and outside) that may be related or seemingly have nothing to do with each other. This could range from part-time jobs to being a prefect in your school, societies, clubs , or even your personal hobbies or sporting interests.

HOW TO WRITE ABOUT EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 

In your personal statement, a great way to tie it all together is to use your activities to reflect on how they made you the person you are today. Instead of simply listing all of your positions or engagements, think about what qualities you were able to gain from them that would make you a better doctor. 

A mong others, qualities like compassion, empathy, time management, organisation, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership are essential in medicine, but they’re not necessarily born in a hospital or through direct engagement in clinical experiences. You have probably been doing some of these activities for a really long time, now let’s frame it in a different context for your application.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

In a large pool of applicants, it is easy to think , ‘ H ave I done enough?’. Sometimes, this can be the wrong question to ask, as most medical schools do not look at the ‘number’ of things you have done but rather how the things you’ve done can help you as a doctor. 

D o not worry if you have not done a lot of activities in your time at school. The number of things you’ve done doesn’t matter as much as:

• What you’ve learned from them
• How you’ve reflected on them
• What moments and experiences you can improve on
• How you’ve later developed as a person and an aspiring medic based on those experiences

WHAT GOES WHERE?

With a limited number of characters, every word counts. You want to make sure you make the most of everything you have done, but at the same time , frame it in the most effective way for your application. This is why you might want to focus on some activities over others or group some activities together to give yourself space to write about and reflect on your experiences in a more elaborate way and relate them to your future career. There are many ways you can group your activities, mainly either by the type of activity ( e.g., academic, sports, or volunteering ) or based on what qualities or skills you’ve developed as a result of partaking in this activity.

SHOULD I INCLUDE MY HOBBIES?

The short answer is yes if you want to, but – make sure you’re not just taking up space by listing them. You don’t need to elaborate on them too much if you don’t want to, but try to strike the balance so as to show the admissions committee you value your time spent doing these hobbies, but at the same time you’re not taking away from all the other elements of your personal statement. You could also relate them to having a work-life balance – an essential trait in medicine.

TIPS FOR WRITING ABOUT EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• Use your experiences to highlight your strengths and your skills. How did your activity help you develop a unique skill?
• Focus on the activities that have benefited you the most.
• Elaborate with insight and introspection on the activities you’ve chosen to focus on.
• Group other activities together to help you use your limited characters where they matter most.
• Listing things you have done without further elaborating on them.
• Elaborating on every single activity or being repetitive – if they sound similar, group them, or take some out if you don’t think they’re important.
• Faking interest or passion in something you do not actually like or mention ing an activity you did not really do. It takes away from the space you have to talk about things you are passionate about, which is a lot more valuable and impactful.

This is your final chance to make an impression on the admissions tutor, so make it count! The aim of your conclusion should be to tie together the key points that you included in the main body of your personal statement. Along with the introduction, this is one of the most difficult parts to write, so writing both at the end, after you have a coherent idea of the flow of your piece is advisable.

Ideally, it should only be a few sentences long. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to revisit your conclusion multiple times before submitting. It is important to end on a confident note by expressing a real passion for medicine.

TIPS FOR WRITING YOUR CONCLUSION 

• Summarise and reiterate your key points: Include s kills, experiences, and interests and how these make you suitable for studying medicine. For example, if your experiences have taught you the importance of resilience, how will this skill help you to progress in your future career?
• Mention the takeaway points: What do you want the admission tutor to remember about you ?
• Revisit your conclusion and read it aloud to yourself: Reading it out to yourself and others helps to determine if you’re being concise and getting straight to the point without waffling.
• Write a couple of drafts: By writing different versions of your conclusion, you might find various ways of conveying the same idea, some that you like more than others. This will help you write the best conclusion to suit you.
• Acknowledge the difficulties and demanding nature of studying medicine: Studying medicine can be difficult, but you are equipped with the skills to handle this! You should showcase how the skills you’ve developed will assist you in overcoming difficulties .This will show you are the ideal candidate for studying medicine.
• Writing a conclusion that is too long. You will probably find that the 4000 – character limit of the personal statement will restrict the length of your conclusion. So ideally, one or two succinct sentences should be more than enough to summarise.
• Introducing completely new points – you do not want to leave the admissions tutor confused by bringing in new ideas that you cannot elaborate on further.
• As with the introduction, avoid clichés and quotes.
• Avoid repeating sentences from the main body of the personal statement.
• Avoid making your conclusion too specific to one university. For example, don’t mention a particular teaching style if it is not offered by all the universities that you are applying for.

Now that you have written your personal statement, the hard part is over, right? Well, in all honesty , you might find yourself spending more time editing your personal statement than writing it! It is important to give yourself enough time to perfect your personal statement before the deadline. 

O ur advice at this point is – before you start editing, put your personal statement away. By the time you have finished writing, you will have read and re-read it countless times in the process. You need to take the time away from it to get a fresh look. This will be invaluable when you start editing.

SPELLING, PUNCTUATION, AND GRAMMAR

First things first, triple-check that your word processor has spell-check on with UK English, so that you can correct any spelling mistakes. It may sound obvious; however, technology can often malfunction!

You are a school-age pupil, so the piece should sound like you wrote it. It does not have to sound like you have taken letter-writing classes and have used a thesaurus on every other word. However, you also need to come across as professional. It is best not to use contractions such as don’t (do not), as it is too informal. Make sure you have used a combination of long and short sentences so that it has structure, as well as making sure every sentence doesn’t start with ‘I’.

READ YOUR STATEMENT OUT ALOUD

There are many ways of making sure your personal statement reads well. One method, which is particularly helpful is to read your personal statement aloud to someone else. It becomes very obvious when a sentence is too long and does not flow or make sense when you say it aloud. The person listening will be able to tell you which parts do not sound right. 

W hen we write, we often overestimate how well the writing sounds because you will , of course , know what you meant to say. However, to another person and the admissions team reading it – you want them to know exactly what you mean, rather than having to decode paragraphs that are not crystal clear .

You could try asking an English teacher at your school, or a friend who is studying English to read through it. The spelling, grammar and syntax are independent of the content , so this could be really useful in ensuring it flows well.

SEEKING ANOTHER OPINION

Whilst it may seem tempting to gain as many opinions as possible on your personal statement, it is better to seek the advice of a few trusted individuals. The medicine personal statement is , by nature , a subjective piece of writing. Having too many people read your personal statement and suggest changes, can become quite confusing and stressful very quickly! Here’s how you can avoid this situation: 

• Make sure you are close to your final draft before giving your personal statement to someone else to read. However, still ensure you have enough time to make changes.
• If your school has a careers advisor or team of teachers familiar with reading personal statements, it is worth having your personal statement read and critiqued by them.
• When listening to feedback from others, consider all you can get, but don’t be afraid to not include all the feedback you receive since your personal statement should be truly reflective of only you.
• If you would really like a raw opinion, find a way to have a teacher read it anonymously ! The admissions tutor will be reading your personal statement with no knowledge of who you are. If you want someone to read your personal statement with no knowledge of your background, print off a copy with your details omitted.

TIPS TO SHORTEN YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT

• Do not waste characters writing about things that are elsewhere on your UCAS form. For example, your A-level (or equivalent) choices can all be entered in the qualifications section.
• Remove unnecessary adverbs such as somewhat, rather, sometimes, fairly, pretty really, quite, basically, hopefully, luckily.
• Use the verb form of a word over the noun form – this should reduce words. For example, ‘I created a MedSoc’ vs ‘A MedSoc was created by me’
• Print off your personal statement to edit and cut words. Print it off in a different font to the one you typed it in. This will provide an experience of looking at your personal statement with ‘fresh eyes’.
• Use the ‘Build, Blur, Corrode’ method to identify the weakest parts of your personal statement.
• If you cannot bear to cut sentences, copy and paste them into a document called ‘Scrap’ , that way you know exactly where to find them if you were to want to add them again.
• When focusing on a specific paragraph, copy it into a new blank document and separate each sentence with a line between them. Use this technique to perfect each individual sentence and identify those that are too long.
• When retelling encounters from your work experience, details of what exactly happened are not always necessary!

YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT IS READY TO GO

Once you’ve followed the steps and tips we have outlined, your personal statement is all ready to be submitted. You’ve finished another step in your application to med school! You’re essentially mid-way through the application process ; you should be proud of yourself that you have made it this far. 

Next, you should think about references from your teachers and prepare yourself for a medical school interview. Interviews can be intimidating, but don’t worry! We have created a guide to help you understand the process and how to complete the interviews to the best of your ability. 

HOW PREMED CAN HELP YOU

If you need some work experience to help enhance your med school application, we are here to help! At Premed, we offer in-person and online work experience to ensure you get a taste of life in the medical field. Boost your chances of getting into medical school by applying to one of our work experience courses today.

What should a medicine personal statement include?

When writing a personal statement for medicine, you should focus on including relevant work experience and any volunteer work. The majority of your writing should focus on these aspects as it is important to reflect on your experiences and how this makes the ideal candidate to study medicine. You may also want to include a few short sentences about some extra-curricular activities you partake in as well. 

What should you not say in a medical personal statement?

Don’t be generic about why you want to study medicine. You should demonstrate you have a passion for helping people by providing examples through any work experience or volunteering. Remember, an admissions tutor will read hundreds of personal statements so your application needs to be personal to you. 

Additionally, don’t provide general statements about your skills and experiences or simply list them. You should reflect on your experience and skills by supplying concrete examples to support your statements. This will show you can demonstrate these skills, enhancing your application. 

What do medical schools want in a personal statement?

What your personal statement should contain may differ from university to university but there are some common trends. For example, you should focus on writing about your skills and work experience and reflect on what you have learned from them. It is also ideal to state you understand what a career in medicine entails and how you are prepared to manage the challenges that come with a career in medicine. 

How should I structure my personal statement?

There are several ways you can structure a personal statement, there is no set structure! The way you write your personal statement should be personal to you based on your own experiences. An example of how you can structure your personal statement is:

Another example of a personal statement structure is: 

• Interest in academia and medicine
• Group of skills related to each other (e.g., compassion, empathy and communication)
• Another group of skills related to each other (e.g., leadership, teamwork and problem-solving)

Remember, you also need to include an introduction and conclusion! 

How long should a personal statement be?

You have a limit of 4,000 characters for your personal statement based on UCAS guidelines . This is equivalent to approximately 550-1,000 words. This shows you need to be precise with what you include in your personal statement as you are limited by the words you have. 

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Welcome to our UK Medical School Review series . In this series, we work with current students to produce an in-depth overview of each UK Medical School, covering what it is like to study there, how the course looks and what you need to get in.

Today, we are focussing on Leeds Medical School, a member of the Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities. Ariah, a Leeds Medic, will share her experiences and insights as a current student throughout.

Let’s start with an overview of Leeds Medical School…

Overview Of Leeds Medical School

About leeds medical school .

In 1831 Leeds Medical School was created by 6 physicians and surgeons, becoming 1 of 10 Medical Schools founded at the time, with the aim of serving the needs of 5 medical institutions in the city. It provided the foundation for the future establishment of the University of Leeds. The Medical School now has multiple sites throughout West Yorkshire.

The University of Leeds offers 2 different Undergraduate medical programmes, all leading to the award of a medical degree, MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery). They offer the traditional 5-year Undergraduate Medicine programme, alongside a 6-year Gateway Year to Medicine programme for widening access. There is no 4-year accelerated Graduate programme.

Leeds Medical School

• University Age: 191
• UK Ranking: 28th
• Pint Price: £3.50
• Alumni Notability: 9/10
• A-level Requirements: AAA
• Places Available: 278
• Applicant Success Rate: 13%
• Teaching Style: Integrated
• Interview Style: MMI
• Admissions Test: UCAT

Leeds Medical School Alumni

Notable alumni of Leeds Medical School include Kamran Abbasi – executive editor of the BMJ (British Medical Journal), Berkeley Moynihan – a noted British abdominal surgeon, Professor Margot Shiner – a pioneer in the field of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition and Harold Shipman – the only Doctor in the history of British medicine found guilty of murdering several of his patients.

Why did you choose to study at Leeds?

“Originally, I was really stuck between Leeds and Newcastle. When I went for my interview at Leeds, something just clicked and I realised it was the place for me. The Uni campus and Medical School has such a nice and friendly feel and is right next to the town centre so you still feel in the middle of everything.

The student life is really great and in terms of the course, you get early patient contact from Year 1 which was really appealing. Leeds overall – I love the look of the city – it’s big and is really geared towards students because there are so many students around. There is plenty to do and experience.”

What is the best thing and worst thing about your Medical School?

“The best thing is the sense of community within the Medical School – it’s quite a friendly and tight-knit environment which can be so helpful when you feel stressed etc. as everyone is in the same boat. The city itself is such a lovely place to be a student and is a very fun place to live which is important as you are there for at least 5 years.

Admin is notoriously bad at  Leeds. I’d say the lack of communication about placements etc. is probably the worst thing and it can take a while for them to communicate vital information – but from what I gather, this can be a common university issue.”

Medical School Rankings

The following link will take you to the Complete University Guide Medicine League Table . Here, you can see that the University of Leeds Medical School takes 28th position with an overall score of 95%:

Rankings will, of course, differ between other tables; the Guardian includes different aspects to the Complete University Guide . When making your own decision on which table to look at, think about what you place more importance on, such as spending per student or career prospects. Keep in mind that all Medical Schools are highly ranked with excellent ratings across the board.

Leeds Medical School Fees And Financial Support

Annual tuition fees for home students at the University of Leeds is £9,250. For international students, it is £36,500. Tuition fee loans are offered to all UK students by the Government and cover the course fees in full. Fees do not have to be paid upfront.

Leeds offers a wealth of financial support in the form of loans, grants and scholarships including the Leeds Alumni Annual Fund and School of Medicine Scholarship. The Student Advice Centre in the Leeds University Union can offer individual advice if ever needed.

What are the living costs like?

“An average pint is about £3.50 – you can get one for £2 with a student card in Royal Park Pub. 1st Year accommodation can range from £100-160 a week, depending on location and whether you want an ensuite etc. Most 1st Year accommodations are shorter contracts at around 38 weeks so you often don’t pay for the whole year.

I haven’t needed to use public transport much but a bus ticket can cost around £2-4 depending on the length of the journey. Leeds generally is quite a student-friendly city so most clubs and pubs will have student deals and some restaurants do the same – make use of student discount apps!”

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What Is Studying At Leeds Medical School Like?

Leeds Medical School offers an integrated teaching style , combining training in medical theory and clinical practice. Pre-clinical teaching is taught primarily through lectures, case-based learning, inter-professional learning, virtual resources and self-directed. Students will get early exposure to clinical settings in order to build confidence in patient contact and enhance history-taking, examination and clinical skills. Anatomy is taught via prosection.

In later years, students will engage in full-time placement in hospitals, GPs, hospices and private organisations in the wider community. These will be located all over the Yorkshire and Humber region, including Harrogate, Sheffield, York, Hull and Bradford.

What is a week in first year like at Leeds Medical School?

“In 1st Year, a large chunk of time is spent in lectures and group work. For each module, there are normally 2-3 hours of lectures and a group work per week where you go through questions or do group presentations. IMS is mainly biochemistry and physiology and is a bit of A-Level recap and building on this – this is probably 4 hours a week of lectures and group work. I and P is more psychology-based and is also about populations e.g. chronic diseases and how they can affect people – this is 1-2 hours of lectures and 2-hour group work with presentations and projects.

IDEALS is a few hours of group work a week and more of a discussion to do with leadership, teamwork etc. After Christmas, you have half a day of placement a week and a module to learn more about clinical diseases. There is an hour or so of anatomy a week where you get to go into the anatomy lab and look at prosections with a booklet and facilitators to guide you through – there are usually lectures or online videos to accompany this and help your understanding. Every term there are a few communication sessions where you get to practice talking to patients in a classroom setting.”

Leeds Medical School Degree Content

Undergraduate course.

The course is divided into the following stages: introducing the fundamentals of clinical practice (Year 1), building on the fundamentals (Year 2), increasing clinical exposure with junior clinical placements (Year 3), gaining in clinical experience with speciality placements (Year 4), the transition from medical student to Doctor (Year 5). The curriculum is spiralling – what you learn will be built upon in later years.

The Research, Evaluation and Special Studies strands run throughout and incorporate SSCs (Student Selected Components), elective experience and an 18-month final project.

After Years 2, 3 or 4, students have the option to intercalate in order to broaden their knowledge in a field of interest and enhance career opportunities.

Between Years 4 and 5, a 6-week elective period takes place in which students can remain within the UK or travel abroad to experience Medicine in an area they choose or carry out a particular project.

Summary of the curriculum:

Year 1: introducing the fundamentals of clinical practice.

• Introduction to the core professional themes, as well as the biomedical scientific principles which underpin clinical practice.
• Individuals and Populations
• Integrated Summative Exam 1
• Research, Evaluation and Special Studies 1
• Innovation, Development, Enterprise, Leadership and Safety 1
• Introduction to Medical Sciences
• Body Systems
• Clinical Assessment, Reasoning, Ethics and Patient Safety

Year 2: building on the fundamentals

• Developing knowledge of clinical laboratory science to understand the types of investigations carried out in diagnosis of common conditions and disease.
• Compulsory modules:
• Control and Movement
• Individuals and Populations 2
• Integrated Summative Exam 2
• Research, Evaluation and Special Studies 2
• Innovation, Development, Enterprise, Leadership and Safety 2
• RESS 2 Special Studies Project
• Essential Medical Science
• Clinical Pathology

Year 3: increasing clinical exposure with junior clinical placements

• Integration of clinical skills and knowledge, demonstrating this through history taking and formulating basic differential diagnoses.
• Gain experience of patients with more particular needs through placements in Integrated Medicine, Surgery, Perioperative Care, Primary Care and Elderly Medicine & Rehabilitation.
• Integrated Summative Exam Year 3
• Year 3 OSCE
• Innovation, Development, Enterprise, Leadership and Safety 3
• Campus to Clinic 3
• Research, Evaluation and Special Studies 3

Year 4: gaining in clinical experience with specialty placements

• Develop greater understanding of the genetic, social and environmental factors that determine disease, and understanding of the principles of treatment and the response to treatment.
• Surgical and perioperative care; acute illness; recurrent and chronic illnesses; mental and physical disabilities; rehabilitation; relieving pain and distress; and palliative care.
• Year 4 OSCE
• Integrated Summative Exam Year 4
• Extended Student Research and Evaluation Project Year 4
• Campus to Clinic Advanced 4

Year 5: the transition from medical student to Doctor:

• Aims and outcomes are conflated into a series of domains, underpinned by a core set of cases, presentations and skills, linked to early postgraduate practices and the requirements of Tomorrow’s Doctors (2009) and the New Doctor.
• Year 5 OSCE
• Integrated Summative Exam Year 5
• Extended Student Research and Evaluation Project Year 5
• Campus to Clinic Advanced 5

Gateway Year to Medicine Course

This course was developed to allow students, from widening participation backgrounds, the opportunity to study Medicine. It offers a preliminary year to help refine your scientific understanding and develop the study skills required for the Medicine course. If students successfully complete this year by reaching the required grades on assessment, they progress onto the standard 5-year Undergraduate course to join those students in Year 1.

Dental Surgery Course

The 5-year degree gives the opportunity to students to engage in clinical learning from an early stage so that they can apply their academic theoretical knowledge to the clinical environment. As well as developing clinical reasoning, communication, leadership skills, clinical operative skills and learning to work as part of a dental team. 

What Makes Leeds Medical School Unique?

What makes your medical school unique.

“The course structure is a big pro – you get patient contact from Year 1 by going on placement which really helps put into context why you are learning things and see the bigger picture. This is especially helpful in 1st Year when you learn a lot of science-based content which can be a tad dry! There is also a big patient carer community which other Medical Schools have now adopted. This basically means there is a large group of real patients and carers who volunteer to help with medical education so all throughout Medical School, you always get to practice skills e.g communication or mock consultations with real patients and carers.

This is so helpful as there is no better way to learn than with real patients and it gives you a safe space to do this in a classroom before you go and do it onwards. The Medical School, as a whole, is a really nice tight-knit environment and the medic sports teams and societies are a real plus and help with making friends, especially in other years which is so helpful for advice and notes!”

Leeds Medicine Selection Process

Stage 1 : Candidates are screened against academic criteria.

Stage 2: Score is combined with the score given for your BMAT result. Decision may be helped with non-academic criteria.

Stage 3: Top-ranked candidates progress to interview.

Stage 4: Applicants attend interview.

Stage 5: Offers made based upon calculated score from interview.

Leeds Medical School Entry Requirements

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Leeds Medical School Personal Statement

Leeds Medical School advises applicants to read advice on personal statement writing on the Medical Schools Council website . Ultimately, they are looking for motivation and commitment to Medicine through perseverance, resilience, initiative, concern for others and the ability to communicate. Try to show the core values and skills of a good doctor that you have gained from your experiences that make you right for the medical career.

Leeds are aware that work experience opportunities have been limited due to the Covid-19 pandemic and express that clinical work is not generally a requirement. They would like you to show that you have gone to an effort to gain an understanding of what a career in Medicine involves. This can be in other healthcare environments, voluntary opportunities , paid jobs or online programmes.

You may be asked to reflect on experiences you have included in your personal statement in your interview so be sure to know it inside out and be candid!

Leeds Medical School Admissions Tests

In previous years, Leeds applicants were required to complete the BMAT, but the admissions test has been changed to the UCAT for all applicants as of the 2023 admissions cycle. As of 2024, the BMAT is no longer being run, so all UK medical schools have moved to the UCAT as their admissions test. 

Leeds Medical School Interview

Mmi interview style.

The number of students interviewed is approximately 750; over double the places available. Interviews take the form of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) . There are 8 stations, each lasting 6 minutes and assessing candidates’ ethical reasoning, self-evaluation, communication skills and problem-solving.

There is 1 station specifically testing you on your BMAT essay. This is often a discussion around the topic so make sure you read up on it beforehand and know it well. Familiarise yourself with your essay and practice justifying points you made, including why you chose that topic. The decision to make an offer depends entirely on your performance in the interview, quantified by calculating a ranked score.

Example Leeds Medical School Interview Questions:

• Find a news article about diabetes in the UK and discuss how this impacts the NHS. (2018)
• Speak to an actor, who is worried about attending a GP appointment. (2019)
• Give an example of a time where you showed good time management skills. (2021)
• Describe a time where your intention to study Medicine was challenged. How did you feel? (2020)
• Read this article on the incidence of obesity. What are your thoughts? (2020)
• What has maintained your drive to study Medicine, despite any challenges? (2019)
• Is it ethical for medical technology businesses to publish biased research to aid sales? (2021)
• A fellow medical student has repeatedly missed group meetings for an assessment due to “illness”, but you know they are lying as they have been going out and posting photos on Instagram. What is an appropriate response? (2019)
• When have you utilised your team working skills and did you face any challenges during this example? (2021)
• Describe how you would communicate with a patient who is worried about an upcoming surgery. (2021)
• What action would be best to take if you saw your colleague stealing medication from the hospital on your night shift? (2021)
• Why Leeds Medical School? (2021)
• What would you do if you gave a patient a double dose of drugs by accident? (2018)
• A famous person is admitted to the hospital. You are a doctor and notice that a colleague has tweeted this information and put it on their Facebook page. What issues does this raise? What would be your reaction/ actions? (2020)
• Tell us what you did to find out about medicine. (2019)

Extra-Curriculars at Leeds Medical School

Outside of study time, what do most people get up to.

“There are plenty of extracurriculars to get involved in. In terms of sports clubs, there is a society for basically every sport from football to ultimate Frisbee to surfing. On top of this, there are medics and dentist sports clubs which are a great way to meet other medics and often have training and match times that are easier to make as medic schedules are normally more hectic! A few examples – netball, football, running, basketball, rugby, hockey If sports aren’t your thing there are plenty of non-sports societies as part of the union – my housemate was Vice President of the baking society!

There is also the nightlife in Leeds which is up there with the best student night out in the country (although I am slightly biased). There are plenty of student nights nearly every day of the week with cheap drinks deals and lots of fun. There is also the legendary Friday night Fruity at the union. Leeds is also famous for the Otley Run a fancy dress pub crawl that people come from all over the country to do!”

What is the Leeds accommodation like?

“There are a few on-campus halls. Charles Morris is catered and is mainly jack and jill ensuite – it is right in the middle of campus so perfect to roll out of bed five minutes before lectures. Henry Price isn’t catered but still on campus and normally a popular option. Cityside and Central Village are very modern accommodations

Sentinel Towers and the Tannery are about a 10-15 minute walk from the Medical School and are a good location for medical students – they are both all ensuite too. James Baillie and Devonshire are near the main student housing area and about a 20-minute walk to campus. There are a few halls a bit further out like Oxley, which is probably a 40-minute walk. There is a mixture of shared bathroom and ensuites in most accommodations so make sure you check what is best for you.”

Leeds Medical School Contact

Telephone:  +44 (0)113 2431751

Email:   [email protected]

Postal address: University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK

Advice for Prospective Leeds Medical School Students

What advice would you give to a first-year student starting at leeds medical school.

“Enjoy it because it will be over sooner than you can imagine! I think the main thing is not to worry too much about workload, yes it can be difficult at times but you got accepted for a reason so of course you can do it! It’s important to give yourself time to get used to Uni life. It’s often the first time you’ve lived away from home and you are trying to balance the Medicine workload and making new friends as well as looking after yourself. Don’t be too hard on yourself and don’t be surprised if it takes you a bit longer to settle in.

Most importantly, enjoy the whole experience, and try as many new things as you can – you’ve worked hard to get into Medical School in the first place so enjoy it as much as you can. Medical School is a marathon, not a sprint, so keep on top of work but try to do things you enjoy or 6 years will go very slowly.”

Check out our other UK Medical School Reviews:

Cambridge Medical School Review

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Home » Resources » University of Leeds Medical School Guide

Published on August 12, 2023

Reading Time: 5 min

University of Leeds Medical School Guide

Overview of the university of leeds school of medicine.

The University of Leeds Medical School is in the city of Leeds in West Yorkshire. The School of Medicine forms part of the University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health. This consists of institutes across West Yorkshire, including the Worsley Building, Leeds General Infirmary, St James’ Campus, and Chapel Allerton Hospital.

The University of Leeds offers a five-year undergraduate medicine course, as well as a six-year Gateway Year to Medicine course . Details of the degree are below, including information about academic requirements, entrance exam requirements, interview process, and more.

Academic Requirements for Medicine at University of Leeds

Academic Requirements for Medicine at Leeds

What UCAT Score is Needed for Leeds Medical School?

Leeds School of Medicine will use the UCAT for the first time in the 2023-2024 application cycle (2024 entry). Previously, University of Leeds Medical School required applicants to sit the BMAT .

There was no minimum BMAT cut-off score used. The candidates that scored in the top 20% in the BMAT received a score of 5/5, and the candidates that scored in the lowest 20% received a score of 1/5. This BMAT score was then combined with scores for academic performance in the interview selection process. BMAT scores made up 13% of the overall score.

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Life as a Student at Leeds Medical School

The University of Leeds Medical School offers an exceptional environment for studying medicine. The city of Leeds provides a comfortable and balanced lifestyle for students, offering diverse opportunities and entertainment. 

Being part of the prestigious Russell Group, the medical curriculum is scientifically focused and research-oriented. Moreover, the Peer2Peer support system at Leeds fosters a supportive community among medical students, ensuring guidance through the challenges of medical school. Additionally, the high-quality teaching and friendly atmosphere make Leeds Medical School a welcoming home for students.

What’s Good about Leeds Medical School?

Pros of studying Medicine at University of Leeds:

• High-quality teaching: Leeds has a high standard of teaching and dedicated faculty members who provide comprehensive education and support.
• Clinical experience: University of Leeds has associations with renowned teaching hospitals, such as Leeds General Infirmary and St James’ University Hospital. This means ample opportunities for hands-on clinical experience and exposure to a diverse range of medical cases.
• Career prospects: Graduates from the University of Leeds Medical School are highly regarded in the medical field, with many going on to successful careers in various specialties.
• Research opportunities: Students have access to a range of research opportunities, allowing them to engage in medical research projects and contribute to advancements in the field.

Cons of Studying Medicine at University of Leeds:

There are drawbacks to each medical school. As such, Leeds has a couple of drawbacks too.

• Lecture style of teaching. Students have commented on the lectures being difficult to follow so you might feel on your own at times, encouraging a very independent style of learning. If you feel you work better being spoon-fed knowledge or being regularly checked up on, Leeds may not be for you!
• Using UCAT for the first time in 2023, so no previous data to compare to.
• Heavy workload: Like with any university, medicine is a demanding course of study with an intensive workload, requiring long hours of study, clinical rotations, and practical training.

Is Leeds a Good Medical School?

Medical School Ranking

The Complete University Guide 2022 ranks the University of Leeds Medical School as the 22 nd  best school to study medicine in the UK. On the other hand, Leeds was the 12 th  best school to study medicine in the UK in the Guardian University League Tables 2022 . Leeds is also ranked in the top 100 universities in the QS World Rankings 2022 .

When considering university rankings, it’s crucial to remember that they are subjective and can vary based on different criteria. Rankings can be a good factor to consider, but it’s essential to take a holistic approach and carefully assess which universities align best with your personal and academic needs.

How Many Places Are There for Home and International Students at Leeds Medical School?

Leeds Medical School offered a total of 257 places in the 2022 admissions cycle, when they received 2965 applications. 241 of these places went to home students and 16 places went to international applicants.

The University of Leeds Medical School Fees

For UK full-time undergraduate students, tuition fees at the University of Leeds Medical School are £9,250 per year of study. 

International students at the University of Leeds Medical School have hefty tuition fees of approximately £35,250 each year.

The University of Leeds offers various scholarships, and non-repayable grants for eligible students.

Leeds Medical School Course Structure

Leeds Medical School Interview Process

The University of Leeds Medical School uses an MMI interview style with 7-8 stations and the whole process lasting for 50-70 minutes.

Leeds Medical School Interview Questions

Interview Topics for Leeds:

• Motivation to study medicine
• Self-evaluation and reflection
• The NHS and hot topics
• Leeds Medical School
• Medical ethics
• Problem solving

The offer decision for every candidate invited for an interview will depend solely on interview performance – no consideration of previous academic achievements or other factors will happen at this stage.

Intercalation at Leeds Medical School

Students may intercalate – take another extra degree in one year – after year 2, 3, or 4 of the course. Intercalation offers an opportunity to expand knowledge and improve career prospects. As such, around half of all students on the course opt to intercalate. You may choose to intercalate at any university, which is definitely beneficial. Because of this option, many students choose to intercalate at a different university to experience life elsewhere for the year.

Elective at Leeds Medical School

During the period between the 4 th  and 5 th  year of the course, students have the opportunity to engage in a 6-week elective where they can gain broader clinical experience or pursue a specific project either in the UK or abroad. Many students use this as an opportunity to go abroad for 6 weeks and experience healthcare in another country, while pursuing clinical skills and research in an area of their choice and getting a nice holiday out of it!

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Leeds University Personal Statements

These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to University of Leeds. You can click on one of the links below to view the entire statement and find out if the applicant was offered a place.

You can also view our entire collection of personal statements or view personal statements for application at other universities .

Biomedical Science/Neuroscience Personal Statement Example The limitless potential of the life sciences and the opportunity for world-changing breakthroughs are both exciting and compelling to me. Upon hearing about a disease for the first time, I am eager to find out more about the precise ways in which it affects the body, which has led me to spend much time researching the details of various diseases...

Geology Personal Statement Example 1 My interest in the natural world started early in my life. At the age of 4 and at my first school years, my favorite trip was at the Greek Natural History museum where I admired the shinny purple stones, the giraffe, the lions, and most of all, the huge Triceratops skeleton...

International Relations Personal Statement Example Being of Pakistani heritage means I am at the heart of multiculturalism that many would say defines Britain today. Growing up as a British Asian in the last decade has allowed me to experience life embedded in a world of politics, not only from a Western perspective but also that of other cultures...

History Personal Statement Example 5 As the descendant of an Auschwitz survivor, my family history allows me to understand the influences that the Second World War has had on people's families and the victims of the Nazi regime in occupied Poland...

Physics Personal Statement Example 4 The elegance of the scientific subjects, in particular physics is what has established my eagerness for a deeper insight into the subject. What sets physics apart from the other sciences, in my opinion, is that it can be practically applied to all instances of life...

Languages Personal Statement Example 10 At the age of eight, a friend introduced me to Guy Hamilton's 1969 film 'Battle of Britain'. This instilled in me two things: my doomed childhood ambition to be a Spitfire pilot, long since grudgingly abandoned, but also, perhaps ironically, a love for the sound and feel of the German language that has stayed with me all through the intervening decade...

English Literature Personal Statement Example 1 When I saw Gatz, John Collin's eight hour interpretation of The Great Gatsby, I noticed that Fitzgerald changes the colour of Daisy's hair every time he describes it. It is "like a dash of blue paint", "yellowy" like her daughters and then "dark, shining"...

French and Italian Personal Statement Example 1 I see speaking a foreign language as a key to a door opening up a new world of possibilities and opportunities. As a child my mother insisted I learned another language, she told me to grab any possible open window for a life beyond my own imagination...

Physics & Astrophysics Personal Statement Example I have always considered Physics to be a captivating area of study, whether it is a question of how aspects of it work, or indeed why they work. As such, I have found deep fascination in studying Physics, as it is able to provide answers (as well as evidence) to such queries...

Physics Personal Statement Example (International Student) 1 Some people believe there is no universal key to the mysteries of the world, but I am convinced otherwise. Since early childhood when my parents, both physicists by training, patiently answered all my why-questions and encouraged me in my fascination with astronomy, I have been thinking of Physics as the perfect science that can unveil all the secrets that fascinate humanity...

Maths and Economics Personal Statement Example 1 By skimming through a daily broadsheet or examining journals such as ‘The Economist’ it is clear to see that economic issues affect everyone both locally as well as on a global scale. However, I have been interested by Mathematics for many years and have found my enjoyment for it has increased as the depth of my understanding has grown...

English Personal Statement Example 22 What I enjoy above all else in a piece of literature is the feeling that it has brought about change, either in me or in some wider context. Literature which offers the opportunity for an adapted way of living or thinking, however slight, is I think a thing to be kept and treasured in our intellects...

Physiology and Medical Sciences Personal Statement Example The human body is arguably the most complex life form that has ever existed. Studying how the body works helps us to comprehend the many processes that maintain health and find better treatment for diseases...

English Personal Statement Example 23 My love of literature is rooted in the connection it gives us to centuries of ideas, giving us the ability to converse with ghosts, linking us with the greatest and most eloquent minds in history; as Bovee puts it, “books are embalmed minds”...

Biomedical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 Thanks to my mother's profession, I have had a front row seat in observing the radical changes made in the medical field with the introduction of new devices. I have also seen the beneficial effects these developments have had on the lives of people living in the less affluent countries in the Middle East; these observations coupled with my interest in mechanics have inspired me to pursue a career in biomedical engineering...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 45 Advances in computer and information technology over the past few decades have brought about revolution in science, medicine, education, business, and entertainment. I wish to be part of the future revolution and that is why I want to study computer science...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 43 The ever-evolving nature of medical science and the certainty that we will know more about the many different healthcare practices has inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. My dedication to studying medicine has been confirmed by the experience I have gained in different hospitals and practices and I look forward to the academic discipline and challenges that will arise...

English Personal Statement Example 26 Growing up reading Roald Dahl, I saw elements of myself in Matilda, as ever since I can remember, I have loved reading. My passion for English could be seen by those around me, as a child, having taught myself to read and write by the time I was 4 years old, and there was never any doubt that I would go on to pursue a career in English...

Chemical Engineering Personal Statement Example 8 From the very first day of college I’ve been gradually developing a great interest in all aspects of Chemistry and Maths. Having recently read, “Beyond the Molecular Frontier: Challenges for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering” I have discovered what an imperative role chemists and chemical engineers play in industry and how, by working together, they contribute to an improved future...

Geography Personal Statement Example 14 If I said ‘I’ve loved geography since an early age’, I’d be lying. Although I loved our family holidays, which have always been seen as expeditions, I didn’t think it was ‘geography’ until I started using places I’d been to as examples in geography lessons...

Geography Personal Statement Example (Human/Environmental) The possibility of the human race’s days being numbered by our destructive lifestyles, as planted in my mind by Al Gore’s sensationalised and controversial ‘The Inconvenient Truth’, has fuelled my interest in the global warming phenomenon, forcing me to question society’s reluctance to tackle it and realise the worldwide impact of each of our daily lives...

Aeronautical Engineering Personal Statement Example 1 The rapid progress and achievements in aircraft technologies has motivated me to follow a career in aeronautical engineering as it plays a very significant role in today's modern world. It is fascinating to see how engineers apply scientific and mathematical principles to everyday situations like the design, manufacture and operation of efficient structures, machines, processes and systems...

Natural Science/Geology Personal Statement Example The sheer intricacy of our planet is something that has always left me in utter amazement. From the creation of mountains to the way we as humans evolved. Science is a deep rooted love that has grown since I was a young child...

English Literature and Sociology Personal Statement Example Since I have begun to study A Level English Literature, it is the way in which writers use expression within their writing to influence and manipulate the reader's emotions which has most intrigued me...

Physics Personal Statement Example 13 Attending university has been a lifelong dream of mine; ever since my childhood, I have been told that I should, and I have always agreed with the sentiment. If I were asked to pin down an exact reason, however, I would be forced to confess that I do not know - I just enjoy learning new things and exercising my mind...

Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Example 16 Being born as a son to two former engineers, I was raised in an environment where curiosity is treasured and nurtured. It wasn't surprising that as I became older, my fascination towards science and technology also grew along with me...

History & Politics Personal Statement Example For years I have listened to my family discussing the latest political and historical issues on the news and I have been fascinated and awed by the fact that there was never a wrong or right answer, decision or explanation to a given problem...

Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example 16 Civil engineering is a profession that is growing and evolving at a fast pace. Civil engineers play a major role in the world meeting the high demand for new buildings and improved infrastructure. I am keen to become a Civil Engineer and I believe I have the talents to be successful in this profession...

Dentistry Personal Statement Example 10 My interest in Dentistry initially arose from my own experiences with Dentists. When I was younger, I suffered from cyclic neutropenia which led to many dental problems, and was always grateful to my dentist and dental hygienist for all their help...

English Literature & History Personal Statement Example 1 Throughout my education, I have constantly been captivated and inspired by my History and English studies. I have recognised how the two disciplines entwine and coexist to create an invaluable tool with which to explore the past and future...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 67 Studying the history of medicine made me realise what a huge impact doctors have on people’s lives. I’ve always wanted a career involving people as I’m fascinated by our unique nature and the human body itself...

Natural Sciences Personal Statement Example 4 Why and How? I believe these are the two most important question words as they express mankind’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and they have lain the foundation of sciences and have helped us find answers and solutions to problems throughout history from the domestication of fire to Darwin’s theory of evolution, to landing on the moon and so on...

Mathematics Personal Statement Example 16 I have always had a passion and a thorough understanding of the subject of Mathematics. This helped me to progress academically because, unlike a lot of people, I have not had to worry about passing my GCSE Maths exams...

Spanish and Chinese Personal Statement Example My passion for Modern Foreign Languages is what drives me to pursue a degree in Chinese and Spanish; my fascination and curiosity to explore the cultures of not only China and East Asia, but also of the Hispanic world, motivate me to learn and discover the languages of these regions...

Law Personal Statement Example 84 The reason I want to study law, is that it has always intrigued me; there’s never been any other option for me it has always been law. I am captivated in the development of the law as it interests me the way the law is changing around the needs of civilisation...

Sociology Personal Statement Example 13 Being able to engage and immerse myself in a thought-provoking subject such as Sociology has allowed me to develop a desire to delve even deeper into it at an advanced level. As unpredictable liberated beings, having a means of examining the connections between humans and social organization through Sociology has enabled me to comprehend human behaviour and social stratification; to question rather than accept; allowing me to appreciate the inquisitiveness nature, which I believe is the essence of this subject...

Geography Personal Statement Example 19 I could say that my love of Geography started in school, but in fact holidays to foreign lands have had a more significant impact on me. From the volcanic badlands of Lanzarote's Timanfaya, to the unique beauty of Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania, Geography and its impact on nature and human development have awed me...

Biological Sciences Personal Statement Example 3 When I was in primary school I would take pens apart to put them back together, so that I could see how every small piece fits together to create a whole working object, and as I furthered my education my focus shifted to the w orld around me...

Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE) Personal Statement Example 3 In this day and age virtually every aspect of our lives may be considered political. My passion to study Politics stems from this tenet and a belief that a comprehension of Politics is integral to understanding the current state of humanity...

Chemistry Personal Statement Example 18 Chemistry explores the properties of all matter and energy in our universe, which eventually leads to breakthroughs that benefit mankind, ranging from how to prevent food from decomposing to understanding what chemicals can help or harm you...

Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example 17 My decision to study engineering stems from a desire to contribute to the evolution of society through a process that does not just define our environment but our era. My personal inspiration is the Segovia aqueduct, an 800m long, 30 metre high Roman marvel which still stands today...

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Example 3 Curiosity has always been my nature since I was young and I was never afraid to know more as I really like challenges. This is why I have a keen interest in science ever since I started formal education, it explains the hows and whys in almost anything and everything...

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How to Write a Residency Personal Statement with Examples from a Program Director

Residency programs receive thousands of applications from qualified candidates, and your personal statement provides the chance for you to show a program why they should choose you.

For Kamran M. Mirza, MD, PhD, Professor of Pathology Education at Godfrey D. Stobbe, the residency personal statement is the first piece of the application that he reads. So, it’s important to make it count. 

Use your voice to show them why you’re the perfect match for their program. It could be the thing that tips the scales in your favor.

Remember, it’s called the residency “match” for a reason. Programs aren’t just looking for the best candidates; they’re looking for the best match for their team and culture. Your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase why you belong there.

Key Takeaways:

• Invest time in your personal statement, as this can be the first piece of your application that a program director reads.
• Start with an engaging opening, use illustrative incidents to maintain the reader’s interest, and conclude by reinforcing your main points and linking back to your introduction.
• If there are any gaps, unexplained grades, or other potential red flags in your application, use your personal statement to provide context and show the lessons you have learned from these challenges. 
• Steer clear of clichés, rehashing old statements, and focusing too much on experiences before your time in medical school. Instead, emphasize current interests and future aspirations. 
• Ensure your writing is polished, free of grammatical errors, and avoid controversial topics unless they are presented thoughtfully and professionally.

What is the Purpose of a Personal Statement?

A personal statement paints a picture of you. While your ERAS application introduces your accomplishments, it doesn’t fully capture the essence of you . There’s a whole history behind why you’re on this journey to becoming a doctor, and your personal statement is where you get to tell that story. Show the program why this path matters to you.

A personal statement highlights your unique qualifications and experiences. It’s your opportunity to talk about your professional aspirations and showcase the experiences that make you stand out—whether it’s research, clinical skills, leadership, or even your ability to communicate effectively. Explain how these experiences have shaped you and how they’ll influence the way you practice in your chosen specialty.

A personal statement shows your commitment. Demonstrate how you’ve gone above and beyond the basic requirements. Make it personal. Share what you believe in, what you love about the specialty, what fascinates you, and what you find most rewarding. This is where you show the program what you will bring to the table to make an impact in the lives of the patients you will serve.

A personal statement sells you. Residency programs are going to be reading hundreds of these, so it’s crucial that yours makes an impact. Think of your motivation as the trunk of a tree, with specific incidents or work experiences branching out from there. Remember—be genuine. Don’t feel like you have to oversell yourself. Just be true to who you are, and let your passion and experiences speak for themselves. That’s what’s going to resonate the most.

How to Write a Residency Personal Statement 

The personal statement is your chance to help residency programs really understand who you are, what draws you to your desired specialty, and what sets you apart from other candidates. To make sure your personal statement is top-notch, here’s what you should include:

• Lead with a catchy opening paragraph that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to read more. This is the most critical part of your personal statement, and a strong start sets the tone for the rest of your narrative.
• Recapture the reader’s attention about halfway through your statement with insight that reinforces your overall theme.
• Focus on a few illustrative incidents that have shaped your journey. Unite these incidents with a theme or thesis that ties your story together and highlights what makes you unique.
• Outline what you want to say and the order in which you want to say it. This will help you create a coherent and well-structured narrative.
• Use concrete examples of experiences that help distinguish you from others and make your story more relatable and memorable.
• Write about interests that excite you. When you share what you are passionate about, it will come through in your writing and resonate with the reader.
• End your message with a conclusion that refers back to your opening and restates your thesis. This brings your personal statement full circle and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

 Effective Residency Personal Statement Examples 

During the 2025 Match Summit event, Dr. Kamran Mirza presented several personal statements to help guide medical students through the process.

As a program director who has read many residency personal statements as part of the ERAS application process, Dr. Mirza shares some of the best residency personal statement examples.

Example #1 – The Introduction

I love dinosaurs. 

When I was a kid, all I wanted to do was learn everything I could about them – how they lived, what they ate, and what they looked like. My love of dinosaurs led me to apply to college as a paleontology major. Like any eager student, I wanted a head start in college so I decided to take a human anatomy class. My goal was to learn the names of bones. One day in class, the teacher showed us a video of total hip replacement and that was it. My entire life’s dream shifted. From that day on, I knew I wanted to be a surgeon. 

Example #2 – A Story of Family Hardship

My mother immigrated from the Philippines to Minnesota as a mail-order bride. Amidst the improved living conditions and snowy winters, she was physically abused by my father and repeatedly threatened for her life. Between episodes of abuse, she gave birth to me, her firstborn child. In the thick of her celebration and under postpartum care, her OBGYN connected her with the resources necessary to exit her dangerous situation. This was the first of many instances that would provide me insight into the immense privilege that OBGYNs have of caring for extremely vulnerable patients, such as my mother. And so, my mother left for California with her newborn infant, and if not for her OBGYN, she – and I – might not have survived. 

Example #3 – The Theme

The key to a perfect choux pastry, or any pastry for that matter, and the singular quality I’m convinced separates good surgeons from great ones are one in the same.

Mise en place is a French culinary adage meaning, “everything in its place.” In short, one’s ability to prepare is the major determinant of quality.

The best preparation, however, is informed by experience. I can tell you every ingredient, tool, and step to follow to make choux, but I can’t tell you how many eggs you’ll need. Recognizing the perfect texture comes only through practice and repetition. In these iterations one learns what could go wrong, what’s likely to go wrong, and whether those are the same. 

Example #4 – Turning Around Your Red Flag

During my senior year of undergrad, I was diagnosed with depression and got the help I needed to become the best student I could be. Through this experience, I learned the importance of advocacy for myself and others. Once I sought help for my mental health, my entire academic career changed. I use this skill now to advocate for my patients. 

For more examples, be sure to watch Dr. Mirza’s entire presentation below.

How to Address Red Flags

Your residency personal statement is a great way to address any gaps in your education, unexplained grades, or any other potential red flags in your application that may stand in your way of showcasing your strengths for a potential program.

There is no need to focus too much on any red flags you are able to address within your ERAS application. However, if there is something that you need to provide further explanation for, the best way to do so is to use your personal statement to turn it around to show how this challenge in your life shaped you in a positive way, and the lessons you learned. 

What to Avoid When Writing Your Personal Statement 

As you begin mapping out your residency personal statement, there are some common drawbacks that can prevent your statement from standing out.

As a rule of thumb, here are some things you should avoid: 

• Cliches . Saying, “I want to help people,” isn’t going to set you apart—it’s something we innately hope all of you feel strongly about! However, what did you have to overcome to get here, and what part of your story led you to this moment? Stay clear of cliche stories that make it look like you didn’t put effort into your personal statement. Give specific examples of experiences that inform your career choice and demonstrate your skills.
• Rehashing medical school statements. Your time in medical school has helped shape who you are and why you are pursuing your desired specialty. Focus on experiences and challenges you have overcome in the present day and try to steer clear from anything before medical school. 
• Focusing too much on what led you to your specialty. While it’s important to touch on this, it shouldn’t dominate your narrative. Leave room to discuss your current interests and future aspirations. What excites you about the residency ahead? What are your goals for the future, both in residency and beyond? Programs want to see that you are forward-thinking and have a clear vision for your career.
• Informal writing. Your statement should be polished and well-structured, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively.The best advice you can receive is revise, revise, and revise some more. Plan to read your personal statement several times, as well as others, to make sure your story stays on track, is free of grammatical errors, and remains engaging throughout.
• Controversial topics. It’s wise to avoid topics that include political, ethical, or religious issues. While it’s important to share your personal experiences, you don’t want your writing to come off as offensive or cross any lines. However, when relevant, sharing examples of hardships or family problems that have shaped your journey can be powerful, provided they are presented in a way that is thoughtful and professional. You can refer to Dr. Mirza’s example above for how to best position this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should your residency personal statement be.

The standard recommendation is to keep your residency personal statement to one page, which is around 600-750 words in length.

How to Write a Residency Personal Statement?

Start with an outline to help you begin to narrow down your theme, followed by examples you want to include. Remember to follow our guide on what to avoid, and don’t forget to revise, revise, revise !

Should You Address Red Flags in Your Residency Personal Statement?

Your personal statement is how you are going to sell yourself to your desired program. If you are able to address your red flags in your application, there is no need to bring them up in your essay, especially if it might invoke any doubt. However, if you are able to address it in a way that demonstrates how you overcame your situation and learned lessons from your struggles, this is a great opportunity to show the program how you were able to turn it around into a positive experience. 

What are Some Residency Personal Statement Examples?

While we touch on a few samples in this blog, Dr. Kamran Mirza, a program director who presented on the topic of writing an effective personal statement, shares several more in his presentation. Watch the full clip from TrueLearn’s 2025 Match Summit event here !

Time to Write Your Personal Statement

We know there is a lot of information here, and we hope these insights have given you a solid foundation to start shaping your own personal statement. The most important thing to remember about the residency personal statement is there are no shortcuts in this match application process. Doing things the right way and going the extra mile will set you apart from the hundreds of other applicants. 

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Writing your personal statement

As part of your application to study with us, you’ll be asked to submit a personal statement. Your personal statement is your chance to show your understanding of the course, your interest in the subject and how your current skills and knowledge are relevant to the course you’d like to study. Each course we offer is different, so please read your course content carefully.

Show your skills and interests

None of our courses is purely practical and all involve a significant amount of theoretical study and research. Your personal statement should, therefore, show your academic skills. If you're applying to study a course with practical elements (eg BA Digital Media, BA Film, Photography and Media or BA Journalism), you should also talk about any practical skills you have. You might also consider linking to examples of your work.

Your personal statement should also explain why you're interested in studying your course. To do this, you could discuss examples of media that have caught your attention and any readings you've completed.

Tell us what you plan to do after studying

If you have a particular career that you’d like to pursue, we’d like to know how you think the course you’re applying for will help you achieve it.

It’s also a good idea to mention any work experience you’ve done in the past, and how it’s relevant to your course.

Be specific

Include specific examples to explain general statements. Below are some of the types of questions to ask yourself when writing your personal statement:

• Which issues or ideas connected to the course do you find interesting and why?
• Have you done any reading around the subject?
• What academic skills do you have that makes you well suited to the course?
• Which type or examples of media have caught your attention?
• If the course you're applying for has practical elements, have you produced any media yourself? What did you use to create it?
• If you have a career path in mind, why did you choose it?
• How do you think this course will help you achieve your career aspirations?

See the UCAS website  for more advice on writing your personal statement.

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Medicine Personal Statement Example 2

Check out this successful Medicine Personal Statement example. The applicant received offers from Bristol and Plymouth - and also got an interview at Cambridge.

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Check out this successful Medicine Personal Statement example for inspiration to help you plan and structure your Personal Statement .

Shadowing surgeons racing against the clock to save a kidney was one of the most exciting experiences of my life. With only twenty-five minutes to resect an extensive tumour before the entire kidney was lost, I was moved by the surgeons’ determination and synergy. However, the limitations of medicine were demonstrated when I was told the patient had an additional unresectable tumour. This experience illustrated the responsibility entrusted to medical professionals; not always to save a life but to treat patients with a biopsychosocial approach. Reflecting on this, I knew I wanted to learn more about medicine. However, it was after observing the communication skills and empathy of a physician allaying a pre-operative patient’s fears that my decision to become a doctor was confirmed.

In my local hospice I was inspired by a doctor comforting an anxious, elderly patient; adapting his terminology to ensure effective communication. In my eight months there I developed the clarity of my conversation with patients, in a way that benefitted their needs. I used this skill at a GP surgery with an elderly patient who was distressed about waiting times. Using a calm demeanour, I deescalated the situation and sought help from a receptionist, who had previously established a rapport with the patient. My leadership skills were enhanced through the realisation that being a good leader involves asking for guidance. My aim is to further these skills in my future medical career.

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Exposure to multiple GP surgeries highlighted how a large elderly population correlates with the need for more home visits; thereby illustrating the effect of demographic transition in healthcare. The importance of teamwork was demonstrated in the multidisciplinary team meetings I have observed on various placements. The healthcare professionals deliberated in order to ensure the best quality of life for the patient.

One of my responsibilities as head of boarding is to comfort younger students who are missing home and this helped me realise that collaboration within the boarding house helps to improve their well-being. Understanding and empathy comes from staff and students alike and my teamwork has improved. Responsibility and advocating for patients in a team is something I look forward to in my future career.

At the hospice it was moving to witness the composure of a doctor who was delivering news of a patient’s rapid deterioration. This exemplified how emotionally demanding medicine is. However, when facing academic challenges I have developed a positive work-life balance. Running and playing the violin provide stress outlets and I look forward to representing my university’s orchestra. There are many new challenges as a medical student and doctor, however, I know that I have the emotional maturity to thrive in a high-pressure environment.

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Research is a vital element of medicine as it advances patient care. At Nuffield Health an umbrella sticker on a patient’s door is the universal symbol for dementia. This inspired me as it is an innovative way to maintain confidentiality whilst adapting to patients’ needs and I wrote about this in an article I published in Mentor Magazine. After reading ‘Somebody I Used To Know’ by Wendy Mitchell, which details her experience with dementia, I researched dementia treatment. This topic was further explored within my EPQ where I investigated socially assistive robots that improve behavioural and psychological dementia symptoms, through social exchange. This experience helped me to appreciate the importance of research in evidence-based medicine. I look forward to improving my research skills at medical school.

The empathy and compassion I have seen in healthcare professionals has helped me confirm my commitment to holistic, patient-centred care. I appreciate the academic, emotional and practical challenges of a career in medicine and feel well prepared to meet these as I enter medical school next year.

See more Medicine Personal Statement examples.

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Leeds United considered 'best move' for £3.5m summer arrival amid links to top-flight trio including Celtic

Central Football Reporter

Ao Tanaka’s arrival at Leeds United could soon be seen as a coup and reports have suggested a move to Elland Road was preferred to options from top-flight teams across Europe.

Leeds moved quickly to secure Tanaka’s signature in the final days of the summer window, having agreed a £3.5million fee with German second-tier side Fortuna Dusseldorf . The midfielder was quickly flown into the UK and underwent medical tests on Thursday of last week, with head coach Daniel Farke finally landing a long-term personal target to fill a key position.

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Interest in Tanaka from Elland Road has been well-documented for the past 12 months but after an impressive 2023/24 campaign in Dusseldorf, the 25-year-old’s list of potential suitors evidently grew. The Athletic now report that he had ‘opportunities to join’ Celtic, FC Midtjylland or Como 1907 before deciding on a move to Leeds.

The report details Tanaka’s personal ambition to play Champions League football and so suggests a move to Celtic would have been tempting, given they feature in this year’s edition of Europe’s flagship competition. Brendan Rodgers also has a strong Japanese contingent at Parkhead, with four internationals among the squad.

Leeds face another key season, so get closer to the action with our new newsletter - Inside Elland Road with Graham Smyth

Danish champions Midtjylland missed out on the Champions League but have qualified for the Europa League, while the wealthy Como are very much looking up after winning promotion to Serie A last season. All three options would have presented top-flight football, with two eyeing league titles this campaign.

As a fully-fledged international who looks set to play for Japan in a World Cup qualifier against Bahrain next week, having featured in  7-0 win over China on Tuesday, Tanaka will undoubtedly be hoping to play top-flight football but seems happy to earn it via promotion with Leeds. Farke’s men have long been tipped as favourites to go up and after a decent summer of business, look set to challenge again.

Consecutive wins over Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City have helped improve the mood in West Yorkshire, with Tanaka even handed a swift debut in the latter clash on Saturday. And speaking after his arrival last week, the midfielder opened up on his desire to help Leeds go one better than last season and enjoy the support from an ‘amazing’ fanbase.

“I am so excited and I am so happy to be here,” the new signing told LUTV. “I can control the game and make the assists and goals. I want to help the team. Of course, we want to go to the Premier League which is why I came here so I want to make a contribution for the team. Everyone says Leeds fans are amazing and the stadium atmosphere is amazing, so I can’t wait to play in front of the amazing supporters. I want to win in the stadium with so many supporters!”