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By Nik Taylor (Editor, The Uni Guide) | 12 October 2023 | 13 min read

Personal statement secrets – universities reveal all

Want to know how to craft an amazing personal statement? Take some advice from the experts...

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If you’re applying to uni this year, you’ll already know that one of the trickiest tasks is coming up with an original and interesting personal statement.  That’s why we’ve gone straight to the experts – the university admissions staff themselves – to pick their brains on what makes a stand-out personal statement.

• Read more: how to write an excellent personal statement in ten steps

Getting ready to write your personal statement

Understand what a personal statement is.

Your personal statement is a really important part of your application, and your chance to sell yourself to your chosen university.  "Ultimately, a personal statement is a chance for you to convey why you would like to study a particular course, and how you hope this will benefit you in the future. We want to hear what skills and experience you possess which will help you at university, and your passion for your chosen subject," explains Annie Richardson, outreach assistant in the outreach and educational partnerships team at the University of Greenwich . "Admissions staff look for applicants with a strong interest in their course; good qualifications and relevant experience; and the resilience and motivation to complete their degree," Annie adds. 

• Read more: how to write your university application

Before you even start writing, you need to have your motives for applying clear in your mind. Don’t rush your research. "It's impossible to write a strong personal statement until you have explored your options and feel confident in your university course choices," says Annie. "Spend time planning what you intend to write and include in your personal statement," adds James Calcutt, schools and colleges liaison manager at Royal Holloway, University of London . "Students with the strongest and most detailed plans write the best statements. This is because they have something to refer to, ensuring they stay on topic, and it offers them the opportunity to order all their thoughts before writing their statement." Take the time to review uni websites, prospectuses and online student guides, as well as attending open days and checking out our university guides . You could also visit the forums for any unis you're interested in on our sister site The Student Room .   Make sure you read the detail of each course and what it has to offer. Just because they have the same name , they will still have varying requirements. "Start early and take your time," says Anjli Shah, careers consultant at City, University of London . "Read the course summaries for every course you wish to apply for and where possible underline what they are looking for in candidates. Some universities will stipulate either in the course summary or clearly state what they look for in the personal statement. "Research the five courses that you want to apply for in detail. Every university publishes the course content and structure on their website. Understand what topics and modules you will be learning. Identify key themes across the courses and think about what you have done so far to develop your understanding and learning around the subject. As you do this, reflect on why this in interesting to you and why you want to study this. "Take a blank sheet of paper and jot down everything that comes to mind about why you want to study the course, the evidence (reading, experiences, project work etc) that you could include to show how you have developed your thinking about this subject. Always demonstrate what you learned rather than listing what you did.  "Remember whilst it is a difficult exercise, it is also helping you to reflect on why you want to study this subject and the courses you are applying for, and so it is an important tool in your own decision making."

• Read more: I want to go to uni but I don't know what to study

Keep your options open

Remember, it’s not wise to show a personal preference to one particular university, even if you have a favourite. "If you have paid to send five Ucas applications at once, the admissions tutors for each university all see the same personal statement. Do not make a specific reference to a specific university," says Annie at the University of Greenwich. "Remember that you can only have one personal statement no matter how many universities you’re applying to, so avoid mentioning any universities or modules by name," says Lisa Thomas, deputy director of admissions at the University of Chester . "Instead, it’s your task to show these universities why you’re well-suited to their courses, without mentioning specifics. "If you’re going for similar courses, you should notice likenesses in the skills, qualities and experience they’re looking for, making your life a bit easier. If you’re applying for courses that are very different, have a think about how your achievements, skill-set and experience can be applied more generally to fit with the varying course descriptions." 

• Read more: teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement

Getting started

Keep it personal.

When you're looking for inspiration on how to get started, remember: it's all about you. "The clue is in the word 'personal'," says Anjli at City, University of London. "All too often, students write what they think they ought to or will mention something in order to tick it off a checklist. This leads to disjointed personal statements that are too general and don’t tell us anything about why the student wants to study the subject they have chosen. So, make it personal! Spell out what motivates you to study the course; show us your  academic engagement with the course."  It can also be tempting to Google ‘personal statement’ and take your pick. But, be warned. Ucas has resources which will identify any plagiarised statements from the extensive library of archived statements. 

• Read more: Ucas deadlines and key application dates

Don’t be like the rest of them

Be sure your statement is a true reflection of you; this will give it a more authentic feel. "We really want to see applicants being themselves and using their own experiences to inform their personal statements," says Lisa at the University of Chester.   "When you’re about to make the transition to higher education, it’s tempting to write in a stiff and formal way. It’s important to write clearly and appropriately but you should, ultimately, sound like yourself."

What to put in your personal statement

That first sentence….

For many of you this will be the hardest part, thanks to writer’s block, feeling pressured and desperation to create the perfect sentence. The solution? Get into your flow and scribble down all your thoughts in any old order first.  "Students often struggle writing their personal statements because they think it needs to be perfect, or that they need to sound smart – so they end up not sounding like themselves," says Annie from the University of Greenwich. "Write multiple drafts of your application and start as early as possible.  Even if you begin with a spider diagram or bullet points – that is still a draft."  Then, when it comes to structuring your notes into your personal statement, focus on the things the universities will want to read. "Students can stand out by using their introduction to talk about what they are looking to study, why they have chosen this and where their interest comes from," says James at Royal Holloway, University of London . "This gives an excellent context to the statement and provides the admissions specialist with the important information early on." "Opening your statement with a unique line about yourself and how it relates to you wanting to study a particular course is a great way to get your personal statement to stand out straight away," adds Lisa at the University of Chester. 

Be original

Avoid clichés (like the plague...), not least openers such as 'I have always wanted to be', 'From a young age' or 'I have always dreamed of' to justify your choice of subject. "Try to avoid phrases such as ‘I have been passionate about law from a young age’ - even if it’s true," says Lisa. "Admissions teams see them again and again. As an alternative, consider using your personal examples to demonstrate your passion for a subject. [For example], ‘I have been interested in law since shadowing a barrister as part of my work experience’." 

• Read more: the ten biggest mistakes when writing your personal statement

Make the word count count

Your personal statement has a strict limit of 4,000 characters (including spaces) or 47 lines of 95 characters (including spaces); whichever is shorter. Exceed this and Ucas Hub will immediately cut you off and could leave your personal statement dangling in the middle of an unfinished sentence. Editing matters! "Make sure each word counts," says Anjli at City, University of London. "Anything that you choose to include in your personal statement must be relevant to answering the question 'Why I want to study this subject'. "Avoid generalisations. Be specific. If you read a book tell us about a specific school of thought or theory and your learning from it. Does it back your point up? Do you disagree with it? Why? Don’t simply state you read it. Avoid trying to include everything that you have done in your life – only relevant elements that back up your motivation for and understanding of the academic subject you wish to study." 

• Read more: personal statement FAQs

Ditch the quotes

Admissions teams aren't interested in what somebody else has said about your subject – they want to hear what you think.  "We often recommend that students avoid including quotes," says James at Royal Holloway, University of London. "The statement is short, and students only have a small space to demonstrate their thoughts and experiences.   "We’re interested in hearing the student's opinions, not those of whoever they are quoting. Instead of quotes, we suggest students paraphrase the ideas and critical arguments of what they’ve read and give their interpretation." 

• Read more: how to write your personal statement in an evening

Don’t be a bluffer

Don’t write something in your personal statement that you won’t be able to talk about in an interview – keep it honest and resist the temptation to embellish the truth.  "It’s important not to exaggerate or even make something up just because it sounds good," says Lisa at the University of Chester. "We get that you’re out to impress, but when it comes to your personal statement, it’s important to be honest and true to yourself."

Emphasise your student super powers

Universities need to be convinced that you have developed your study skills enough to be able to study independently. "Students who demonstrate they have critically engaged in their subject through wider reading, taster days and online courses stand out," says James at Royal Holloway, University of London.  "It should become evident to the reader that the student knows why they wish to study the subject they have chosen as they demonstrate their learning so far and understanding of the subject," says Anjli at City, University of London. "This can come through their academic engagement with the subject in class but also through additional activities such as reading, listening to documentaries or podcasts or work experiences or project work that they have been doing."

• Read more: how to write your personal statement when you have nothing interesting to say

Getting ready to send off your personal statement

Are extracurricular activities important.

This is always a very popular question on our sister site The Student Room . The key is relevance. "Admissions tutors are pleased to see extracurricular activities on a personal statement as it shows you have excellent time management and varying interests – traits that will serve you well during university," says Annie at the University of Greenwich.  "There must be a balance between academic and extracurricular content," says James at Royal Holloway, University of London. "We often suggest a 75%-25% split between academic and non-academic content. With the extracurricular content, this can be anything that demonstrates crucial transferable skills that will be useful in the course the student is looking to study."  Lisa at the University of Chester agrees that extracurriculars can give your application a boost. "You might think they’re not worth including, especially with the 4,000-character limit, but extracurricular activities can be where you really set yourself apart from other applicants. So, if you have any interests, hobbies or experiences that relate to your subject of choice or showcase your personal qualities, make room for them." Students "should highlight what skills they have developed by doing those activities and perhaps discuss how these will be useful on their course or at university," says Anjli at City, University of London.  "If they are keen to continue certain activities at university then these can be referenced here. If they have had limited opportunity to pursue other activities, but have a part-time job or caring responsibilities, then these are equally important to talk about as they definitely give students a whole range of skills and show how the student is currently managing their academic studies with additional responsibilities."  And Annie at the University of Greenwich has a tip for anyone puzzling over which extracurriculars to include. "If you are unsure how to make an extracurricular activity relevant to your application, you should remember your ABCs. "Think of an Action you have taken (a recent course/hobby/part time job); write about the transferable skills or Benefit this has helped you to develop; and how this experience will directly benefit you in your Course."

• Read more: how long does it take unis to reply to your application? 

Don’t keep the admissions team guessing

If you don’t know why the content of your statement is important, the admissions tutor won’t either. Whether you're writing about your interest in the subject or clarifying your skills, “make sure each point you are making is well developed and shows your motivation for the subject and builds on from the previous point – make it flow," says Anjli at City, University of London.  "The most important aspect of any student's personal statement is demonstrating their passion for the subject. This should be their main factor for studying at university and should be front and centre in their statement," says James at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Show understanding of your future career

If you're applying for a vocational course, such as medicine or law, you'll need to show that you know what to expect.  "If your course is vocational, you should show understanding of the career you are aiming for, any challenges you might face and your ability to cope with these," says Annie at the University of Greenwich. 

Skip the jokes

Your personal statement isn't the place to try to be funny – save the jokes for meeting your roomates in halls.  "A lot of people try to be funny in their application to stand out, but your sense of humour may not be the same as the admissions tutor," says Annie at the University of Greenwich. 

Remember what you're writing

Stay laser-focused on what you're writing and why, and you'll end up with a much better personal statement.  "What separates a good personal statement from a flawed one is often the tone or the structure," says Annie at the University of Greenwich.   "Remember: it is not a letter – so do not structure it like one; it is not your life story – we do not need to know where you were born; it is not an academic essay – do not list all the books you have read; and, it is not a place to list your qualifications – you have already done that earlier in the application." 

• Read more: universities explain how to end your personal statement with a bang

Review and redraft

"You will probably redraft at least five times before you are happy with your personal statement," says Anjli at City, University of London.  When you're editing it down, "keep the language simple and avoid unnecessary words such as 'indeed' or 'I had the opportunity to'. Keep it to the point," Anjli adds.  "Remember the personal statement is about one side of an A4 sheet so you can only write so much. Do not try to include everything! Select five or six key points that you can develop in detail to demonstrate your motivation for and understanding of the course you are applying for." 

Read it out loud

"Read your personal statement aloud – this can make a big difference," says Lisa at the University of Chester.  You could also "try reading your work from the bottom up, taking each paragraph at a time – reading it in a different order can help you spot mistakes," Lisa adds. 

• Read more: five practical tips to help with your personal statement

Dotting the Is and crossing the Ts

Check, check and check again.  "Now is not the time to be lazy with your proofreading and spellchecking," says Lisa. "The extra time you spend checking your personal statement could make an important difference. Obviously, if you do send off your personal statement with a mistake in, it isn’t the end of the world! But don’t take away from the great things you’re saying with errors that could have been caught." 

Don’t be shy about asking for feedback

This is really important – when you’ve been re-drafting your application a number of times it can be hard to spot mistakes. “Get someone else to check over it – a fresh pair of eyes can work wonders," says Lisa.  Visit our personal statements hub for more tips to help you ace your uni application. 

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How to write a postgraduate personal statement

29 th September 2021

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Applying for postgraduate study? This guide supports you in writing a great postgraduate personal statement that’s tailored to your course.

• What do admissions tutors look for

How to write a personal statement

• What to write

Check and check again

What do admissions tutors look for in a postgraduate personal statement.

A personal statement is part of your university application. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for a course. Admissions tutors want to know why you want to study the course and how your experiences make you the ideal candidate.

The difference between a postgraduate application from an undergraduate one is that it is fully tailored to a particular university’s course. As an undergraduate, your statement is more generic as it can be sent to five universities. Whereas your postgraduate personal statement is for one course only – it should be a lot more specific to what and where you’re applying for.

Postgraduate study is also a significant level up from undergraduate, so avoid using the statement you wrote for your bachelor’s course as a template. The admissions team is interested in how you’ve grown since your previous studies.

Writing a personal statement for university is different to writing one for a job application. It should show your academic interests and explain why the university will help develop your learning and research. You’re not trying to charm the reader. Instead, you're providing insight into who you are, your achievements and your enthusiasm for the course.

Before putting pen to paper, read through all information about the course and what you need to do to apply.

If you can, arrange to speak with one of the course tutors or a current student to discuss what admissions tutors are looking for. Are you able to see examples of successful personal statements from previous applicants?

• Your relevant academic and practical experiences
• The bits about the course that particularly interest you
• Anything else the university has asked you to include

You can then use this to structure your plan.

Carefully plan what you’re going to write in each paragraph to ensure you include all the important information and present it coherently. Your course will demand effective communication from you, and admissions tutors will look for evidence of this in your writing.

• An interesting introduction that outlines your academic background and relevant experiences
• Engaging middle paragraphs that detail, with examples, how your interests, achievements and experiences make you right for the course
• A strong conclusion that pulls together the main points and summarises why you want to study it

Each paragraph and sentence should flow logically into the next. If you want, you can split up sections with headings (like ‘Academic achievements’ or ‘Career goals’) to make the statement easy to navigate.

For the word count, check with the university you’re applying to, as each may ask for different things.

What to write in a personal statement 

You want to show how your interests and experiences make you the right person.

• How will the course help with your future goals?
• What experiences do you have that provide evidence of your interest in the course?
• What modules or projects in your undergraduate degree really challenged your thinking?
• How has any employment shaped your ambitions?
• Have any personal or public events inspired you?
• Which books have you read, or activities have you been involved in, that have influenced you?

Rather than just listing experiences, explain how they shaped you and how they will help you succeed. There’s no need to write down your qualifications as the admissions tutor will have these details with the rest of your application.

• What are your hobbies?
• Are you part of any sports teams or societies?
• Do you volunteer?

This builds a picture of who you are and what you’ll be like as a student. If you want to and if relevant, refer to challenges you encountered during the pandemic – but in a positive way.

You don’t need to include everything in your statement. It should highlight the key information and leave the reader wanting to interview you to find out more.

The admissions team will be looking through many personal statements – they want to see a variety of experiences and stories. You can reflect this in your writing style; avoid repetition and use a variety of words to paint a unique picture.

Try not to use obvious phrases such as ‘I have always been interested in...’ or a gimmicky opening line like a famous quote. Instead, get to the point quickly and say in your voice why you’re excited about the course.

Be concise and make every word count. What you write should be relevant and honest, demonstrating your potential. Everything should be balanced; you can be confident in your abilities but try not to come across as arrogant. Show why you should be given the place, but don’t beg.

• First-person narrative
• Correct use of spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Varied and interesting vocabulary
• A positive and friendly, yet professional tone
• Paragraphs that flow logically into the next
• Clear and concise points backed up with evidence
• Clichéd language
• Waffle or too much irrelevant information
• Vague or confusing sentences
• Excuses for gaps in your experience

Proofread your statement to check that your points are clear and there are no spelling or grammatical errors. You can use spellchecking tools and free writing assistants like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to perfect your work. Reading your statement aloud can be helpful to see if it makes sense and flows well.

Ask at least one other person to read through and check it. This could be a friend, family member, careers adviser or a tutor if you’re still at university. A second pair of eyes may spot anything that doesn’t make sense or errors that you’ve missed.

Personal statement tips

• Give yourself plenty of time to write, edit and check
• Take lots of breaks and return to your work with fresh eyes
• Make sure your statement is unique and written by you
• If you’re an international student, say why you want to study in the UK
• Be prepared to talk about what you’ve written in an interview
• And if you’re applying for more than one course, make sure to write a different, tailored statement for each application!

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Royal Holloway University Personal Statements

These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to Royal Holloway. 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 .

History and Economic History Personal Statement Example Studying History at degree level has been my interest since my first ever history lesson in High School, for it is a subject that invites debate and feeds my inquisitive side. I have always been intrigued by what has happened before us and how it has led to where we are now...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 7 Computers and their immense diversity have interested me thoroughly. In particular: artificial intelligence, web languages and building computers. These have stretched my knowledge of computers and I always strive to expand my knowledge of these topics further...

Geography Personal Statement Example 4 All through my academic life I have found Geography extremely interesting because of the vast range of topics involved with it and how it relates to every subject in one way or another. I have a particular interest in the physical side of Geography and especially the topics of: climate change, coasts, hazards and the environment...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 54 In early 2011 I worked as a fundraiser, required to approach and convince pedestrians to become a member of a German aid organisation. While working in this position I saw thousands of people and talked to hundreds...

Geography Personal Statement Example 16 "What do you want to be when you grow up?" is an ever recurring question asked to me by many individuals, including myself. I have come to the conclusion that I will never come up with a final answer, as I have many ambitions and aspirations...

Physics Personal Statement Example 10 My fascination for how things work is something that has always been a part of me. Why am I pulled back towards the ground when I jump? How can an airplane that weighs so much fly? In later years I learned that these questions, these as I thought to be unexplainable phenomena, could all be answered through Physics...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 49 My views about computing changed considerably when I heard about Linux. In the late nineties it was a newer operating system and tasks like installing and configuring were considered to be quite challenging in India...

Politics and Sociology Personal Statement Example 3 International relations and political science always attracted my attention and I clearly remember how impressed I was after the very first lesson on political science. Our teacher briefly explained us how political science had become an independent science and how it developed from a number of other disciplines: philosophy, history, economics, law...

Business/Human Resources Personal Statement Example In a turbulent economic and social climate, business remains of core importance. It is a crucial element of our lives, working as a catalyst for innovation, which is why I wish to study it at undergraduate level...

Medieval History/History Personal Statement Example My grandmother’s maiden name is Marx. Her uncle, the world-renowned landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, was Karl Marx’s great-nephew. This fact, while seemingly trivial, has worked to strengthen the spark history has ignited within me since I was old enough to read...

Media Studies Personal Statement Example 2 When I was nine years old, I would secretly read a Lord of the Rings book after bedtime with a flashlight with all the enthusiasm of, well, a child. Nobody was more excited than I when we went to watch the film adaptation, and, needless to say, I was mesmerized - not only by the effects, but also by the design of its posters, websites and trailers that all did justice to the film...

English Literature Personal Statement Example 20 I was once told by a writer at Bath "LitFest" that literature is "all about control". At a young age, his words seemed obscure, but years later, I am finally able to grasp his meaning. On one side of a barrier of ink and paper, a writer aims to understand and control their world, whilst a reader attempts to lose control in a boundless, imaginary world...

Philosophy Personal Statement Example (Mature Student) Since leaving education in 2006 I have always wanted to return; a great love of learning, desire for knowledge and natural curiosity throughout my life resulted in an ambition to teach. It was with this ambition in my heart that I took the plunge and returned to education, beginning my Access course last year with the intention of applying to study for a primary education degree...

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Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements for royal holloway international study centre.

To join us at the International Study Centre, you have to meet certain academic and English language requirements.

Our Pre-Masters Programme course is available to students who are:

• at least 20 years old when they join us
• non-UK nationals.

If you do not meet the English language requirements for your chosen pathway, you can improve your skills with our English language support course, English Language Preparation for Postgraduate Studies.

If you are applying for the Pre-Masters

You can start your studies in this academic year with either a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), or an accepted alternative equivalent assessment, provided you meet all the programme entry requirements.

The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme.

UKVI-approved SELTS include:

• IELTS Academic for UKVI
• Trinity Integrated Skills in English UKVI
• Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
• LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
• PSI Skills for English UKVI (4 components)

Alternative tests accepted include:

• Pearson PTE Academic (non-UKVI)
• IELTS Academic (non-UKVI)
• LanguageCert International ESOL
• TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• Oxford Test of English
• Cambridge ESOL

Study Group  is permitted to assess students’ suitability for entry onto programmes which are degree level and above under the registration for the UK Office for Students. You are therefore not required to have a UKVI SELT to obtain a Student Visa when you come to campus.

If you begin your course virtually and transfer to the UK to complete your programme, you may be issued a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) based on the Academic English Skills module assessments (as part of your Pre-Masters).

A CAS for a Student Visa will only be issued if you have met the minimum language requirement of CEFR B2 in all skills, and the academic entry requirements for your chosen programme.

If you do not meet the English language requirements for your pathway programme, you can join an English language preparation course first.

To progress to your undergraduate or postgraduate degree, you will be required to successfully complete your pathway programme and achieve the required grades.

Pre-Masters Programme

The  Pre-Masters Programme  will prepare students to undertake a postgraduate degree - read about the academic and language requirements for this course.

Entry requirements

Students will need to have successfully completed an appropriate first qualification in their resident country.

English language

*If you do not need a Student visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English. The English language entry requirements stated are for information regarding entry to the course. If you require a UK visa to study, depending on the type of visa you need, the English language requirements and valid English tests to satisfy the UK visa criteria may differ.

Country specific entry requirements

Other international qualifications

UK Degrees - 2:2 degree or above, (3rd Class to be to be considered on a case by case basis)

English language tuition courses

Our programmes can be taken with an additional course of English preparation - find out what academic requirements our English language programmes require.

English Language Preparation for Postgraduate Studies

Students normally need to have a minimum of 12 years of schooling with good grades.

Secure English Language Test

If you are applying to study in the UK under the Student visa route, it may be necessary for you to submit a Secure English Language Test as part of your visa application.

Check the UK government website for guidance and information about valid test providers and approved test centre locations for tests taken on or after 6 April 2015. To find out if you are exempt from the Secure English Language Test requirement and to find out about acceptable English language tests, please contact us.

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Once you've chosen your pathway programme, check out the fees associated with your study abroad journey.

Ready to apply? We will support you throughout your entire application process. Find out how we help here.

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Check out our frequently asked questions to learn more about studying with us at the International Study Centre. If you can't find the answer to your question, use our helpful form to ask us directly.

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Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application. We can't wait to meet you!

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Study In Uk > Colleges In Uk > RHUL > Admission

Royal Holloway, University of London [RHUL] Admissions: Entry Requirements, Deadlines, Application Process

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator

Royal Holloway University is one of the top Institute’s being in the top 300 universities by the rankings given by THE in 2020. As of December 2022, the institute had a student population of more than 10,500 students. They have been offering high-quality education, which is proven by the 87% student satisfaction rate noted by NSS.

The Institute has over 2,000 international learners coming from 130 countries around the world to study in the UK. Admission into the university is completely merit-based. For research and development, the university spends around 16.4 million GBP.

• Students need to apply online in the UCAS portal before the deadline – January 15, 2023. No deadline fixed for the postgraduate candidates.
• Students applying for postgraduate courses are selected according to the 'First come first serve basis' and academic excellence.
• While applying through UCAS, students can choose up to 5 courses.
• Royal Holloway enrolls international students in various courses during summer.

COVID-19 Related Updates

• If due the COVID-19 students are not able to join in September 2022, then they can opt for January 2023.
• Furthermore, if students are not able to take Internationally English Proficiency Test, they can opt for Password English Language Test, On-Campus OCTOE.
• Classes for the year will begin from September 21, 2023, with precautions and safekeeping in mind the current pandemic.

Admission Deadlines for Royal Holloway

Students need to apply for the courses as fast as possible, seats get filled up very quickly. While applying through UCAS, students must note the following deadlines:

The table below mentions the commencement dates for undergraduate students for the academic year 2023-24.

Please note that there is no fixed deadline for Graduate admissions.

Royal Holloway University International Student Admissions

Students from 130 different countries come to study here and different criteria are applied to different students at the time of admission.

Application Portal : UCAS

Application fee: The application fee is 20 GBP if you’re applying to just one course, or 25 GBP for multiple courses (26 GBP if you're applying for 2023 entry) and for late applications sent after 30 June.

Documents required:

• Transcripts and academic certificates
• Statement of purpose

English Proficiency Test Scores

• Work experience
• Passport copy

Country specific requirements:

Visa Process for International Students

For international students who need a General student visa (tier 4) to study in the UK, tuition fees of 3,000 GBP are to be deposited before the Confirmation of Acceptance so that the CAS number can be issued.

The students deposit the tuition fees at least three months before the commencement of the course. Payment can be done using the local currency.

• Students need to complete the general visa application form.
• CAS number(confirmation email) is mandatory for admission.
• Current valid passport
• Two passport size photographs with names written on the back in capital letters.
• Tuberculosis test certificate(if applicable)
• Biometric Residence permit(if you hold one)
• Official translation of documents if it is not written in English
• Financial evidence
• Evidence of academic qualification

The table below mentions the minimum test scores required to prove proficiency in English.

Royal Holloway University Undergraduate Admissions

Royal Holloway University offers twelve undergraduate courses. Some of the courses are Law, Economics, History, Computer Science, Finance and Management, Geology, Biomedical Sciences, and many more.

Where to apply: Students need to apply online through the UCAS portal.

Requirements:

• Students need to pass the three subjects with an A grade in the General Certificate of Education.
• Students whose native language is not English, need to show the IELTS indicator, TOEFL Special Home Edition, and Duolingo English Test.
• Personal statement and dedication towards the chosen course.
• Reference details

Academic transcripts should be emailed to [email protected]

Royal Holloway University Graduate Admissions

Royal Holloway University offers twelve graduate courses. Some of the courses are Marketing, Corporate Finance, Project Management, Creative Writing, Clinical Psychology and many more.

Most of the postgraduate courses accept a good 2:2 score, which reflects a profile of 57% and above. Moreover, students need to demonstrate English Language Skills. Subject Knowledge will be taken into consideration

Students below the age of 18 need the consent of their parents to study. Students accepted to study at the University need to accept the general student regulations that include attendance, facilities, damage, and many more. The selection of the candidates is purely based on academic excellence, so students need to understand the policy and procedures of the university. A fair admission process is maintained so that students irrespective of their backgrounds get a chance to study in the prestigious college.

Ques. When should I expect a decision?

Ans. Undergraduate applicants should receive a decision within three weeks. Postgraduate applicants should receive a decision within six weeks. If you're waiting for a decision beyond the time period given above, please contact the Admissions team.

Email:[email protected]

Tel: +44 (0)1784 414944

Ques. Students, who are unable to join in September due to COVID-19, can they apply for the January session?

Ans. Yes, students can join before January 2023. However, students have to contact the admission office if they wish to defer the offer.

Ques. Can we still apply for admission after the deadline?

Ans. Yes, you can apply if all the seats of the particular course are not filled up. However, for undergraduates, UCAS opens the clearing phase as well.

Ques. What is the University's code for applying using UCAS?

Ans. Royal Holloway’s institution code is R72. Individual course codes are listed on the Course finder.

Ques. When can I have my CAS reference number to apply for a visa?

Ans. In order to apply for a Tier 4 student visa, you’ll need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number. The Institute will issue a CAS number once:

• You have accepted the institute as your Firm choice
• You have met all the conditions of your offer
• You have paid a 2,000 GBP deposit.
• It is at least 3 months before the start of your program

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Educating Gen Z: why authenticity and connection are key to thriving in an AI-driven  world

Vice Dean for Education & Student Experience, Royal Holloway University of London

Disclosure statement

Lucy Gill-Simmen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Royal Holloway provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

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According to Merriam-Webster, America’s oldest dictionary, “authentic” was the top word of 2023 . The dictionary’s publisher also declared the meaning of the word “fake” was becoming increasingly blurred.

In an age where AI is becoming increasingly prevalent, the concept of authenticity has taken on new significance , particularly for Gen Z . Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, this generation has grown up in a digital age where social media and online personas are part of everyday life – as are misinformation and disinformation. So Gen Z has had to develop an acute ability to discern what is genuine from what is artificial.

Immersed in technology since birth, authenticity for this generation is not just a desirable trait, it’s a necessity . Gen Z has witnessed first-hand the ease with which false information can spread – as evidenced by high-profile conspiracy theory cases , events like the Southport riots , and the rise in the use of deepfakes to misrepresent people.

As a result, Gen Z has developed a well-honed scepticism towards anything that appears too polished, too perfect, too contrived – a skill that will serve them well as AI-generated content becomes increasingly sophisticated and harder to distinguish from reality.

Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here .

In 2021, a Gen Z insights report from Ernst & Young showed that 92% of this generation value being “authentic and true to oneself” as important. In fact, they crave authenticity in all aspects of their lives .

Compared with Millennials, a larger proportion of Gen Z say they base their job choices on their personal values and ethics . Many describe wanting genuine relationships, authentic emotional connections and transparency in all forms of communication.

Another study found that 90% of Gen Z consumers believe authenticity is crucial when deciding which brands to support. They seek out genuine connections and experiences, both online and offline, and respond to brands that appear to echo these concerns.

In research undertaken with my colleague Sukanya Sen Gupta, we asked Royal Holloway School of Business & Management students to engage in an artistic activity of “future self-portraiture” – an exercise that encourages participants to connect with their authentic selves.

As a tool for self-discovery and self-expression, they were asked to create an artistic image in which they imagined themselves when they were older. We found that by engaging in introspection and self-reflection through art, students were able to identify and express their true thoughts, feelings and values.

Leading the way for Gen Z

Research suggests that for teachers, adapting the curriculum and teaching methods to prioritise authenticity is essential to preparing Gen Z for success in an AI-driven world.

Traditional classroom settings alone are no longer sufficient; innovative, experiential approaches that allow students to become critical thinkers and embrace individuality are required to develop well-rounded professionals. Engaging students in teaching methods that incorporate real-world activities – such as conducting market research for local businesses, or managing a virtual investment portfolio using real-time market data – helps foster authenticity within the learning environment.

By working on real-world challenges and making thoughtful contributions, students not only gain practical skills, they experience the satisfaction of creating something tangible that has an impact. In other words, a bridging of theory and practice that has lasting effects – a stark contrast to the often fleeting nature of digital interactions.

When we asked students to create a future self-portrait as part of our research, they were told they could do this however they pleased – using pencils, paint, fabrics or even flowers. We offered the students a loose, creative process that was not overly prescribed.

The participants expressed joy in harking back to their past to help identify their future-self. In this part of the exercise, nostalgia played its part in generating positivity about the future.

By exploring personal histories, family stories and cultural roots, a person can gain a deeper understanding of who they are and what they value. This process of self-discovery can prove particularly powerful now, at a time when AI and algorithms are often shaping our experiences and interactions . We believe this new-found self-awareness can help Gen Z navigate the complexities of an AI-driven world with greater confidence and clarity.

In addition to self-portraiture, we have found that employing personal branding exercises can help students develop their unique identity. Encouraging students to create personal mission statements, identify core values and develop genuine social media profiles – rather than the “Insta-just-for-show” variety – can help them establish who they really are. By embracing their unique qualities and perspectives, young people are empowered to stand out in a world where AI-generated content threatens to make everything seem generic.

It appears that over time, Gen Z has grown tired of upholding an online persona that deviates from their true personality. Recent findings suggest the only way to market effectively to Gen Z on social media is for brands to come up with more thoughtful messaging that aligns with their target audience.

Similarly, as AI-generated content and fake news continue to permeate daily life, it is crucial that we prioritise the value of authenticity in education, especially for younger generations who are particularly impressionable.

By making this a guiding principle in education, teachers and lecturers are well positioned to empower Gen Z to create a future where genuine human connections and experiences continue to thrive alongside technological advancements. When the line between reality and artifice is not always easy to distinguish, nurturing the importance of authenticity could be the most vital responsibility for those tasked with shaping the next generation .

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Study a PhD/MPhil in the School of Business and Management

Royal Holloway is well renowned as a research-led institution and attracts some of the best academics in the world. In the School we have over 80 research-active academic staff, from more than 30 countries, and around 85 postgraduate research students who make a valued contribution to our research culture, and to a variety of teaching and learning activities.

Our core areas of management are:

• Accounting, Finance and Economics
• Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management
• Strategy International Business and Entrepreneurship
• Technology and Information Management

You will join an intellectually stimulating, friendly and supportive research environment and, through working closely with our academic staff will realise your full potential whatever your career goals. 

Studying for your PhD and the benefits

Studying for a PhD takes three years (full time) or six years (part-time) after which you will achieve a University of London PhD award. You will be required  to conduct supervised research into an area of management studies you find particularly thought provoking and stimulating.

As part of this process, you will be required to write an extended thesis, illustrating evidence of your ability to pursue academic research.  The outcome of your research should form a primary contribution to an academic field and be of a high standard, suitable for publication.

What do you need to study for a PhD

To study for your PhD you should have:

• a thorough understanding of the research subject
• competence in relevant techniques and methods
• initiative and the capacity to critically evaluate

Studying for any PhD is very rewarding, and also a demanding and challenging undertaking. Before applying you must be certain that you are personally interested in the research topic as this will help you dedicate yourself to such a long term commitment. You should also have a strong interest in the methods and processes required to conduct academic research.

Benefits of studying for a PhD

Studying for a PhD will enable you to:

• undertake a period of in-depth study of a specific subject
• broaden your perspective on your research subject by studying its theoretical foundations and specific methods
• progress and enhance originality and creativity in your research
• gain transferable skills for your personal development
• enhance your skills of critical evaluation
• enhance and develop your methodological skills whether this is; conducting complex large scale surveys, in-depth analysis of historical documentation, observing organizational practice, interviewing key informants or analysing visual sources
• develop communication skills particularly with respect to communicating your research ideas in a variety of venues
• develop and enhance your writing skills to publishable standard. 

Identifying topic and supervisor

Throughout your PhD you will work closely with your Principal Supervisor and will also have a Second Supervisor, both of whom will provide you with guidance and support during your studies. Your supervisor will provide you with expert advice as well as pastoral support throughout your research, writing-up and thesis submission. Given this, it is important to reflect on who might be a suitable supervisor for your research.

Before applying for a PhD in the School, you need to carefully consider the following:

• Does your proposed PhD subject fit within the broader  research themes and subject groups of the School?
• Do we have with staff specialist expertise in your chosen area of research?
• Do you fulfil our entry criteria?

If your answers to the above questions are ‘Yes’, you should identify a member of academic staff who may be able to supervise you.

Entry requirements

We are committed to attracting high quality PhD students and as such you will need to meet our entry criteria. These are:

• Usually an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a Masters with Merit 
• A high quality research proposal
• A credible personal statement
• Strong performance at interview

English language requirements

IELTS of at least 6.5 overall, with 7.0 in writing

If you are applying to study at Royal Holloway and your first language is not English, you are required to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.

Visa requirements

If you are an international student, you may require a student visa to study in the UK. Please go on the  Support for International Students  webpage. The international Student Support Team will be able to advise you. 

When you begin your PhD you are making a serious commitment to a lengthy period of study. Consequently, you will need to plan your finances carefully when you apply, and for the duration of the programme. It is highly likely that your outgoings will increase and you should take this into account when planning your finances. 

Tuition fees  are charged at either a Home/EU or international rate and are payable annually to the College. They cover your tuition and the use of our facilities. Fees do not cover your living expenses or any costs associated with your PhD, such as field work, equipment, books or stationery.  However, you can claim for a small annual allowance for fieldwork and other activities necessary for the completion of your PhD.  We also have a comprehensive library on site and on-line for reading materials.

Our tuition fees are reviewed annually and usually increase each year, so you should plan for this accordingly. If you take longer than three years to complete your thesis you will be required to pay a (smaller) writing-up fee.

If you are in doubt as to whether you will be classed as a Home/EU or International student please contact our Admissions Office:  [email protected]  / +44 (0)1784 414944

For further information please visit our research degrees tuition fees  page.

The School offers a limited number of merit-based studentships that contribute towards tuition fees and/or maintenance. These studentships are highly competitive. Applicants are expected to have an outstanding track record of academic achievements and research potential. *** The Scholarship competition for the academic year 2023/2024 has now been closed. Please check back later for announcement for academic year 2024/2025***.

Apart from the Studentships, other sources for funding include:

- ESRC postgraduate studentships through SEDarc (The South East Doctoral Training), a Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) of six universities. For more information please see here . ***The competition for 2024 entry is now closed***.

- Additional funding opportunities for  international students  may be available through various international partners, some of which are country-specific. For more information please consult the Doctoral School funding page  here . Please note these external scholarships are not managed Royal Holloway and we will not be able to advise you on the application process.

Other support available

Research allowance

The School of Business and Management makes funds available to support research expenses and the costs of attending conferences. Applicants are also encouraged to apply externally for funding.

Hardship support

Information on support if you find yourself in financial difficulty, help searching for external funding, and working part-time may be found  here .

Self-funding

If your fees are not paid directly to the university via a third party organisation you are classed as a self-funded student. We accept applications from candidates intending to self-fund their PhD studies.

If you intend to fund yourself during your PhD studies, you should consider creating an accurate three year funding plan considering carefully all your funding sources. These might include, parents, partner, savings, etc. This will allow you to judge the feasibility of your commitments. Full-time PhD students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, with a maximum of six hours spent on teaching.  In the case of part-time students, there are no limits on working hours, however, students should be aware of the impact of paid work on their studies.

How to apply

Applications to the PhD program should be made using   Royal Holloway Direct.  Before considering applying for a PhD at Royal Holloway you should:

• have a strong and committed interest in a research area of interest to the School
• create a strong proposal of around 2,000 words based on that interest
• ensure you fulfil our entry criteria and English language requirements 
• ensure you have a realistic plan to secure enough funding to complete your research and writing up process within the normal time period (3 -4 years).

There are three main components to our application process:

• Identifying a suitable supervisor and obtaining their support for supervision
• Submitting all necessary documentation through our on-line application system
• Attending an admissions interview.

To see our research areas and find out how to find a suitable research match and supervisor please visit here .  When making contact with the staff member, please forward your research proposal and CV and only  contact one potential supervisor at a time .  If a supervisor feels they are not suitable, they may refer you on to another staff member.

An expression of interest from one of our staff does not automatically guarantee admission to our PhD programme. Applications are based on your previous academic performance, the quality of your research proposal and your performance at an admissions interview.

If you cannot find the research area you are looking for, please  contact us  

How to write a strong research proposal

Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It will be read by academics with an interest in your research area and judged both on content and format. It is one of the key criteria that the School of Business and Management (and funding bodies) uses to differentiate between applicants.

It is important to present your potential supervisor with a clear proposal when you first make contact with them. Your research proposal should be around 2,000 words in length.

To write a strong research proposal you must:

• Provide an introduction to your research proposal. You should identify the research subject in terms of theoretical issues and clearly define the topic you are interested in, demonstrating that you understand your research area.
• Formulate a reasonably precise, interesting research question which may take the form of a hypothesis to be tested, or a more open-ended enquiry / or illustrate that you have started to identify and develop an original and interesting research question
• establish the relevance and value of the proposed research question in the context of current academic thinking.
• Provide a review of relevant literature and theories relating to your proposed research area that illustrates you understand the major lines of argument that have been developed and the ideas and findings of key researchers working on your topic.
• Demonstrate that you understand how to conduct research by outlining a clear and practical methodology which enables you to answer the research question. You should also describe and evaluate any data or source material you will draw upon.
• Provide an indication of the research methods you will use and the form and extent of any empirical work required.  For example:
• Outline the sources of information you might require
• Comment on the geographical area in which your study will take place – what are the advantages and disadvantages of this choice?
• Justify your choice of research participants - individuals? Groups? Industry?
• Any ethical issues you will need to consider in undertaking your research.
• Demonstrate that your research will not take longer than three years
• Be professional – your proposal should be typed, have a good standard of English, be well-structured with suitable headings and should be clear and legible
• Include a bibliography, listing the books, articles and websites you have referred to.

While the actual empirical work you undertake may differ to your proposal, it is essential you have an understanding of the issues associated with conducting research and the potential to design a research study to address a specific set of issues.

You can still make changes to your proposal once you have been accepted for a research degree, however as it is the foundation of your working relationship with your supervisor, it cannot be radically altered without discussion and consultation.

Online application system

Generally each application should include the following:

• Application form (you should check each section has been completed accurately)
• Full academic transcripts for each degree obtained (detailing courses taken & grades)
• A research proposal of 2,000 words 
• Personal statement (one-side of A4 only). This should detail your previous academic or other experience relevant to the research area you wish to explore; details on why you wish to undertake this research at Royal Holloway; and your previous research or professional training and what further training you think you will need to complete a PhD
• An up to date Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Contact details for one  academic  referee (including address and telephone number). Preferably this would be from your latest (Masters) degree as we require information about the standard of your academic work, and suitability for studying a PhD. Your referee can either submit a paper copy and post it to us, or complete it electronically and send via email. We can only accept references on official letterhead or endorsed by a university institution.  We will ask you to supply a second reference if the first is unsuitable for supporting an application to PhD level of study.

• If relevant, evidence that you meet our English language requirements (IELTS or TOEFL) i.e. a copy of the test transcript. 

For further information on making an application using  Royal Holloway Direct , see  Studying here .

Personal statement

Applicants must also submit a Statement of Purpose within their application. Candidates should use the Statement of Purpose to set out information which is NOT set out in their Research Proposal. The Statement of propose should be a 1 side A4 document containing the following information:

• Why you want to undertake your PhD, including future career goals
• Previous academic and other experience relevant to your proposed research
• Why you wish to undertake this research at Royal Holloway(thinking about where the project fits with the School and supervisors’ research interests)
• What research training and professional preparation you have already received
• Any further training you think you may need to complete your doctorate.

Admissions interview

If you fulfil our entry criteria and have gained support from a potential supervisor, you will be invited for interview with the potential supervisor and another member of staff. It is our preference that this is conducted face-to-face but it is possible to do this via Skype. The interview will last for approximately 45 minutes. The interview panel will ask questions designed to explore your knowledge of the field, previous experience and skills, and commitment to study for a PhD.

Final decision

The interview results will be given to the PhD Director and the final decision will be based on this and the on-line application. Royal Holloway Postgraduate (Research) Admissions will inform you of the outcome.

Career development

Doctoral graduates are highly employable both inside and outside academia. Many of our students go on to secure positions either with us or at other top-rated universities or companies. 

If you are interested in a career in academia, you will be encouraged and provided with support to publish your work, either as working papers, journal articles or conference papers.  Financial assistance is available to attend conferences where you can present your own work and network with academics and practitioners working in your field.

Royal Holloway's  Careers & Employability Service , part of The Careers Group, University of London, provides tailored help and advice to enable PhD students’ to achieve their career development goals:

• Whether or not you know where you want your career to go, you can get one-to-one guidance and advice from a friendly adviser at any stage throughout your studies.
• They can provide feedback on your CV, covering letters and applications.
• If you have an interview coming up they can help you practise and prepare with a mock interview session.
• We hold hundreds of careers-related events every year.

Employability and career opportunities

A PhD can significantly enhance your career prospects as many employers view those having successfully achieved their PhD as having highly valuable transferable skills. These skills include the ability to complete large, complex and long-term projects, along with originality of thought and of course, serious commitment. You may choose to remain in an area relevant to your research, however, these broader qualities are of interest to a wide range of employers as well as in academia.

Contact information

If you cannot find the information you require please contact us.

For PhD management programme enquiries email  [email protected] .

For general admissions enquiries email  [email protected] .

For School of Business and Management general enquiries email  [email protected] .

If you wish to speak to someone in person, please visit the School's Reception between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.

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