It can feel hard to know where to begin when you’re writing your personal statement: how can you be expected to impress admissions tutors and stand out from the pack when you have such a limited word count to get everything across?
We’ve spoken to the experts at five UK universities to get their thoughts on exactly what they want to see in an economics personal statement.
Choosing to read about economics outside of the classroom will help demonstrate the depth of your interest in the subject.
Luke Buchanan Hodgeman, director of undergraduate recruitment at the University of Kent’s School of Economics says that what he wants to see in a personal statement is: “in one word, reading. Not the type of reading you’re instructed to do to improve your personal statement, but rather the kind you have chosen because you are interested in it.
Universities want keen, motivated students on their courses. Dr Maria Plotnikova, economics admissions tutor at Aberystwyth University has advice on how you can let your enthusiasm shine through.
“I want to hear from applicants who have a genuine passion for the subject and who can articulate succinctly the importance of economics,” she says.
“For example, how economics can be used to address contemporary global issues which is a focus of our research here at Aberystwyth. Why not include a comment on a piece of economic research or work of a major economics thinker that you found interesting and motivating?
Don’t fall into the trap of just assuming you know what an economics degree will cover without doing any research into the subject.
“A good personal statement will get across why the student is interested and motivated to study economics," says Edward Cartwright, professor of economics at De Montfort University. "Unfortunately, economics is often misunderstood and so it is encouraged to spend the time to learn what economics is really about before applying and writing the statement.”
Different economics courses will cover different topics – take the time to fully research the ones you’re applying to so admissions tutors can feel confident that you know exactly what your degree will involve.
“For economics, a strong personal statement will make clear why you are interested in the subject, why you have chosen a particular programme, and why you believe you have the potential to do well in it,” says Dr Vivien Burrows, director of recruitment and admissions at the University of Reading.
“It’s important to give specific examples to support your points. For example, when explaining why you want to study economics, can you relate this to a particular topic you have learned about in school, or something you have read about, or your future career aspirations?
Don’t forget the purpose of your personal statement: to explain who you are, what inspires you and why you’d be a good fit for the course.
“Be yourself," says Luke at the University of Kent. "Tell us what has motivated you to apply for economics. Your rationale can be as grand or as humble as you like, but it should align with the readings you discuss in the application.”
“I’m not looking for an essay on economic theories," adds Maria at Aberystwyth University. "Rather I am looking to learn from your statement what it is in the subject of economics that interests and inspires you to spend the next three years studying it.”
Economics is all about analysing real-world issues, so demonstrating the ways that you engage with the world around you can give your personal statement a big boost.
Dr Steve Trotter, economics lecturer at the University of Hull says: “At Hull we see economics as something to be used to explain and improve the real world, and we want you to use it that way too.
“Our teaching starts from the facts and the issues that we see around us and then asks how economics can help us to analyse them. So any evidence you can include that demonstrates a lively and inquisitive interest in the world around you would be good.
Similarly to the above, linking your interest in the world to analysis of data will show a strong understanding of what economics is all about.
Edward at De Montfort University says: “Economics is a very applied subject which tries to tackle and inform societal problems, including; raising living standards, raising productivity, enabling sustainable economic development.
“A student will stand out if their statement shows a genuine interest in studying applied economics topics, possibly drawing on their lived experience. For example, reflecting on the challenges of low wages and deprivation, and ways that the governments can act.
Economics admissions tutors will be more impressed if you show your interest in the subject goes beyond wanting to just learn about money and finance.
"Economics is commonly perceived as about money and finance and a gateway to a career in financial markets," says Edward. "While economics will equip students with an understanding of money and finance, the subject is far broader and covers a whole range of topics such as tackling poverty and managing climate change.
Think about the kind of skills you’ve picked up from your activities outside of school, and how they could be relevant to an economics degree.
"It is great to teach students with a variety of interests and skills," says Maria from Aberystwyth University. "Reviewing applications from students who have something to contribute to university life is a pleasure.
“More specifically, you should try to relate your extracurricular activities, hobbies and experiences to your interest in economics and thus demonstrate your commitment to studying the subject."
“The main thing is to reflect on any experiences the student has had and think about how that inspires or motivates an interest in economics,” says Edward at De Montfort University.
“For example, an interest in environmental issues could motivate a desire to study environmental economics or, experience working in the voluntary sector may inspire an interest in studying more around public services."
It’s fine to include your plans if you do already have an idea of where you’d like your economics degree to take you, but it’s also normal for applicants to not have their futures all figured out yet.
“You may want to add how you see your career and your future evolving after obtaining your economics degree," says Maria from Aberystwyth University. "While your direction may change during your time at university, it will demonstrate that you have carefully thought about the choice of your subject.”
There’s no need to panic if you’re not taking an A-level in economics: you can still write a great personal statement that shows your passion for the subject.
“Don’t worry if you’ve never studied economics before," says Vivien at the University of Reading. "It’s more important that you can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject and highlight the skills you have that will help you succeed in the programme.”
Don’t get tripped up by spelling mistakes or a misplaced apostrophe.
“Remember that from a reader’s point of view, it is always better to review a carefully written piece without grammatical mistakes or txt speak!” says Maria from Aberystwyth University.