What to include???

Most courses have an Entry Profile that you can view in Course Search - these explain what the university is looking for in their students and what qualifications or experience you'll need for the course.

Check these because they'll give you some ideas about what to include in your statement.

Sample

• http://search.ucas.com/cgi-bin/hsrun/search/search/search.hjx;start=search.HsSearch.run?y=2013&w=H

• I'm going to look at Psychology at Birmingham university, as an example.

What skills do I need?

Learning skills The number of hours scheduled for classes is approximately 12 per week, but successful completion of the degree course requires approximately 40 hours of work per week. Hence much of the required learning is achieved outside timetabled classes. Consequently, students are expected to be self-motivated, self-disciplined and willing to follow programmes of learning outside of regular classes. Information Technology The degree course does not assume any prior experience with IT. All necessary training in IT skills is provided during the course. Therefore it is not essential that applicants have experience with IT, although some familiarity with computers would be beneficial. Writing skills The majority of our assessments involve some form of written work. The ability to write clearly but also quickly is a skill that can take years to master. We will help you develop this skill, but we do assume a high degree of competence in written English from the outset. Mathematics Despite our emphasis on the scientific approach our programme does not require a high level of mathematical ability at the outset (GCSE grade C is sufficient). However, some confidence with basic arithmetic and the ability to think about mathematical concepts and work with simple formulae is very helpful.

What personal qualities do I need?Above all you need to have an enquiring, analytical mind, the self-motivation to conduct a considerable amount of independent study and self-disciple to direct your efforts.