personal statement for ma animation

UP Textbook Guide
The Writing Process
Addressing the Prompt
Originality
Timed Writing (Expectations)
Integrated Writing (Writing Process)
Shape and Organization
A Shifting Structure
Introductions
Body Paragraphs
Conclusions
Reference Page
Example Writing
Timed Writing (Revising)
Integrated Writing (TOEFL Task 1)
Descriptive Writing
Alternative Project: Creative Writing
Example Descriptive Writing
Skill: Word Choice
Sources: Quoting
Revise Descriptive Writing
Timed Writing (Word Choice)
Integrated Writing (TOEFL Task 2)
Personal Statements
Alternative Project: Formal Emails

Example Personal Statement

Types of Personal Statements
Organization for Comprehensive Personal Statement
Organization for Prompted Personal Statement
Skill: Development
Revise a Personal Statement
Timed Writing (Audience & Register)
Integrated Writing (Audience & Register)
Comparison Writing
Alternative Project: Reviews
Example Comparison Writing
Skill: Unity
Sources: Summarizing
Revise Comparison Writing
Timed Writing (The Prompt)
Integrated Writing (Paraphrasing)
Persuasive Writing
Alternative Project: Reflections
Example Persuasive Writing
Skill: Cohesion
Sources: Paraphrasing
Revise Persuasive Writing
Timed Writing (Scope & Scale)
Integrated Writing (Content)
Appendix A: Sentence Variety
Simple Sentences
Compound Sentences
Complex Sentences Part 1
Complex Sentences Part 2
Compound-Complex Sentences
Appendix B: Using Sources
Finding Sources
In-text Citations
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I have found in animation the perfect way to tell a story. I have always been passionate about art. Since I was a child I found myself drawing and creating stories about magical places and extraordinary characters. It was a way to challenge reality and to expand my artistic creativity. As most children, I loved animated movies. They allowed me to dream, and to learn about simple but powerful things. The characters, the story, the music, the colors. Everything was wonderful. I wanted to be part of that. I wanted to do something that could give me the freedom to use all my creative skills in order to one day be part of the animated world. To be part of the memories of thousands of children and, since animation is not only for kids, luckily I can make all kinds of people feel the magic of an animated film. I am confident that I can grow significantly using my creative skills in [Name of Program].

I have two big passions that have developed with me as I have grown up. The first one is drawing. I have tons of notebooks full of doodles and sketches that I have filled out all my life. It is hard for me not to draw or doodle when I have paper and pencil in my hands, it is just natural to me. The second one is writing stories. I remember making short clips with my friends as a teenager with the stories I wrote or just being in my room, thinking of these funny characters and fantasy universes. I am also an enthusiastic learner, when I am passionate about something I put all of my effort into it. I acquired all my skills and knowledge of the field through self-study. I am very sure that I can make amazing progress once I am accepted. In addition to this I enjoy teamwork, which I know is essential during all the animation process. Even though I know my skills I can also recognize others’ good ideas and strengths. It is necessary to have vision for this career and to be able to put all your ideas in a single artistic film.

My skills and personal experiences make me useful for this [Name of Program] as it would considerably conduct me to achieve my goals. There are a lot of things I know I can do with the learning environment and creative process during [Program Coursework]. This [Name of Program] is the ideal for me, I want to be part of its community. I know from very talented artists and animators who passed here. I know I can be successful like them. I am aware of my strengths and abilities, which will lead me to be part of animated projects that will represent a role in the childhood and memories of a lot of people.

Exercise 1: Analyze a personal statement

How is the writer introduced?
What information do you think the prompt asked for?
Are the ideas sequenced in a logical order?
Is there a clearly stated purpose (conclusion) in this personal statement?
What suggestions would you give this writer to improve the personal statement?

This content is provided to you freely by BYU Open Learning Network.

Access it online or download it at https://open.byu.edu/up_writing_summer/example_personal_sta .

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Coursefinder

Animation MA

Our 36-credit Master of Arts degree in Animation offers three concentrations ( 3D Character Animation, Visual Effects, Video Games ) that center around gaining hands-on skills in the chosen concentration. This major is designed for students who possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, college, or art school who are looking to further sharpen their skills and increase their understanding of the discipline. It accepts recent undergraduates, master’s level transfer students, and working professionals who want to grow their animation skills.

All of the courses in this program are offered in a hybrid format, which allows students to decide if they would like to attend classes in-residence, remotely online, or a combination of the two . If you live locally, some weeks you may want to be in our state-of-the-art Animation Lab with the Professor while other weeks you may opt to join remotely to work around personal or family obligations. Whether you live near or across the globe, you can be in our Animation Master’s program and attend your classes in whichever way works best for you.

New enrollees can apply to begin in the Fall or Spring semester. Full-time students can complete this program in 1.5-2 years. Part-time students may take courses over multiple years until the required 36 credits are completed.

F-1 visa holders must attend all courses in-residence on a full-time basis.

Upon entry, students select one of these concentrations to be their area of focus.

3D Character Animation Concentration

Required courses (18 credits).

ANIM 5300 Storytelling
ANIM 5400 Character Design
ANIM 6100 Digital Sculpting
ANIM 6150 3D Character Texturing
ANIM 6300 3D Character Animation
ANIM 7000 Advanced 3D Character Animation

Major Electives (18 Credits)

Visual effects concentration.

ANIM 5500 Digital 2D Animation
ANIM 5600 3D Layers in After Effects
ANIM 5700 Dynamic Effects and Particle Systems in After Effects
ANIM 5800 Compositing in After Effects
ANIM 6350 3D Particle Systems and Effects

Video Games Concentration

ANIM 5500 Digital 2D Animation
ANIM 6400 3D Animation for Games
ANIM 6600 Game Creation
ANIM 7500 Advanced Game Creation
ANIM 5100 History of Animation & Special Effects
ANIM 5200 History of Video Games
ANIM 5650 3D Modeling
ANIM 5750 3D Character Modeling
ANIM 5850 Advanced Digital 2D Animation
ANIM 5900 Expressions and Scripting in After Effects
ANIM 6200 Animation with Houdini
ANIM 6700 Animating Fluids
ANIM 6805 Motion Tracking
ANIM 6900 Digital 2D Game Creation
ANIM 7100 3D Character Animation – Weight, Overlap and Follow through
ANIM 7200 Character Animation – Emotion and Personality
ANIM 7250 Lip-Syncing
ANIM 7300 Animation with Hair/Fur
ANIM 7400 Animation with Cloth
ANIM 7425 Motion Capture
ANIM 7525 Virtual Reality
ANIM 7550 Internship I
ANIM 7600 Video Game Team Project
ANIM 7700 Faculty/Student Research I
ANIM 7775 Internship II
ANIM 7805 Faculty/Student Research II
ANIM 7900 Animation Career Preparation

MA in Animation degree applicants must digitally submit a portfolio of 10-15 creative pieces as part of the application process. Acceptance is based on the quality of the work as well as meeting all of the other academic admission requirements of the university. The review committee is looking for work that is original in concept and content and will evaluate the portfolios to determine if the applicant qualifies to enter the program based on their artistic skills. If the submitted work infringes on copyright laws or is copied from other sources the applicant will be denied admission.

Requirements for Graduate Admissions

No standardized testing is required.

Completed FDU graduate admissions application

Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

Two letters of recommendation (from a professor, employer, or professional in the field familiar with the student’s strengths and abilities)

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point ratio (CGPR) of 2.70 (applicants with a CGPR of less than 2.70 may be admitted on probation)

Digital portfolio

Personal statement

Course Descriptions

ANIM5100 Students investigate and analyze the history of special effects and techniques while applying the understanding to modern day visual effects and animation. Starting within-camera methods, this course covers topics that include traditional stop motion, camera motion control, matte paintings, models and miniatures. Students also explore modern computer generated visual effects, animation composting and production techniques.

ANIM5200 With the earliest video game surfacing in the 1950's, when they were primarily created as experimental projects at colleges and in tangent with big company research , this course teaches how games have developed over the years. Students learn how video gaming gained conventional popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, when arcade games, gaming consoles and home computer games became available to the general public . In this course students discover how video gaming evolved to become a widespread form of entertainment and a slice of contemporary culture throughout the world.

ANIM5300 This course teaches how to write animated stories that vividly create and intense experience for the reader through plot, structure, conflict, crisis points and climax. Students then convey those stories, by showing rather than telling, through producing sketched storyboards and pre-visualization animatics. They brainstorm together by arranging and rearranging the sketches in order to evoke a stronger narrative based on their classmates input and feedback. Through this process, students consider modifications in their storylines as well as additional scenarios that may contribute to the enhancement of their ideas. Writing biography profiles that bring the story's characters to life is also covered in this course.

ANIM5400 Character Design begins during the initial stages of the development of animated films and video games and plays a critical role in the creation and success of those pieces. In order to bring their characters to life, students in this class learn the process of designing imaginative original characters by sketching and assembling model sheets. These documents are routinely used in the industry to aid in standardizing the look, postures, and personality of an animated character.

ANIM5500 2D animation generates movement in a two-dimensional imaginative space. Students in this course learn both the creative and technological skills necessary for animating characters and backgrounds in digital two-dimensional worlds. Creating bitmap and vector graphics using software programs are also covered in this course.

ANIM5600 When a 3D layer is created in After Effects, it gains additional properties such as z-depth, material options, light, shadow and cameras. Students in this class expand their 3D skills to create the types of compelling animations that people are accustomed to seeing. They learn to transform 3D layers relative to the composition and customize the space to push the visuals to a higher level. Adding effects and masks to 3D layers, compositing 3D layers with 2D layers, and creating and animating cameras and lights are also covered in this course.

ANIM5700 Dynamic Effects & Particle Systems in After Effects: A particle system is a technique in game physics, motion graphics, and computer animation that uses a large amount of tiny graphics to mimic certain kind of visually random events. These types of animations are very difficult to replicate with the usual rendering methods. Students in this class focus on pushing the envelope in creating realistic looking particle systems including fire, explosions, smoke, sparks, falling objects, clouds, fog, snow, rain, dust, stars and galaxies, as well as imaginary graphic effects such as glowing trails and magic spells.

ANIM5750 Characters are an integral part of many film and video game projects. In this course students learn to create segmented and seamless 3D characters based on concept art of their own unique characters using a variety of polygonal modeling techniques. Emphasis on creating clean optimized meshes is taught in this course.

ANIM5800 Compositing is the joining of visual elements from separate sources into a single image, usually to give an illusion that all those elements are parts of the same environment. This course teaches how to replace parts of an image with other graphics in a convincing, seamless way so as to appear as if they are part of the original. Students learn to combine digital backgrounds with live-action sets and objects, as well as adding elements shot in small spaces to large virtual environments in order to enhance the reality of the visuals.

ANIM5850 This course expands on the techniques learned in the Digital 2D Animation course. The emphasis is on a more in-depth use of the vector animation toolset and the motion editor to produce engaging animations. Students learn attention to detail and study the subtleties necessary in creating polished, high-quality animated pieces.

ANIM5900 Scripts automate monotonous tasks and perform complex calculations while expressions determine that a property equals something. This course teaches how to use expressions to build connections between layer properties and to dynamically animate layers. Students also learn to write scripts to assist in completing a series of commands and tell the software to perform a sequence of actions.

ANIM6100 This class teaches digital sculpting by learning how to create realistic 3D characters using industry standard applications. The focus is on anatomy, form and proportion while learning how to add a high level of detail to polygonal meshes utilizing the software tools. Texture painting is also taught through a variety of comprehensive demonstrations, exercises and assignments.

ANIM6150 Textures give the appearance of compound surfaces that reflect lighting as well as displaying the attributes and detail found in the materials, coloring and shading. In this class, students learn about the various types of textures and finishes that can be applied to their 3D characters. They create custom texture maps and also learn how to control how they are applied to the surface of their character models using various methods such as the unwrapping and composite mapping techniques.

ANIM6300 Study 3D character animation techniques applied to seamless 3D characters as well as skinning and facial morphing. The focus is on the details of secondary motion, follow through and asymmetrical poses to emulate realistic body motion and facial expression.

ANIM6350 Students learn to create and control various types of 3D particle systems to be able to implement special effects such as fire, explosions, fluids, dust, bubbles, disintegration, physics, collisions, etc. into their 3D scenes and animations.

ANIM6400 A video game animator's job is to portray the movements and behaviors that happen in the game. This course teaches how to animate game behaviors, sequences and cut scenes in an effective way to maximize the use of game engine's technology within the limitations of that particular platform. Students learn how it may be necessary to limit the amount of motion frames and the number of graphics displayed on the screen simultaneously. Because game animation is often a combination of a number of different kinds of motions, the students in this class learn to build and assemble libraries of reusable animations.

ANIM6600 Students integrate their ideas using a cutting edge powerful rendering engine. This course emphasizes bringing character and objects to life inside of a gaming environment. Students use the tools provided to create interactive graphic content while focusing reducing the time needed to create visually stunning games. Assembling scenes containing original custom visuals, audio and realistic action that performs well on any platform are also covered in this course.

ANIM6700 Fluid simulation is a computer animation technique used to produce lifelike animations of liquids such as water and sludge. These kinds of simulations span in difficulty from enormously time-consuming high-end animations for film to real-time particle systems used in modern games. This course covers creating various types of fluid effects in both 3D space as well as in the 2D post.

ANIM6805 Motion tracking is a cinematic practice of adding graphic elements to film footage with accurate size, location, and movement in relation to the photographed elements in the scene. This course teaches how to track the movement of a camera through live-action shots so that identical computer-generated camera moves can be duplicated using animation software. Students also learn how to composite animated elements into live-action shots so they appear perfectly matched in perspective in order to look natural and seamless.

ANIM6900 This course teaches the game creation process of combining 2D digital art and audio with gameplay, and instills how good planning plays an important role in video game production. Students learn to understand the video game production pipeline from the planning stage and level design, to creating sprites and graphic and audio assets, to assembling a prototype of a game.

ANIM7000 This course continues to develop the artistic and technical skills necessary to become a successful character animator by focusing the critical principles of animation like weight, overlapping motion, and subtleties through the use of animation layering, and muscle simulation. Students also learn how to better show feelings of happiness, desolation and distress by articulating the personality and emotion of their animated characters to the audience. This class builds on the character rigging and animation skills learned in the previous character animation course.

ANIM7100 3D Character Animation- Weight, Overlap and Follow through: Follow through and overlapping are techniques that help to produce more realistic movement that looks as if the character imitates the law of physics. The achievement of believable motion and how the action follows through is frequently more necessary than the move itself to making an animation appear more convincing. In this course students analyze the subtleties of motion and learn to understand how if one body part stops other parts may overlap and follow through the leading motion, gradually coming to rest. They also learn to add weight, mass and moving holds to add life to breathing characters.

ANIM7200 Emotion and personality are the most challenging parts of character animation, because it is essential that it portray subtlety and scope in what is being visually communicated to the audience. In this class, students learn the skills, procedures and thought processes for animating expressive faces coordinated with body language. Through the use of a variety of techniques, the focus is on evoking thought, enthusiasm and emotion in their characters actions.

ANIM7250 Lip-syncing is the art of making an animated character's mouth move in unison with a prerecorded track of dialogue. To make a character appear to speak involves determining the timings of the speech as well as the actual animating of the mouth to match the dialogue track. This course teaches how to make a character give the impression of speaking by use of manual timing as well as learning to use lip-syncing software.

ANIM7300 From feature films to broadcast TV, fur is now commonly seen in animation the world over. In this course students learn how to apply fur and hair to their 3D characters and experiment with the software features to give it the qualities (such as styling, flyaway, clumping, and kinking) that they envision. Applying dynamics, gravity, collision detection and external forces (such as wind) to the hair are also covered in this course.

ANIM7400 In computer animation, cloth simulation refers to the production of soft body that animate via flexible dynamics. As opposed to rigid body animation, the shape of soft body objects change and flex as they move. By learning specialized rendering properties that replicate real-world physics, students apply visually realistic clothing properties to their 3D characters. The focus is to enhance the realism of animated characters wearing flowing apparel.

ANIM7425 This course teaches the process of recording human movement, captured by an array of sensors, which are placed on the body in a variety of combinations. Students learn to use software that records the actions of live actors and then map that motion data to 3D character models so that it performs the same movements as the actor. Whether animating for film or games, the techniques learned in this class allow for increased motion testing because of the ability to quickly animate digital 3D characters.

ANIM7500 This course expands upon the techniques learned in the Game Creation courses. Students learn to add their own tools and to enhance performance while increasing graphic quality. This course also covers how to use the high-end customizable game engine tools to quickly export visually exciting, fully produced games.

ANIM7525 Virtual Reality is the use of computer technology to create simulated environments where users are immersed in and able to interact with 3D worlds. In this course students learn to simulate a user's physical presence with imaginary environments in a way that allows them to interact with it through the use of state -of-the-art VR headsets. The goal is to simulate breathtaking sensory experiences by creating 3D environments and animations, as well as incorporating audio and precise motion tracking that transports users into worlds that are beyond the imagination.

ANIM7550 Students work at a company or organization for between 5 and 20 hours per week, filling an animation, interactive media or video game role. Internships may be paid or unpaid.

ANIM7600 In the industry, video games are primarily produced by a team of people. The students in this class work in groups to design and create their own video games. The type of games and the role that each person fills is determined by the group with the oversight of the professor.

ANIM7700 Members of the faculty engage in research projects with selected student with the goal of professional publication or presentation.

ANIM7775 Students work at a company or organization for between 5 and 20 hours per week, filling an animation, interactive media or video game role. Internships may be paid or unpaid.

ANIM7805 Members of the faculty engage in research projects with selected students with the goal of professional publication or presentation.

ANIM7900 This is the capstone course to be taken in the final semester prior to graduating the program. Students present the animation work that they produced in all of their animation courses in the program to the class and discuss their professional interests and goals. Undergoing a series of follow-up critiques from their classmates, students learn to assemble and revise polished professional demo reels highlighting the strongest segments of each of their projects, focused on meeting their career goals. Based on additional critical feedback sessions, students design personalized logos that will be used to market themselves as professional animators. Personalized business cards, resumes, letters of introduction and follow up letters are then written and designed, emulating the persona of their final logo. In order to present their demo reel and promote their animation skills to prospective employers, students learn how to plan (content, navigation, graphic design) and develop visually and technically impressive portfolio websites, exhibiting their own individual artistic style by following through with the branding established in the final logo design. How to implement and design social media presences and utilize other online avenue to market their skills and find work is also covered in this course.

School of the Arts

Animation Studies

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

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 99,842 views

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

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

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

In this article you’ll learn:

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

Read: Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

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

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

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

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

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

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

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

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

2. Plan Ahead

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

Let us throw more light on this…

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

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

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

3. Research Your Program Of Study

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

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

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

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

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

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

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

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

1. Planning A Personal Statement

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

Before You Start:

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

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

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

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

When Writing:

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

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

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

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

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

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

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

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

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

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

My past educational experiences have always…

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

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

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

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

For Formatting:

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

Language and tone to use:

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

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

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

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

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

Personal Statement PDF

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

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

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

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

1. msw personal statement

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

social work masters personal statement .

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

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

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Personal statement advice

Your personal statement.

As part of your application to UCA - or any university - you'll need to write a personal statement. This is a really crucial part of the process as it tells us so much about you and gives you a chance to show us why you'd be a great fit for your chosen course.

What you put into your statement, and how, is really crucial - here's our advice on how to make your statement really count.

Research, research research!

We want to know why you want to study the course you've chosen, how it'll enrich your learning and future career, and also why you think UCA is an ideal place for you. So it's really important you do plenty of research to support your statement. Ask yourself the following questions as you go, and use what you find to build your statement.

What are your interests in the subject area? Why do you want to come and study the course?
Why do you think you’re the ideal applicant for this course? Include any skills or work you have done that supports this.
Why would you like to study at UCA? How do you think you’ll benefit from joining our community?
What is it particularly about UCA and the course here which appeals to you?
What are your future career goals, where do you hope to be at the end of the course and in the future, and how will studying at UCA help you to achieve these goals?

Great personal statements also include a bit of your personality - put your stamp on it by including any experiences you've had that are relevant to the course you want to study, any work experience, any transferable skills you have, and your hobbies and interests.

It would also be good to see your critical thinking skills.

Keeping the reader gripped...

As with all great stories, there's a beginning, a middle, and an end - and the same goes for your personal statement.

Start your statement with an introduction about you - who you are, why you want to study your chosen course at UCA.

The middle section is the crucial part that contains all the information you want to tell us about your experiences, previous studies and skills that make you suitable for the course.

Finish up with more about yourself - your hobbies and interests.

Finally, make sure your writing has a good structure, with accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation. Read it out loud to test it, and don't forget to make sure everything you say relates to the course you’re applying to and your chosen career path.

Fine Art Personal Statement Examples

1 Personal Statement Example Links
2 Career Opportunities
3 UK Admission Requirements
4 UK Earnings Potential For Fine Artists
5 Similar Courses in UK
6 UK Curriculum
7 Alumni Network

Personal Statement Example Links

Personal Statement Example 1
Personal Statement Example 2
Personal Statement Example 3
Personal Statement Example 4

Are you considering a career in Fine Art? Whether you’re looking to pursue a degree in Fine Art or just want to explore the subject as a hobby, writing a personal statement is a great way to get started. A personal statement can help you stand out from the competition and give you an edge when applying for a course.

This article will provide some examples of personal statements for Fine Art courses, as well as a course overview.

Personal Statement Examples

When writing a personal statement for a Fine Art course, it’s important to focus on your passion and enthusiasm for the subject. Here are some examples of personal statements that could be used for Fine Art courses:

“I have always been passionate about art and I believe that studying Fine Art will help me to develop my creative skills and express my ideas in a unique way. I am excited to explore the different techniques and styles of art, as well as the history and theory behind them. I am confident that I will be able to use my creativity to create inspiring works of art.”

“I have always been fascinated by the beauty of art and I am excited to explore the different mediums and techniques used in Fine Art. I am particularly interested in exploring the relationship between art and culture, and I am confident that I will be able to use this knowledge to create meaningful works of art.”

music industry, which could include record label management, music publishing, artist management, concert production, or music marketing and promotions. Their roles may involve negotiating contracts, promoting artists or music releases, organizing events, or managing financial and legal matters.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Fine Art can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Art graduates can pursue a career in the creative arts, such as painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, filmmaking, and multimedia. They can also pursue careers in the performing arts, such as theater, dance, music, and comedy.

Art graduates can also pursue a career in the commercial art industry, such as graphic design, illustration, animation, and advertising. They can also find work in the fashion industry, such as designing clothing, accessories, and jewelry.

In addition, art graduates can pursue a career in the museum and gallery sector, such as curating, conserving, and exhibiting artwork. They can also pursue a career in the art education sector, such as teaching art in schools, universities, and art centers.

Finally, art graduates can pursue a career in the art market, such as dealing, appraising, and auctioning artwork. They can also pursue a career in the art publishing sector, such as writing, editing, and publishing books about art.

UK Admission Requirements

In order to be accepted into a university course in Fine Art, applicants must typically have achieved a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English. Additionally, applicants must usually have achieved a minimum of two A-Levels at grade C or above, or a Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design.

The entry criteria for a Fine Art course may vary depending on the university and the type of course. For example, some universities may require applicants to have achieved a minimum of two A-Levels at grade B or above, or a Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design with a Merit or Distinction.

In comparison to other courses, the entry criteria for a Fine Art course is quite similar to other art and design courses. However, some universities may also require applicants to have a portfolio of work to demonstrate their artistic ability.

UK Earnings Potential For Fine Artists

The average earnings for someone with a degree in Fine Art will vary depending on the type of job they pursue. Those who pursue a career in the arts, such as working in galleries, museums, or as a freelance artist, may not earn a high salary. However, many artists are able to supplement their income through teaching, grants, and other sources.

In the UK, the average salary for a professional artist is £19,000 per year, according to the Office for National Statistics. This figure is likely to be lower for those who are just starting out in their careers.

In terms of trends in the job market, there has been an increase in the number of jobs in the creative industries in recent years. This has been driven by the growth of digital media and the increasing demand for creative professionals. As a result, there are likely to be more opportunities for those with a degree in Fine Art in the future.

Similar Courses in UK

Other university courses related to Fine Art include Art History, Visual Arts, and Photography.

Art History is the study of the history and development of art, from its beginnings to the present day. Visual Arts is a broad field of study that includes drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and other forms of visual expression.

Photography is the practice of creating still or moving images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film.

The key differences between Fine Art and these other courses are the focus of study. Fine Art focuses on the practice of creating art, while Art History focuses on the history and development of art. Visual Arts focuses on the broad field of visual expression and Photography focuses on the practice of creating still or moving images.

UK Curriculum

The key topics and modules covered in a Fine Art course in the UK Curriculum typically include:

Art History: Students will gain an understanding of the history of art, including the development of different styles, movements, and techniques.
Studio Practise: Students will develop their own creative practise through studio-based activities, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and digital media.
Critical and Contextual Studies: Students will gain an understanding of the wider context of art, including the study of contemporary art, art theory, and critical analysis.
Professional Practise: Students will develop their understanding of the professional art world, including the business of art, marketing, and curation.
Practical Work: Students will have the opportunity to engage in practical work, such as creating artworks, visiting galleries, and participating in exhibitions.

Alumni Network

One notable alumni from the University of Fine Art course is the artist and sculptor, David Smith. After graduating from the university, Smith went on to become one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century. His works are often characterized by their abstract forms and use of industrial materials such as steel and aluminum.

He was part of the Abstract Expressionist movement and was a major influence on the development of modern sculpture. Smith’s works can be found in major museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The University of Fine Art offers a variety of alumni events and networking opportunities. These include the Alumni Networking Reception, which is held annually, and the David Smith Alumni Lecture Series, which is held every other year.

The university also offers an Alumni Mentoring Programme, which pairs current students with alumni who have experience in the field. This program allows students to gain valuable insight and advice from alumni who have gone on to successful careers in the arts.

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Graduate Application Procedures

The Masters of Fine Arts in Interactive Media from USC offers a terminal degree in the exploration and analysis of the Interactive Media field. Offering unprecedented opportunities for students to explore media convergence while leveraging the natural advantages of its Los Angeles setting, this three year program includes a eighteen month long thesis program, which will allow students to dive deeply into the cutting edge questions at the heart of our industry.

The faculty admissions committee evaluates applications for originality, clarity, personal insight and artistic excellence. Considerable importance is placed on the creative work demonstrated within the application. Some applicants may be contacted for an interview in order for the admissions committee to learn more information or gain clarification of submitted materials. By limiting the evaluation to the items listed, the committee ensures that all applicants are judged by the same criteria.

You must submit the SlideRoom Application titled: "Graduate Interactive Media MFA Program".

You must access the SlideRoom Application via the "Go to SlideRoom" link in the SlideRoom tab in the Program Materials quadrant of the Graduate Application for Admission. The SlideRoom Application should only be accessed via this button in order for your applications to be linked and successfully submitted.

The Cinematic Arts Personal Statement is an opportunity to express your ideas about and interest in Interactive Entertainment, help us to understand your background and creative potential, and explain why you would like to study interactive media production at the School of Cinematic Arts. This statement will be read by the admissions committee as a measure of creativity, self-awareness and vision. Your statement should give the committee a sense of your long-term goals and artistic ambitions. It should answer the questions: "Who are you as a person? What are you trying to say, using interactive media? Why do you want to attend the Interactive Entertainment Program? What are your career/professional/artistic goals?" We are looking for a sense of you as a unique individual and how your distinctive experiences, identities, values, and/or views of the world have shaped who you are.

June 2019, Honors, 16mm black-and-white film, one hour. Position: writer/director. Honors is a story about two competitive college roommates. Produced for an advanced film production workshop: "Film Production II," University of San Diego, San Diego, California.
February 2021, "Cellomorphosis," short story. Position: writer. A variation on the novella by Franz Kafka; published in Writing, vol. IV, 2021, at Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts.
Jan 2021, No-Tag Team, Flash game. Position: game designer, programmer. A short, experimental game about two game avatars who wander an unknown land without ever finding each other. Made in a Flash Workshop at Boston Community College. Available to play at http://www.mysite.com/thisisnotagteam.html .

Describe a project that you worked on with multiple collaborators that let you feeling proud and fulfilled. Discuss your role in the project and explain why this collaboration was successful. Then, describe another collaborative project that left you unsatisfied. Discuss your role in the project and explain why this collaboration frustrated you. Finally, summarize what you learned from each of these experiences and describe the lessons you learned that inspire your future collaborations. (No more than two pages)

The creative work sample represents your best or most relevant work. Choose a major piece of work that you are extremely proud of for your creative sample. If you have completed a game or animation project, you should strongly consider including this. Otherwise this work might be digital or analog, it or may be a film, photo essay, script or story. For visual art, you may submit a small selection of pieces. Make sure your piece is easily viewable by the admissions committee. If you are uncertain that your software will run, include screenshots and a video play-through just in case.

You should keep in mind that the committee has limited time to look at each applicant's file, so send a creative sample that can be viewed, played or read in less than 10 minutes . Please limit the length of a written creative sample, e.g. movie scripts and prose should be no more than 20 pages.

We are looking for individuals who show both proven talent and personal initiative. Use the creative sample to show us your best work and the portfolio to show us the breadth of your creative endeavors.

For physical games and creative pieces, you can submit a PDF of the rules or text, along with video, photographs and other documentation. An online link will allow you to showcase several of your works, giving the committee a better sense of your skills and talent.

Tell us how your creative sample displays innovation and artistry. How does it challenge expectations, attempt to solve problems, or investigate new ground? What did you learn from creating it?

As part of the Interactive Media and Games Division applicant review process, applicants may be selected to have a remote video interview with faculty or staff. Not every applicant will be interviewed, and an interview is not required for admission. The window for the interview time may vary, so please keep an eye on the inbox of the email address used in your application for a request to schedule one. Please respond to such requests within 72 hours.

Personal Statements
Computer Game Animation Personal Statement

Computer Game Animation Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

Like most of my friends, Playstation and Xbox games have been a large part of my leisure time as I was growing up. Unlike them, my interest went deeper than just playing the game. I got quite a reputation for constantly analysing the graphics and the special effects, hungry to know how the best of these had been created. My interest has spilled over into films I have seen in the cinema and I have been known to refuse to go and see a film if I know the special effects have received a poor review.

I quickly realised that finding out more about how films and games are put together would require quite a deep understanding of computers, IT and programming and this has encouraged me to study maths, IT and physics with an enthusiasm that I would not have had without this goal. Working with a computer is almost second nature to me, but wrestling with complex physical concepts has required a lot of determination to stick with it and get the grades I needed.

The extended applications of gaming and virtual reality are going to be exploited more effectively in the future in all sorts of other areas beyond leisure and entertainment and I want to develop the advanced computer animation skills to be able to play a part in this. The thought of working for a major company such as Pixar is very appealing but I think it’s difficult to predict where this technology will be in 5 years time. This gives my future career an unknown path, which I find very exciting.

A large part of my free time is spent on a Playstation but I think the online gaming that I do has broadened my knowledge of gaming and its use by others. I play in an online clan, which includes members from China, Holland, Australia and Thailand. Interacting with people on the other side of the world, sharing a virtual world, is something that would not have even been dreamed about 20 years ago, but it’s now commonplace. We have set up the clan so that we can talk together as a group while gaming and finding out about the lives of contemporaries in other cultures and countries has been interesting.

It is tempting to be on a computer or a Playstation all the time but getting a break away from a screen is necessary. I play football and cricket, depending on whether its winter or summer, and I have mentored some of the younger football teams, assisting the coach with training and preparation for matches. This still gives me the chance to get some exercise but I have really enjoyed working with younger kids – we do tend to talk about gaming and they have been amazed to learn, as I was originally, that it’s possible to do a degree in gaming animation. It’s an opportunity that I can’t wait to take up.

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