journalist personal statement example

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• Journalism Personal Statement Examples

Your Journalism personal statement is a crucial element of your UCAS application . It is your opportunity to showcase your passion for journalism, your relevant experiences, and your potential to succeed as a journalism student. Check our journalism personal statement examples for UCAS , which can inspire and guide you in writing your successful personal statement . 

Whether you are interested in broadcast journalism , print journalism , or digital and online journalism , these examples cover a range of topics and styles that can help you stand out to admissions tutors.

Journalism Personal Statement Example

As an A-level student in Business Studies, English Literature, and Religious Studies, I have always been passionate about education and learning. I have always been fascinated by the power of the written word and the impact that journalism can have on shaping public opinion and educating society. That is why I am so excited to pursue a career in journalism and continue to make a positive impact on society.

My interest in journalism was first sparked during work experience placements at my local newspaper, The South Wales Evening Post, and a local radio station. During my time at the newspaper, I was allowed to work with experienced journalists and editors, assisting them with research, conducting interviews, and writing articles for publication. This experience taught me the importance of accuracy, objectivity, and the need to present balanced viewpoints. Additionally, at the radio station, I learned about the power of broadcast media and how it can be used to reach a wider audience and engage with listeners on a more personal level.

As a great believer in education, I see the role of the journalist as an educating force, an incredibly important one. The media has a responsibility to inform the public about current affairs and provide accurate and unbiased reporting. Through my work experience, I have seen firsthand how the media can influence public opinion and shape perceptions of different issues. I believe that journalists have a responsibility to provide truthful and accurate reporting, whilst also highlighting important social issues and driving change.

Outside of my academic routine, I have several hobbies and interests that keep me grounded and motivated. One of my favourite pastimes is reading, particularly books that explore different cultures and perspectives. I also enjoy running, which I find helps me to clear my mind and think creatively. By engaging in these hobbies, I can maintain a balanced lifestyle and stay connected with the world around me.

Throughout my academic career, I have strived to excel in all of my studies. During my secondary school years, I was one of the best students in my class, achieving high grades in all subjects. This has given me a strong foundation and the skills necessary to succeed in a career in journalism. Additionally, I have travelled around the world and visited 56 countries so far. This has allowed me to gain a wider perspective on different cultures and societies, which I believe will be invaluable in my future career.

I am excited to continue my education and pursue a career in journalism. I believe that my passion for education, my experience in the media, and my diverse interests and hobbies make me an excellent candidate for this field. I am committed to using my skills and talents to make a positive impact on society, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

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Personal Statement Example For Journalism

I am driven by my passion for the English language and the power it holds to inform, engage and inspire people. With a deep-rooted affection for the written word and its ability to capture the essence of life, I have always been fascinated by how language has evolved. As a student of English Literature, History and Media Studies, I have been able to explore this evolution in detail and develop my unique voice as a writer.

Studying English has allowed me to think critically, analyse the techniques used by both fiction and non-fiction writers and express my ideas and opinions through a portfolio of work. Through this, I have learnt how to craft compelling narratives, convey complex ideas with clarity and precision, and engage readers through powerful storytelling. My studies in History and Media Studies have complemented my understanding of English, allowing me to appreciate the importance of context, perspective, and the role of media in shaping our understanding of the world around us.

Outside of academics, I am involved in many creative pursuits that allow me to develop my skills as a communicator and storyteller. I participate in a drama group, where I am honing my skills in characterisation, improvisation and public speaking. I am also working towards my Bronze Arts Award, which involves creating and performing a piece of original drama. Additionally, I enjoy playing the piano, which requires a large amount of patience, creativity and dedication – skills that I believe are essential for a successful journalist.

I am proud to have received Young Writers Award from my Secondary School, recognising my talent and dedication as a writer. These accolades have encouraged me to pursue a career in journalism, where I can use my skills to inform, educate and entertain readers on a wide range of topics. I am excited about the prospect of being able to tell stories that matter, whether it is through investigative journalism, features or opinion pieces.

My passion for the English language, combined with my academic pursuits and creative pursuits, have prepared me well for a career in journalism. I am eager to continue my journey as a writer and storyteller, and I believe that a degree in journalism will provide me with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to make a meaningful contribution to the world of media.

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• Personal Statements
• Journalism personal statement

Journalism Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

If you want to apply to study Journalism at university then it’s almost a given that you’re good at writing but all good writers suffer from writer’s block occasionally, right?

For those of you that are struggling with a personal statement to study Journalism – here is our example to help you out:

Having developed a passion for writing at an early age my writing skills have evolved over the years and I now feel that a career in journalism is right for me. However, I am not prepared to rest on my laurels and I am always striving to further develop my writing skills.

I enjoy the challenge of conveying a story, event, or thought to a reader in an interesting, engaging, and easily understood way. I write my own blog and look forward to expanding my topic range when I reach university.

To expand my knowledge and skills in journalism I undertook a work experience placement at my local newspaper, The Waterside Herald, whilst I was at school. This gave me the chance to develop my writing skills to suit a journalistic style and to gain an in-depth insight into the daily life of a journalist.

Outside of school I enjoy travelling and hope that my love of travel will enable me to gain experience working for publications in other countries during summer breaks from university.

I am also a keen sports player and regular runner. As well as my academic goals I also hope to complete the London Marathon next year, something that I have been training towards for a number of months.

I look forward to the new challenges that life at university will bring and having the chance to learn new skills and build on my already high standards of writing and communication.

I hope that by studying journalism to degree level I will be able to gain an entry level position at a national newspaper such as The Guardian or The Times. I am also interested in pursuing television journalism as a possible career choice whilst at university.

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Journalism Personal Statement Examples

• 1 Personal Statement Example Links
• 2 Career Opportunities
• 3 UK Admission Requirements
• 4 UK Earnings Potential For Journalists
• 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

Career Opportunities

A degree in journalism can open up a wide range of career opportunities in the media and communications industries.

Journalists can work in traditional print media such as newspapers, magazines, and journals, as well as in broadcast media such as radio and television. They can also pursue careers in digital media, including web-based news outlets, blogs, and social media.

Journalism graduates can also find employment in public relations, advertising, and marketing, where their knowledge of media and communication can be put to use. They may also work in other industries, such as education, politics, and business.

Journalists may specialize in a particular field, such as politics, business, sports, or entertainment. They may also pursue a career in investigative journalism, where they uncover stories that would otherwise remain hidden.

Journalism graduates may also pursue a career in teaching, either at the college or university level or in the public school system. They may also be employed in government and non-profit organizations, where they can use their skills to communicate important information to the public.

Finally, journalism graduates may pursue a career in freelance writing, where they can write for various publications and websites. This can be a great way to gain experience and build a portfolio.

👍 When writing a personal statement : Highlight your passion for the course, demonstrating your understanding of it. Use relevant personal experiences, coursework, or work history to showcase how these have fostered your interest and readiness for the course.

UK Admission Requirements

In order to be accepted into a university course in journalism, applicants must typically have achieved a minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, such as English, media or communications. Applicants may also be required to have achieved a minimum of a grade C in GCSE English and Maths.

In addition to academic qualifications, applicants may also be required to provide a portfolio of work, such as published articles, blog posts, or other writing samples. This is to demonstrate an aptitude for written communication and research skills.

In comparison to other courses, the entry requirements for a university course in journalism are generally quite high. This is due to the fact that the profession requires a high level of writing and research skills, as well as an understanding of the media industry.

UK Earnings Potential For Journalists

The average earnings for someone with a degree in journalism vary depending on the type of job they pursue and the location of the job. Generally, journalists with a degree can expect to earn an average salary of £25,000 to £35,000 per year. However, experienced journalists in major cities can earn significantly more.

In terms of trends in the job market, the demand for journalists is increasing in the digital age. With the rise of social media, the need for content creators and journalists to report on news and events is growing. Additionally, the demand for journalists in the broadcast and radio industry is also increasing.

Similar Courses in UK

Other university courses related to Journalism include Media and Communications, Creative Writing, and Media Studies.

Media and Communications focuses on the production and consumption of media, including television, radio, and digital media. It also covers topics such as public relations, advertising, and branding. Creative Writing is a course that focuses on the craft of writing, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

It also covers topics such as narrative structure, character development, and editing. Media Studies is a course that focuses on the analysis of media and its effects on society, including topics such as media representation, media regulation, and media literacy.

The key differences between Journalism and these other courses are the focus and the skillset. Journalism focuses on reporting, researching, and writing stories for news outlets, while Media and Communications, Creative Writing, and Media Studies focus on the production and consumption of media, the craft of writing, and the analysis of media, respectively.

The skillset for Journalism includes interviewing, fact-checking, and storytelling, while the skillset for Media and Communications, Creative Writing, and Media Studies includes production, writing, and analysis, respectively.

UK Curriculum

The key topics and modules covered in a university course in journalism typically include:

1. Introduction to Journalism: This module introduces students to the fundamentals of journalism, including the history and ethics of the profession, the role of the journalist, and the different types of journalism.

2. News Writing and Reporting: This module focuses on the craft of news writing and reporting, including the basics of news gathering, interviewing, and writing for different media.

3. Digital Journalism: This module covers the use of digital media in journalism, including the use of social media, web-based tools, and other digital technologies.

4. Media Law and Regulation: This module covers the legal and regulatory framework for journalism, including the laws governing libel, privacy, and freedom of information.

5. Media Industries: This module examines the media industry, including the different types of media organizations, their economic models, and the challenges of the digital age.

6. Multimedia Storytelling: This module covers the use of multimedia in journalism, including the use of video, audio, and interactive media.

7. Practical Work: Most journalism courses include practical work, such as working on a student newspaper or website, or taking part in a work placement.

8. Research Methods: This module covers the basics of research methods, including how to design a research project, collect and analyse data, and write a research report.

Alumni Network

One notable alumni from the course of journalism is Christiane Amanpour, a CNN chief international correspondent, host of CNN International’s nightly interview program Amanpour, and Global Affairs Anchor of ABC News. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and has been awarded numerous awards and honors for her work in journalism.

Christiane Amanpour has been a leader in the field of journalism, covering some of the most important news stories of our time. She has reported from war zones around the world, and has interviewed many world leaders. She has also been a strong advocate for press freedom and human rights.

The University of Rhode Island offers a variety of alumni events and networking opportunities for journalism alumni. These include the Journalism Alumni Networking Reception, which is held annually and provides alumni with the opportunity to meet and network with other alumni and faculty from the journalism program. The university also offers the Journalism Alumni Mentoring Program, which pairs current students with alumni to provide career advice and guidance.

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Personal Statement: Applying for a Journalism/Media Degree

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A question I am frequently asked is what exactly you should write on your personal statement when applying for a journalism/media course. Putting together a great statement can be a pretty stressful task as it is difficult to gage what exactly universities are looking for. However, all graduates have been through it and there is no reason why you cannot secure a place on the course of your choosing. Here are some of my top tips on what exactly you should be writing:

Enthusiasm and passion

For me, I think this is the most crucial element to any application. Demonstrate just how passionate and enthused you are about the course. Perhaps pinpoint an element or a module that you are most excited about and why. Showing that you genuinely want to be studying that course always looks great and will put you in good stead with the admissions officer. Cardiff in particular has a fantastic student media department with its own newspaper, magazine, radio, and TV station. Make reference to these and emphasise how eager you are to get involved, maybe even mentioning that you aspire to be the editor-in-chief of the magazine, or a presenter on the radio station. Universities are always looking for people that want to get stuck in so convey this well.

Relevant experience

If you have done any kind of writing, editing, blogging etc. outside of school then absolutely put this in. This will show that you are not only able to use your initiative, but that you have the ability to work independently and have great time-management – all essential skills when studying at higher education. If you don’t already have a blog GET ONE. This is possibly the most simple and easy way to get journalism experience where you can write whatever you like, whenever you like, and wherever you like.

Even if you don’t directly have experiences like this, any part time jobs or qualifications you have will also be great for your statement as each will bring with them a useful set of skills for university.

A recent news story that has caught your interest

If you want to study journalism, you of course have to be up-to-date with all the latest happenings of the world. Writing a small paragraph on something in the news that has captured your attention and why will make your statement stand-out and show that you engage with the news. Don’t be afraid to have an opinion and articulate your feelings about something you feel strongly about.

Future goals

Why is it you want to study journalism/media? What do you hope to do with the degree you are applying for? Express that studying the course is a stepping stone for you to get into your dream career and that you truly believe the university will be able to support and facilitate that goal.

Finally, no human being is defined purely by work. Tell the admissions officer exactly who you are and show some personality. What is it you enjoy doing at the weekend? Do you have a hobby? No matter how common or unusual it is, put it in! If you play a sport then there is bound to be a society for that at Cardiff so let them know that you are desperate to get involved. You want to make it clear to the university that there is so much more to you than just academia, and that you will be an all-round great student to have study with them.

Thank you, this helped so much

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Journalism Personal Essays

Cultural reporting and criticism.

The Cultural Reporting and Criticism (CRC) program in Journalism requires applicants to submit a personal essay that will be judged both as a piece of writing and as an indication of whether your aspirations, abilities, interests, and experience are suited to CRC.

The essay should be specific and detailed enough to give the admissions committee a concrete sense of who you are as a potential cultural reporter and critic. It should address the following questions: What do you expect to get from CRC? What do you think you can contribute to it? What aspects of your background and experience are most relevant to your interest in the program? What kind of writing have you done and what do you aspire to do? Which cultural issues and phenomena most engage you? What publications do you read regularly and why? Which cultural journalists do you admire, which do you dislike, and which have influenced you? Feel free to include any other ideas you consider relevant to your application.

CRC places most emphasis on letters of recommendation from professors or editors with whom you have worked directly and who can assess your intellectual abilities and the quality of your writing.

Please append to your essay a brief statement of your plans for financing your graduate work. This statement must be included, whether or not you are applying for financial aid. 

Global and Joint Programs

Africana studies | east asian studies | european and mediterranean studies | french studies | international relations | latin american and caribbean studies | near eastern studies | russian and slavic studies.

Journalism requires applicants to write a personal essay. The essay is an extremely important part of the application, so treat it accordingly. The essay should be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length. In addition, all applicants must submit at least three samples of their work, whether published or not.

The goal of the essay is to give the Admissions Committee a concrete sense of who you are as someone who aspires to a career as a professional journalist, writing and reporting for print, online or broadcast media. It should address the following questions: What do you expect to get from the program? What aspects of your experience are most relevant to your interest in journalism? Tell us about your background--your academic degree, intellectual interests, work experience, life experience, and other sources of inspiration--and explain how this background informs what you want to do as a journalist.

Applicants should also describe their existing "body of work" as a journalist, critic or just someone who writes. We are mostly interested in published work, but if you have yet to break into print, then tell us what kind of writing you have done. What have been your major themes? What issues and phenomena most engage you? What publications do you read regularly and why? Which journalists do you admire, which do you dislike, and which have influenced you?

In addition, for the non-Journalism field of study  (Africana Studies, East Asian Studies, French Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Russian and Slavic Studies), please briefly describe your past and present work as it relates to your intended field of study, and your reasons for choosing your field of study.

In addition, for International Relations : the program in International Relations (IR) trains individuals who wish to make a difference on international affairs either through continued academic study or via the actual practice of international affairs in government, the non-governmental or private sectors. Please explain, in a brief and concise manner, how your past studies and work experience relate to a course of study at the graduate level in international relations at NYU. You should include how your educational objectives will help you to achieve your future career goals, and should briefly outline where you see yourself 10 years after graduating from NYU. Please also explain why you chose to apply to study in the IR Program at NYU and how NYU specifically will help you to advance your personal and professional objectives.

European and Mediterranean Studies  does not not require an additional statement. Only the Journalism personal essay is required.

Please append to your essay a brief statement of your plans for financing your graduate work. This statement must be included, whether or not you are applying for financial aid.

Journalism and Religion

Journalism requires applicants to write a personal essay. The essay is an extremely important part of the application, so treat it accordingly. The essay should be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length. In addition, applicants must submit at least two samples of their work, whether published or not.

As part of your personal essay, please include a discussion that provides the Admissions Committee with a sense of who you are as someone who aspires to a career in journalism, writing and reporting about important matters in the news and analysis of religious issues.

Two different writing samples are required. One should be an example of your strongest academic writing, preferably a paper written for an undergraduate course that demonstrates your ability to construct a coherent argument. It should not exceed 25 double-spaced pages. The second should represent your aptitude for journalism. A clip from your college newspaper, a personal essay, and an academic research paper are all acceptable.

Literary Reportage

Literary Reportage requires applicants to answer the following questions. We will judge both the style and content of your writing.

• Describe the project you want to pursue. Tell us about the stories you want to write, in as much detail as possible. Big ideas, themes and questions are essential, but just as essential are specific stories—real names, real places—through which you explore them. We expect your work to evolve while at NYU, so you are not committing to your agenda now.
• Who/what have you read and been inspired by? What, to your mind, are the similarities and differences between creative writing and creative nonfiction? How can "literary technique" be applied to the practice of long-form journalism? What do reporters do? What do you envision “Literary Reportage” to be?
• Tell us about your academic degree(s), intellectual interests, work/life experiences, and explain how they inform your project. Describe your "body of work" as a journalist, blogger, or just someone who writes. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a writer? What do you expect to get from Literary Reportage?
• Describe how you plan to use the city and the university’s vast resources. We welcome projects of national or international scope, but only if they can be reported effectively from the city and its environs (with the usual extensions of email and telephone) during the school term.
• You may answer the above questions separately, or in a single essay.

News and Documentary

The News and Documentary Program in Journalism requires applicants to write a personal essay. The essay is an extremely important part of the application, so treat it accordingly. The essay should be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length. In addition, all applicants must submit at least three samples of their work. This can be print or video clips or scripts.

The goal of the essay is to give the Admissions Committee a sense of who you are as someone who aspires to a career as a professional journalist/documentary filmmaker. It should address the following questions: What aspects of your experience are most relevant to your interest in journalism? Tell us about your background—your academic degree, intellectual interests, work experience, life experience, and other sources of inspiration—and explain how this background informs what you want to do as a journalist. What do you expect to get from the program?

Applicants should also describe their existing "body of work." This can be print, video, radio or documentary work you’ve already done. Video experience is not a prerequisite at all so if this is the case, your body of work might be volunteering somewhere, working with an NGO, teaching etc. We’d also like to know what publications you read and news or documentary programming you like, and why. Which journalists do you admire, and which have influenced you?

Please also address what motivates you to pursue the documentary long form in particular. In your third semester, you will be creating a capstone piece of journalism--a half-hour documentary. What might this project be about and how would you approach it? Although experience in documentary is not required, your ideas are.

Podcasting and Audio Reportage

Your personal essay is an opportunity for you to reveal more about who you are and for you to connect your goals for attending this program with your background and qualifications. The Admissions Committee will be looking for your voice in your writing style, as well as paying close attention to the evidence you provide in the case you are making for why you should be selected. While many students aim for 1,000-1500 words in length, writing for audio requires efficiency and clarity, therefore shorter essays may also be effective. In addition, applicants are asked to submit 3 work samples, which can be links to audio or multimedia work. Work samples do not need to be published work, but we suggest choosing work which demonstrates your journalism, narrative storytelling or audio production skills. 

In your essay, please address the following questions:

• Why are you applying to this program and what do you hope to gain from your graduate studies?
• Why audio? What is it about this medium and what in your background or experience has motivated you to pursue this field of study? What is your experience with audio production? What experience do you have in journalism?
• Audio Journalism is a medium that values voice. Whose voices have you been inspired by and whose voices do you imagine we would hear in your work?
• Tell us about your interests and background. What life experiences, intellectual pursuits, educational or creative pursuits or other sources of inspiration inform your desire to create audio journalism?    

Please append to your essay a statement of your plans for financing your graduate work. This statement must be included, regardless of any request for financial assistance.

All Other Programs

American journalism | magazine and digital storytelling | reporting new york | reporting the nation | business and economic reporting | science, health and environmental reporting .

The goal of the essay is to give the Admissions Committee a concrete sense of who you are as someone who aspires to a career as a professional journalist, writing and reporting for print, online or broadcast media. It should address the following questions: What do you expect to get from the program and the specific concentration to which you are applying? What aspects of your experience are most relevant to your interest in journalism? Tell us about your background--your academic degree, intellectual interests, work experience, life experience, and other sources of inspiration--and explain how this background informs what you want to do as a journalist.

Student Journalist CV Example

Cv guidance.

• CV Template
• How to Format
• Personal Statements
• Related CVs

CV Tips for Student Journalists

• Highlight Your Journalism Training and Experience : Specify any journalism courses, internships, or campus media roles you've held. Detail any specializations such as investigative, sports, or political journalism early on in your CV.
• Quantify Your Impact : Share achievements with numbers, like the number of articles published, social media engagement rates, or any awards or recognitions received.
• Tailor Your CV to the Job Description : Match your CV content to the job's needs, highlighting relevant experiences like multimedia reporting or data journalism if emphasized by the employer.
• Detail Your Tech Proficiency : List proficiency in software like Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, or video editing tools, and any experience with CMS or social media platforms. These matter.
• Showcase Soft Skills and Initiative : Briefly mention skills like critical thinking, creativity, or your knack for uncovering unique stories. Highlight any independent projects or initiatives you've undertaken.

The Smarter, Faster Way to Write Your CV

• Headed the student newspaper's investigative team, leading to a 30% increase in readership due to the publication of high-impact stories on campus issues.
• Implemented a digital-first content strategy, resulting in a 50% increase in online engagement and a 20% increase in ad revenue.
• Coordinated live coverage of major campus events, boosting social media followers by 40% and enhancing the newspaper's reputation as a reliable news source.
• Managed a team of 10 student journalists, fostering a collaborative environment that increased story output by 25%.
• Initiated a weekly podcast series that attracted an average of 1,000 listeners per episode, expanding the newspaper's reach and diversifying its content offerings.
• Developed a comprehensive editorial calendar, improving publication timelines and ensuring consistent coverage of key campus events.
• Reported on a range of topics including student government, campus events, and local news, contributing to a 15% increase in the newspaper's circulation.
• Established a network of reliable sources, enhancing the accuracy and credibility of news stories.
• Collaborated with the design team to create compelling visuals for print and online content, resulting in a 20% increase in social media shares.
• Investigative Journalism
• Digital Content Strategy
• Live Event Coverage
• Team Management
• Podcast Production
• Editorial Planning
• News Reporting
• Source Networking
• Visual Content Creation
• Social Media Promotion

Student Journalist CV Template

• Contributed to [publication or platform, e.g., school newspaper, online blog], producing [type of content, e.g., news articles, opinion pieces] that increased [measurable impact, e.g., readership, social media engagement].
• Collaborated with [teams/individuals, e.g., editorial staff, interviewees] to cover [event or topic, e.g., school events, local news], demonstrating strong [soft skill, e.g., teamwork, communication].
• Implemented [new approach or technique, e.g., digital storytelling, multimedia content], resulting in [quantifiable benefit, e.g., 20% increase in online traffic, improved reader engagement].
• Played a key role in [project or initiative, e.g., launching a new column, organizing a press conference], which led to [measurable impact, e.g., increased visibility, recognition from peers].
• Conducted [type of research or investigation, e.g., in-depth interviews, data analysis], using [research tools/methods] to produce [outcome, e.g., compelling stories, insightful reports].
• Responsible for [task or responsibility, e.g., editing articles, managing social media channels], ensuring [quality or standard, e.g., accuracy, consistency] across all published content.
• Major: Name of Major
• Minor: Name of Minor

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How To Apply Successfully For A Journalism Masters In The UK

December 16, 2022 (Updated December 21, 2023 )

For many of us, our last memory of applying to a university course probably involves UCAS — and you were probably pretty peeved when it destroyed all the formatting for your personal statement. You’ll be happy to know the process of applying for a journalism masters degree goes nowhere near that website.

However, if you are thinking about applying for a postgraduate course in journalism, you will need to put together an application that involves multiple parts. We spoke to the lecturers who sift through your applications and the students who’ve successfully applied to work out how to stand the best chance of snagging a place.

Is A Masters In Journalism Worth It?

Before you even think about putting in an application, it’s worth taking the time to work out if an MA in journalism is the right route for you and which one would suit you best. Research is key — City, University of London’s journalism department, for example, offers 10 different options , so it’s well worth taking the time to see which course fits you.

Don’t just assume you know what each individual course will entail. Instead, take the time to understand the knowledge and skills you will learn during each course, and think about whether those are suited to your interests and passions.

One example is how City’s International Journalism course isn’t a programme only for international students but is a course designed for students aiming to become foreign correspondents or hoping to work on a foreign news desk — a common misconception made by those who haven’t looked at the course information in detail.

Jason Bennetto, City’s senior lecturer in Magazine Journalism , recommends attending an open day if possible — you can see upcoming dates at City here , as well as what they involve. As well as being able to meet course tutors, students and alumni, and see the facilities, it’s an excellent place to ask a tonne of questions: Ask how much practical experience you’ll get, what kinds of guest lectures you can expect, and where alumni have ended up working. Some universities will also offer ‘virtual’ open evenings too — at City, there’s offer both a virtual open evening in April , as well as a session about journalism skills and jobs that’s open to all on January 31, 2024.

Many universities will also offer remote event options for those who can’t make it in person too — and we can’t stress enough how useful they are to understanding the resources open to you and the people you’ll be working with.

Asking where alumni work is one of the best questions to ask of potential courses. Rather than just telling you how many of their past students are in work, it gives an insight into the types of places you could end up working, where the course has industry links, and what kind of relationships they have with their alumni.

At City, University of London, more than 6,000 alumni are now working in respected positions within the industry, from newspapers and magazines, to broadcast and digital positions. Names  you may have heard of include:

• Sunday Times columnist Dolly Alderton (Magazine Journalism, 2010)

• Author and broadcaster Gary Younge (Newspaper Journalism, 1993)

• BBC political editor Chris Mason (Broadcast Journalism, 2002)

• Former gal-dem editor and New York Times journalist Charlie Brinkhurst–Cuff (Newspaper Journalism, 2016)

• Fay Schlesinger, head of national news at  The Guardian.

You can see even more alumni by looking through their annual  XCity magazine here and more about their courses here .

What Are Courses Looking For In Applicants?

According to City’s senior lecturer in Magazine Journalism, Jason Bennetto, anyone who has a genuine passion and commitment to becoming a journalist should consider applying for a MA in Journalism at the university.

“We want people who want to be journalists and like asking questions,” explains Bennetto, when asked the kind of things they look for in applications. But he also urges people to be open about what they still need to learn.

“People with lots of ideas, who are curious about other people and world events, who are prepared to work hard and learn. But we aren’t looking for the finished article — remember, you come on the course so we can help you become a fantastic journalist.”

Zahera Harb, the head of City University’s MA International Journalism course, agrees. “If you are thinking of applying for a MA course in International Journalism, ask yourself if you really are interested in the news. You need to be up to date with what’s happening in the world to be a journalist. If you are curious, you should apply. If you’re not someone who reads, watches the news, or surfs online for news — or if you feel disconnected with that word — then perhaps this profession is not for you.”

In short, you want your application to show curiosity about the world, how you consume the news yourself, and that you’re open and willing to learn more.

“We offer support services and allowances to applicants with mental and physical health conditions,” Bennetto adds. “For example, we can offer extra time and support for students with dyslexia or dyspraxia. The campus also has wheelchair access and has catered for students with visual impairments. As with all our students, we always strive to make sure everyone is comfortable and looked after.”

What Do I Need To Apply For A Postgraduate Journalism Degree?

Aside from your mindset and personal statement, courses will typically ask you to submit your academic record, proof of proficiency in English if it is your second language, as well as proof of any journalism work experience to date. The exact requirements will vary from university to university and even course to course, so do check what you need before you sit down to apply.

“The requirements [at City] are a good second-class undergraduate degree or above in any subject,” says Bennetto. “We also welcome applications if you have relevant experience but without this level. And we have had people who have studied everything from humanities to maths, and even law.”

In addition, applicants should have an IELTS academic test of 7 and above, or an equivalent certificate in English if they graduated from a country where English isn’t an official language. A personal statement, proof of an undergraduate degree, and a CV will also be needed for the application. Finally, applicants must demonstrate having an interest or practice in journalism, best shown by already having completed work experience or similar.

“The latter is because we want evidence that students have genuinely thought about journalism by gaining some experience,” Bennetto explains. “Typically, people have worked on a student magazine, website, or radio station.

“They may have even gained work experience on local websites or professional publications — but working for a professional outlet isn’t necessary. We simply want to see you are curious about the world and have already shown a commitment to journalism.”

“Applicants sometimes refrain from applying altogether because they feel they don’t have enough work experience,” explains Harb. If you feel this way, she advises spending a week or two experience building before you apply. It doesn’t have to be a huge amount and is another reason to start thinking about your application early.

“If you do want to become a journalist, then engage with journalism by writing a blog or pitching to local or student media before you start your application.”

As previously mentioned, every course will have slightly different requirements for applications. But, as a rule, most will include a short written exercise. Depending on what is required and the student, applications can take from one day to a few weeks to put together.

On City’s MA Magazine Journalism , for example, students are asked to interview someone of interest in their local area and write a 250-word article based on the interview. The idea is to see if the applicant can find someone to interview, talk to them, and put it all together in a cohesive article, like they would have to in a newsroom.

Applications for City’s journalism courses are now open and run until the start of the next academic year — but early applications are encouraged.

They offer 10 courses tailored courses, all giving up-to-the-minute industry insights and access to specialist journalism facilities developed in consultation with BBC and ITN experts.

• MA Broadcast Journalism • MA Digital and Social Journalism • MA Global Financial Journalism • MA International Journalism • MA Investigative Journalism • MA Journalism, Media, and Globalisation (Erasmus Mundus) • MA Magazine Journalism • MA Newspaper Journalism • MA Podcasting • MA Television Journalism

You can find details on their Postgraduate Open Evenings on their website , as well as a virtual event in April and a journalism skills session in January .

A regular mistake made when applying is students not following instructions, warns Bennetto. People leave out things like their personal statement or the short written piece that many courses require, or they provide far too much information. “Remember, accuracy is important in journalism, so I recommend sticking to the course application brief on our website and making sure someone else checks your application for grammatical errors,” he says.

What Is The Deadline For Postgraduate Applications?

While most masters courses do not carry a specific deadline for applications, the recommendation is to start your application as early as possible — this will give you time to ensure your application ticks off all the requirements for your particular course, and that you have work experience to demonstrate your commitment to journalism.

Archie Earle, 23, a student in MA Newspaper Journalism at City, began his application in May, giving him time to consider his application assignments. “I spent three weeks on the application which involved a brief personal statement of 200 words and an interview with someone in the local community.”

Though we don’t necessarily recommend it, there are also applicants for whom taking a risk with time has paid off. Hridika Nandra, 22, completed her Master’s application in one day.

“After submitting my application, I heard from them the next day to arrange an interview. From then, it only took 48 hours to receive my official unconditional offer for the course!”

What To Write In A Personal Statement For A Masters

Whatever course you’re applying for, the chances are they’ll want a personal statement. The purpose is to introduce yourself to the course leaders, helping them to learn more about you and to get a snapshot of your background, experience, and motivation. In addition, it should show why you want to be a journalist and why you have chosen the university to undertake your particular programme.

“Be honest and straightforward,” Bennetto advises. “Address your chosen MA and tell us why you want to come to City to study that specific course. Demonstrate those things with examples of the work experience or other relevant work.”

Harb adds, “A common mistake is when students write one personal statement for a string of applications. Make sure you show us why you are interested in this specific course — and in us as a university.”

Almost all courses ask for a statement that gives a snapshot of why you want to apply for that specific course.

You’ll also be asked to provide proof of your academic records — such as a degree transcript from your previous institution.

This could be writing your own blog or curating an Instagram page, student media, or something more formal.

Some courses will ask you to complete an additional test to show your skills, like a short news piece.

Earle gave us a look into his personal statement: “I used my 200-word personal statement to talk about how I had wanted to be a journalist for a long time and how, since studying Politics and International Relations as my undergraduate degree, I had got experience at a student magazine and gone on to work on the data desk at the Times and Sunday Times.”

Nandra also demonstrated how a personal statement doesn’t have to be long-winded to be effective. “My personal statement was less than a page and included four paragraphs summarising my interest in journalism. The first outlined my work as an undergraduate student in Psychology and Consumer Marketing, and how the skills from the course could apply in a journalism setting.

“I then ran through my previous experience in a TV presenter role for britasiatv, such as covering the Commonwealth Games and going to red-carpet events. I didn’t just list what I had done, but also the skills I had learnt and show that applied to journalism. Finally, I explained why I looked forward to learning at City and why I had chosen the course I had.”

What Happens After The Application?

After you submit your application, it will then be sent for review by the team at your chosen university.

If your application ticks most of the boxes, you will typically take at least a month to receive an email offering you a one-on-one interview with your course leader , which will either be conducted in person or via Zoom.

Alternatively, some courses may offer you a place straight away. You can find out more about what to expect during an MA course interview here .

And as we promised, no UCAS was involved whatsoever.

Wherever you are in the world, on any given day you are likely to see, hear or read journalism from graduates of  City’s Department of Journalism .

Each year hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds apply to us who want the best education to enable them to get a great job in the media.

Here at City, we provide an intense and highly focused education to help you acquire the up-to-date journalism skills needed to enter your chosen area of the media.

Watch CBS News

Full transcript of "Face the Nation," May 5, 2024

May 5, 2024 / 2:43 PM EDT / CBS News

On this "Face the Nation" broadcast, moderated by Margaret Brennan: 

• South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem , a Republican
• Sen. John Fetterman , Democrat of Pennsylvania
• Rep. Ro Khanna , Democrat of California
• Queen Rania al Abdullah of Jordan

Click  here to browse full transcripts of "Face the Nation."   

MARGARET BRENNAN: I'm Margaret Brennan.

And this week on Face the Nation: Campus chaos continues from coast to coast.

Plus, South Dakota Republican Governor Kristi Noem kicks off her book tour today, and we have got the first interview.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Campus protests tied to the war between Israel and Hamas spilled into the weekend.

And with no breakthrough yet in Mideast negotiations for a short-term cease-fire and hostage release, the political pressure on President Biden builds. He tries to calm the domestic furor.

JOE BIDEN (President of the United States): Dissent is essential to democracy, but dissent must never lead to disorder. There's the right to protest, but not the right to cause chaos.

MARGARET BRENNAN: We will talk with two key Democrats as those protests continue, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman and California Congressman Ro Khanna.

Plus: Have South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's chances to become former President Trump's running mate been helped or hurt by some controversial revelations she makes about herself in her new book? She's just back from a Republican gathering with Trump in Palm Beach.

Finally, our conversation with Jordan's Queen Rania. She's of Palestinian descent and shares her views about the war in Gaza and her hopes for peace in the region.

It's all just ahead on Face the Nation.

Good morning, and welcome to Face the Nation.

We begin this morning with the Republican governor of the state of South Dakota, Kristi Noem. Her upcoming memoir, "No Going Back," is out this Tuesday.

And she joins us from Watertown, South Dakota.

Welcome back to Face the Nation.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM (R-South Dakota): Thank you, Margaret. Thank you for inviting me to be on with you today.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, Governor, I have your book right here.

The very first blurb in it is an endorsement from Donald Trump. He says: "This book, it's a winner, lays out a fantastic plan to make America great again."

I know you're back from a gathering with Mr. Trump and other Republicans in Florida. Did he mention any of the response to your book at all?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Oh, he certainly knows about the book, and I appreciate his endorsement of it.

You know, this is really a book that talks about how we're not going back. It's – we're not going back to the days before Donald Trump. Donald Trump broke politics. And I think that's a good thing. We're not going back to the days of Mitt Romney or the Bushes, that now there's a new way to do and talk to the American people, and they appreciate it.

It's an honest, genuine conversation about what these citizens can do to take back their government and to have more input. So this book is really a how-to guide for how to make your voice heard and how – for people in this country, what they can do to really make sure that they are getting genuine elected officials that really want to give them more freedom and liberty.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So, you write about lessons learned in leadership, and you bring up some specific incidents I want to ask you about.

You talk about meeting some world leaders and one specific one – quote – "I remember when I met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. I'm sure he underestimated me, having no clue about my experience staring down little tyrants. I have been a children's pastor after all."

Did you meet Kim Jong-un?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Well, you know, as soon as this was brought to my attention, I certainly made some changes and looked at this – this passage.

And I have met with many, many world leaders. I have traveled around the world. As soon as it was brought to my attention, we went forward and have made some edits. So I'm glad that this book is being released in a couple of days, and that those edits will be in place, and that people will – will have the updated version.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So you did not meet with Kim Jong-un? That's what you're saying.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: No, I have met with many, many world leaders, many world leaders. I have traveled around the world, I think I have talked extensively in this book about my time serving in Congress, my time as governor, before governor, some of the travels that I have had.

I'm not going to talk about my specific meetings with world leaders, I'm just not going to do that. This anecdote shouldn't have been in the book. And as soon as it was brought to my attention, I made sure that that was adjusted.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: So, the book is not released until Tuesday.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: And so we're doing all that we can to make sure that those changes are made. And I'm going to continue to focus on what this book is, and the blueprint that it lays out for the American citizen on all of the things in the background and stories of my life, but also what I think that needs to be identified in politics and was broken today.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I talk about how broken the money game is, how broken it is that – that we've got consultants that are getting rich off of elected officials, and then how fake some elected politicians are.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Every single person in this country wants someone in elected office that's – that's a human being, that doesn't say they're perfect.

I take responsibility for that being in the book. And as soon as it was brought to my attention, I asked for it to be changed. So I'm glad that the release date is in a couple of days. And we're excited to talk to America about my new book, "No Going Back."

MARGARET BRENNAN: So you talk about your time in the Armed Services Committee from 2013 to 2015. In that period of time, the leader of South Korea was a female president.

I'm wondering, who is it that you confused Kim Jong-un with?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Well, I think you need to remember, Margaret, and everybody needs to remember that I have worked on ag policy and federal policy for over 30 years.

My time in serving and making policies in this country has been extensive and covered decades.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Right, but you never went to North Korea.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: So, I make no specifics in this book. I talk about the fact that – yes, I have. I have been there.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You went – you went to North Korea?

(CROSSTALK)

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I went to the DMZ. And there are details – there details in this book that talk about going to the DMZ and specifics that I'm willing to share.

There's some specifics I'm not willing to share with you. I have traveled the world, and I visited with world leaders. And some of that is referenced in the book. And this anecdote is something that, when it was brought to my attention…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: … we made some changes. And when the book is released, we'll do all that we can to see that – that that is reflected.

MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.

Well, I'm asking you about that specifically, because you – you made the point to bring him up twice, and that he was a little tyrant.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Do you have a question for me, Margaret?

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes, I do.

South Korea is a treaty ally. North Korea is a nuclear-armed adversary, so that's a…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Hello?

MARGARET BRENNAN: … pretty big thing to confuse.

I know you read this book before it was published…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I'm sorry. I…

MARGARET BRENNAN: … because you released video of your recording of the audiobook.

You didn't catch these errors when you were recording it?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Well, Margaret, as soon as it was brought to my attention, I took action to make sure that it was reflected.

And, listen, this is what is so discouraging about politics and the media today, is that we have the White House that just recently came out and confirmed that President Joe Biden has misspoken, has made mistakes, has even outright lied over close to 150 times just this year.

And you've done nothing to question him on any of that. And you're – you're talking about a book that hasn't been released yet, that's been corrected before it's been released. And you haven't said one thing about Joe Biden saying that he was in prison with Nelson Mandela, that he started the civil rights movement, that he drove an 18-wheeler, that his uncle was eaten by cannibals.

MARGARET BRENNAN: If I had an interview with Joe Biden, who I have asked for multiple times, I will definitely ask him about his record.

But I'm asking you about your book here, which we have. So…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Well, I'm just asking – I'm just asking for why – why am I being treated differently than every other person that you've interviewed? I have looked at your last several weeks of your interviews.

MARGARET BRENNAN: I'm quoting you.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: You don't – you don't interrupt other people. You let them talk.

Thank you for inviting me to have this conversation about this book. This book is extremely important to the people of this country. It is important, because it's a how-to guide of what they can do to have input into their government, how we need breakers and builders in this world.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Mm-hmm.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: And I'm taking responsibility for the change that we've made. And the buck stops with me.

MARGARET BRENNAN: OK, and for the mistake in the book?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: And I have told you that, and I'm – no, it's not. What I have said is that I have decided that this anecdote should…

MARGARET BRENNAN: You're not taking responsibility for the mistakes in the book?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I have decided this – I – I am saying that this book is very, very good. And I have met with many world leaders, and that I – there are world leaders that I have met with that are in this book.

There are many that I met with that are not in this book.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: And this is an anecdote that – that I asked to have removed, because I think it's appropriate at this point in time.

But I'm not going to talk to you about those personal meetings that I have had with world leaders.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I'm just not going to have that conversation, because I think it's important.

You do mention Benjamin Netanyahu as well, though, in it among world leaders. In an interview with "TIME" magazine this week, former President Donald Trump was asked about Israel and Hamas, and he said – quote – "Bibi Netanyahu rightfully has been criticized for what took place on October 7."

Do you agree with Mr. Trump?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I think that Bibi Netanyahu is a strong leader who's leading Israel through extremely difficult times.

October 7 was horrific, and the crimes that Hamas committed against the Jewish people were absolutely awful, and that the United States of America should stand strong with our allies in the Middle East. I'm proud to – to know the Jewish people and their leaders over many, many years.

And I think that what Hamas is doing and the atrocities that were committed are horrific, and that we should never stand for the antisemitism that we see going on in the United States of America. And what's – happens on our college campuses is absolutely devastating. It should be shut down immediately.

I'm disappointed that President Joe Biden didn't take action immediately to stop these violent crimes against the Jewish people that have happened on our own college campuses right here in the United States of America. It should have never been allowed and it should be stopped today.

MARGARET BRENNAN: OK, so you don't agree with Mr. Trump's statement there.

I want to ask you again about the book. I – I know you know this question is coming, because there's been such an enormous backlash about your revelation that you shot and killed a wirehaired pointer named Cricket who was 14 months old.

You say in the book she came from another family that struggled with her aggression. You'd been training her to hunt. She got too excited, ruined the hunt, and then attacked and killed some chickens.

I wonder if you have regrets about sharing this story.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: You know, Margaret, this book is filled with vulnerable, painful moments in my life, filled with times where I have made very difficult decisions.

The reason that this story is in the book because people need to understand who I am and some of those difficult decisions. This was a dangerous animal that was killing livestock and attacking people. And – and I had little children at the time. Our operation had many kids running around and people and interaction with the public.

And I made a difficult choice. I think you're a mother too. And you have little kiddos. Would you make a choice between your children or a dangerous animal? And I think I would ask everybody in the country to put themselves in that situation.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Because that's what I faced. And I talk about it because what I'm tired of in this country is politicians who pretend to be something that they're not, that they aren't willing to have the hard conversations and look at the past and the tough decisions that they've made.

I'm – what I talk about in the book extensively when people are able to get it on Tuesday is to see the whole story and the truth, not the spin that the media has put on this story. The media has put some or removed – removed most of the facts and – and what – the reason this is in there…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: … is because I want people to know that I don't ask anybody else to take on my responsibilities.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But you…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I understood my responsibility. And, as a mom, I made a choice between protecting my children, and protecting them from a dangerous animal that was killing livestock and attacking people.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: And that's the decision that I made. I…

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, I – I described – I described, I think accurately, how you wrote it up in the book.

You didn't say the dog attacked people. You said it had tried to bite you. And I just wonder why you concluded that a young dog…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: … was untrainable and not just take it to a shelter?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: This dog was a – well, this dog was a working dog. And it had come from a family that already had issues with this dog.

And I had put months and months of training into this dog. This dog had gone to other trainers as well. So – so, all of that is the facts of the story. And all of that shows that, when you put someone in a position where they have to make a – a decision, and they want to protect their family, and protect children and other people from getting attacked…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: … from an animal that has attacked others and killed livestock, that's the choice I made over 20 years ago.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: … and that I didn't ask somebody else to take – take that responsibility for me, that I had to make that decision myself.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Because you put it in a part of a chapter called "Bad Day to Be a Goat."

And then, after you shot the dog, you – quote – "realized another unpleasant job needed to be done. Walking back up to the yard, I spotted our billy goat." You said he smelled and would chase kids, so you took him to the gravel pit and shot him twice.

How – how do you justify that? How was the goat a threat? And I'm asking you this because it seems like you're celebrating the killing of the animals.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Not at all.

This has been a story that my political opponents have tried to use against me for years. It's well known in South Dakota, and it has been to other people. And I want the truth to be out there and to understand that – that these animals were attacking my children, that – that we live on a farm and ranch, and the tough decisions are made many times.

And it is – it is to protect people. And I will tell you, the – the extremism of other people and how they have attacked me politically, I understand it. They're doing the same thing to me that they do to Donald Trump every day…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: … every day, the constant attacks and coming after me.

I – during COVID, I was attacked night after night for months after month for the decisions that I made. In fact, you and many other journalists attacked me every single day on TV for months for the decisions that I made in South Dakota, for my people to protect their freedoms and their liberties.

MARGARET BRENNAN: I think we had a very – I think we had a very fair interview.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: So – so, I'm – I'm used to being attacked.

MARGARET BRENNAN: … when you joined us, ma'am, at that time.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Well, I was…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Yes, I was…

MARGARET BRENNAN: And I thanked you for answering questions on it.

But on the – on this point, though, because you have been rumored to be a potential vice presidential candidate, as you know. And former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said: "Killing the dog and then writing about it ended any possibility of her being picked as V.P."

You talk multiple times about it. In fact, at the end of the book, you say the very first thing you would do if you got to the White House that was different from Joe Biden, is you'd make sure Joe Biden's dog was nowhere on the grounds. "Commander, say hello to Cricket."

Are you doing this to try to look tough? Do you still think that you have a shot at being a V.P.?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: Well, number one, Joe Biden's dog has attacked 24 Secret Service people. So, how many people is enough people to be attacked and dangerously hurt before you make a decision on a dog and what to do with it?

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, he's not living at the White House anymore.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: That's – that's a question that the president should be held accountable to.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You're saying he should be shot?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: That what's the president should be accountable to, is, what is – what is the number?

And I would say, about Republicans criticizing me, these are the same Republicans have criticized me during COVID. They've criticized me when I have made other decisions in South Dakota to protect my state. And my state today is extremely happy and thriving. We're doing well.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: We've got thousands of people moving to our state because they love the opportunities that are here and the businesses that have come and how we've gotten to be…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: … a state that has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation.

Everybody has an opportunity for higher wages. We've got revenues and reserves. We paid off our debt. We've got a AAA credit rating.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: We've got a fully funded pension system. We were the first state in the nation to…

MARGARET BRENNAN: So you're not going to retract the book?

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: … to really go after and to prevent China…

MARGARET BRENNAN: And, Governor…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I – this book is a powerful book. It's an honest book. It's an honest book of a blueprint for America of what citizens can do here to take their country back.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: And I'm so proud of this book and – and what it will bring to people. I hope that they will buy it. They'll find a lot of truthful stories.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: And we talk a lot about what we can use as an example from Donald Trump on how he has continued to be a real person, been genuine, and been honest to people, and that what bothers me the most about politicians is when they're fake.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But if you have to retract it or parts of it…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I'm not – I'm not retracting anything.

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: I'm not retracting anything.

MARGARET BRENNAN: All right. All right, Governor…

GOVERNOR KRISTI NOEM: No, absolutely. This book…

MARGARET BRENNAN: … thank you for taking the questions and joining us today.

Face the Nation will be back in a minute. Stay with us.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: There were more crackdowns this weekend on anti-war protests and encampments.

Early this morning, police moved in on the campus of USC in Los Angeles and quickly dispersed protesters. It's just the latest in a series of sweeps by law enforcement and schools losing patience.

Our Mark Strassmann has the latest.

MARK STRASSMANN (voice-over): At the University of Virginia on Saturday, police at times sprayed a chemical irritant to help arrest roughly 25 protesters and take down a tent city.

At the Art Institute of Chicago, a new encampment lasted only hours on Saturday. Police moved in. They made at least 68 arrests.

And a new disruption at the University of Michigan's commencement. Dozens of protesters chanted and waved Palestinian flags. But the event went on. For many schools, this month's new challenge, graduation, doing it well in the face of all this protest. Here in L.A., USC's plan? Canceling its main commencement exercise this Friday.

Student journalist Liv Kelleher has covered it all here, the protests, police raids, the ongoing show of force.

LIV KELLEHER (Student Journalist): My view is, administration should have handled this differently. I think the calling in of LAPD was excessive.

MARK STRASSMANN: But the administrators' message to protesters: Enough.

At UCLA last week, counterprotesters started brawling with people inside the encampment. Later in the week, police moved in, arresting more than 200 people.

In a couple hours at Columbia, the NYPD retook a campus building seized by demonstrators. One officer accidentally fired his gun. No one was hit, more than 100 people arrested. Several schools, like Vassar and Brown, negotiated with demonstrators. In some cases, administrators agreed to talk about protesters' demands to divest from funding, investments and partnerships with the state of Israel. The protesters went back to their dorms.

But at roughly 80 schools, unrest still fractures campus, with clashing claims of free speech and hate speech.

MARGARET BRENNAN: That was our Mark Strassmann.

And we turn now to Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman. He joins us from Orlando, Florida, this morning, where he spent the weekend campaigning on behalf of President Biden's reelection.

Welcome to the show, Senator.

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN (D-Pennsylvania): Hi.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Hi.

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: Good to be here.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Great to have you here.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You're cracking up. Do you want to tell us what you're responding to there?

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: Oh, that – that interview, that was – that was magnificent. No, I – I…

Well, let me ask you about Democrats and your own party. I know you've been spending a lot of time on that this past weekend. You've been outspoken about these protesters we were just talking about with our reporter there. The director of national intelligence testified this week that there is no U.S. intelligence that Hamas is influencing the protests in the U.S. or directing it in any way.

But I know you have said: "While it's a great American value to protest, I don't believe living in a pup tent for Hamas is really helpful.

Do you consider the flying of the Palestinian flag to be antisemitic, or have you actually seen the Hamas flag in some of these protests?

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: No. No, I – I don't think that, but – but I will – I will say that these kinds of protests haven't been helpful.

And, ironically, they are actually working against peace in the Middle East as – as well. And it's also very strange to me that now they're not actually protesting for a cease-fire now. And there's been a very valid cease-fire that's been on the table now, and Hamas has been – refused to take that on.

And I don't know why we're not – if we're going to – protesting, why aren't we protesting that, demanding Hamas to take that kind of a – a cease-fire? And then that would – that would end all of the – the trauma and the chaotic going on there in Gaza.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, many of these young protesters are protesting against President Biden's Israel policy, Israel being a recipient of U.S. taxpayer dollars and U.S.-provided weapons. Hamas is not. Hamas is a designated terror group.

So do you have any problem with the attempt to influence the president's policy through protest?

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: Well, like I said, I don't – I don't – I will never support any kind of conditions on Israel during this.

And, again, I would – I am going to continue to center Hamas as responsible for all of that again, then.

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: And, now, if you're going to protest on these campuses, or now what – they're going all across America as well too.

I really want to – can't forget that the situation right now could end right now if Hamas just surrendered, and they just sent all of those hostages home again. And that's also a thing that I have been frustrated too, is now that those hostages should be really in front of the conversations about the situation in Gaza. Sending them home would really, you know, end, again, all of this immediately.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Mm-hmm. Well, understood, but these protesters – are you saying that, by protesting the president's policy, you just see any opposition to the president's policy as Pro-Hamas? Or is it something specific that you have an issue with?

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: I mean, it's perfectly – it's perfectly normal, if you don't agree with the president on this issue or many other issues.

But it's very strange that, when we have this incredible, important election right in front of us – we're about six months to go – and it's really two stark choices.

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: You have Joe Biden, an outstanding president, and then you have Donald Trump, who's actually now in a trial talking about bribing a former adult film star.

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: And it's really kind of a stark, stark contrast here.

And – and if you're willing to walk away from Joe Biden…

SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN: … it's inevitable you're actually supporting Trump.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, I need to talk to you about other issues affecting this election on the other side of this break.

So, please stay with us, Senator. We'll be back.

MARGARET BRENNAN: We will be right back.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome back to FACE THE NATION.

We return to our conversation with Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman.

Senator, you said the other day that you'd vote for a Senate version of that House anti-Semitism bill. The ACLU said federal law already prohibits anti-Semitic discrimination and that this bill would chill free speech. Do these concerns resonate with you?

SEN. JOHN FETTERMAN (D-PA): I don't - I don't disagree with that. I was one of the co-leader sponsors of that bill. So, I'm - of course I'm going to vote yes on that. And I think it's a very valid concern that really allowed that – that - I mean that's an overwhelming vote, a bipartisan vote in the House as well, I think. It's - it's - it's a great bill, and I look forward to voting for it.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But, sorry, just to clarify, you agree with the ACLU saying that it's wrong to equate criticism of the Israeli government with anti-Semitism?

JOHN FETTERMAN: No. Well, I - I - I'm not really sure what's really the - I don't - I don't agree - I mean I do think that a lot of the criticism right now during this - the Gaza war, I think at its root does have some anti- Semitism there as well too.

Now, it's - you know, you don't have to agree with the Israeli government, but - but a lot of the protesting and a lot of the words that are - that are being thrown around on a lot of these campuses, you know, are actually very anti-Semitism.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes. OK, yes, I was just - the ACLU comment was on that House bill, that's why I wanted to clarify that.

So, you, as we mentioned, have been in Florida for this Democratic fundraiser. Our CBS polling shows that President Biden is in a really tight race in your home state of Pennsylvania with Mr. Trump. Sixty-one percent of registered voters say the economy in Pennsylvania was better during the Trump era, 55 percent said Mr. Biden makes them feel worried, versus 48 percent who say Trump. How tight is this race going to be?

JOHN FETTERMAN: Sorry, we're having a technical issue.

I was asking you about CBS polling showing a very tight race in the state of Pennsylvania. Are you able to hear me, sir?

JOHN FETTERMAN: The - it's not - it's not working.

MARGARET BRENNAN: OK. All right, I'll ask one more time, sir, if you can hear me -

JOHN FETTERMAN: Now it's working. Now it's working. Now I can, yes. OK.

JOHN FETTERMAN: Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: In the state of Pennsylvania, our CBS polling shows it's going to be a very tight presidential race for Joe Biden to be re-elected.

JOHN FETTERMAN: Correct.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The issue of the economy is of paramount importance. And in your state, our polling shows there's more confidence in Trump's leadership on the economy than in Biden's. And this is very acute around the issue of oil and gas. How worried are you?

JOHN FETTERMAN: I'm not - I'm not worried about that. And I want to be very clear, Joe Biden beat - he beat Trump in Pennsylvania and he's going to do that again. But it's going to be very close. Absolutely. I've been calling that - I've been having that same conversation since 2016, that it's going to be very competitive. And now oil and gas, of course, that's an issue, but it's not going to be – it's going to define the race. And that's - for sure. Again, it - we have that two very stark choice between those two. And it's - it's very clear that - it's - it's not going to be a defining factor for sure.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, we're going to have a lot of focus on your state in the coming months.

Senator, thank you for your time today.

We'll be right back.

MARGARET BRENNAN: We're joined now by California Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna.

Good to have you here.

And you've been, I know, visiting college campuses across the country, in Michigan, Nevada, and the Biden campaign recently sent you to Wisconsin. Are we at the point now where the protesters are becoming a story onto themselves and a distraction from the issues that they're protesting?

REP. RO KHANNA (D-CA): No, I don't think so. I mean in Wisconsin the issues that came up first were abortion right, second the cost of living and what the president was going to do on student loans and for housing and rent. Gaza came up. But, you know, one of the conversations in Madison with Jewish Americans and Arab Americans was extraordinary civil, thoughtful and constructive. So, I think in a lot of campuses, there are 4,000 of them in the United States, there is actually constructive dialog taking place.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But the president isn't doing those kind of listening sessions. Why?

RO KHANNA: Well, I think the president should and will get out there on campuses. I think –

MARGARET BRENNAN: He gets shouted down "genocide Joe" when he goes to events.

RO KHANNA: And look, that's part of protests. I condemn any protest that incites violence or that is anti-Semitic. As someone's whose grandfather spent four years in jail with Ghandi, I mean the whole point of satyagraha (ph) was non-violent protests.

But we have to understand that this is a defining moment for this generation, similar to anti-Vietnam protests, anti-apartheid protests, anti-Iraq War protests. And they're telling us that over 30,000 people have died. It's time for this war to end. It's time for the hostages to be released that Hamas has, and they want to see leadership in America and around the world. This is not the world that they want.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, the president, though, has said the protests aren't making him change his policy. He is unequivocally pro-Israel. It was a month ago he said something had to change or U.S. policy would. Do you expect any change in U.S. policy as a result?

RO KHANNA: I do. And I slightly disagree. I think the protests and the larger movement have had the president change. I mean you look at the president now talking about some of the consequences that could have on Netanyahu, the Aras Canal - the Aras opening opened. The United States didn't veto the cease-fire resolution in the United Nations after three attempts.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Admits (ph) that it was non-binding.

RO KHANNA: Said not binding, but at least, look, everyone from the president on down is aware that young people are upset at what's going on in the Middle East. And I do think it's had an awakening in Washinton that this war has to end, that too many people are dying. And if you look at the president's language, it's certainly shifted over the last six months. Now, some of us want there to be consequences.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Right. And this week we know there's this May 8th deadline for the administration to provide a report about whether Israel and other recipients of U.S. military aid are using those weapons in accordance with law and whether or not they are blocking humanitarian aid. Is this going to be an honest accounting?

RO KHANNA: I hope so. There's an independent task force that has issued the report as well. And - all ready.

MARGARET BRENNAN: They're trying to pre-butt -

RO KHANNA: To pre-butt -

MARGARET BRENNAN: What the administration may put out because they are pretty clear in that non-government report that they do think there are violations.

RO KHANNA: Yes. And let's be nuanced about what the report says, because it's actually very thoughtful. They say, look, the Hamas attacks on October 7th were brutal, unjustified. Then they say there are tunnels underground in Gaza, but they say you can't go destroying residential buildings just because there's a tunnel because under international law you can't have disproportionate civilian harm. And they detail cases where that happens. They detail cases where residential buildings were destroyed without any military target. So, my expectation is that the State Department report needs to have that kind of nuance and detail. And if it doesn't, you're going to have people asking why in Congress.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So, while you were talking about very specific policy changes for very specific allegations, you also see at some of these protests things that are mixed in there, either outside agitators or extreme rhetoric. Your Democratic colleague, Elissa Slotkin, was just tweeting about this protest at GW University. She said there were individuals shouting guillotine, guillotine and having a mock trial of school administrators. She says that's that creates a climate of fear for Jewish students.

What's being lost here in the conversation?

RO KHANNA: Well, she's right, I mean you can't shout guillotine, guillotine. You can't be shouting globalize the intifada or Zionists don't deserve to live. What's being lost is that those few protesters who are inciting violence or engaging in that kind of anti-Semitism are diminishing the thousands of young people who simply want the war to end.

And I guess I would say look to John Lewis or Dr. King. They, in their protests, were above reproach. If some individual engaged in bigotry, they called them out first and loudly. So, I'm proud of a lot of the young people who want to end the war, but they need to show the discipline.

And some universities have. Look at Cornell. Look at University of Minnesota. Look at what's happening at Northwestern. There have been efforts not to have the police in, to have dialog with the student protesters, to have much more peace and calm. And there are models for what can work in this country.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Congressman, it's always interesting to hear from you.

RO KHANNA: Thank you, Margaret.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you for telling us what you're seeing out there on college campuses.

We'll be back in a moment.

MARGARET BRENNAN: This week the king of Jordan will meet with President Biden at the White House. Jordan is a key ally of the U.S., and for the past 30 years has had a peace treaty with Israel. We spoke with his partner, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan on Thursday. She's of Palestinian descent and an advocate for children.

We began our conversation on the impact of the war between Israel and Hamas, and America's role in the region.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

QUEEN RANIA AL ABDULLAH, JORDAN: People view the U.S. as being party to this war because, you know, Israeli officials say that without U.S. support they couldn't launch this war. You know, you turn off the tap and the weapons dry out.

So - and so there's been anger in our part of the world, not at just what's happening, but at the world's reaction. When we see these violations - humanitarian rights violations and international law violations and we're watching the world letting it happen. When October 7th, the world rightfully condemned it and took strong actions, strong positions.

We are outraged that the same is not happening when - when Palestinians are getting killed. And so there is a sense of the selective application of humanitarian law and a sense of unfairness, a sense of, our lives don't matter as much.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You said people back home see the United States as complicit in what's happening?

QUEEN RANIA: They see it as an enabler, you know. So clearly the U.S. is the country that has most leverage over the U.S. - over Israel. And like I said, you know, it is the biggest ally and biggest supporter. And the Arab world is getting – the rest of the world, actually, is getting mixed messages. So, on the one hand, the U.S. is demanding that more aid rightfully go back into Gaza. At the same time they're - they're denying that the starvation is intentional. On the one hand they are outraged by the attacks on the aid convoys, but at the same time they're denying that Israel is violating international humanitarian law. There's an expression of concern over civilian deaths, but at the same time there's a provision of offensive weapons to Israel that are used against Palestinians.

When you try so hard to thread the needle, you can risk dropping the ball. You can risk letting your values and principles unravel. And that has a deep impact. Either everyone is accountable or no one is.

So, the next time a country breaks rules, you know, and the U.S. comes and tries to apply moral authority, those countries are going to say, well, you made an exception here. So why apply to us?

I think Gaza now is like a microcosm of our new world disorder, of the breakdown of international norms, of the return of might is right. And I think that's very dangerous, not just for our region, but for the entire world.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Recently President Biden, just about a month ago, warned Prime Minister Netanyahu that U.S. policy would change if Israel's behavior and conduct in this war didn't change. Do you believe the U.S. is starting to use the leverage you say it has?

QUEEN RANIA: Well, look, there's definitely been a change in tone and language. And, you're right, the president has been warning and has been trying very hard to persuade Netanyahu, for example, to not enter Rafah. But we've seen time and again Israeli officials not heading the warnings or counsel or advice of allies. So, I think it's time that the international community, including the U.S., really used its political leverage to compel Israel to end the war and to let aid in.

MARGARET BRENNAN: How?

QUEEN RANIA: And it's - it's by standing up for international law. Say, for example, the building of illegal settlements is - is wrong and it has to stop. It's by saying that, you know, we are not going to provide you with offensive weapons. It's by saying we're not going to continue to use our veto to not hold Israel accountable when it breaks the law.

Diplomatic pressure is also very, very important. So, there are many tools that the U.S. has in order to compel Israel to do the right thing. And I think for the sake of our world, the U.S. may be Israel's most closest ally, but a good friend holds a friend accountable.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You argue, people need to understand that Palestinian mothers love their children just as much as Israeli mothers. Why do you feel like that needed to be said?

QUEEN RANIA: Well, because, you know, for decades the dehumanization of Palestinians has been an intentional approach that Israel adopted in order to numb people to Palestinian suffering. It's actually quite surprising to see just how deep the undercurrents of dehumanizations run. Arabs are generally accused of teaching hate and Palestinians as well, but it's - Israeli have actually walled Palestinians out of sight and out of mind. It kind of reduced them to nameless, faceless security threats that you have to defend yourself against.

MARGARET BRENNAN: To see Hamas as representing Palestinian people, you're saying, is wrong?

QUEEN RANIA: Absolutely wrong. And also just to - just to point out that most of the people alive in Gaza today were not alive when Hamas was elected. They were either children - they were not born or they were children at the time. So, absolutely Hamas does not represent the majority of Palestinians. And if Palestinians hate Israelis, it is not because of their religion or their identity, it's because of the fact that they've only interacted with them as enforcers of a military state. They have only known them through their checkpoints and bullets and gun. It's not something that's inherently in them against Jewish people. In fact, I always try to remind people that, you know, we have coexisted, Christians, Muslims and Jewish people, for the longest time.

Well, you know historians will argue anti-Semitism has been present throughout history, right?

QUEEN RANIA: Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: And it is hard for people to hear some of what you are saying and not react in that way where they hear a characterization of criticism of the Israeli government or the Israeli military and see where you're separating from Jewish people.

QUEEN RANIA: Right.

MARGARET BRENNAN: A lot of people don't hear a difference.

QUEEN RANIA: Anti-Semitism is absolutely present. And it's - and it's been on the rise. It's been on the surge. And it is the worst kind of bigotry. It is pure hatred. And I always say that Muslims had to be - have to be at the forefront of fighting anti-Semitism because islamophobia is the other side of the same disease, and it's also on the rise.

Judaism is a religion of peace. And the issue is, when you try to conflate anti-Israeli policy with anti-Semitism, right? Anti-Semitism is when you persecute somebody or you discriminate against somebody based on their Jewish identity. Israel is a state. It has political policy, political parties. So, in - you can criticize the state of Israel, but that's not necessarily anti-Semitism.

So, when people stand up and speak against the war in Gaza, when they're talking about the - you know, speak against the collective punishment, when you deprive people of food as a weapon of war, when an entire population is displaced, when there's indiscriminate bombing, that is not anti-Semitism. That is speaking against Israeli policy. And I think it would be wrong to hold the Jewish community responsible for the actions of the - or the policies of Israel.

MARGARET BRENNAN: How are young people in Jordan thinking about this right now? I mean what is the sentiment in terms of the American unconditional support for the government of Israel?

QUEEN RANIA: I have to say, in one word, there's outrage. You know, there is outrage because, you know, for most young people, even those who maybe were against American foreign policy or whatever, disagreed with it, we always looked up to the U.S., you know, as a country of - a democratic country with democratic values, with application of law, with freedom of speech, with, you know, human rights, et cetera. And as I said, you know, the young people are now feeling extremely disillusioned, how can this be happening while the U.S. is allowing it to happen, while the rest of the world is allowing it to happen?

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, the director of national intelligence in this country, Avril Haines, testified saying there will be a generational impact from the war in Gaza. And that was also a gesture to terror recruitment. How concerned are you that that is what may happen to some of these young people who you say are just inundated with images of what's happening?

QUEEN RANIA: It's not just the people who are on the extreme that are being enraged by this. It's people who are in the middle as well, people who are westernized, people who studied here, people who - who are suddenly just looking at the world and saying, you know, they are so disillusioned. They're saying, you know, clearly there are different standards that humanitarian law is applied selectively and that our lives don't matter, and that it's OK for, you know, almost 15,000 children to be killed, 19,000 to be orphaned. It's OK for – for, you know, the infrastructure to be obliterated. It's OK to use - to stop the delivery of aid and food to an entire population. That is collective punishment. It's a war crime. And it's happening. And so the young people are saying, you know, I guess the west doesn't like us. So, in my opinion, this is probably one of the largest recruitment events that we've seen in recent history.

MARGARET BRENNAN: What you are describing is what Defense Secretary Austin warned Israel about, that you could have a tactical win and a strategic loss in the long term. That's what I hear you saying, that you - this will lead to more terror recruitment.

QUEEN RANIA: Absolutely. Is this war making Israel safer? Is it making our world safer? You know, I would argue, after 35,000 people dead, after the obliteration of the civilian infrastructure in Gaza, after the violations of so much, after the rhetoric that we are hearing, you know, of - from Israeli officials, calling Palestinians humans animals or saying when the prime minister says that Palestinians are children of darkness, that they only understand the rules of the jungle, you know, when officials say we need to find a more effective way than death to afflict suffering on Palestinians, how is that making Israel safer? I mean, you know, how? Peace is not about politics only. It's about people. Israelis are surprised when the word genocide is used because they cannot see Palestinians as anything but a security threat. That they deserve what's happening to them. You know, in a poll asking –

MARGARET BRENNAN: They're traumatized after October 7th. Many say this.

QUEEN RANIA: Absolutely, traumatized, I understand that. And I understand that because of my own background, that I would identify with the Palestinian side more. And I - because of that, I challenge myself every single day to put myself in the shoes of an Israeli mother who is - who has a child that's been taken as hostage, or any young Israeli who has been taught and who's heard of the horrible persecution that the Jewish people have had to endure in Europe. And I try to empathize and see where they're coming from.

And absolutely, you know, we need the hostages to go home as soon as possible. And we need the war to end as soon as possible so the Palestinians can go back to their homes if they have homes left. So, I understand that what happened on October 7th was traumatic and devastating for Israeli society, but the reaction to it has not helped the situation. You cannot just rely on your - this visitor reaction of retribution and revenge. Israel could have retaliated through surgical strikes against Hamas, but that's not what we're seeing today.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MARGARET BRENNAN: The Biden administration is also expected to report to Congress by Wednesday whether or not Israel's complying with international law in its U.S. of U.S. provided weapons and whether it is blocking U.S. aid.

You can see our full interview with Queen Rania on our website, facethenation.com, and our YouTube page.

MARGARET BRENNAN: That's it for us today. Thank you all for watching. Until next week, for FACE THE NATION, I'm Margaret Brennan.

More from CBS News

Transcript: Queen Rania al Abdullah of Jordan on "Face the Nation," May 5, 2024

Transcript: Sen. John Fetterman on "Face the Nation," May 5, 2024

Transcript: Rep. Ro Khanna on "Face the Nation," May 5, 2024

Noem says "I want the truth to be out there" after viral story of killing her dog

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The Best First Phones for Kids

By Ellen Lee

Ellen Lee is a writer focused on baby and kid gear. She’s texted or called her kids from 27 devices.

If you’re looking to give your child their first phone, you may want one with training wheels.

Along with our own tweens and teens, we’ve tested 12 flip phones and kid-centric smartphones. These phones allow your child to call, text, and take photos, but limit web access, social media, and other potential distractions.

These starter phones have drawn increased interest as parents and caregivers weigh concerns that kids spend too much time on screens, along with a warning last year by the surgeon general that social media can hurt their mental health and well-being. All of the options have pros and cons—and none can sub in for ongoing conversations about social media, pornography, and healthy screen time habits.

We also offer separate guides to additional options, including location tracking devices , kids smartwatches , and parental controls that can be installed on standard smartphones. If you’re still deciding between a phone and a smartwatch, see our breakdown of what each does.

What we considered

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The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, a smartphone with app monitoring: bark phone, a smartphone with no web browser: pinwheel, an iphone option: iphone se with screen time, a trusty basic phone: tcl flip 2, other good first phones for kids, how we picked and tested, which device is right for your kid, what about privacy concerns, what to look forward to, the competition.

I’ve been testing smartwatches, phones, and other devices for kids for five years. A longtime technology journalist, I am also the author of Wirecutter’s guide to the best smartwatches for kids , the best apps to manage a kid’s smartphone , and advice on how to track your child’s location . And as a parent of three kids, now 15, 13, and 8 years old, I have a personal interest in finding the best gadgets to keep in touch with them—without too many distractions.

This guide is for parents and caregivers who want to give their child their first phone—but with limits.

Getting a smartphone has become a childhood “rite of passage,” with half of US children getting their first one by age 11, according to Common Sense Media. Phones give kids the flexibility to keep in touch as they start to move around more independently, along with tools to help them study, unwind, and connect with their friends.

But smartphones—and particularly their ability to connect to social media—are also the subject of intense concerns for their effects on kids’ brains and development , mental health , and general well-being. Kids are so into their phones that a 2023 Common Sense Media study found that teens picked up and checked their phone at a median rate of 51 times per day—and as much as 498 times per day.

The devices we recommend in this guide let you talk, message, and, in some cases, track your child’s location. They can also restrict full and unfettered access to the internet, social media, and games. Note, however, that these guardrails are far from foolproof: There are plenty of YouTube tutorials showing kids how to get around them. One easy way? Borrow a friend’s phone.

If you’re looking for other options, we also offer a guide to the best kids smartwatches , as well as guides to the best iPhones and Android smartphones , which can be paired with the best apps for managing your kid’s phone.

A smartphone that supervises apps

This Android smartphone comes with Bark’s parental controls built-in, monitoring the child’s texts, searches, and social media for potential problems. Kids can download any apps from the Google Play Store, pending parent or guardian approval.

Buying Options

Get this if: You’re looking for a smartphone that sends alerts about problematic usage, including on social media apps

Monthly service fee: $50 (and up) for app monitoring and cellular service through Bark; $30 for a talk-and-text-only “starter” plan. When you buy directly from Bark, the cost of the phone is included in the fee.

How the phone works: Bark is a parental controls company, offering software that flags mentions of drugs, porn, bullying, and other potential concerns in your child’s messages, posts, and searches.

The Bark Phone is a Samsung smartphone with Bark’s parental controls built in. You pay for a monthly subscription, which covers both cell phone service and monitoring.

Your child can request any of the millions of apps available from the Google Play store. Under Bark’s advanced plan , your child has the flexibility to pick the apps they want, which means they can potentially have access to a web browser, social media, and games—if you allow. You approve their app requests through Bark’s online parent portal (or via an iOS or Android app).

Bark’s software screens your child’s text messages, emails, and some social media. That includes Instagram posts , YouTube searches , and direct messages on Snapchat . You cannot see your child’s messages or posts in the parent portal or app unless they’re flagged. In our basic tests, it alerted us to a text expressing depression, a message that was bullying, and searches for alcohol and guns on Snapchat. For some social media, your child’s account needs to be connected to Bark to allow Bark to monitor certain actions (for instance, Instagram posts). This requires your child’s cooperation or for you to have your child’s social media account passwords.

You can set screen time limits for individual apps, track a kid’s location, and shut down the phone at bedtime. Once your child reaches the app’s daily time limit, they won’t be able to access it. You can also create multiple screen time routines, such as only allowing educational apps to be available during school hours.

Bark also separately offers an app that can be installed on any smartphone, which we review in our guide to parental controls . On a Bark phone, the parental controls are built in, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of installing it , and it includes features that are not available through Bark’s app, such as the ability to approve contacts and set daily screen time limits.

Warranty: Bark offers a limited one-year warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Bark phone is available only with Bark cell phone service and costs much more than other kid smartphone plans: The starter plan, with no app monitoring, costs $30 per month, while the advanced plan ranges from $50 to $90 per month depending on your data needs.

Your child may complain that it’s challenging to message friends. Because of general text messaging limitations between Android phones and iPhones, group texting between your child’s Bark phone and their friends’ iPhones can be challenging (for example, it can be annoying to start a new group chat in order to add new friends). Apple said it is fixing that, but it hasn’t happened yet.

There are complaints that Bark’s software inexplicably glitches. We’ve heard about instances of messages not going through, screen time rule changes taking a long time to kick in (or not activating at all), and other hiccups that required troubleshooting . When we tried to block Snapchat, for instance, it didn’t kick in the first time, though it did on our second try a few hours later.

Bark can’t monitor all social media use: While Bark promises to monitor popular social media, it’s important to note the fine print. For instance, Bark monitors direct messages but not searches on TikTok (we easily found unsuitable videos of near-naked girls, women, and men but did not receive any alerts). On Snapchat, it monitors direct messages and searches but not the stories your child sees (while we were alerted to strangers sending problematic messages, we were not alerted about finding and viewing influencers posting near-naked photos of themselves). In our rudimentary tests, Bark caught some problems, but it missed others: While it tracks web searches , for instance, it didn’t catch our searches for cutting (a form of self-harm ), nearby gun stores, and places that sell marijuana and vapes when we used the phone’s Samsung browser. Bark can help keep an eye out for potential problems, but as with any gadget for a kid, its filters can’t substitute for frank conversations .

A smartphone with no web access

Like Bark, Pinwheel is an Android smartphone with parental controls built in. It comes in five models, all with no web browser and a limited, curated app store. You can also see your child’s text messages and call history.

Get this if: You’re looking for a smartphone with more restrictions, including limited apps and no web browser

Monthly service fee: $15 per month, in addition to your choice of a cell phone plan

How the phone works: Like Bark, Pinwheel is a parental controls company, offering Android smartphones with Pinwheel’s parental controls built in. Pinwheel phones are available in several models; we tested the Plus 3, the company’s most popular one.

The Pinwheel phone has no web browser and no direct access to social media. Popular social media apps such as Instagram, TikTok, and Discord are blocked. Zoom, the video conferencing service, is available, but Pinwheel cautions that kids can potentially access social media and the web through it, as well as contact strangers.

Pinwheel does offer a curated library of about 1,200 apps. Through Pinwheel’s parent portal or app ( iOS and Android ), you select the apps that can be on your child’s phone. Pinwheel rates and categorizes the apps into three tiers: “approved,” “slightly out of bounds,” and “violates guidelines.” (Zoom, for instance, falls under “violates guidelines.”) You can set time limits on individual apps and shut down the phone at bedtime.

Pinwheel lets you review your kid’s text messages and call history. You can read their entire conversations through its parent portal or app—something your child may or may not be comfortable with (my teens were definitely not cool with this). Messages from unknown people (including spam) can be filtered so you see and approve (or block) the messages first.

Warranty: Pinwheel does not offer a warranty, though you can get a refund for up to 30 days or purchase a protection plan .

Just as with Bark, your child may complain that it’s challenging to message friends. As with any Android phone, kids may run into challenges with texting and group messaging if their friends have iPhones. We noticed this hiccup in a group text between an iPhone, Pinwheel phone, and Bark Phone: One of the messages never showed up in the Pinwheel phone.

You won’t receive alerts about problematic messages. You can still catch them when you read your child’s text conversations, however. You can also install Bark’s parental controls software on your Pinwheel phone, but it’s an added step and an added cost. Pinwheel said it plans to roll out Pinwheel Assistant , its detection software, later in 2024. We will try it when it’s available.

Your child may want an app that’s not available. Some apps are banned or incompatible with Pinwheel, but others may simply be new or not yet vetted . Pinwheel does offer an option to turn on the Google Play Store . It’s a cumbersome process, however, and something that Pinwheel discourages. (You must acknowledge the risks before enabling the Google Play Store.)

Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation, 128 GB)

An iphone with screen time.

If you want to stay in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone SE is the least expensive option. With Apple’s Screen Time, you can manage how much time your child spends on apps and the web—if at all.

Get this if: You want to stay in the Apple universe

Monthly service fee: Screen Time is free; you pay for your choice of a cell phone plan

How the phone works: The iPhone SE is our pick for the best budget iPhone and can be set up with Screen Time , Apple’s parental controls software (which is our pick for the best parental controls for the iPhone). Though it’s not a kid-specific smartphone like the Bark Phone or Pinwheel phone, the iPhone SE and Screen Time combination is the best option for families that want to stick with Apple.

Almost any iPhone ( 5s or newer ) can be set up with parental controls. We suggest the iPhone SE for those who want a new phone, and care about cost. Many families may opt to repurpose old iPhones instead. Because of Apple’s strict rules on non-Apple software , there are no other parental controls that work as well or as seamlessly on an iPhone as Screen Time.

The compact iPhone SE costs about half as much as the latest iPhone model. It doesn’t have the same bells and whistles—most notably, teens and tweens may be disappointed by the lower resolution, single-lens camera. But it still takes good photos and runs on a modern processor.

With Screen Time, you can lock down your child’s iPhone: You can remove Safari. You can block your child’s ability to receive calls and texts from unknown numbers . If you don’t want your child to have social media, you can block the ability to download apps without your permission. And you can set the phone to “ downtime ” so that your child can only access “always allowed” apps. We offer additional details on Apple’s Screen Time in our guide to parental controls .

Warranty: Apple offers a limited one-year warranty on the iPhone SE.

Apple’s parental controls don’t always work as they’re supposed to. Kids can find ways to circumvent Screen Time: going over their app time limit, removing Screen Time, accessing their phone when it’s supposed to be on downtime, and so forth. Sometimes the problems can be user error (setting up and managing Screen Time can be confusing), but other times it inexplicably seems to glitch. Last year, a bug in Screen Time allowed kids to bypass time limits on apps. Apple has since updated its operating system to fix the bug.

It blocks some harmful content but does not send alerts. If you turn on Communication Safety , it can detect images of nudity and blur it out (we found it caught some photos of genitalia but not all). A pop-up message will warn and encourage the child to seek help from an adult. It won’t, however, alert the parent or caregiver. Likewise, Apple’s filters limit adult content (for instance, it blocked our attempts to access pornography sites), but it will not alert you if your child receives or accesses (or tries to access) problematic messages, photos, websites, or other content.

It doesn’t allow you to review your child’s text messages. But if you want to read your child’s text conversations and you have an extra Apple device, you can mirror your child’s phone. But experts have cautioned that too much surveillance can erode trust, especially with older teens.

A reliable flip phone

If you want a basic phone that doesn’t do much besides making calls, this flip phone is fairly cheap, reliable, and easy to use.

Get this if: You’re looking for a starter phone that allows a kid to call and message one-on-one—but not much else

Monthly service fee: varies; monthly and prepaid plans available

How the phone works: Flip phones are meant primarily for making phone calls and receiving texts. We found that it’s nearly impossible to pick the best flip phone for kids, as the options and availability vary by wireless carrier and retailer. The technology for flip phones has also not changed much over the years, except to improve connectivity, upgrade the camera, or make other small tweaks.

That said, the relatively inexpensive TCL Flip 2 is a basic, clamshell handset that is reliable and designed to run on current cellular networks. (It’s a newer version of the Alcatel Smartflip , which we previously recommended; Alcatel phones are manufactured by TCL , and new models are now TCL branded.) If possible, opt for an unlocked phone, which gives you flexibility in selecting a wireless carrier.

The TCL Flip 2 does well on the basic tasks of calling and receiving one-on-one texts. It can’t really manage group texts, but it does take and download photos. Our phone calls were clear, and we found text messages easy to read on the 2.8-inch screen. Despite not having a touchscreen, this flip phone is simple to operate, with large buttons and straightforward navigation.

Basic flip phones avoid most of the distractions that smartphones present. The TCL Flip 2 offers clunky access to the internet, no group texting, and very few apps, so there’s little reason to stare at the screen for long periods of time.

Warranty: TCL offers a limited one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Basic phones don’t have any parental controls. You can’t track its location or manage a child’s contacts remotely via an app.

The TCL Flip 2 comes with an internet browser, albeit a small, slow, and grainy one. You can’t block, monitor, or filter access to the web. Depending on your version of the phone (it varies by carrier), the TCL Flip 2 may also come preloaded with Google apps, including YouTube.

Like most other flip phones, this phone does not have a QWERTY keyboard. Your child has to learn to operate a numerical keyboard to tap out a message (holding down a number to select the appropriate letter—truly old-school). In addition, your kid can’t participate in group text chats, which arrive as multimedia messages and take a considerable amount of time to download.

You can’t automatically block spam calls or any calls or texts from strangers. We received our first spam call within hours of setting ours up. You have to take extra steps to stop spam calls , such as registering the number in the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call Registry ; your service provider may also collect reports on spam calls and texts (and even then, your child may continue to receive them).

If you want a nicer-looking basic phone: The nostalgic, glossy blue Nokia 225 is a reliable “dumb” phone with a built-in flashlight that runs on the 4G network. Like the TCL Flip 2, it comes with a small, clunky web browser, as well as Facebook and a handful of simple games.

If you want a flip phone in a different color: The Nokia 2780 Flip comes in blue and red (instead of a boring black) and is compatible on multiple networks. It also has a web browser.

If you want a really cheap flip phone: The Tracfone TCL Flip 2 is one of the least expensive ones, but it’s locked to the Tracfone service. It also has a web browser.

Going by our conversations with parents, caregivers, and kids, we looked for the following features and capabilities during our search for the best first phones:

Easy to manage: It should be simple for parents and caregivers to set up any controls, as well as to change settings, receive notifications, and view usage remotely.

Can limit screen time: The phone should manage screen time, such as curbing access at bedtime, and capping the total amount of time your child spends on the phone.

Can manage access to distracting apps: It should block, limit access, or set time constraints for specific or problematic apps, such as games and social media.

Can communicate easily: The child should be able to make clear calls and send and receive texts.

Can block or monitor inappropriate and adult content: While filters are imperfect, the phone should have something in place to block porn, drugs, violence, and other problematic material.

Location tracking: We liked the peace of mind and convenience of seeing a child’s location.

To a lesser extent, we also weighed:

Usage data and analysis: Being able to see which apps a kid is using, and for how long, can be useful. We found this data helpful in understanding how our kids were using their devices, but it may be an unnecessary level of detail for some people.

One feature that we did not prioritize is the ability to see your child’s call history and read your child’s text messages. We recognize that this feature may be useful or necessary for some parents and caregivers, but it can also be invasive, especially for older teens.

Since 2018, I’ve tested 27 phones, watches, and other devices with my now 15-year-old, 13-year-old, and 8-year-old, including 12 basic and kid-specific phones.

Among my tests, I set screen time and app limits on each phone, and challenged my kids and their friends to spend more than their allotted time. I also asked people to send inappropriate messages and photos to each phone, including photos of genitalia and texts such as “nobody likes you.” If possible, I also searched or tried to access information about drugs, alcohol, porn, guns, and suicide. And I downloaded TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, created dummy accounts, and used them to scroll and send problematic posts and messages (mostly to myself). My kids did not help me test the boundaries of these filters; I chose to shield them from the harmful content that these devices are meant to protect them from.

If you’re looking to keep in touch with your child, you have multiple options. Which one makes sense for your family depends on how much connection your child needs and whether you want additional features such as GPS tracking and parental controls.

Kids smartwatches

Like a tiny computer on your child’s wrist, kids smartwatches allow your child to communicate through text messages, voice calls, and, in some cases, video calls—though they’re best for short, basic conversations. Kids smartwatches with cellular service also let you track your child’s location via GPS.

When a child’s smartwatch is paired with an adult’s smartphone, usually through an iOS or Android app, a parent or caregiver can designate who can contact their child. A kids smartwatch comes with a SIM card and a designated phone number for your child, and usually requires a cellular subscription.

Flip phones

Flip phones hail from a bygone era. These simple phones offer functionality (calling, basic texting) with limited distraction (although most can connect to the internet, including social media, navigation is slow and clunky). They can be used with cheap monthly or prepaid plans. They’re a great option for a basic communication device or emergency phone.

But there are some clear downsides to buying a flip phone for your kid: You can’t see who contacts them, track their location, or monitor how your child is using the phone. For better or worse, kids also can’t join in group text chats.

Kids smartphones

Kid-specific smartphones are for parents and caregivers who don’t yet want their child to use a full-fledged smartphone. They’re smartphones—with a touchscreen, a keyboard for easy text messaging, and a high-resolution camera—but have built-in software that strips out features such as an internet browser and an app store. Kids smartphones monitor the child’s communication, either keeping a log that parents and caregivers can review or flagging problematic messages.

Through a parent portal or app, you can remotely manage the child’s phone, such as selecting acceptable apps, tracking the phone’s location, and approving a child’s contacts. Some services offer multiple tiers, from a locked down talk-and-text-only plan to one that allows web browsing and apps.

Smartphones with parental controls

Both Android phones and iPhones can be set up with parental controls , with the ability to remotely monitor the child’s screen time, contacts, location, and access to specific apps, social media, and games.

Parental controls can be effective for many families. But some parental controls are not as tightly integrated as the ones that are built into kid-specific smartphones, and some may have fewer features, require workarounds to install, or be more easily removed or bypassed.

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) limits the type of data a company can collect about a child younger than 13 years old, how a company uses the data, and how long a company keeps the data. But device makers can skirt these sorts of protections by assuming that the parent or caregiver, not the child, is the customer. In doing so, companies can collect and use as much data as they like from the parent’s account, just as they would with any other app.

Flip phones, on the other hand, don’t pose the privacy concerns that smartphones present, which is one of the things that makes them appealing to some people (leading to their reputation as “burner phones”).

We plan to test Techless’s Wisephone II , a smartphone with limited app access, when it’s available.

Many devices we’ve tested over the years are no longer available, or have been replaced by newer versions. The following are those that are still for sale:

We used to recommend the Gabb Z2, a smartphone with no web browser and no apps that is no longer available. Under its top-tier $35 per month plan, the updated Gabb Phone Pro 3 (a Samsung smartphone installed with Gabb’s parental controls software) now offers a library of about 280 curated apps . For an additional $5 per month, kids can also stream Gabb Music , its proprietary catalog of “clean” pop tunes, including the latest from Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and more. The Gabb phone, however, currently offers few screen time management controls; you cannot cap how much time your child spends on the phone, or automatically limit access at bedtime. Managing the phone also requires navigating to multiple places: to browse and download apps , you must log into the parent portal on Gabb’s website. To manage your child’s contacts and communications (including seeing flagged messages), you must download the Gabb Messenger app . To check the location of your child’s phone (and set up location alerts), you need the MyGabb app . We preferred the ease and simplicity of managing a child’s phone from one central place, which is possible with the Bark and Pinwheel phones.

The Troomi phone (a Samsung smartphone, installed with Troomi’s software) was the only kids smartphone we tested with its own filtered web browser , available with its top-tier $30 per month plan. Troomi also offers a curated library of more than 160 apps that can be installed on the child’s phone; each app can be programmed to be accessible at certain times of a day (for instance, YouTube Kids from 3 pm to 6 pm). But we found the parental controls clunky and limited: Unlike Bark and Pinwheel, Troomi does not offer a dedicated parent app to manage the child’s phone (though you can create a shortcut to Troomi’s parent portal on your smartphone). If you want to tweak when your child can use an app, you must wade through the app library to find and update it (Troomi’s parent portal does not show your child’s downloaded apps). And while you can designate the times a child can use an app, you cannot set time limits for each app, nor can you set time limits for overall screen time.

We haven't tested the minimalist Light Phone II . Launched in 2019, the Light Phone II isn’t aimed at kids but rather at adults who are trying to curb their screen use. The sleek-looking phone costs $300 and lets you do only a few select things, such as making calls and sending text messages. It has no camera, no web browser, no app store—and no parental controls, such as location tracking.

Thorin Klosowski contributed reporting. This article was edited by Rachel Hurn and Kalee Thompson.

Christine Elgersma, senior editor, Common Sense Media , phone interview , September 13, 2018

Anya Kamenetz, author of The Art of Screen Time: How Your Family Can Balance Digital Media and Real Life , phone interview , September 17, 2018

Megan Moreno, MD, pediatrician and lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics’s policy statement on kids and media use , phone interview , October 2, 2018

Ramon Llamas, research director for mobile devices, IDC , phone interview , May 24, 2019

Catherine Pearlman, author of First Phone: A Child’s Guide to Digital Responsibility, Safety, and Etiquette , Zoom interview , September 16, 2022

Meet your guide

Ellen Lee is a senior staff writer covering baby and kid gear for Wirecutter. Her work has also appeared in The Atlantic, BBC, and Real Simple, and she was previously a staff writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. She is also the author of the (ADJECTIVE) Lunar New Year Mad Libs book. (We’re hoping you filled in the blank with “hilarious.”)

Further reading

How to Work From Home With Kids

by Christine Cyr Clisset

Working from home with kids isn’t easy. But these 5 strategies can make it more manageable.

The Best Ways to Track Your Kid (And Why You Might Not Want To)

by Ellen Lee

A device that keeps tabs on a kid’s location from afar can be a reassuring tool as they start to navigate the world on their own.

The Phone Setting That Every Parent Should Try

by Lauren Sullivan

I stumbled on a feature in my iPhone’s settings late at night, and I was delighted the next morning by what awaited me.

The Best Smartwatches for Kids

Choosing the best smartwatch for a child can be difficult. We’ve tested over a dozen smartwatches to find the best one for different ages.

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Journalism and sport activity personal statement example.

Today within our society, the wide sport sector is expanding and developing and is becoming more influential in our lives. This increase in popularity and accessibility has had an affect on my interest and involvement in this subject and the different aspects involved in sport. My awareness has developed -not just in the practical aspects of sport- but the way in which it is analysed through newspapers and the media and to a certain extent the business side of it.

I have been drawn in by sport from a young age and my attraction has amplified and my taking part in sporting activity increased. For many years, I have played football week by week and have constructed an understanding of the sport. My knowledge of the professional game has been altered through resources and articles in newspapers and reading and developing opinions based on the writing in front of me. Accomplishment in my exams also encouraged me to further widen my options in a sporting career and showed me that success can be achieved through sheer hard work and perseverance.

Towards the end of my fourth year at High School I attended work experience at a football coaching establishment. This gave me an insight into how organisations, such as coaching, are run and maintained. I worked on administrative tasks and practical aspects of coaching where I gained valuable knowledge and experience. I therefore became further motivated to follow my passion and become involved in what I read about and watch in the media.

I have participated in many activities at School both sporting and non-sporting which have helped improve my listening and communication skills. I am currently in the Events Committee at my School, which involves many responsibilities in planning and implementing new ideas for seasonal and formal occasions. It also requires me to be open to others' opinions and include my own input, to reach a conclusion that will benefit for the entire year group. Throughout my High School years, I have also shown a keen interest in specific curricular activities. History has always caught my attention, as I enjoy developing my knowledge in ancient and modern historical events, ranging from the Roman Empire, to the "Great War".

Outside of school, I am frequently occupied working at a large retail store. Here, I have a number of daily duties in which I have to fulfil. I have widened my knowledge of marketing and advertising through observing my superiors in the work place and the various techniques used to attract customers. Involvement with colleagues has allowed me to work in a group and communicate effectively to complete a task. I enjoy indulging in many sporting activity, mainly tennis and football and like to keep up-to-date on sporting news by observing the events taken place on television. I have recently been intrigued by the way in which sport is described and reported in newspapers and have now shown a keen interest in different techniques used in articles and accounts. Reading sporting articles has become a hobby for me and the history of sport over the years has also appealed to me, as it is something I plan on learning about in further education.

The subjects I have previously studied and are currently studying at school have given me many options in a variety of career choice. My exam results have also given me hope to pursue a career in topics that I enjoy greatly, such as history and journalism. Although, my long-time enjoyment in sport and sporting activity has been challenging and satisfying, as I hope my future career will replicate.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by azza11 for application in 2009.

azza11's Comments

I worked on my personal statement for a long time and believe it is good enough to get me into the course i want to study at Uni! I am still studying for more Highers, so hopefully i should achieve the qualifications i need. I hope my statement can provide help to anyone wanting to study Sport.

Related Personal Statements

Great personal statement,.

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Wed, 08/07/2009 - 12:19

ermm... no chance, rethink your life pal

Good Statement good luck in

Thu, 22/10/2009 - 14:27

Good Statement good luck in life

mate you is like an inspiration in it brav mert

Tue, 12/06/2012 - 12:23

Wed, 24/07/2013 - 13:13

Thank you for your post.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on...

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