university architecture personal statement

• Telephone Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 2394
• Email Email: [email protected]

Strategic Guidance

• Private Oxbridge Consultation
• International Oxbridge Consultation
• Postgraduate Applications Guidance
• Book a Complimentary Call

Comprehensive Support

• The Premier Service
• Oxford and Cambridge Interview Preparation Weekend

Targeted Support

• Oxbridge Personal Statement Support
• Oxbridge Admissions Test Support
• Oxbridge Interview Preparation Support
• Admissions Test Preparation Day 2024

Application Guidance

• ‘Aspiring to Oxbridge’ School Talk
• Teacher Training Workshop
• Individual Guidance Consultations

Personal Statement Support

• Personal Statement Group Workshop
• Personal Statement Consultations

Admissions Test Preparation

• Admissions Test Day
• Admissions Test Course

Interview Preparation

• Interview Preparation Day
• Interview Preparation Course

Free Library

• Oxbridge Interview Resources
• Admissions Tests Resources
• Student Library
• Teacher Library
• Keeping You Current
• Webinar Library

Our Publications

Course reports, oxbridge applications.

• Become A Tutor
• Our Offices
• Dukes Education

News & Press

• Widening Access
• Publications
• Sign In Register
• Sign In    Register

Architecture Personal Statement Guide

Your application to university is one of the most important you’ll make; it’s not an easy process as it requires a lot from you. The personal statement is one step in that process, but it’s also one of the more challenging ones because of what it demands.

A good personal statement will be introspective and analytical in the right places, but also informative and hopefully enjoyable to read. Its purpose is simple: to tell someone who doesn't know you why you’d be a good fit for a degree course in a subject you’re passionate about.

That said, writing a personal statement is far from simple. Not only are you constrained by space limitations, so will have to exclude much of what you’d like to say, but you also have to satisfy several criteria in very few words to make it an effective testimonial to you and your skills .

Don’t worry, though, everyone’s in the same boat and this guide is here to help you face the writing of it step-by-step, including:

• Why are Personal Statements Important?
• What Should I Include in an Architecture Personal Statement?  
• What Should I Avoid in an Architecture   Personal Statement ?  
• Advice on How to Start an Architecture Personal Statement
• Advice on How to Finish an Architecture Personal Statement

What Should I Avoid in an Architecture Personal Statement ?  

While it’s important to show a knowledge of architecture and an active engagement with it, it’s not beneficial simply to list your favourite architects, buildings, or places you’ve visited on holiday without further analysis , as admissions tutors simply won’t be interested.

Instead, you should discuss particular architects or buildings as part of a broader point you’re making, or to demonstrate a particular interest or inspiration in your architecture journey so far. This goes for all resources, including books, films, podcasts, exhibitions, artists; you should never name-drop something or someone in isolation, but rather discuss it analytically.

You should avoid familiar and informal language , but also avoid pretentious and affected turns of phrase and expressions . Equally, don’t include lots of quotations or rely on clichéd lines about ‘always appreciating architraves for as long as I can remember’ as no one will believe you. Any extra-curricular activities or interests should be related back to your proposal to study architecture , so mentioning your Grade 8 flute award is unlikely to add any value.

Register to access our complimentary e-book "So You Want To Go To Oxbridge? Tell me about a banana…"

Advice on How to Start an Architecture Personal Statement  

Beginning any piece of writing can be a struggle, and personal statements are no exception. There are lots of ways to open your personal statement, so here are a few options that students have gone with in the past.

You could open the personal statement by reflecting on the beginning of your interest in architecture , i.e. where did it all start? Remembering to avoid clichéd openings, grab the reader’s attention by letting them know what first grabbed your attention. Was it a church? Your school? The Pantheon? Whatever it was, communicate how your personal relationship with architecture began and how it burgeoned into a passion.

Alternatively, you could begin by jumping straight into an academic discussion around a particular architect, building, or exhibition that has inspired you. You don't need to have personal connections to the work other than your academic interest, but make sure that you have researched the work or architect in question and have something analytical or interesting to say about it (rather than just stating facts about it). This could be a useful jumping off point for the rest of your personal statement.

However you open your statement, be direct and use uncomplicated language whilst making it as memorable and enticing as possible. The first impression is all important, and you want to encourage the reader to continue further into the statement.

Advice on How to Finish an Architecture Personal Statement  

As with an essay, the end of your statement should draw together what you’ve discussed up until that point . In statement terms, this should cover your suitability to undertake a degree in architecture and how enthused by the prospect of this you are. You’ve also hopefully relied on substantial examples to demonstrate your passion, so writing the statement’s conclusion shouldn’t be too difficult.

Remember not to repeat yourself ; the idea is to emphasise what you’ve said already, rather than to say it again verbatim. These will be your departing words to the reader so, as with the introduction, you want to be remembered and leave a positive impression that leads to the next stage, be that an interview or an offer.

• What are some Tips for Writing a Strong Architecture Personal Statement?
• How Long Should my Architecture Personal Statement Be?
• What Kind of Extracurricular Activities Should I Include in my Architecture Personal Statement?
• How Can I Tailor my Architecture Personal Statement to the Oxford/Cambridge Course?

Architecture degrees are a blend of theory and practice, so it’s advisable that you express an interest in both aspects of the discipline. As with all else you mention, it’s important to use examples from your research to support your points, so don’t just assert your interest – prove it! You should also look at modules that are common to all the universities you’re applying to; this way you can narrow down what appeals to you and show that you’ve looked into the degrees themselves.

Think hard about why you’re interested in architecture as a subject in general and in studying it at university in particular. This isn’t easy, as likes and dislikes are always difficult to scrutinise. That said, admissions tutors will want to see a good level of consideration from you as they won’t want to admit anyone who has applied on a whim or because they couldn’t think of anything else to do.

The length of your architecture personal statement, like all personal statements, is limited by UCAS. They’ve set a restriction of 4000 characters (including spaces), or alternatively 47 lines of the UCAS form; the relevant limit is the one you reach first. For this reason, it’s imperative you plan the statement’s structure and content as you don’t want to waste valuable words.

You’re lucky in that architecture is a subject that we’re all involved with to some extent. Buildings and structures are part of our everyday lives, and we can’t escape them. When it comes to extra-curricular activities, you can draw on anything you deem to be a worthwhile engagement with the built environment, or aesthetic history, or material culture; this includes reading around the subject, of course. As long as you can relate the activity to your interest in architecture, and talk about the benefit derived from it, then it will be relevant.

While you shouldn’t tailor your personal statement to any one university if you’re applying to more than one, it is possible to gauge the specialisms of certain universities and to emphasise your attraction to those, provided this doesn’t by definition rule out any other university in your application. Oxford and Cambridge value academic independence and freedom of thought, so try to be original in your views and be able to support them with evidence from your wider reading and research.

Book your Architecture Personal Statement Package

You can contact our Oxbridge-graduate Consultants on +44 (0) 20 7499 2394 or email [email protected] to discuss our personal statement packages.  

If you’d like to know more about Architecture, we have admissions test guidance and interview preparation readily available.  

Our Oxbridge-graduate consultants are available between 9.00 am – 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday, with additional evening availability when requested.

• Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 2394
• Email: [email protected]

Oxbridge Applications, 58 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AJ

• Private Oxbridge Application Consultation
• Oxbridge Personal Statement Support Package
• Oxbridge Mock Interview Preparation and Support
• Personal Statement Workshop and Checks
• Schools Mock Interviews – Online and In-School
• Teacher Training Workshops – Online and In-School
• Oxbridge Preparation Days – Online and In-School
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Safeguarding & Child Protection
• Company Registration Number: 3757054

Recently Updated Blogs

Blog how to save admissions tutors from a lacklustre personal statement, blog will my cambridge interview be online or in-person, blog 10 things i wish i knew before i applied to oxbridge, blog how can i use chatgpt for my personal statement, blog overused topics and resources to avoid in your personal statement, choosing a college, a slippery question, added to cart.

Sample Architecture Personal Statement (admitted to Cambridge, Cornell, Yale)

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in architecture. Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Cambridge, Cornell, and Yale. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in architecture should look like.

Here is the personal statement of the Architecure Student.

I am not particularly fond of tea. However, while working in the Northern regions of XYZ, I realized that sharing a cup of tea was considered a symbol of gratitude by its hospitable populace. This simple gesture transcended the commonplace and made our work for the community all the more personal.

For several weeks I shared many cups of the sugary beverage while volunteering with the Heritage Foundation constructing homes for the people of the XYZ. Their entire dwellings had been destroyed by the floods, and it came to us, a group of young architecture students, to revive this once-thriving community.

The process from etching the lines of chalk for the Women’s Community Centre to seeing it constructed into a beautiful bamboo building to be used for gainful employment is one that affected me deeply. The structures we built stand supported throughout the seasons, representing the enduring strength of the people of the XYZ. By helping to re-establish an entire community affected by an unprecedented natural calamity, I became aware of the power of architectural design to incite social change. Also, the focus on sustainable structures made me realize how designers need to focus on the available resources and capacities of the community they are involved in.

This experience was pivotal in realizing the path I wanted to take as an architect. My fascination with creating and manipulating space, seen from an early age by my experimentation with a Wendy Tent, went to the root of my desire to become an architect. Furthermore, the stories I had heard growing up about my ancestral home in XYZ, a city known for its scorching heat; as well as my childhood divided between XYZ, a country oblivious to any form of energy deficiency, and XYZ, a country struggling with shortages in resources have all served to underscore how design needs to adapt and address the social issues of its environment. This instilled within me a desire to work towards making my homeland self-sustaining.

To channel my proclivity, I applied to the country’s top architecture school, and my joy, I was accepted. During my five years at the XYZ, I studied the fundamental nature of the architectural design. I found its intricacies to be a maze that beckoned alluringly to me. Elected as the Vice President of the Architecture Students’ Association, I was in a position to influence how students would perceive architecture. I led the team representing XYZ and XYZ at the National Architectural Student Convention held in XYZ.

My team was honored with the prestigious Citation Prize for the Rubens Trophy. This victory awarded our design from amongst those submitted from more than a hundred universities. It proved to be a tremendous boost to my belief in achieving the career goals that I had set for myself. It also allowed me to develop a global understanding of architectural design. The following year, I volunteered to go to XYZ, an experience that left an indelible mark on my mind.

I returned with vigor to realize architecture’s power in shaping my community and channeled my motivation into my thesis project. I managed to study the overwhelmingly bustling historic urban center of XYZ and analyzed its context, which resulted in providing macro-level sustainable design solutions. A culmination of my efforts and passion, this project was awarded an ‘honors’ in my thesis.

I followed through with my academic goals by seeking employment at a firm that avidly incorporates sustainability in its design practices. After working at SR Design Works, I was reassured of the practical applications of the theoretical knowledge I attained as part of my undergraduate degree. Furthermore, with a conscious desire to be part of responsible design practices, I became associated with upcoming advocates of green building design. However, at the same time, I also grew aware that to achieve my aims, I would need further education.

While working on individual projects which incorporated the principles of sustainable design, I was exposed to the prospective benefits as well as the limitations of those principles. In light of this nexus, it was apparent that I needed further education to explore all its potential advantages.

Another hurdle I had to overcome in a predominantly patriarchal society like XYZ was to hold my own and work on an equal footing with various people, from clients to retailers; colleagues to contractors. This aspect of my character can be attributed to my mother, who raised my brother and me while working full-time as a real estate agent. She taught me to be independent and not to treat my gender as a disability. I have taken her wisdom to heart and have dared to dream of rising to the zenith in my field.

I realize that many architectural designs in XYZ fail to communicate with their environmental and social context, thus creating more hindrances for its inhabitants rather than presenting solutions. My experience in architecture has made me realize the necessity of greater responsibility and sensibility in building structures in XYZ. I greatly believe in XYZ potential and aim for this country to be a forefront practitioner of sustainable architecture.

I aim to practice sustainable architectural design in its true essence and promote green practices that can help build communities, hopefully sharing many more cups of tea in the process.

WANT MORE AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Outstanding Examples of Personal Statements
• The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Winning Personal Statement
• Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Personal Statement
• Writing a Killer Opening Paragraph for Your Personal Statement
• Ideal Length for a Graduate School Personal Statement
• 100 Inspiring Quotes to Jumpstart Your Personal Statement

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business My journey began amidst the kaleidoscope of Qatar's landscapes, setting the stage for a life attuned to cultural nuances. Transitioning to Riyadh in my teens, I absorbed a mosaic of traditions, sparking a...

Sample Personal Statement for Family Medicine Residency

Personal Statement Prompt: A personal letter is required. We are looking for mature, enthusiastic physicians who bring with them a broad range of life experiences, are committed to providing excellent patient care, and can embrace the depth and breadth of experiences...

[2024] 4 Law School Personal Statement Examples from Top Programs

In this article, I will discuss 4 law school personal statement samples. These statements have been written by successful applicants who gained admission to prestigious US Law schools like Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. The purpose of these examples is to demonstrate...

Sample Personal Statement Cybersecurity

In this article, I will be providing a sample grad school personal statement in the field of cybersecurity. This sample was written by an applicant who got admitted into George Mason, Northeastern and Arizona State University. This example aims to show how prospective...

100+ Grad School Personal Statement Examples

Introduction Importance of a Strong Personal Statement A personal statement is essential in the graduate school application process, as it plays a significant role in shaping the admissions committee's perception of you. In fact, a survey conducted by the Council of...

WANT AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Personal Statement Templates

Where to start

• Ultimate Guides
• Virtual Work Experiences
• Chat to students
• UCAS events
• Apprenticeships

Subject guides

• Subject tasters

Industry guides

Where to go.

• Universities and colleges

City guides

• Types of employment
• Write a cover letter
• Starting work
• Career quiz

Before you apply

• Campus open days
• What and where to study
• Distance learning
• Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
• Studying at a college
• Pros and cons of university

Applying to university

• Dates and deadlines

Personal statement

• UCAS Tariff points
• Individual needs

After applying

• Track your application
• Decisions and offers

Results day

Clearing and results day, conservatoires.

• Fees and finance
• How to apply

Replying to offers

• Tracking your application

Postgraduate

• Choosing a course
• Fees, loans, and funding
• Teacher training
• International students
• Student finance
• Scholarships, grants, and bursaries

Additional funding

• Managing money
• Student discounts

Student life

• Starting uni or college
• Mental health and wellbeing

Accommodation

• Accommodation for apprentices
• Accommodation for disabled students
• Apply for student accommodation
• Find the right accommodation
• The ultimate packing list
• Visas and immigration
• English Language Tests (ELTs)
• Choosing the right course
• Entry requirements
• International clearing guide

Financial information

• Available finance options
• Saving money
• UK bank accounts
• Support for refugees and asylum seekers

Extra support

• Adjusting to the UK
• Application tips
• Available support
• Checklist for moving to the UK
• International FAQs
• Support organisations

Student recruitment and marketing

• Drive applications through Clearing
• Drive applications through Extra
• Exhibiting as a university or college
• Improve conversions
• Improve your competitive strategy
• Increase brand awareness
• International
• Provider pages

Data products and solutions

• Application and decision tracker
• Competitor insight dashboard
• Course feasibility
• Leaky Hosepipe solution
• Outreach Elevator
• Student decision report
• Untapped Geographies

Managing applications

• Availability of UCAS data
• Fraud and similarity
• HESA return
• Link services
• Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA)
• Results Processing Service (ABL)
• Systems and services guides

Qualification Information Services

• Qualification Information Profiles (QIPs)
• Qualification guides and resources
• UCAS Tariff

Products as part of your membership

• Recruitment, marketing and admissions services

Provider news and updates

• UCAS correspondents bulletin

Provider developments

• Upcoming developments
• Previous updates
• UCAS maintenance schedule
• Service status

Test and training environments

• HEP1 and HEP2

Link product development

• Availability of new features
• UCAS Link API strategy
• Groups and forums

Admissions guides and resources

• Conservatoire admissions guide and resources
• Provider contact types
• Undergraduate admissions guide and resources

Good practice

• Admissions policies
• Admissions processes
• Applicant experience
• Collection tool help
• Contextualised admissions
• Equality and diversity
• Supporting disadvantages and under-represented groups
• Unconditional offers
• Widening access and participation

Online learning

Provider engagement.

• Annual provider update

Adviser news

• Adviser portal
• Key dates timeline
• Newsletters
• Adviser lives
• Qualification reform

Discovery events

• Getting ready for UCAS Discovery
• Events training

Create your future events

Conferences.

• Teacher and adviser conference 2024
• International Teachers and Advisers Conference

Events calendar 2024

Cycle toolkits.

• Adviser 2025 toolkit
• Conservatoire application toolkit
• Supporting students with individual needs

Lesson activities

• Classroom resources
• Lesson plans

Develop your adviser skills

• Practical ways to guide students
• Help finding work experience
• Events and summer school
• Positive career discussions
• Advice about GCSE choices

Online training

• Personal development platform
• Adviser tips

Tools and resources

• UCAS hub guide
• Digital training
• Progression pathways

Pre application support

• Bursaries, scholarships, and financial support
• Help writing personal statements
• Student budget planner
• Alternatives to A Levels
• Higher education options

Application overview

• Application deadlines
• Application process
• Exam results process
• Monitor student progression
• Predicted grades
• Undergraduate references 2024
• Reference processes and terminology
• Conservatoire references

UCAS registered centres

• Becoming a UCAS registered centre
• Getting started
• Teachers and advisers

International advisers

• Clearing guide for international students
• Qualifications advice
• Supporting international students

Confirmation and Clearing

• ACSL guidance
• Clearing essentials
• Conservatoires confirmation
• International students guide
• Reach talent and acquisition

Apprentices with UCAS

Career finder, employer profiles, multichannel campaigns, apprentices, international guides, make the most of clearing, smart financial decisions.

• Filling in your application

Making changes to your application

How to get a reference, results process, application cancellation request form.

• Requests for personal data
• Notifications
• Preferences
• Provider Homepage
• Provider Dashboard
• Student Hub
• Adviser Homepage
• Adviser Portal
• Personal statement advice: architecture, building and planning
• Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
• Amendments to the Tariff consultation
• Offer rate calculator
• How to use the offer rate calculator
• Understanding historical entry grades data
• Admissions tests
• Deferred entry
• Staying safe online
• How to write a personal statement that works for multiple courses
• The new personal statement for 2026 entry
• How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement
• How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber
• How to end your personal statement
• Introducing the personal statement tool
• Personal statement dos and don'ts
• Personal statement week
• What to include in a personal statement
• Using AI and ChatGPT to help you with your personal statement
• Using your personal statement beyond a university application
• Carers, estranged students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain
• Personal statement advice: animal science
• Personal statement advice: biology
• Personal statement advice: business and management
• Personal statement advice: chemistry
• Personal statement advice and example: computer science
• Personal statement advice: dance
• Personal statement advice: dentistry
• Personal statement advice: drama
• Personal statement advice: economics
• Personal statement advice: engineering
• Personal statement advice: english
• Personal statement advice: geography
• Personal statement advice: history
• Personal statement advice: law
• Personal statement advice: maths
• Personal statement advice: media studies and journalism
• Personal statement advice: medicine
• Personal statement advice: midwifery
• Personal statement advice: modern languages
• Personal statement advice: music
• Personal statement advice: nursing
• Personal statement advice: pharmacy
• Personal statement advice: physiotherapy
• Personal statement advice: politics
• Personal statement advice: psychology
• Personal statement advice: social work
• Personal statement advice: sociology
• Personal statement advice: sports science
• Personal statement advice: statistics
• Personal statement advice: teacher training and education
• Personal statement advice: veterinary medicine
• Personal statement: finance and accounting
• Personal statement advice: art and design
• Personal statement advice: environmental science
• Personal statement advice: marketing
• Personal statement advice: philosophy
• Personal statement advice: photography
• Personal statement advice: physics
• References for mature students

Architecture: be individual and creative...

Admissions tutors often tell us there is no such thing as a model statement, and architecture is a case in point. For example, tutors at University College London (UCL) want you to write what you find interesting. They don't have any specific things they’re looking for, they don’t necessarily want to know which architects you admire, and they don’t require you to have had any work experience or to have shadowed an architect.

So, it’s more about being individual and creative in your statement. That doesn’t mean being off-the-wall, but having something really interesting, engaging, and relevant to say about what enthuses you and what has motivated you to apply.

...but don't put stuff in just to sound good

Admissions tutors at University of Sheffield take a slightly different stance, saying that ‘a few days’ work experience in a local practice would be beneficial, but not essential'. However, they too share UCL’s point of view by emphasising that 'the most important thing is to be yourself' and that you shouldn’t 'put stuff in because you think it sounds good'. They want it to be enthusiastic and individual to you.

Although there is no such thing as a model statement, you may nonetheless find it helpful to have some guidelines around which to build it. We discussed this with Dan Blott, principal lecturer and schools admissions tutor at the School of Architecture, University of Portsmouth. Dan suggested that you try to answer the following questions:

• What prompted your interest in architecture?
• Are there any buildings and/or places you particularly like? Explain why – don't just list where you've been.
• What architects have you heard of and do you know/like any of their work? What stands out, and why?
• What do you like doing and/or what have you done well in academically that you think is relevant to studying architecture?

Sheffield offers some guidelines too, suggesting you could include why you want to study it, relevant qualities you can bring to the course and to the uni, any achievements, skills, experience or other factors you feel they should know about, and what you think you might want to do with the knowledge you gain.

You're probably starting to notice there are slight contradictions when you compare what different unis say. Don’t be put off by that, just be honest and blend your statement in the way that suits you individually. Be yourself!  

Planning: show your enthusiasm for the subject

We also spoke to Dr Tom Goodfellow, admissions tutor at the Department of Town and Regional Planning at University of Sheffield. For him, it's all about writing your statement in a way that shows you've done your research.

He's looking for students who are attracted to the kind of challenges and opportunities his university's specialist areas will present and who are 'willing to go the extra mile in terms of exploring both the ethical and practical challenges of planning in the twenty-first century’.

Construction: hot tips

Finally, some down-to-earth advice for construction applicants:

‘If you’re applying for courses like construction management, I don't really want to know about what your Dad did, I want to know why you want to be a construction manager and how you are passionate about the construction industry.

‘Or, if you’re applying for a course such as architectural technology, don't tell me about your passion to be an architect, as this just indicates that you regard our course as a fall-back position.’ Delia Forester, Admissions Tutor – University Of Brighton

In other words, be clear about what it is you’re applying for and be specific about why the course you’re applying for appeals to you personally.

We loved Delia’s general tips too:

• 'I don't really want to know that you have been to Florence/Istanbul/New York and were very impressed'
• 'Don’t send in a statement written by the careers department – put it in your own words.'
• 'I do want to know that you already know a bit about the industry, that you are reasonably articulate, and can spell'
• 'Don't use slang or informal or text language.'
• 'Don't have an offensive or inappropriate email address.'

Take a look at our in-depth guide to architecture, building, and planning , covering entry requirements to careers, for some inspiration.

Sponsored articles UCAS Media Service

Find your perfect nhs course today, three reasons you should attend a ucas exhibition, student finance for postgraduate loans.

• Enquire Now
• About SI-UK
• All Global Offices
• Find Your UK University Course
• Free Service
• Premium Service
• Visa Service
• Oxbridge Service
• Medicine Service
• Art and Design Service
• View all Services
• UCAS and Applying
• UK University Rankings 2024
• University Subject Guide
• Scholarships and Funding
• All UK Study Information
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate and Masters
• All Study Options
• UK University Profiles
• UK University Study Guide
• Language Centre Home
• Pearson Academic English Test
• University News
• Open Days and Events
• Work with Us

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Please let us know if you agree to these cookies.

Updates for International Students If you are an international student interested in UK study from January or September 2022 and need advice and support on topics such as travel, quarantine and financing your studies, stay up to date with the latest Studying in the UK and Coronavirus (COVID-19) information.

Connect with one of our team who can help with your 2022 UK university application today. Enquire Now Close

Connect with one of our team who can help with your 2022 UK university application today.

Enquire Now Close

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Saudi Arabia
• Philippines

• UK University Blog
• Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement Tips

Tips and Advice for a Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement

Architecture Personal Statement

Last updated: 9 May 2024

A personal statement is a pivotal element in the application process for international students seeking admission to a UK university. Its significance is magnified when applying for an architecture degree at the University of Cambridge , one of the world's most famous universities.

In this article, we'll guide you on how to write a strong Cambridge Architecture personal statement to support your candidature. Learn more below, and if you have any questions ahead of the next intake period or want to begin your Oxbridge application, arrange a free consultation today.

Contact SI-UK about your application

Top 5 Tips for Your Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement

When you write your personal statement for Cambridge, show that you love architecture and have skills that match. Don't just say you're interested; give examples to prove it. Research what Cambridge has achieved in architecture to show you're truly interested.

Also, remember that you might apply to other universities, so don't make your statement all about Cambridge. They'll ask for more details later, so create a shorter version. Your Cambridge Architecture personal statement is your chance to express your love for architecture and why you're a great fit for this special programme. It's not just a piece of paper; it's your moment to shine.

1. Talk About Your Experiences

Just listing your experiences is not enough. You need to explain how these experiences made you interested in architecture or gave you important skills. For example, if you've worked on a design project or been part of a group focusing on architecture, don't just say you did it. Explain how these experiences made you love architecture more, the problems you faced, and how you solved them.

2. Show Your Love for Architecture

Your personal statement should demonstrate your passion for architecture, not just mention it. Explain why you like architecture: Do you enjoy creating spaces that fit the environment? Or you may be fascinated by how buildings change societies and cultures. Share stories of your interest in architecture, like visiting famous buildings or participating in design competitions.

3. Highlight Your Skills

Cambridge wants students who are a good match for their architecture programme . You must show you have the qualities and skills they seek to stand out. For example, architecture needs people who can think creatively and solve problems. You can talk about competitions or projects where you used your creative ideas to find new solutions. Share stories of how you used your problem-solving skills to tackle challenges.

Another important skill in architecture is paying attention to small details. Tell stories of how you noticed little things that made a big difference in a project. This shows that you care about the quality of your work.

4. Show You Know About Architecture

You don't have to be an expert, but your personal statement should show that you know something about architecture and are eager to learn more. You can do this by reading Cambridge's books for future architects. These books have much information that can help you understand the subject better. Also, don't just read books. You can learn from magazines, news articles, podcasts, and documentaries about architecture. This shows that you like to learn from many different sources.

5. Start Early and Check Your Work

Don't wait until the last minute to write your personal statement. Start early so you have time to make it better. Ask your teachers, mentors, or friends for help. They can give you good advice and help you make your statement better. But be careful when asking for help. You don't want to copy someone else's work.

Register for free consultation

Top 5 Things to Avoid in Your Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement

1. make sure it's well-organised.

Your personal statement should have a clear structure. Begin with an introduction that explains why you're passionate about architecture. Follow this with well-organised paragraphs focusing on a different aspect of your interest in architecture or a specific skill. End your statement with a summary of what you want the admissions committee to remember about you.

2. Don't Rely on What You See in Movies or TV

It's not a good idea to think you know about architecture from what you've seen in movies or TV. Do some research into Cambridge's architecture programme. Understand what they teach and what makes them special. Explain why you want to study there.

3. Keep Your Language Simple

Using big, complicated words may make your writing sound fancy, but it can also make it hard to understand. Use simple words to make your ideas clear. Cambridge prefers personal statements written in plain, easy-to-understand English.

4. Don't Make Vague Claims

Saying you're good at something without giving examples doesn't mean much. Instead of making broad claims, share specific stories about when you used your skills. Give real-life examples of projects you've worked on or problems you've solved.

5. Don't Overcomplicate Your Experiences

When you talk about your experiences, keep it simple. Don't try to say too much at once. Focus on one quality or lesson you learned from each experience. This makes your personal statement more effective.

Your Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement

Writing a strong personal statement for Cambridge Architecture is a big task, but it's essential for getting into one of the world's best architecture programmes. If you need assistance, contact SI-UK today.

Help me to Study in UK

Cambridge Architecture FAQ

Can you send the same personal statement to multiple universities.

Using the same personal statement for different universities is usually not a good idea. Each university is looking for different things, so it's better to tailor your statement to match each university's requirements.

What A-level is best for architecture at Cambridge?

Taking A-levels in Art and Design, Physics, or Maths is a good idea for studying Architecture at Cambridge. These subjects can help you prepare for the course.

Why do people want to study at Cambridge?

People want to study at Cambridge University because it's one of the top universities in the UK and the world. It offers high-quality education, experienced professors, and excellent opportunities for research and learning.

Does Cambridge have a good architecture school?

The Department of Architecture at Cambridge is one of the most important architecture schools in the UK, and Cambridge is known for its great architecture programmes.

Last Updated: 9 May 2024

Universities featured in this article:

You might also be interested in...

Blog ucas personal statement changes: faq, blog how to draft a meaningful uk law school personal statement, blog tips and advice for a cambridge architecture personal statement, blog university of cambridge engineering personal statement writing tips, blog top tips for your university of cambridge medicine personal statement, blog how to write a statement of purpose for uk university entry.

 My consultant was very helpful and motivating. She helped me every step of the way, even when the deadline was so close. I feel I could not have done it without her. I'd highly recommend this service to any and all of my many friends interested.   Brishti Basu Biosciences at Coventry University

Leading Universities and SI-UK Partners

• © 2024 SI-UK
• All rights reserved
• Privacy Policy -->

Book your Free Consultation

A member of the SI-UK team will be in touch within 24 hours to arrange your initial consultation with one of our UK education experts.

• Personal Statements
• Architecture Personal Statement

Architecture Personal Statements Example

Sample statement.

My parents tell me that I could draw before I could run and this pattern has been evident throughout my life ever since. I enjoy working in many different art media – pencil sketching, watercolour, charcoal – and my greatest pleasure is depicting interesting buildings. My strong interest in art and design lead me to study Graphics and Art as separate GCSEs, and I was awarded at A* in both.

Part of my passion for drawing buildings stems from my need to understand their structure. I have combined Art A level with Physics and maths as I want to have the knowledge and skills to study this in more depth and to pursue a career related to architecture and building design. During the last year I have attended a local college evening class in architectural technology, which has covered the way that the construction industry works and the basics of architectural design. The course also included graphical detailing, the stages of building design and technical drawing as well as a general introduction to surveying, building techniques and the property market.

My choice of architecture as a degree is therefore based on detailed knowledge of what this would involved and I have researched courses across several universities, choosing options that provide a thorough grounding in design combined with an insight into the business skills required.

In addition to my A level studies and evening course, I also work part-time. I feel that gaining experience of the working environment at this stage will be useful wherever my life leads but as an architect, I expect to be dealing with customers and clients on a daily basis. Having a job where I deal with the general public in a fast-food outlet is not the same type of interaction, but I have learned to improve my communication skills, observed how managers diffuse difficult situations and I have come to appreciate the need for good customer services that is always polite but can be firm when the situation demands it.

My time is almost taken up by my studies and my part-time work and to relax I enjoy going to the cinema with friends, listening to music and walking. Sporty I am not, but I keep fit by walking with a club of under 21’s in my local area, hiking between 10 and 15 miles. I find these walks are good for keeping a clear perspective on my objectives and for gathering my thoughts and organising my studying and working time for the week ahead.

Thinking ahead, a degree in architecture should increase my job prospects and would enable me to start working in a field that really interests me. People will always need new buildings and I feel I can make a positive contribution to building design in the future.

University Guides

• Accommodation
• + much more!

Sign up for news & advice about applying to uni

• Universities
• Fees & Finance
• For Parents
• International Students
• Terms and Conditions

Top Tips for a Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement

Table of Contents

Introduction: Dos and Don’ts

Cambridge Personal Statements for Architecture is a crucial component of your university application as it presents a unique opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from other applicants. You would be able to articulate your story and explain your interests beyond that of numbers on an admissions test. Furthermore, it gives the interviewer a chance to understand who you are, providing a platform to bounce off questions during your interview. 

They can tailor questions to your personality, interests, and commitment to who you are as a person and your amalgamation of experiences before you. To guide you through the arduous university application process, our Oxbridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 Architecture Personal Statement Cambridge tips– do’s and don’ts– for your Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement for the 2024/25 application cycle.

General Advice for Architecture Personal Statement

Architecture at Cambridge not only teaches you about the construction and design of structures and buildings but it is also balanced with teachings in the philosophy as well as the history of architecture. You can also expect to be exposed to more modern topics such as urbanism and contemporary culture, being enriched in knowledge in both design and theory. 

As such, your Cambridge personal statement should illustrate how you demonstrate certain key qualities, such as that curiosity, creativity, and intellectual grounding. Moreover, when planning out your Architecture personal statement, make sure you research Cambridge’s achievements in architecture and include it in your writing to illustrate your interest in architecture. 

Furthermore, when you are completing your university applications, you would likely also be applying to four other universities or courses. Hence, it is understandable if your Architecture personal statement is vague and non-specific to Cambridge. The University of Cambridge understands this and will allow you to fill out an ‘Online Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ)’ shortly after submitting the UCAS application. As such, make sure you’ve created another condensed version of your Cambridge Architecture personal statement that can be directly submitted to Cambridge.

Top 5 Tips for Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement

Display interest in both design and theory.

Some students might have the misconception that architecture is a pure art or design-based course, and others might think that they would be only learning about architecture theory. However, the architecture degree offered at Cambridge encompasses both. Hence, it is important to highlight to Cambridge tutors that you understand and are excited about this. You can display this understanding by highlighting that you are excited about both aspects of the course. You can also further elaborate on this by stating similar relevant experiences that you have undertaken because of this interest. For example, this could include architecture competitions or workshops.

Illustrate in your Cambridge personal statement that you are widely read

Oxbridge tutors love when you show that you are deeply versed in reading. This is because it is a simple, realistic, and straightforward way of showing them that you are genuinely interested in the course you want to pursue. Think of it this way– if you are a fan of a certain pop star or celebrity, you would want to find out more about them. Similarly, if you have a genuine interest in architecture, you would have taken the initiative to learn more about it and read ahead. Rest assured, reading is not only restricted to books. It could also include short articles, magazines, or even podcasts, documentaries, or Youtube videos. For example, Architectural digest is a fun way to be introduced to certain architectural concepts. You can also incorporate the consumption of these media in your daily life by tuning in to a podcast instead of your usual playlist on your ride home from school.

Read around the subject you’re applying for

When writing your Cambridge personal statement, architecture should show as your passion. First of all, reading around the subject doesn’t necessarily mean reading books. Podcasts, magazine articles, documentaries or Research Papers relating to the field of Architecture are all great ways to engage with new content. Popping your headphones in on the way to school and listening to a discussion on thought-provoking areas of your subject is far less daunting than being faced with a huge book. Furthermore, you are going to university to study – you haven’t started yet! – and so the person reading your Cambridge personal statement doesn’t expect you to be an expert, just to have an interest! Exploring a topic that you find fascinating and can form opinions about is far more impressive and important than trying to find the most academic text out there.

Reflect on any experience mentioned and link it to architecture

The main flaw that applicants have when writing their Cambridge personal statements for architecture is assuming that Cambridge tutors want the most decorated applicant. This is actually not the case, as what they are really looking out for is the student who most matches the course they apply for. Hence, do not simply state an experience just because you think it is impressive– reflect on how it has shaped you, and extract a quality that you were equipped with. Lastly, link this quality to how it is relevant to architecture, and how it makes you the perfect architecture student.

Leave yourself enough time when writing your Cambridge Architecture personal statement

Although it is easy to leave the writing of your Cambridge personal statement to the last minute, especially whilst you are busy with your studies or other extracurriculars, always buffer enough time to write your Architecture personal statement. This includes factoring in enough time for the completion of multiple drafts. This is because your first draft would never be your best one, and you would want to continuously refine it based on received feedback. Leaving sufficient time for yourself would also ensure you would not miss out on any information you might have forgotten. If you are staring at a blank document and finding it difficult to start, you can try listing out all your experiences and achievements in the past 5 years. Next, list out all the desirable qualities specific to an architectural student, as well as what the architectural course would entail. You can then match your personal traits to the course, and start fleshing out your paragraphs from there. You can also use prompts to inspire your writing, such as: What about architecture excites me? Why do I want to study architecture? What do I know about architecture at Cambridge and its modules?

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement

Be misinformed about architecture and what to expect.

Always be sure to research the course thoroughly before applying. You can also speak to current or post-graduate students about how they find the course. Most students’ perceptions of the course that they are applying to are shaped by that of the media, or their limited high school experiences. Hence, this can lead to a one-dimensional, and not a necessarily accurate view of architecture. Having an accurate and realistic understanding of Cambridge’s architecture programme would not only give you an edge if this understanding is displayed in your Architecture personal statement, but it also ensures that you are able to identify if you are a good match for it.

Associate too many qualities with a singular experience

Although it is recommended to always reflect on an experience and explain how it has equipped you with certain qualities, do not go overboard with the number of things you have learnt from a singular experience. For example, it is not realistic to learn time management, leadership skills, compassion, and perseverance all from a two-day camp. Choose one specific quality that you would like to highlight when enumerating your experiences. There is more value in explaining, rather than listing.

Make sweeping statements without showing how it is related to architecture

With all that you have done in high school and more, you might feel pressed to fit everything into the word count. Hence, it is important to pick and choose the points that you would really like to elaborate on and highlight, instead of mentioning everything with a simple one-liner. Avoid general statements that don’t add value to your Cambridge Architecture personal statement, and make sure that you are always linking your points back to how you are well matched for architecture. For example, you can avoid talking about experiences that are completely irrelevant to architecture. If you feel that a certain experience is crucial to you and your journey, try and extract relevant qualities from it. For example, your part-time work taught you to be resourceful or creative in finding unconventional solutions to common everyday problems.

Writing an essay on your favourite theory or architecture

Although mentioning certain books, ideas, or theories is a good way to show that you are well-read or passionate about architecture, do not turn your Cambridge Architecture personal statement into an argumentative essay or informational sheet about a certain theory. Do remember that what Cambridge tutors are interested in when reading your Cambridge Architecture personal statement is you. These tutors are people who are already experts in their field, and would likely know any theory that you are writing on. When reading your Cambridge Architecture personal statement, they want to learn about you and if you are a good match for architecture, not a theory that they can learn from any textbook.

Being cliché and unprofessional

Keeping in mind that Cambridge tutors are reading your Architecture personal statement to determine if you are a good fit for the course, it could come off as unauthentic if you talk about a cliché or movie-like moment being your only motivation to study architecture. It is alright if your reasons for studying architecture are due to amalgamations of small, seemingly insignificant reasons– as long as you show valid and reasonable reasons for wanting to study architecture. Be authentic!

If you’re unsure about what you’ve included in your architecture personal statement Cambridge draft, why not book a FREE consultation with our specialists and book a personal statement check .

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Advice and feedback from our expert tutors on writing a standout personal statement

Prepare for your interview with the help of our expert Oxbridge tutors, who will personalise your sessions according to university and college

This comprehensive course includes tutorials, sample scenarios and model answers and award-winning strategies!

• FREE Applying to Oxbridge Course
• FREE Applying to Law Course
• FREE Applying to Medicine Course
• FREE Oxbridge Admissions Test Past Papers

Student Good Guide

The best UK online resource for students

Architecture Personal Statement Example

Read below the student Architecture personal statement example . Hope it will help you write a personal statement  for the university.

My passion for design, meticulousness, creativity, and ambition will make me successful in achieving excellent academic and industry results in architecture, interior, and spatial design. With a deep understanding of physics, an excellent ability to manage projects, and a profound sense of creativity, I believe I can enhance the academic environment that your university provides.

After completing a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, I have a proven high level of research skills, meticulous design techniques, and methodical idea generation and development, through to completion. Capitalising on my ability to solve problems and produce new ideas, with systematic improvements and reliability. I ensure the design creativity meets safety regulations while keeping the audience in mind.

My strengths lie in my capacity to understand, calculate and design precise concepts, with innovative creativity within cross-functional project teams. I can bring my natural creativity and innovative perspectives, alongside my engineering degree, which reaffirms my propensity for accuracy, function and endurance in design and structure, and apply it to architecture.

Demonstrating my ability and commitment to pursuing a career in this field, I have undertaken important and relevant courses to further develop my skills and build my portfolio. This includes a professional architecture course at The Interior Design School, gaining a firm grounding in the design process, interior elements and drawing techniques. I have also developed the visual vocabulary required to present work to clients. I have cultivated my skills in residential and commercial design through various innovative projects.

Completing the 3DS Max and Vray Advanced Course has given me the powerful, industry-standard tools needed to create architectural and interior visualisations. Using these professional programs I am able to create high-quality visuals for practical applications. I have learnt how to work in a production environment, proficiently utilise a variety of techniques and materials to texture models, produce realistic light sources, render scenes, use Photoshop, post-processing and perceive compositional techniques.

Successfully receiving an AutoCAD professional certification, the course provided intensive and comprehensive practical training, including building, editing, managing and organising drawings; object selection and manipulation; 3D modelling, surfacing and rendering; applications for DesignCenter; annotating, dimensioning and productive plotting. I have also completed an architectural sketching course.

These comprehensive courses reflect my drive and ambition to succeed in this dynamic world of design. I am confident to take a brief, analysing the requirements, providing a visual interpretation, presenting the final project and evaluating the process and outcomes. The ability to use industry-standard programs proficiently gives me a solid competitive advantage in today’s complex marketplace.

I have successfully completed a three-month work placement as a project advisor for office design. Utilising my design skills and creativity, I was responsible for the refurbishment and redecoration of the offices. I continually maintain my design techniques and knowledge by independently producing designs, and evaluating historical and contemporary spaces. I take inspiration from peer-reviewed journals such as John Wardle Architects, and trade magazines such as Detail, FX and Idfx.

With a combination of precise engineering and technical design skills, passion for imaginative design and motivation, I choose to succeed in this demanding and dynamic field of architecture. My creativity and natural curiosity push boundaries reflecting my innovative style to produce substantial, effective and striking designs while considering the physical environment and sensitivity in contemporary society. I believe these qualities and skills make me a competent candidate, motivated to succeed on this course and in future endeavours.

Architecture

Architecture – 2013 ( bath, oxford brookes ).

Architecture combines many disciplines, from physics to art, mathematics to history, it relies on the successful integration of a multitude of skills. I’ve enjoyed art since I was a child.

Architecture – 2013 ( Cambridge Interview, UCL, Bath, Edinburgh, Westminster )

As part of a two week work experience at a London based architectural firm, I was around for the design phase of one of their French projects. The practice ...

Please note UCAS will detect any form of plagiarism. PSE and its contributors do not take any responsibility for the way in which personal statements are used.

• Ask a question Ask
• go advanced Search
• Please enter a title
• Please enter a message
• Your discussion will live here... (Start typing, we will pick a forum for you) Please select a forum Change forum View more forums... View less forums... GCSEs A-levels Applications, Clearing and UCAS University Life Student Finance England Part-time and temporary employment Chat Everyday issues Friends, family and work Relationships Health News Student Surveys and Research
• post anonymously
• All study help
• Uni applications
• University and HE colleges
• University help and courses
• University student life

Postgraduate

• Careers and jobs
• Teacher training
• Finance and accountancy
• Relationships
• Sexual health
• Give feedback or report a problem
• University and university courses
• Universities and HE colleges
• Life and style
• Entertainment
• Debate and current affairs
• Careers and Jobs
• Scottish qualifications
• Foreign languages
• GCSE articles
• A-level articles
• Exam and revision articles
• What to do after GCSEs
• What to do after A-levels
• When is A-level results day 2025?
• When is GCSE results day 2025?
• Studying, revision and exam support
• Grow your Grades
• All universities
• Applying through Ucas
• Student finance
• Personal statement
• Postgraduate study
• Uni accommodation
• University life
• All uni courses
• Apprenticeships
• Arts and humanities courses
• Stem courses
• Social science courses

Universities by region

• North of England
• South of England
• Greater London
• Distance learning
• International study

University guides and articles

• All university articles
• Applying to uni articles
• Personal statements
• Personal statement examples
• University open days
• Studying law at university
• Student life at university
• Careers and jobs discussion
• Apprenticeships discussion
• Part-time and temp jobs
• Career forums by sector
• Armed forces careers
• Consultancy careers
• Finance careers
• Legal careers
• Marketing careers
• Medicine and healthcare careers
• Public sector careers
• Stem careers
• Teaching careers
• General chat
• Relationships chat
• Friends, family and colleagues
• Advice on everyday issues
• General health
• Mental health
• UK and world politics
• Educational debate

Undergraduate

• Postgraduate Master’s Loan
• Postgraduate Doctoral Loan
• Disabled Students’ Allowances
• Taking a break or withdrawing from your course

Further information

• Parents and partners
• Advanced Learner Loan
• Architecture personal statements

Architecture degree personal statement example (1d)

Creation is a powerful skill, an intriguing ability evolving from our originalities and perspectives. By formulating our own unique creations, we may endeavour to create a parallel between our imagination and the world in which we live. Winston Churchill once emphasised the fact that "we shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us". In my mind, these buildings personify and embody the diverse cultures that exist today, reflecting the power and endless potential of man's genius. Self expression is what differentiates us as an individual. It is my passion for Architecture that acts as a catalyst for inspiration and therefore provides me with a prominent sense of ambition and desire. GCSE and A-Level qualifications have given me an opportunity to appreciate the aesthetic beauty prevalent in the world today. This insightful demonstration has allowed my passion to evolve further, hence determining my decision to continue at a more advanced level. I believe the course will challenge my creative potential, culminating in the formulation of my own, authentic designs. In effect, Architecture is a potent, influential force in my life that has given me a sense of direction and meaning. I agree with the ideology that an individual will rarely exceed his own expectations. Architecture installs in me a belief that I can achieve and reach new heights, therefore acting as a foundation for success and fulfilment in the future

To me, viewing a structure in person is substantially more potent than a mere image. Travelling has succeeded in broadening my horizons and opening up my mind, therefore allowing me to appreciate traditional British Architecture and the spectacles created by foreign predecessors. Last year, I travelled with my school to Barcelona, a city with an abundance of style and creativity. Buildings such as the Palacio Guell and the Mila Casa are simply inanimate representations of one mans personal style, a testament to Gaudi's creative excellence. Moreover, I also completed work experience with a contractor at Eton College. This process of shadowing a professional permitted me to survey Architecture with a greater sense of clarity

It is only by completing this experience that I can truly comprehend the complexities of the profession

Although I view learning as a crucial area to focus upon in my life, I strive to be more complex than this, making myself a more well rounded individual. Essentially, maintaining a healthy body is a prerequisite to achieving a healthy state of mind. Therefore, I frequently visit the gym and participate in a variety of sporting activities, both traditional and unique. Personally, I enjoy sports such as tennis, rowing and football. In effect, these events allow me to work within a team orientated environment, whilst maintaining my individualistic sense of achievement. Conversely, I also attempt to integrate my passion with Architecture into my free time. On many occasions I utilise ICT facilities such as CAD in order to release the flow of ideas within my mind. This contrast of leisure and learning enables me to develop a clear sense of balance within my life

In my opinion, it is certain moments in time that encapsulate all our beliefs and theories. During my visit to Barcelona, I had the privilege to view the Casa Mila, a perfect representation of originality. Viewing this intriguing structure first hand simply confirmed my passion, enlightening me on the endless possibilities that exist. The Casa Mila is perceived in a myriad of contexts, by a myriad of people, accentuating Gaudi's genius long after his death. I do not intend to follow the path of any individual, yet follow a path unique to myself. A famous quote once stated "don't bother just to be better than contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself". I believe University is the first part of my journey and look forward to participating in a rewarding, self fulfilling course.

• Share this story :
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Google+
• Share on Pinterest
• Latest Latest
• Trending Trending
• create my feed
• Edit my feed
• 0 new posts
• Started by: chemical-crash
• Forum: Healthcare
• Last post: 1 minute ago
• Started by: munalove
• Forum: Pharmacy
• Started by: jaw64
• Forum: Career sectors and graduate employment
• Last post: 4 minutes ago
• Started by: CoolCavy
• Forum: Mental health
• Replies: 8742
• Last post: 7 minutes ago
• Started by: Oxford Mum
• Forum: University of Oxford
• Replies: 9674
• Last post: 8 minutes ago
• Started by: laha 29
• Started by: kerry.woollands
• Forum: Friends, family and colleagues
• Last post: 9 minutes ago
• Started by: IbrahimB15
• Forum: Medicine
• Last post: 12 minutes ago
• Started by: kandeman
• Started by: sonia310
• Last post: 14 minutes ago
• Started by: MB1406
• Last post: 15 minutes ago
• Started by: DedBread
• Last post: 16 minutes ago
• Started by: the bear
• Forum: Forum games
• Replies: 18
• Last post: 17 minutes ago
• Started by: Chrishelp
• Replies: 22
• Last post: 25 minutes ago
• Started by: always-anxious
• Replies: 890
• Started by: Dlwilson
• Forum: Graduate Schemes
• Replies: 26
• Started by: annastudie
• Forum: Architecture, building and planning
• Last post: 27 minutes ago
• Started by: Greenhouse999
• Replies: 11
• Last post: 29 minutes ago
• Started by: Talkative Toad
• Forum: UK and World Politics
• Replies: 4659
• Last post: 30 minutes ago
• Started by: KrisMitcheson
• Forum: Civil service, public sector and public services
• Last post: 31 minutes ago
• Started by: KA_P
• Replies: 1127
• Last post: 46 minutes ago
• Started by: 04MR17
• Forum: Oxford Undergraduate
• Replies: 328
• Last post: 7 hours ago
• Started by: Saracen's Fez
• Replies: 2046
• Started by: Kelsey1125
• Replies: 119
• Last post: 8 hours ago
• Started by: toothysmile
• Forum: Dentistry
• Replies: 161
• Last post: 9 hours ago
• Forum: Grow your Grades
• Replies: 327
• Started by: MOZSH
• Forum: Medical Schools
• Replies: 536
• Last post: 11 hours ago
• Started by: Lazlay
• Replies: 1204
• Last post: 15 hours ago
• Started by: Elizabeth200
• Forum: Veterinary Medicine
• Replies: 345
• Last post: 17 hours ago
• Started by: Anonymous
• Forum: Advice on everyday issues
• Replies: 263
• Last post: 18 hours ago
• Forum: University College London
• Replies: 429
• Last post: 20 hours ago
• Started by: jambarnzi
• Replies: 80
• Last post: 1 day ago
• Started by: academic.warrior
• Forum: Apprenticeships and alternatives to university
• Replies: 342
• Forum: Cambridge Undergraduate
• Replies: 200
• Started by: Scotland Yard
• Replies: 718
• Last post: 2 days ago
• Started by: aishaslm
• Forum: Legal careers and training
• Replies: 207
• Started by: Dellie27
• Replies: 1374
• Last post: 3 days ago
• Replies: 56
• Forum: University of Manchester
• Replies: 862
• Forum: A-levels
• Replies: 47
• Last post: 1 week ago
• I'm feeling nervous
• I'm feeling excited!
• Indifferent
• I'm feeling overwhelmed
• Curious to see what's in store
• Something else (tell us in the thread!)

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are both part of The Student Room Group.

• Main topics
• GCSE and A-level
• Life and relationships

Get Started

• Today's posts
• Unanswered posts
• Community guidelines
• TSR help centre
• Cookies & online safety
• Terms & conditions
• Privacy notice

Connect with TSR

© Copyright The Student Room 2023 all rights reserved

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd.

Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB

Personal statements for 2026 applicants

If you’re applying to university for 2026 entry, you may be aware that the format of personal statements is changing. We’re here to help you understand how to complete the personal statement and explain what’s expected from your application.

What’s changing?

Previously, a personal statement was one long piece of text. From 2026, personal statements will be split into three different questions. This is to help applicants understand what universities want to know, so you have more direction on what to include in your application.

What are the questions?

The three questions you’ll need to answer in your application are:

1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?  

Here you can cover what has motivated you to study your chosen subject, including what interests you about the topic and how it will help you achieve your future goals.

2. How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject? 

This is your chance to show how the knowledge and skills you’ve gained from education will help you succeed at university. You can write about the studies you have completed that relate to your chosen course, the skills you have learnt in education and any relevant educational achievements.

Some examples could be a research project you found interesting or an assignment where you went above and beyond.

Top tip: Don’t waste space listing the subjects you’ve studied or your qualifications. These will be shown on your UCAS application, so focus on giving key examples of your work or achievements related to your chosen course.

3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Use this section to talk about work experience, volunteering, hobbies or extracurricular activities or any achievements outside of school or college. Think about how these experiences have given you the skills to succeed in your course and at university or support your interest in the subject area.  

How much can I write?

Each section has a minimum character count of 350, including spaces. You have a 4000-character count overall, including spaces. You don't have to use the same number of characters for each question, as long as you write a minimum of 350 characters you can write more for one question than you do for the others. Consider how your skills and experience align with the questions and plan your answers based on this.

Top tip: The universities you apply to will review all three sections at the same time, so you don’t need to repeat any information in different answers.

Get more information about personal statements for 2026 and beyond

BCU Open Days are the perfect opportunity to discover just what we have to offer. Talk to the experts who will be teaching you, chat with current students and tour our state of the art facilities.

Recent searches

We won't record your recent searches as you have opted out of functional cookies. You can change this on our Manage Privacy page should you wish to.

Popular searches

• Postgraduate Guide
• Student Finance
• Accommodation

Suggested searches

• Life in Birmingham
• Look at Me Now
• Graduate Scholarship

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Clearing Guide

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

Architecture personal statement example 8.

Creation is a powerful skill, an intriguing ability evolving from our originalities and perspectives. By formulating our own unique creations, we may endeavour to create a parallel between our imagination and the world in which we live.

Winston Churchill once emphasised the fact that "we shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us". In my mind, these buildings personify and embody the diverse cultures that exist today, reflecting the power and endless potential of man's genius. Self expression is what differentiates us as an individual.

It is my passion for Architecture that acts as a catalyst for inspiration and therefore provides me with a prominent sense of ambition and desire. GCSE and A-Level qualifications have given me an opportunity to appreciate the aesthetic beauty prevalent in the world today. This insightful demonstration has allowed my passion to evolve further, hence determining my decision to continue at a more advanced level.

I believe the course will challenge my creative potential, culminating in the formulation of my own, authentic designs. In effect, Architecture is a potent, influential force in my life that has given me a sense of direction and meaning. I agree with the ideology that an individual will rarely exceed his own expectations. Architecture installs in me a belief that I can achieve and reach new heights, therefore acting as a foundation for success and fulfilment in the future

To me, viewing a structure in person is substantially more potent than a mere image. Travelling has succeeded in broadening my horizons and opening up my mind, therefore allowing me to appreciate traditional British Architecture and the spectacles created by foreign predecessors.

Last year, I travelled with my school to Barcelona, a city with an abundance of style and creativity. Buildings such as the Palacio Guell and the Mila Casa are simply inanimate representations of one mans personal style, a testament to Gaudi's creative excellence. Moreover, I also completed work experience with a contractor at Eton College. This process of shadowing a professional permitted me to survey Architecture with a greater sense of clarity

It is only by completing this experience that I can truly comprehend the complexities of the profession. Although I view learning as a crucial area to focus upon in my life, I strive to be more complex than this, making myself a more well rounded individual. Essentially, maintaining a healthy body is a prerequisite to achieving a healthy state of mind. Therefore, I frequently visit the gym and participate in a variety of sporting activities, both traditional and unique.

Personally, I enjoy sports such as tennis, rowing and football. In effect, these events allow me to work within a team orientated environment, whilst maintaining my individualistic sense of achievement. Conversely, I also attempt to integrate my passion with Architecture into my free time. On many occasions I utilise ICT facilities such as CAD in order to release the flow of ideas within my mind. This contrast of leisure and learning enables me to develop a clear sense of balance within my life

In my opinion, it is certain moments in time that encapsulate all our beliefs and theories. During my visit to Barcelona, I had the privilege to view the Casa Mila, a perfect representation of originality. Viewing this intriguing structure first hand simply confirmed my passion, enlightening me on the endless possibilities that exist.

The Casa Mila is perceived in a myriad of contexts, by a myriad of people, accentuating Gaudi's genius long after his death. I do not intend to follow the path of any individual, yet follow a path unique to myself. A famous quote once stated "don't bother just to be better than contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself". I believe University is the first part of my journey and look forward to participating in a rewarding, self fulfilling course.

Profile info

There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Is all this sentimental.

Tue, 10/07/2007 - 01:19

is all this sentimental twaddle really what admissions tutors are looking for? The person who wrote this sounds better suited to a philosophy degree. Would love to know if they got accepted, and if yes then where.

was this person from a

Sun, 23/09/2007 - 19:54

was this person from a private school, by any chance?

this is fantastic!

Fri, 28/09/2007 - 15:08

I thought it was a personal

Tue, 30/10/2007 - 09:56

I thought it was a personal statement about architecture not Winston Churchill. But hell yeah go for it.

Is it a bad thing i don't

Wed, 31/10/2007 - 14:22

Is it a bad thing i don't know who winston churhill is!!!

i like it, its better then

Mon, 05/11/2007 - 17:04

i like it, its better then the generic "i have been on the school hockey team for 2 years, it has taught me too work in a team" statements on here.

i think i is good but you it

Fri, 16/11/2007 - 21:47

i think i is good but you it is too flowery. however you have alot of knowledge about the subject. tiy it up and you have it. it is good

where does winston churchill

Fri, 23/11/2007 - 12:45

where does winston churchill come into it? bring up ghengis khan if anything because he was the hardest mongolian warrior ever.

Wed, 26/12/2007 - 01:10

This personal statement is very very good. It is obvious that the writer is as creative, well-rounded and well-read as they suggest that they are. This is the personal statement of someone who gets accepted into the universiy of their first choice. Well done.

i think this statement is

Thu, 10/07/2008 - 11:53

i think this statement is clearly very good and im sure he got eccepted and from his ive worked with 'eton college' hes obviously applied to cambridge and was privately educated but thats not such a bad thing. it is slightly to decorated around the point but im sure the tutors caught on with his ambition. im really impressed with the quotationsss... yes the personal statement isnt about churchill but the quote is relaventtt.

From just another employer

Sun, 12/10/2008 - 21:55

This is so much plagiarised mumbo jumbo, which I seriously doubt was created by a 17 year old. Since when did simply viewing a building in Barcelona, endow a privilege on anyone? If universities are taken in by this jargon, it is a sad indictment on the type of students they are attracting to their institutions and more worrying for the types of professionals they believe business desire.

Good for undegraduate

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 06:02

The introduction of this essay is well crafted, the Winston Churchill quote is relevant and contributes to the flow of the overall paragraph. (its always good to throw in a quote here and there, implies that you read)

However, the subsequent paragraphs about visiting Barcelona are too cursory and superficial; simply admiring buildings does not automatically give anyone the right to become an architect or a designer.

With that stated it is a good essay for an undergraduate student with limited experience though.

you shouldnt use quotes, its

Wed, 14/01/2009 - 00:53

you shouldnt use quotes, its a PERSONAL statment make up your own!

This statement leaves the

Tue, 03/02/2009 - 22:35

This statement leaves the reader with a very good first impression.

Fri, 13/03/2009 - 14:43

does he base his architectural excellence on Churchill and his travelling experience and context on Gaudi?.... lame P.S. i love Gaudi's architecture but it is the first example from the architectural text book...there is so much more to architecture than admiring Gaudi

ive read every architecture

Fri, 09/04/2010 - 23:06

ive read every architecture statement on this site and this is by far one of the best. the mumbo jumbo jargon spoken of earlier IS what they want to hear because you couldnt spk the talk if u didnt hav some knowledge on it and even if parts r copied it shows they took time to research the subject, which shows interest

HIPHIPHIP HEYY

Mon, 18/10/2010 - 11:18

HIPIDY HIP WHAY HEY HEY, DING-DA DIP HOP HIP HAP HOOOW!

I think this statement is a

Wed, 19/01/2011 - 23:46

I think this statement is a bit too far... The language is so rich,that you get lost in the meaning... If I were to to accept students, I would definitely consider this statement, but would be very attentive to every detail on the interview... The stateent is suspicious

Sat, 19/10/2013 - 17:23

Ctrl C Ctrl V - Done

Add new comment