Top Tips for Writing a Postgraduate Application
Are you about to start writing your application for a Postgraduate course at drama school, but you aren’t sure where to begin?
Read our Top Tips for Postgraduate applications below.
Tell us why
It may seem obvious but one of the most important things to consider when writing your application for a Postgraduate course is why. Are you developing your career or changing careers entirely? Are you pursuing a passion that means more to you than anything else?
There are many valid and compelling reasons to undertake study at Postgraduate level, but you need to make your motivations as clear as possible when writing your personal statement. This will help the person reading it understand where you’re coming from and your expectations and ambitions.
Prior experience
The importance of prior experience depends on the course you’re applying for; some will have very specific and essential requirements. Either way, including relevant experience helps to paint a picture of you, your skillset, and the journey that led you to this moment. Prior experience can also shows us why you are choosing this particular course at this institution. For example, you might demonstrate how the training focuses on an area you have explored elsewhere and are now keen to specialise in, or you are excited by the industry networking opportunities in a specific module that will enable you to take advantage of your prior experience.
Be specific
Do your research and make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the course and the institution you’re applying to. We like to see that an applicant has researched the module content, assessment types, placement opportunities, academic staff or visiting lecturers. The same subject won’t necessarily be taught in the same way - or with the same focus - at every institution. Show us why you want to do this course at this specific institution and that you understand the work entailed and have a demonstrable passion for seeing that work through.
Your unique contribution
You’ve explained why you’re applying, shown your experiences and interest, outlined what you hope to achieve during the course and what you might do with all the new knowledge, networks and experience once you graduate. Your application will be greatly improved if you show us what you, as an individual, will bring to the course. Collaboration is an essential aspect of our courses, and even if you aren’t working on a shared project, you will exchange ideas and work with other students on some level. Most universities, and especially small arts institutions like ours, are keen to have as many different perspectives and ideas as possible in a cohort. Remember to include the things that make your particular approach or experience unique, how you will engage with other students and what you will bring to the course.
