How to nail your Leeds Beckett application

Perfect your Personal Statement

Your personal statement is a brief yet impactful piece of writing that highlights your suitability for your chosen university course. Think of it as your chance to show what makes you unique and why Leeds Beckett University is the right place for you.

Start early

This may seem obvious, but giving yourself time really helps. When I began, I opened a new Word document and jotted down my initial ideas with no pressure to make it perfect. Plan out the key sections, start with an introduction explaining why this subject matters to you. Then, talk about your current studies and how they connect to your chosen field. Next, mention relevant academic or work experiences and share your interests and responsibilities outside of school. Wrap it up by reflecting on your aspirations and where you hope this degree will take you.

Go big, then refine

Include every bit of relevant experience at first, and then gradually edit to keep the best parts. Think back on your time at school and the skills you’ve developed — whether through extracurriculars, sports, or hobbies. For instance, I played in a local football league, and through that, I learned discipline, teamwork, and how to manage stress. These are skills that prepared me for university life, even though they weren’t directly academic. Think about how your own experiences have shaped you for this journey.

Proofread thoroughly

After spending hours on my statement, I thought I’d nailed it — until a friend caught a few typos I’d missed. Step back, give it fresh eyes, and have someone else read it too. This might be the first impression you make on admissions, so you want it to be polished. Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity, making sure every word supports your story.

Remember, it's subjective!

You may get varied feedback from family, friends, or tutors, and that’s okay. I once showed my draft to three different people and received three very different sets of suggestions. Ultimately, after considering their advice, I went with what felt true to me. Stick to your voice and make sure your final version reflects your own perspective.

Align with the course description

Carefully read the course requirements to understand what Leeds Beckett is looking for. Reflect on what you want the admissions tutor to know about you and include evidence of your motivation and achievements. For instance, if you’re applying to a course in journalism, you might describe your experience writing for the school paper or volunteering at a local publication to demonstrate your dedication.

Share relevant experiences

Think broadly about the experiences you’ve had — work, volunteering, or community service — and include them, even if they aren’t directly related to your subject. For example, working in customer service taught me patience and the ability to communicate well with different people, skills I believe are useful in any field. Being active in school clubs or councils, mentoring, or helping at events shows leadership and commitment. I was on the student council, and planning events taught me about project management and teamwork, which prepared me for the demands of university life. Think about the skills you’ve gained from similar activities and how they’ve shaped you.

Stand out from the crowd!

Remember, there is only one you... If there’s something distinctive about your background or a quirky fact about you, consider including it. When I applied for Public Relations and Journalism, I shared a brief story from a family holiday where I helped out with a community event and saw firsthand how media coverage shaped public perception. If you have a story that sparked your interest in your field, it can be a memorable way to show your passion.

Stay on top of personal details

Finally, double-check that your personal information is up to date, and keep an eye on your email to ensure you don’t miss any important updates. This keeps you prepared and responsive throughout the application process.

Preparing for interviews

Some courses at Leeds Beckett University include an interview as part of the admissions process. If yours does, the admissions team will reach out with all the details you’ll need.

Practice really does make perfect, so take some time to prepare answers to common questions that might come up. Even if you’ve practiced, though, don’t worry if a question catches you off guard—just take a breath and answer as thoughtfully as you can.

Know your personal statement

Re-read it carefully, and be ready to talk in detail about anything you mentioned. Chances are, the interviewer might ask you to elaborate on some of those points, so it’s a good idea to reflect on the skills you highlighted and where you gained them. For example, if you talked about a leadership role in a club, be ready to share what that experience taught you.

Be yourself!

Think of your personal statement as the first chance you had to express who you are in writing. Now, the interview is your opportunity to bring that same energy in person. Be genuine and let your personality shine — remember, they’re just as interested in who you are as much as what you’ve done.

Stay calm and confident

It’s completely natural to feel a bit nervous. If you stumble, just pause, gather your thoughts, and continue. The admissions team knows this may be one of your first higher education interviews, so they’ll be understanding. The most important thing to remember is that they actually are on your side and want you to succeed, so try and channel some of that nervous energy into that thought.

Show curiosity

Towards the end of the interview, you’ll likely have a chance to ask questions. Preparing a few thoughtful ones in advance shows your interest and helps you gain a better understanding of what’s ahead. This is your future, so don’t hesitate to ask about anything you want to know – this process is a two way thing, the university needs to be right for you as well as you being right for them. 

Finally, good luck — you’ve got this! Preparing well and staying true to yourself will go a long way. Embrace the experience as part of your journey to the next chapter in your education. Leeds Beckett is a fantastic place to grow, learn, and make unforgettable memories, and your interview is the first step toward joining a supportive and inspiring community