How to write a great UCAS personal statement for a games degree

These three questions you have to answer in your UCAS personal statement are:

1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?
2. How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject? 
3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Your personal statement has a 4,000 character limit (around 700-800 words). Each of your three answers must be at least 350 characters, but that's only about 70 words. If you want to give a good and truly engaging answer you're going to want to beyond that minimum and make sure you're making good use of that overall limit.

This UCAS personal statement format is a great opportunity for you to outline your motivations and experience, as well as convey your creativity. Universities want to see more than just a list of your academics qualifications. This is your chance to express your passion for the games industry and inject a personal touch into your UCAS application.

Some people can struggle to get started with their personal statement and that's a completely normal feeling. It can sometimes feel like an intimidating task, so we’ve broken down each question to show you how to craft compelling responses that are tailored to games degrees. 

UCAS Personal Statement Question 1: 
Why do you want to study this course or subject? 

This is your chance to express your passion for gaming. Think about what how your you first got into video games began and what motivates you to study games at university. 

• Reflect on how your passion for gaming started and how it’s grown over time. 
• Use examples of games, game designers or game studios that have inspired you. 
• Pinpoint an areas of gaming that you have a particular interest in (for example, character design, concept art or narrative design). 
• If you like to learn about the games industry in your spare time explain how you do so (video essays on YouTube perhaps) and why you feel compelled to do so. 
• Not everyone knows what job they want to do once they finish university, but if you have a career path in mind this is a good opportunity to highlight it. 

I've always enjoyed games as not just a form of entertainment, but as a means to tell stories. Studying games would allow me to explore to create engaging and meaningful experiences.
Example answer for question one of the UCAS personal statement

UCAS Personal Statement Question 2: 
How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject? 

This section is about your academic preparation for university. How have your school or college experiences helped you build technical skills and knowledge that you will use as part of an games degree? 

• If you’re studying any form of design at college, explain what you’ve studied and how it could apply to a games degree 
• You should also highlight other subjects that you can connect to a games degree. For instance, the creative writing skills gained through studying English or composition techniques learnt in Media Studies.
• Mention any coursework or projects you’ve worked on that relate to design and creativity.
• Also include any online courses you may have taken to improve your relevant skills or knowledge.

In my Media and Computer Science studies, I developed a range of skills that will be crucial when studying Game Design, such as digital production, coding and problem-solving. These subjects have helped me to understand both the creative and technical aspects of games development.
Example answer for question two of the UCAS personal statement

UCAS Personal Statement Question 3: 
What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful? 

This is where you highlight any personal projects, work (paid or voluntary) and other activities that show your initiative, dedication, and creativity. 

• Mention any games projects you are working on.
• Make reference to any games discussion communities you engage with online or in-person. Perhaps you post regularly on YouTube, blog about gaming or are active in online forums. 
• Mention any other work experience or volunteering you do. 
• Think beyond just gaming. Highlight any transferable skills that you think will benefit you. This includes things such as time management, working in teams, communication or problem-solving. 

Outside of school I engage in an online game mod community, where I discuss mods that other people have created. I have also developed a couple of my own mods, which has helped to me to understand what is expected of game designers and developers.
Example answer for question three of the UCAS personal statement

Final tips for strong answers 

• Be specific: Don’t just say you're passionate about gaming. Explain why you're passionate about gaming.
• Use examples: Back up every point with a evidence and explain why it’s relevant. 
• Keep it relevant: Focus on experiences that relate clearly to games and creativity. 
• Be yourself: Authenticity matters. Universities want to get to know you, so don’t feel compelled to sound overly formal. 
• Proofread: Read your answers out loud. If you can get feedback from a teacher. 

This new UCAS format for 2026 onwards gives you the chance to break down your personal journey into clear sections. If you’re applying for a games degree, it means showcasing your creativity and commitment.  

Be honest, be specific and, most of all, be passionate. 

More advice for games applicants

• How to Make a Perfect Game Design Portfolio for University

Want more support about UCAS personal statements? Meet the UCA Admissions Team at one of our upcoming Open Days for one-to-one advice. 

Related courses

• Comic & Concept Art BA (Hons)
• Games Arts BA (Hons)
• Games Design BA (Hons)
• Games Development BSc (Hons)