How to write a great UCAS personal statement for a graphic design degree

Instead of one long essay, you’ll need to answer three questions:  

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?  

Each answer has a minimum requirement of 350 characters (which is only around 75 words). However, the overall limit is 4,000 characters (around 700–800 words), so don’t just stop once you reach the minimum or you’ll be underselling yourself. 

This new UCAS personal statement format is a great way for you to showcase your creativity, inspiration and experience. Most importantly, it’s the best way for your to show your passion for design and give universities an idea of who exactly you are. 

Getting started with your personal statement sometimes feels like a daunting task, so we’ve broken down each question to show you how to create compelling answers specifically for a Graphic Design degree.  

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

This is your chance to express your passion for design and why you are looking to become a graphic designer. Think about what initially sparked your interest and why you think university is the correct next step on the path to your dream career.  

Use examples of design work or designers that have inspired you. You could also point to specific topics within graphic design that you have a particular interest in. This could be branding, typography, website design or another aspect of design. 

Not everyone knows what career they want to go into before they start university. In fact, some may still not know what job they want to do once they finish university! But if you have a particular career path in mind, such as working in a design studio or launching your own business, this question is a good opportunity to highlight it within your UCAS personal statement.

Fonts have always fascinated me. Not just how they look, but how what they communicate to the reader. ‘Just My Type’ by Simon Garfield deepened my appreciation for the history and personality behind fonts. It made me realise how even subtle choices in typeface can shape a brand’s voice or the reader’s experience.
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 question is your chance to explain all your academic preparation for university. How have your education experiences so far helped you build technical skills and knowledge that you’ll use as part of a graphic design degree? 

If you’re studying art, design or media at college or sixth form, explain what topics you’ve studied and why you want to explore graphic design in more detail at university. You should also highlight any other subjects you’ve studied that connect to graphic design such as IT (for digital tools) or Business (for branding) or English (for copywriting). 

Highlight any coursework or projects you’ve developed that relate to design and visual communication. You can also talk about any technical skills you've developed, such as using Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop or Figma. 

Also include any online courses, tutorials or workshops you’ve undertaken away from school. This will show your dedication to improving your design skills. 

 

As part of my Graphic Communication A-Level, I designed a campaign for a local charity. I used Adobe’s Illustrator and InDesign tools to create posters and social media assets, and learnt how to balance my creativity with client requirements to ensure clear messaging.
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? 

For question three of your UCAS personal statement you can highlight personal projects, paid/voluntary work and any other activities that show your initiative and creativity. 

Are you already creating content? Perhaps you’ve designed logos for friends, run a creative Instagram account, or entered design competitions. Mention any freelance work placements or internships you’ve completed. 

Think beyond just design techniques. Highlight any skills you gained through these opportunities that you think will benefit you during your degree. This could be time management, collaboration, communication, or problem-solving. 

Also, if you like to explore design in your spare time, explain how you do so and why you do so. This maybe through Instagram, Behance or your own design blog. 

 

I have a RedBubble account where I upload my own designs, which are then available to purchase as clothing, stationery, and homeware. It’s helped me turn my creativity into something others can access, while also giving me regular opportunities to practise and perfect my design skills.
Example answer for question three of the UCAS personal statement

Final tips for strong answers 

• Be specific: Don’t just say you have passion design, but explain why you have a passion for it. 
• Use examples: Back up every point you make with evidence. 
• Keep it relevant: Remember, you only have around 750-800 words. Make them count by focussing on experiences that relate clearly to graphic design. 
• Be yourself: Authenticity matters. Universities want to get to know you, so don’t pretend to be someone else. 
• Proofread: Read your answers out loud and then read them again! If you can, get feedback from a teacher, friend or family member. 

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

More advice for graphic design applicants  

• What careers can you do with a graphic design degree?
• How to make a perfect graphic design portfolio for university

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

Related courses

• Graphic Design BA (Hons)
• Visual Communication BA (Hons)