History Masters Personal Statement Sample

Hey there, history buff! If you're gearing up to apply for a Masters in History, you know how important that personal statement is, right? It’s your chance to show off your passion for the past and let your unique voice shine through. But writing it can feel like a daunting task—don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this guide, we’re sharing a sample personal statement that’ll inspire you and help you craft your own narrative. So, grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and let’s dive into the world of history and personal storytelling together! Your journey to grad school starts here!

Just a heads-up: think of this as inspiration, not a fill-in-the-blank template. For some solid advice, be sure to check out our full guide on writing a killer postgraduate personal statement. It won’t write it for you, but it’ll definitely make the whole process a lot smoother!

The Black Lives Matter protests over the last few years have sparked interesting debates about the role of nationality, memorial and history in our modern society. I have long been interested in the history of migration and otherness and recent events have shown that these are topics that need ongoing teaching and discussion. I am applying for this Masters programme because I believe it will give me the best opportunity to advance my understanding of these themes and learn more about the complexities surrounding such universal debates.

Last year I completed a Bachelors degree in Politics, achieving a 2.1. My degree allowed me to take cross-discipline modules and so in addition to political theory I studied modules on the African Diaspora and propaganda in the 20th century. I believe having a background in politics will benefit my studies in history because it allowed me to learn about broad ideas such as race theory, modernisation and mobilisation.

After graduating from my undergraduate degree I worked as a freelance writer for an American sports online magazine. I have a strong passion for sports and this job not only helped improve my written communication but it also taught me how to work for myself and manage a sizable workload. Research was another important element in the role which I thoroughly enjoyed. Aside from discussing physical games, I wrote articles on the role of politics in American sports and the many moments of activism that drew the attention of the nation.

My passion for sports did not stem from my interest in politics but rather the two intertwined somewhere along the way. Prior to landing a sports journalism job, I was the team captain of my university’s lacrosse team. I had never played lacrosse when I joined in first year but the dynamics of the game made it an extremely fun and interesting hobby. Advancing to the position of captain within three years shows my dedication and willingness to work hard, as well as my leadership skills. I believe all of these skills will aid me in completing a Masters degree.

I have applied to this institution because the taught modules you offer and the specialists housed in the department align most with my interests. The large emphasis on modern history excites me as a place for me to learn, grow and contribute.

Main takeaways

• Let your passion shine: Don’t just rattle off your favorite historical moments—share why they excite you! Dive into what makes history your jam and make us want to join in on your enthusiasm!

• Be one-of-a-kind: Everyone has their own story, so make yours pop! Whether it’s a unique hobby connected to history or an unforgettable visit to a historical landmark, add those personal touches that reflect who you are!

• Connect your journey: Tie your past experiences to your future ambitions. How did your undergrad adventures or a specific project spark your interest in digging deeper into history? Think of it as crafting a cool timeline of your academic path!

• Keep it friendly: Write like you’re having a casual chat with a buddy! Your personal statement doesn’t have to be all formal and stiff. Let your personality shine through and keep it lively—you want them to feel like they know you!

• Polish it up: Typos? No way! Give your statement a thorough read (or two!) to catch any sneaky errors. You want to impress, not distract, so make it shine like a well-preserved artifact!