Statement of Purpose
Statement of purpose outline · research degree · 800 words
Word Budget
Tip: A typical split, not a rule. The programme's own prompt and limit come first; if it asks different questions, answer those and use this as a pacing guide.
| Section | Share | Target words |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Opening | 10% | 80 |
| 2. Research and Academic Interests | 30% | 240 |
| 3. Preparation | 25% | 200 |
| 4. Fit with the Programme | 25% | 200 |
| 5. Goals | 10% | 80 |
| Total | 100% | 800 |
1. Opening
Tip: Target: about 80 words (10%). Start with a specific moment or question. Keep it short — the reader wants your interests next.
To write: Describe one specific moment, project or question that drew you to this field.
2. Research and Academic Interests
Tip: Target: about 240 words (30%). Be precise about the question, not just the area. Show you know what has been done and what is open.
To write: State the question you want to work on, what is known about it, and what you would like to find out.
3. Preparation
Tip: Target: about 200 words (25%). Choose the two or three experiences that best prepared you, and say what you did and learned in each. Do not repeat your CV.
To write: List the experiences, courses and skills that prepared you, and what you did and learned in each.
4. Fit with the Programme
Tip: Target: about 200 words (25%). Name real people and resources, and say why each connects to your plan. Check every name and detail on the programme's site.
Faculty
To write: Name one to three faculty members whose current work relates to yours, and say why — after reading something they have published.
Resources
To write: Name the labs, courses, data sets or facilities that you would use.
5. Goals
Tip: Target: about 80 words (10%). Say what you will do in the degree and where it leads. Specific and realistic beats ambitious and vague.
To write: Say what you hope to accomplish during the degree and what you plan to do afterwards.
Before You Submit
- I answered the programme's own prompt and followed its length limit.
- Every faculty member and resource I named is current, and I have read their work.
- Each experience shows what I did and learned, not just that I was there.
- Nothing repeats my CV line for line.
- I wrote this version for this programme, not for a list of them.
- I proofread it aloud and someone else read it.