Personal Statement for MA Conflict, Governance and International Development

Dear moderators and fellow members, I am applying for a masters degree in Conflict, Governance and International Development at University of East Anglia. Please assist in reviewing my personal statement. Thank you.

University of East Anglia APPLICATION

I am applying for a master's degree in Conflict Governance and International Development at the University of East Anglia. This will enable me build a career in this field and use my acquired knowledge and skills to contribute to the development of the society I live in.

I have found that development is about making sure that people have access to basic needs and that it is aimed at reducing the level of poverty as well as boosting the quality of life and democracy. My interest in this area was first aroused during my compulsory one year National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) where I joined the Millennium Development Goals voluntary group. I contributed to creating awareness about the Millennium Development Goals as well as the government's development agenda by interacting with students in secondary schools. This enabled me gain skills in community mobilization, public engagement and communication for development. In addition, I obtained a certification in Prince2 (Project in a Controlled Environment) which covers the organization, management and control of projects.

I would like to start a career in the development sector and I believe pursuing a degree in Conflict, Governance and International Development is a step in the right direction. My interest in this course was largely influenced by the fact that I grew up in the northern region of Nigeria which has a high rate of poverty, inequality, and economic instability as a result of the incessant conflicts and poor governance in the area. A master's degree would broaden my perspective and further provide me with the relevant exposure I need to contribute by introducing new approaches as a solution to the pending issues in my society and the international community at large.

I strongly believe that taking this course in University of East Anglia will enrich my knowledge and career prospects. I am particularly interested in the program's course modules especially Conflict, Civil Wars and Peace, Media and International Development as well as the Development Work Placement which enables me gain practical skills for development while working with Non-Governmental Organizations. Furthermore studying at your university will enable me network with fellow scholars from developing countries as we discuss the various development issues from different perspectives

Following my MA Course, I intend to pursue my interest in research in the area of Conflict and Peace studies by doing a PHD and collaborating with Government departments.

I am well aware of the reputation of University of East Anglia's School of International Development. Reading the faculty profile, Course structure and teaching facilities have further increased my interest in studying here. It would be honored if I am considered to study here as this would enrich my knowledge and career prospects.

dear Wuhne,
in my opinion our personal statement should be well ordered in the first and discuss our self in the best way. mainly it consists of three parts: our background, the reason for chosen subject and its relation with our professional and academic background and our future goals.

you didn't ordered it chronologically and it is very separated. try to give the reader at first a little bit about your self. in the end you do not have a clear future plan as well.

I hope it helps you.

thank you for taking the time to go through my essay, i will work on it.

Wuhni, your approach to this essay is incorrect. It is too academic in presentation. There is a lack of proper interest development in your essay. The development of your interest in this field is the whole point of the personal statement. It is not to be confused with the statement of purpose information that requires the data contained in your current personal statement. For this statement, you need to build upon the exposure that you got as a member of the NYSC. From there, you obviously parlayed this into a professional career. So, what personal aspects of the career further steered your interest in this area? Why do you believe that this masters degree will be relevant to the further development of your career in this field of interest? More importantly, beyond the popular information about the University of East Anglia's School of International Development, what personal reasons led to your choice of university? What was your criteria while choosing the university and why did EA qualify based upon your personal standards? These are the expected and required information for MA personal statements.