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Embarking on your university adventure is exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measure. The pressure of composing a university application good enough to allow you to continue onto the next step in your life journey requires real nerves of steel.
In the midst of this high-pressure scenario, writing a cover letter might seem like an additional headache. Of course, it’s easy to overlook the potential of your university cover letter at times like these. Still, while it may not be the most thrilling element of your application, it serves as a valuable tool that can help tip the scales in your favour.
The following guide is here to help you take advantage of all that your university cover letter can offer you. With our university cover letter examples, templates and expert advice, your university cover letter is sure to make a statement.
University Cover Letter Sample
Make your university cover letter just another tool in your arsenal with our cover letter templates. Learn the essentials of cover letter writing, from structure to formatting, and make worrying about future prospects a thing of the past.
Check out the curated list of university cover letter templates we put together for you.
Anna McDonald
195 Crown Street
London W12 4WB
07912 345 678
anna.mcdonald@example.co.uk
4 September 2024
Admissions Office
University of Oxford
Wellington Square
Oxford OX1 2JD
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Master’s in Computer Science programme at the University of Oxford. As a recent graduate with a First Class Honours degree in Computer Science from the University of Manchester, I am eager to further my academic and professional development at an institution renowned for its excellence in both research and teaching. Oxford’s reputation as a global leader in cutting-edge computer science research aligns perfectly with my aspirations to deepen my understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Throughout my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong foundation in programming, data structures, and algorithms, which was further enhanced by my final year project, where I built a predictive model for customer behaviour using machine learning techniques. This project not only refined my technical abilities but also solidified my passion for artificial intelligence and its potential to revolutionise industries. In addition, my work as a Research Assistant, where I applied machine learning to healthcare data, gave me invaluable experience in working with real-world datasets and strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills.
I am particularly drawn to Oxford’s focus on interdisciplinary research and the opportunity to collaborate with leading academics. I am excited by the prospect of contributing to ongoing projects in the fields of deep learning, natural language processing, and robotics, all of which are key areas of interest for me. The University’s cutting-edge facilities and resources will provide the ideal environment for me to push the boundaries of my knowledge and contribute to the field.
I am confident that the rigorous academic training and intellectual challenges at Oxford will equip me with the skills necessary to achieve my long-term goal of becoming a leader in the field of artificial intelligence research. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the vibrant academic community at Oxford.
Yours faithfully,
Anna McDonald
University Cover Letter Template
How to Write a Cover Letter for a University Application
Crafting a cover letter for your university application can seem daunting at first; especially when the pressure of securing a spot at your chosen university weighs on you so heavily. The thought that a single error could mean the end of your academic future as you imagined it, certainly doesn’t help.
Of course, you might say we’re biassed, but we’re here to tell you that creating your university cover letter doesn’t have to be the stuff of nightmares. Tackled with the right strategies, your university cover letter can significantly boost your chances of making a favourable impression on the admissions committee.
We’ve created this guide to help you navigate the cover letter writing process with ease. As you continue reading, you’ll find advice on how to write a compelling cover letter for your university application.
Here’s your university cover letter step by step:
Step 1: Lay Your Foundations
Although you might feel tempted to dive headfirst into writing your university cover letter, pausing for preparation is your best strategy. Rushing in without a clear direction is how you end up with a university cover letter that completely misses the point.
Take some time to research and study the specific requirements for your chosen programme. It’s also worth seeking out examples of university cover letters written by others, so you get some clarity as to what constitutes a good cover letter in a university application.
Step 2: Add Contact Information and Date
Including contact details in your cover letter may seem like a no-brainer, but formatting it precisely is just as important. Not only does it set a professional tone, but it also reflects your genuine interest and respect for the institution.
Start by writing your contact information at the top of the document, including your name, address, phone number, and email. Underneath, date the letter, then list the university’s admissions office address.
Once done, you should have something that looks like this:
Samantha James
4 Bold Street
Liverpool L1 4JG
07912 345 678
samantha.james@example.com
04.09.2024
Admissions Office
University of Oxford
Wellington Square
Oxford OX1 2JD
Step 3: Use an Appropriate Greeting
The salutation you use at the start of your cover letter plays a pivotal role in establishing your professionalism and respect for your chosen institution’s standards. When addressing the Admissions Committee, the most suitable greeting is “Dear Admissions Committee/Team”. In the unlikely case that you are familiar with the person in charge of your application, addressing them by their name, such as “Dear Mr/Mrs”, is preferable.
Steer clear of casual greetings such as “Hello” or the impersonal and outdated “To whom it may concern”. These can sabotage the professional tone you should maintain in your university cover letter, which is the last thing you want.
Dear Sir/Madam
OR
Dear Admissions Committee
Step 4: Craft a Gripping Opener
A compelling opening paragraph is a must whether you’re writing a university cover letter or a novel. Ultimately, its strength shapes their very first impression of you, and how favourably they’ll look upon your application.
Start your cover letter by introducing yourself and specifying the programme you are applying for. Briefly touch upon your academic background, emphasising your strengths and experiences that align with the programme’s focus.
If your final A-level results don’t match up with the requirements of your conditional offer, it’s best to address this roadblock upfront. Be sincere and proactive as you explain these circumstances. Reaffirm your commitment to your educational path, and highlight what you’ve learnt from this setback.
Make sure to clearly convey your connection with the university, whether that’s through admiration for specific faculty achievements, unique course offerings, or the university culture you find appealing. This shows the committee that you’ve done your homework and that you’re genuinely committed to becoming part of their academic community.
I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the Computer Science programme at the University of Cambridge. After a gap year spent gaining practical experience in software development and working on several personal projects, I am eager to resume my academic journey. My hands-on experience has strengthened my commitment and skills in the field. I am excited about the opportunity to bring this new perspective to your programme.
OR
I am transitioning from a background in civil engineering to environmental studies due to a growing passion for sustainability. My previous work experience, coupled with recent coursework in environmental science, has prepared me well for this programme. I am keen to contribute to and learn from your esteemed faculty and research projects.
Step 5: Prove Your Suitability
The so-called body of your university cover letter is where you truly get to make your case to the admissions committee. Over the next few paragraphs, delve deeper into your qualifications, drawing clear connections between your experiences and the requirements of your chosen programme.
Each paragraph should serve a specific purpose, neatly packaging aspects of your background to demonstrate that you are the right fit for the programme. Most importantly, you need to translate your qualifications and achievements into convincing narratives that resonate with the admissions team.
That said, take time to carefully consider what you’d like to discuss in each paragraph. For example, one paragraph could detail your academic projects or coursework that mirrors the curriculum of your chosen university programme. Another might describe extracurricular activities or work experience, highlighting how these experiences have prepared you for the challenges of university life.
Such careful organisation allows you to make a coherent and compelling case for why you should be admitted to the university.
In my previous role as a civil engineer, I developed strong skills in project management and problem-solving. My recent experiences in environmental science have complemented these skills, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the environmental issues we face. I am particularly impressed by Imperial College’s focus on integrating practical solutions with cutting-edge research, which I believe is crucial for advancing the field of environmental engineering.
OR
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the University of Bristol’s programme and contribute to its research and academic community. My alternative project has provided me with valuable insights and skills relevant to the programme, and I am confident that my revised submission reflects my readiness for the MSc in Artificial Intelligence.
Step 6: Conclude with Conviction
You made it – you’re almost at the finish line of your cover letter. Still, don’t make the mistake of underestimating the importance of your closing paragraph. A strong finishing statement is a strategic opportunity to cement the impression you’ve made throughout your university cover letter.
End by reinforcing your strong interest in the programme and summarise the key points you’ve made with regards to your suitability. Thank the committee for their time and consideration, and highlight your eagerness to hopefully join the university in the near future.
Thank you for considering my application to the Master of Science in Environmental Studies at the University of Sheffield. I am eager to bring my passion for sustainability and my research experience to your esteemed programme. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and ambitions align with the goals of your department. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.
OR
I appreciate the time you’ve taken to review my application for the Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing programme at the University of Edinburgh. I am very excited about the prospect of contributing to and growing within your vibrant academic community. I am confident that my dedication to crafting thoughtful prose and my enthusiasm for innovation can greatly benefit your department. I hope to further explore the ways I can contribute to your team during an interview.
Step 7: End with a Sign-Off
As you conclude your university cover letter, it’s essential that you maintain the professional tone of your correspondence, by including an appropriate sign-off.
Given that you’re writing to an academic institution, keeping with the relevant conventions is also important. This means signing off with either of the following: “Yours sincerely” if you’ve used the recipient’s name in the salutation, or “Yours faithfully” if you’ve used a general greeting.
Other more informal sign-offs such as “Kind regards” or “Best wishes” are best avoided in this type of letter. Adhering to these conventions not only demonstrates your respect for your recipient, but also highlights your other compelling qualities such as professionalism and earnestness.
Yours sincerely,
Samantha James
OR
Yours faithfully,
Samantha James
Step 8: Review and Polish
Before you send off your university cover letter, taking a little extra time to go over it once more can make all the difference. Carefully check for any typos, grammatical mistakes, or formatting inconsistencies. If you’re wondering about the best type of font for your cover letter, using a professional and easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman is a good idea.
Also, double-check all names and programme details for accuracy. Having a friend or family member read through your letter would be ideal – they might catch something you’ve overlooked.
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Frequently Asked Questions About a University Cover Letter
What is the purpose of a university cover letter?
A university cover letter makes up a vital part of your entire application, providing additional details about your academic background, experience, and motivations for applying. It’s also a valuable opportunity for you to explain why you are a good fit for the programme, and demonstrate how it aligns with your academic achievements and career aspirations.
Your cover letter also allows you to address any discrepancies such as not meeting the required A-Level grades. At the same time, you’re able to humanise your application and present your arguments as to why you should be considered despite your A-Level results.
How do I address my university cover letter if I don’t know the recipient’s name?
It’s not at all unusual for university application cover letters to feature more impersonal salutations such as “Dear Admissions Committee” instead of “Dear Mr/Mrs”. You can rest assured that this greeting is commonly accepted and appropriate.
How long should my university cover letter be?
The length of a cover letter for university applications is around three to four paragraphs, and no more than one page in length. That translates to about 300 to 400, which should be ample space for you to make your case. Staying concise and to the point is vital.
Start Your University Adventure
Take a confident step towards your academic goals with a university application cover letter that takes care of the rest. Our cover letters, examples, templates and expert tips are assets in your toolbox, always on hand to help you fulfil your goals.
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