How to write an outstanding motivation letter for your Masters

Much like preparing your CV, Bachelor and language certificates, the motivation letter is an integral component of modern application requirements. And while it feels like it is more relatable to the world of jobs, reality shows that a large proportion of Masters admissions depend on the content of your motivation letter.

As challenging as it sounds, the preparation of this type of documentary can be enjoyable – especially if you think of it as a short but clear advertisement about yourself. Also, there is no real need to be a dab hand at writing either, but rather in possession of some good language and styling skills. Ready to become subject to marketing? Let’s dive in!

Step 1. Prepare a summary

Now, before actually starting to write your motivation letter, it is a very bright idea to summarise the main points that you will be focusing on. In many cases, this step also includes conducting thorough research based on the Masters study course and university you are applying for.

Hint: Check out the Masters Search if you like to find detailed information about your chosen Masters study programmes and universities in a matter of clicks!

After all, it is good to be familiar with the details regarding your potential future study; most importantly, the admission deadlines and requirements, language of instruction, period of studies, rewarded degree and last but not least, the course modules. Each piece of such information will help the reading person or committee understand that you are perfectly aware what you are applying for.

Of course, this is the stage when it is best to consider the personal information that you will be including. Focus on relevant facts and avoid copying from you CV – your previous Bachelor experience, professional background and personal goals and skills. Finally, it is worth preparing a brief story about a specific study project or work-related activity that presumably led to your decision to continue with a Masters in your specific area.

Step 2. Organisation and structure

With your summary completed, the next stage involves the actual organisation of the content for your motivation letter. And as easy as it sounds, there are many important rules that are often missed out, but also an absolute must for a writing prepared for readers within an academic circle.

For a truly outstanding motivation letter, there should be at least 3 separate parts – introduction, body and conclusion. These should be easily noticeable and at the same time structurally connected, which allows the reader to follow the set line of thought within a minimum length of at least 600 words for the entire motivation letter.

Next, check your styling and follow a simple guideline. One of the most preferable and recommended fonts for this sort writing is Times New Roman, with a size of 12 and spacing set at 1.5. Make sure that your text distribution is justified and search for any online tools that can inform you about the reading level and time. Best case scenario, your motivation letter ends up taking no more than 5 minutes to read while displaying advanced language skills – B2 or C1.

Step 3. Proceed with the writing process

During this final stage, the idea is to test out your writing capabilities and prepare an alpha version of your motivation letter. However, note this – your results do depend on productivity as well. Try capitalising on your most productive period of the day while being stimulated by your most suitable environment as well.

Are you up for some good examples prepared by the MASTER AND MORE editing team? Have a look below!

• For your introduction:

Before beginning with the formal addressing of “Dear Sir or Madam”, have a look at your title – it is worth having one. To avoid overcomplicating, simply add “Motivation Letter”.

“I am writing this motivation letter in relation to my Masters application at the [your chosen university]. As a Bachelor graduate in [field of study] coming from the respected [your previous university], my latest goal is now to become a fellow colleague researching the exciting area of [subject of your chosen study] while further gaining experience at [company where you are employed].”

• For your body:

Up next, there is the marketing component that we hinted in the beginning of this article. Here you have the best chance of proving that you are the perfect candidate for this Masters opportunity by switching between past and present experiences.

“During my Bachelor student years at [your previous university] I succeeded in thoroughly preparing for my chosen Masters study while developing excellent understanding of [some previous example subjects]. Furthermore, I managed to apply a great extent of theory to practice at my working position as a [your job title]. In combination with my analytical and multitasking skills, each of my given tasks and projects seemed more and more interesting, which further lit my interest in [your chosen Masters study field].”

• For your conclusion:

And there we have it – the very end of the motivation letter. As a formality, there is no need to go crazy with any unreasonable amount of information or text. For the best results, stick to a strategy of implying that you are thankful and looking forward to a positive outcome.

“I am grateful for the given opportunity and time to review my motivation letter. In the upcoming time, I will look forward to your reply and hope for a positive reaction. Please inform me about a potential interview if there is a further need for information required.”