The letter of motivation to study for a master’s degree is one of the most valuable business cards in the academic world. It consists of a well-written and structured text where the future master’s student briefly describes her academic and professional skills and details the reasons why she wants to be part of the next course.
If you don’t know how to start writing this text, don’t worry, because at OneHOWTO we explain in detail how to write a letter of motivation for a master’s degree step by step. These simple tips and tricks will allow you to stand out and reflect the interest you really feel in this course. Ready?
What is a motivation letter for a master’s degree?
The motivation letter is usually essential in the admission process for a master’s degree since this document serves to reflect the interests of the candidates, their personalities, and the possible contributions they can make to the studies for which they apply.
For a motivation letter to be valid, future students have to follow a series of recommendations that will make their text a guarantee to study for the master’s degree they want.
How to write a motivation letter for a master’s degree step by step
Before you start, you should be clear about the main structure of a motivation letter for a master’s degree. In this case, the elements to take into account are the following:
- Introductory greeting: in the first paragraph of the letter you should make a brief description of who you are and indicate what your professional career has been so far.
- Development: in this part, the most extensive, you can give details about your main interests, experiences, skills, and reasons why you want to take the master’s degree. A piece of advice to develop this paragraph well is to answer the following question: why am I the best candidate to take these studies
- Farewell: in the last section you will have to add the possibility of expanding the information they need in a personal interview and say goodbye cordially.
Once you have the structure clear, the time will have come to start developing the master’s motivation letter. Therefore, we recommend that you follow these detailed steps:
- The greeting: at the beginning of the letter you will have to write the name of the person or entity to whom the document is addressed. In this other article on How to start a letter, you will find examples and other details.
- Brief personal description: here you will have to introduce yourself, expressing your interest in taking the master’s degree in question. Next, you will have to explain who you are, what your academic achievements are, and what your professional experience is (if any) related to the field of study that interests you. In addition, you will have to add data about your personal and professional skills.
- Development of the reasons why you want to study for the master’s degree: you have to be able to explain clearly and concisely why you want to take these specific studies. What are your motivations? If you are able to clearly answer this question, your letter will show that you know what you want and that you are an ambitious person.
- Detail the related professional experiences: in this step, you will have to include your work (if you have one) or academic background related to the field of the master’s degree you want to study. For example, if it is a research-oriented master’s degree, it is advisable to name academic merits (if you have obtained honors in the Final Project, etc.) or to raise an academic work that you have published.
- Provide complementary information of value: here it is essential to highlight if you speak other languages (or if you have lived abroad) since many master’s degrees are taught in several languages and take this into account. You can also include if you have done internships or volunteer work related to the field of study and what you can contribute with all that experience.
- Name some expectations: it would be very interesting to write what aspirations you have when taking this master’s degree and what your subsequent expectations are. In this case, the key question to answer would be: what do I want to contribute “outside” with the knowledge of this master’s degree?
- Farewell: in the last section you have to thank the people who read you for their time and offer to do a personal interview in which you can expand your information.
These are the main steps that we recommend to write your letter of motivation for a master’s degree. Do not forget to have very good spelling and writing, in addition to neatly taking care of the presentation. Attach your CV along with your motivation letter if you think it is necessary, because if it is of quality, you may surprise readers.
You may also find this article on How to write a formal letter to be of great help .
Example of a motivation letter for a master’s degree
(Your name and last name)
(Direction)
(Telephone)
(Email)
(College name)
(Direction)
(Name of the recipient person/entity)
To (date) in (city),
Dear (name of the person or entity),
I am writing to you to express my interest in studying for a master’s degree (name of the master’s degree) at the university (name of the university). I am a graduate of (your studies) and I finished my degree with honors in (subjects related to the master’s degree) / a good academic record due to my great interest in this subject. I am a disciplined, responsible, and research-oriented person, so I think I fit very well in the profile of the candidates for these studies.
My interest in taking this master’s degree is due to (explain some specific reasons), and I also believe that its teaching methodology is perfectly in line with my objectives. I have experience in (add the professional/employment fields that you consider appropriate) and this trajectory has led me to want to expand my knowledge to continue working/researching in this field.
In addition, my language skills (provide some other language) allow me to be at the level of understanding necessary to meet the objectives of the master’s degree. I have also done (include some volunteering or related internships) and this has given me (detail on what you have learned with all this and why you think it is important for the master). Studying this master’s degree, I aspire to (put what expectations you have).
Finally, I thank (the recipient person or entity) for their time and dedication in reading this letter. I await your response and, if you consider it necessary, I can provide you with all the information you need for an interview.
Receive a cordial greeting,
(Name and surname)
(Firm)
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