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Edinburgh University Personal Statements

These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to The University of Edinburgh. You can click on one of the links below to view the entire statement and find out if the applicant was offered a place.

You can also view our entire collection of personal statements or view personal statements for application at other universities .

Psychology Personal Statement Example 2 Psychology surrounds us. I often observe my class mates and ask myself why they are so different, struggling with attention or eating disorders. While looking for reasons, I also want to find ways to help them and I am confident that psychology will give me the means to do so...

Politics and International Relations Personal Statement Example 4 The era in which we live goes through constant turmoil and shifting powers. Not a day goes by without a change somewhere on our planet, which in turn has an effect on yet another change to come elsewhere...

French and Arabic Personal Statement Example In studying French and Arabic, I am eager to compare two mutually influential languages and cultures, particularly their overlapping history and its cultural representations. I decided to defer my entry to retake my Maths A2 and plan to turn this to my advantage by working and living in France, putting what I've already learnt of the French language and culture into practice...

Maths Personal Statement Example 3 I am extremely enthusiastic about my decision to read Mathematics at university as for as long as I can remember Maths has always been my main academic interest. From learning to count at primary school, to studying calculus towards my Mathematics A level, I have found this subject intriguing due to its obvious application to the real world...

Environmental Science Personal Statement Example 1 I must describe as undetermined the moment from which my compassion began to aim predominantly towards the natural environment and all the elements that compose it. With the passing of the years since my existence here on Earth, I have been able to witness behind the transparent glass of “development”, how our relationship with nature is becoming more noxious; on having assumed us with the right to take a big part of our Earth as if it was completely within our jurisdiction...

Economics and PPE Personal Statement Example My aspiration to study economics at both advanced and degree level has stemmed from my lasting interest in current affairs and world development. These issues require an application of economics in real-life situations and can be related to many diverse subjects such as politics, philosophy and psychology...

Physics Personal Statement Example 4 The elegance of the scientific subjects, in particular physics is what has established my eagerness for a deeper insight into the subject. What sets physics apart from the other sciences, in my opinion, is that it can be practically applied to all instances of life...

Architecture Personal Statement Example 1 I believe that having a visual stimulus in your environment is important. For example, if I'm walking down the street I want to see an eclectic mix of buildings that I find exciting to look at, rather than rows of uniform houses...

Law and International Relations Personal Statement Example 1 Through my insight into the UN's work I have learned that having declarations about Human Rights does not mean they are obeyed and automatically enforced. Law is not static, but develops all the time. It is part of everyday life, as in Berlin everyone is confronted with the issue of asylum seekers...

Geography Personal Statement Example 1 At first glance, my A Level choices appear scientifically biased, but they underpin key topics studied in Geography. I enjoy investigating the theories of global economies, population and poverty. The mathematics I have studied enables me to manipulate raw data meaningfully...

Economics Personal Statement Example 5 Choosing an undergraduate degree in economics is a result of my deep seated curiosity to know why economies are they way they are; why oil prices in my country, Pakistan, rapidly fluctuate whereas economies like USA and China continue to strengthen despite recessions...

Geography Personal Statement Example 2 In a dynamic world, the study of geography is increasingly important. The diversity of the subject and the interaction between the physical environment and human population is becoming even more evident with climate change and globalisation influencing our everyday lives...

German and English Literature Personal Statement Example Email correspondence with a friend in Berlin during the celebrations of the twentieth anniversary of the German reunification gave me an insight into the importance and relevance of Germany’s past both within the country itself, and throughout Europe...

Scottish History Personal Statement Example “Swap Access to Degree Studies” Whenever I walk through the village where I live in Polmont, and look just beyond the Westquarter valley where the tree line of the Callendar woods are visible, I close my eyes, and I am transported back to one of the most fateful days in Scotland’s history...

Biology Personal Statement Example 8 My interest in Biology started at a very young age due to spending a lot of time outdoors. I am intrigued by the functioning of living organisms and how they are all linked; one small change in one species will affect a whole range of others...

Plant Biotechnology Personal Statement Example I have became fascinated with Science in my early childhood. It came from the first glance through the microscope at Paramecium. Since that time I have shown a pertinacity to learn about the world imperceptible by human eyes...

Economics and Politics/Geography Personal Statement Example My desire to study Economics in combination with the Social Sciences stems primarily from my interest in these fields but also from the fact that these two disciplines compliment each other exceptionally well...

Pure Mathematics Personal Statement Example Mathematics is beautiful to me because of the deep and meaningful ideas touched upon by it, the vastness of these ideas, the clearness and elegance of their representation. Mathematics gives me the ability to apply knowledge by approaching things logically, and thinking clearly...

Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example 8 From the start of my second year at high school a subject which was introduced to me was graphic communication. This immediately caught my attention as the technical drawing aspect of the course was thoroughly enjoyable To further investigate more about this subject I chose to do graphic communication at a higher level which broadened my experience in technical drawing and introduced me to computer aided drawing which inspired me to research different courses related to this subject and doing so clearly confirmed my desire to study this course...

Psychology Personal statement Example 46 Marathon, madness or pleasure? What motivates a person to run 42 195 meters under a burning sun, on a hot summer’s day with a temperature of around 40 degrees Celsius? Well, it is a justified question if you’re not a fan of long distance running or if you are a student in the field of psychology...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 43 The ever-evolving nature of medical science and the certainty that we will know more about the many different healthcare practices has inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. My dedication to studying medicine has been confirmed by the experience I have gained in different hospitals and practices and I look forward to the academic discipline and challenges that will arise...

Geography Personal Statement Example 12 Considering my interests and hobbies, I could have chosen one of any number of subjects as my main area of interest, but there is no other subject which captures my imagination so completely as Geography, and I see links to it in almost every aspect of my life, both within and outside of my studies...

Economics Personal Statement Example (International Student) 1 The subject of economics, which I seek to study in the coming years, was first introduced to me through the United States Academic Decathlon, a ten-subject team competition for high schools. Over the past two years I have devoted hundreds of hours to independent preparation for this competition...

Law and Business Personal Statement Example (International Student) From an early age, law has always been number one priority in my vision of the future. Probably because of my father's profession (he is Head of the Regional Criminal Police), I have always been intrigued by Criminology and the idea of analysing and solving tangled cases...

Mathematics and Engineering Personal Statement Example Questions regarding the reason for my liking of mathematics have only one answer: mathematical logic and concepts contribute to a practical approach in every aspect of life. It is the diversity and universal applicability of this subject that encourages me to delve further and study it in depth...

Languages/Linguistics Personal Statement Example My decision to study languages at University stems from a fascination of the complexity of language and the changes which languages go through. As I am Scottish, I often speak in a regional dialect and I find myself engrossed as to why people speak in dialects and why speakers of the same language can have difficulties understanding each other...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 48 Given that over ninety nine percent of the body consists of just six elements, it is hard to imagine the human body as an intricately synchronised and immensely complex machine. Yet, it has done well to puzzle even the brightest minds in history-but I am drawn to a challenge; I cannot think of anything else more fascinating to work with...

Geography Personal Statement Example (Human/Environmental) The possibility of the human race’s days being numbered by our destructive lifestyles, as planted in my mind by Al Gore’s sensationalised and controversial ‘The Inconvenient Truth’, has fuelled my interest in the global warming phenomenon, forcing me to question society’s reluctance to tackle it and realise the worldwide impact of each of our daily lives...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 53 I have asked myself many times what it takes to be a great doctor, but like many questions there is never a straight answer. Keeping an open mind with regards to my career has meant that I have been able to pinpoint the one field which has fascinated me unlike any other, medicine...

International Relations/Politics Personal Statement Example 1 Earth is an ecosystem consisting of uncountable amount of substances, organisms and climatic changes, and of fragile relations between all of them. As a slight increase of global temperature causes great changes around the world, like melting of humongous ice glaciers which lead to flooding areas many miles away, as cutting of few trees may cause significant change in the population of one type of animal which destroys balance between other kinds living in the same forest, thus the human world today consists of the same political ecosystem with both fragile and strong relationships between different nations, countries and people themselves...

Archaeology and Anthropology Personal Statement Example 2 As an immigrant living in Spain, I am constantly reminded of the importance social and cultural factors have on my daily life, the language I speak, and the difference between the relationships I maintain with people from my own country and those I encounter here on a daily basis...

Ancient/Medieval History Personal Statement Example My decision to study Medieval History at a higher level was never a difficult one. Having always been interested about the relationship between the past and the present, studying History at AS-Level only strengthened my decision...

Law and German Personal Statement Example I have always been fascinated by the structures of societies and how their laws are built. Due to the constant changes of the world, the ongoing conflicts, debates, and controversies, these laws are constantly evolving...

International Business Personal Statement Example 2 The motivation behind my decision to gain a Business Degree lies in my determination to better understand how the real world works. I particularly enjoy the way that business blends in with everyday issues...

English Literature and Personal Statement Example At the war cemeteries of El Alamein in Egypt, I spent an hour or two combing through the British Commonwealth cemetery for Royal Dragoons from my Grandpa’s division and found myself struggling, from the sheer number of headstones, to choose between condemning our capacity for violence and admiring the extent of our sacrifice...

Creative Writing Personal Statement Example 2 To me, fiction is like the magic carpet of Aladdin. It takes me to travel through time and space and explore the slices of human experience. In the wonderful trips, I am guided by the author and accompanied by the characters...

Architecture Personal Statement Example 16 I vividly remember the moment when I knew I wanted to be an architect. I had been taken to Barcelona to see ‘the wavy buildings’, at the time I didn’t know anything about Gaudí or his work so I was relatively unenthusiastic...

History Personal Statement Example 37 My interest in history lies in the simple fact that I have always been fascinated by the past. At eleven I won a full academic bursary to attend my current school. This was a way into a community in which my intellectual curiosity would be valued and where I could further my enthusiasm for history...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 62 When two, I suffered a large third degree burn on my chest. Living in a small town in Romania, I was not able to get appropriate treatment, so I grew up with complexes about the aesthetical appearance of the scar...

Law and History Personal Statement Example 4 Louis de Bernières writes in ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin' that history is fascinating 'because everything [is] connected to everything else in the most elaborate, devious and elegant ways'. Perhaps this explains the importance of history in understanding the modern world; it governs the way in which we view society, dictates our actions and, perhaps most importantly, provides guidance to those who establish law...

Medieval History/History Personal Statement Example My grandmother’s maiden name is Marx. Her uncle, the world-renowned landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, was Karl Marx’s great-nephew. This fact, while seemingly trivial, has worked to strengthen the spark history has ignited within me since I was old enough to read...

Engineering Personal Statement Example 21 The world of engineering is so complex, yet so inspiring. Incredibly, engineers are discovering more ingenious and inventive solutions to complicated problems, whilst continually maximising efficiency...

English Literature & History Personal Statement Example 1 Throughout my education, I have constantly been captivated and inspired by my History and English studies. I have recognised how the two disciplines entwine and coexist to create an invaluable tool with which to explore the past and future...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 54 Since my first years of school, my life has gravitated around the questions starting with “Why” and “How”. In the 7th grade I was introduced to physics, which answered some of my questions but also generated more...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 67 I first became interested in psychology whilst discussing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour and non-conformity with my father. The nature-nurture debate gave me a huge desire to increase my knowledge and understanding of the human condition...

Illustration or Art Combined Course Personal Statement Example When the opportunity arose to combine art with some of my other subjects I leapt at the chance. English and Art being my favourite combinations. I’d illustrate stories, sketch far-too detailed storyboards than was strictly necessary for my Media project, and translate an extract of Shakespearean script into an attempt at a Frank-Miller-esque comic creation...

Electrical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 The defining wonder of today’s age is electricity. In just two centuries, we have come from Faraday’s crude but prophetic experiments to devices just a square inch that can calculate in seconds what the most gifted of human minds might take days...

Linguistics Personal Statement Example 3 Have you ever heard the Tuvan throat singing technique? Beautiful and intriguing at the same time. The question that's bound to accompany a throat singing performance is how the human voice could possibly produce such a sound...

Mathematics & Physics Personal Statement Example 2 My enthusiasm for Mathematics and Physics comes from the fact that they are both used to further our understanding of the universe and have applications in all other areas of science. My main area of interest in Physics is particle physics as this tells us how fundamental parts of our universe interact with each other...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 7 Coming from a mixed religious background, the comparison between cultural practices has touched me deeply, personally and profoundly. I have been able to observe the influence of culture on people's perspectives and world views...

Geology Personal Statement Example 4 Geology acts as a spyglass into the past, enabling us to understand the ancient environment and how its evolution is a key component to our survival. Through the study of Mineralogy and Palaeontology I have understood the importance of unravelling the earth's structure and mineral composition for both environmental and human benefit...

Accounting Personal Statement Example 4 At the heart of a successful business is a passion to achieve. A clear mindset and the ability to collaborate well with people is what makes profit; this is vital in the field of accounting. After looking further into the structure of firms, one thing in common to each is that at it's centre is a good accountant who makes clear and well thought out decisions...

German Personal Statement Example 8 Studying German at an advanced level strikes me as a very natural choice due to my cultural heritage and my strong interest in the subject. I have been brought up in the French-speaking part of Switzerland in a very multicultural family with an Italian father and a German-Iranian mother...

Earth Science/Geology Personal Statement Example 1 Everyone wakes up in the morning hoping to achieve something in life. That ‘something’ is what keeps them going every day. For me, it is my strong desire to contribute to society. I believe the best way to do that is by helping them understand the earth’s mechanism and how to maximise its potential to not just complement our lives but to make it better...

Law and International Relations Personal Statement Example 3 Our entire system is based on law, making it the essential foundation of stability in societies; the emergence of UN, NATO, and EU made the world more cordial. International cooperation is one of the chief elements of the functionality of the modern world; thus a combination of law and foreign affairs is the base of international prosperity...

Politics & Social Policy Personal Statement Example The ever-changing nature and diversity of politics is fascinating. The rapid social and political development in Russia in the early 2000s, still surrounded by the left-overs, if not quite the toppled statues of the previous socialist regime, kindled my interest in politics...

PPE/Economics Personal Statement Example Humanity today stands at the intersection of the most significant questions facing the world today: if democracy leads to political infighting, should it be sacrificed in the interest of economic well-being? Does religious fundamentalism provide a way for countries in the developing world to assert their identity in the face of Western hegemony? Does the entry of Western consumer goods threaten a country’s economic self-sufficiency? The answers of these questions will determine what the nature of our world is in the twenty-first century...

Law Personal Statement Example 90 Law is the cornerstone of our society, the piece of the puzzle that makes the world we live in work. It sparked my interest a few years ago, when I decided it was time to take a closer look at potential university courses...

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Published at 12 Apr 2021

Tips for admission at the university of edinburgh, the important first step for all applicants.

Something that all applicants (as well as prospective applicants) to any university should do, if possible, attends open days. Choosing a degree programme that is right for you is important, but the university itself and the city or town it is in is just as important. You are going to have to spend three or four years there. No matter how perfect the content of the degree programme seems, you won't enjoy it if you hate going to your university or you hate where you live. A personal anecdote: when I was an applicant, I applied to four universities . The University of Edinburgh was my top choice, which we'll call A, and let's just call the other three universities B, C, and D. This order of preference was based on how the degree programmes sounded from their online profiles and the rankings of the universities on league tables. After visiting open days for all four universities, however, I found that my order of preference upon speaking to staff, current students, and seeing the facilities was actually A, D, C, B. My least favourite choice turned out to be my second, and my second choice was in fact my least favourite! This is because the open days allowed me to actually see everything for myself, not just what I had read, and I was able to get a feel for the universities – the atmosphere and the vibe.

What is the University of Edinburgh Looking for in a Personal Statement?

The dreaded personal statement . But you should consider it your chance to really show why the university should want you to study at their university. The University of Edinburgh state that they look in a personal statement for evidence of commitment to continuing education, for motivation to succeed and do well in your subject area, for your readiness and maturity to study at an institute of higher education, and for a strong interest in your chosen subject area. Evidence of related work experience, volunteering, and extra-curricular activities is also extremely important to include. But don't worry if you can't include these – the University of Edinburgh is sensitive to the fact that not everybody has the same opportunities and access to work placements and prior experience in the subject before university. The University of Edinburgh consider a wide variety of experiences and, as long as you can demonstrate your desire to study and your interest in the subject, they will listen. Explain why you want to study the subject you are applying for. Demonstrate that you know what the subject actually involves . Write about relevant skills you have gained (for example, if you are applying to study Business Management, talk about your high school enterprise group or the people skills you gained through helping to organise the school dance).

How Do the University of Edinburgh Select their Students?

Each of the University of Edinburgh's three colleges (Humanities & Social Science, Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, and Science & Engineering) have their own admissions team, and each application is reviewed by at least two professional admissions staff members. The University of Edinburgh is looking for the best students with the potential to not only benefit from their studies but to contribute to the university in return . This is why it is important to demonstrate your enthusiasm and willingness to be a part of a university community in your personal statement. Before making a decision, all the information contained in your UCAS application is considered. Your academic qualifications, your personal statement, your reference, and so on. The University of Edinburgh also has systems in place that recognise that not all applicants come from the same backgrounds or have had the same opportunities and access to education. The admissions teams are fully aware that your potential and suitability for the university can't be measured on your grades alone. The admissions teams can also take into account circumstances such as serious illness or family bereavement having affected your school experience. Other data is used to identify applicants for whom grades might not be a true reflection of their potential to be a valuable asset to the university. To find out more about these systems, visit this link .

Interviews and Tests in the University of Edinburgh's Admissions Process

The University of Edinburgh are slightly unusual in that they do not normally interview applicants, and they do not even hold auditions for applicants to music programmes . This has its pros and cons but, either way, it definitely makes it all the more important that you have a strong personal statement. But applicants to certain programmes will be interviewed. Education, nursing, oral health science, medicine, and veterinary medicine applicants are likely to be invited for an interview . Medicine applicants will also be required to sit UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) in the summer before applying. Digital mini portfolios will be required of applicants to art, design, and fine art programmes, and these mini portfolios will be used in the selection process. Devon Elizabeth Barnett

Joinrs SRL - P.IVA 13066701007 Made with ♥ for students Joinrs S.r.l. is registered in the IT Register - Section IV - Aut. Min. Prov. Prot. N. 0000093 dated 01-08-2018

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The personal statement is a key part of your UCAS application. You have a limited space to tell universities who you are, what you want to do, and why they should accept you. If you give it your best and tackle it step by step it need not be a daunting task.

Before you begin

The personal statement is one of the final sections of your UCAS application. However, you shouldn’t leave it until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to write.

• Your personal statement must be at least 1,000 characters long , including spaces.
• The maximum length is 4,000 characters or 47 lines, whichever comes first.
• It’s a good idea to write your statement in a separate document , make all the edits you want, and then copy and paste it into your application.
• Plan out your structure and key points before you start writing, just like an essay. You can use this page to decide what to include. 

Top tips for writing your statement

Watch the video for a summary of the key advice on how to write your personal statement.

Or use the bullet points below as a checklist when you're writing.

Remember the UCAS Deadline is 31 January 2024.

We look forward to receiving your application, good luck!

1. Introduce yourself first

You don't need to start your introduction with “My name is...”, but it’s vital to tell whoever’s reading your application who you are. Start by answering these questions:

• Why are you interested in studying your subject?
• What is it about university that appeals to you?
• Where do you hope a degree will take you?

Include any relevant anecdotes and details about yourself that will make your application stand out. Has someone inspired you to study your chosen subject? Have you always dreamed of a particular career?

2. Tell us about your skills and achievements

You should demonstrate the things you’re good at and provide examples to back it up. Include things like:

• Any awards you’ve received.
• Hobbies or activities that build skills.
• Work experience and what that taught you.
• Volunteering or projects like Duke of Edinburgh, Step Together, or Young Enterprise.

3. Do some final checks

There are a few dos and don’ts to make sure your personal statement is the best it can possibly be.

• Do proofread everything. A spellchecker might not pick up on every mistake so make sure your writing makes sense.
• Don’t mention the names of any specific universities if you’re applying to more than one. They all see the same application.
• Do have someone else read your statement before you submit it. A teacher or family member could have suggestions.
• Don’t be tempted to copy someone else’s writing. Your statement should be unique to you and similarities will be caught out.
• Do bring your best self! If you take the time to really think about your statement, plan it out, and write to the best of your ability, then it’s a job well done.

Head back to our main 'How to Apply' page and remember to send your application before 31 January 2024.

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Personal statements for postgraduate applications provide an opportunity for you to show your motivation and suitability for the degree programme. Our resources and mini courses give you tips on how to create statements with real impact.

• Thoroughly research  your chosen degree programme (core courses and elective options) and institution.
• Don’t rush: give yourself plenty of time to complete your personal statement. This may take several drafts.
• Follow the instructions: take careful note of word counts and other guidelines.

A good personal statement usually includes:

• An opening paragraph which starts with a good strong opening statement and explains why you have decided to apply.
• Information on your relevant studies and how this new programme will build on your existing knowledge.
• A summary of any relevant work and/or volunteering experience.
• How this programme will help you in realising your career goals.
• A conclusion which sums up what you have to offer and why you want to study at that particular institution.

You can organise your information in different ways but following the order above should give you a good logical structure and flow.

If you are given guidance on the length and content of your statement, ensure that you follow this carefully. If no guidance is given, we recommend to aim for no more than one and half pages (around 500-750 words).

Once you have drafted your personal statement and double checked the spelling and grammar, we can provide feedback on the content, quality and impact of your document. Please either book an appointment with the subject specialist Adviser or use our Virtual Adviser Service for this.

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Current students share their thoughts on planning for university, student life and what it’s like to study at the university of surrey., personal statement top tips.

We know that writing your personal statement can be a difficult and confusing experience, so we have come up with some tips that can help make the process easier! 

Showcase your enthusiasm for the course through wider research

Universities want to see that you’re applying for their course because you are genuinely interested in the subject. Reading a book, attending a lecture and watching documentaries are great ways of showing your interest in your desired course as it will allow you to show universities what specific aspects of the course interest you.

Mind map your motivations for applying to your particular course

We know it can be hard finding ways to show your motivations that aren’t cliche or cringey. Making a mind map can help you break down your ideas and give you topic headings for each paragraph. 

For example, if you are applying for law: do you want to qualify as a solicitor at the end of your degree? Do you have a passion for advocacy? Do you believe that English Law needs to be reformed to be in line with today’s society? 

Talk about your extra-curricular activities

Universities want to see that you are a well rounded individual. Do you regularly partake in a sport? Can you play an instrument? Are you an avid home baker? Do you have a large TikTok following? 

Extra-curricular activities are great because they show that you know how to organise your time and understand the importance of taking care of your mental health. Universities want to know what your hobbies are, so make sure you tell them!

Explain how your A-Levels will help you on your case

There are so many transferable skills that you gain from your A-Levels. For example, Chemistry can help develop your analytical thinking which can be incredibly useful for Law or Business as well as Biomedicine and Chemistry. Drama can help develop your public speaking skills as well as creativity and teamwork. 

What characteristics do you display that would make you a good fit for the course

Is there something about you that you believe makes you an ideal candidate? Are you very organised? Are you resilient? There may be times in your degree that are more challenging than others. If you can show that you have the skills to help yourself through those hard times universities want to know!

Have someone read each draft

Sometimes it can be useful getting someone else to read your work as they can give you advice on the punctuation and the flow of the statement. If it is someone who is close to you, they may also give you ideas of other things that you could include. 

We hope that you’ve found these tips helpful and that they’ve given you some ideas of what to write. At the end of the day, universities want to read why you want to apply and why you are the best applicant.

Paramedic Science BSc (Hons) at University of Surrey

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In Memoriam: William Noel, the John T. Maltsberger III '55 Associate University Librarian for Special Collections

William (Will) Noel, the John T. Maltsberger III '55 Associate University Librarian for Special Collections at Princeton University Library (PUL), passed away on April 29, following a tragic accident in Edinburgh, Scotland earlier in the month. Will helped shape the field of early book history and brought the subject of medieval manuscripts to hundreds of thousands of people. His immense impact on the world of special collections grew with each day’s energetic work. A visionary leader and scholar, and champion for open access, Will's influence on his colleagues and on Princeton's special and distinctive collections will continue to shape the way scholars and the public interact with Princeton's treasures for generations. 

Will Noel. Photo credit: Brandon Johnson

Born in the UK, Will received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in art history from Cambridge University. His dissertation, “The Making of BL. Harley Mss. 2506 and 603,” examined scriptorium practice and illustrated textual transmission in the Middle Ages. He then spent three years as a British Academy Postdoctoral Research Fellow before he moved to the United States to take up the post of Curator of Manuscripts and Rare Books at Baltimore’s Walters Art Museum. He held a number of posts at the University of Pennsylvania Libraries, including Associate Vice Provost for Strategic Partnerships, Director of their Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books, and Manuscripts, and Founding Director of the Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies. 

Will designed and led a major project to retrieve overwritten texts in the Archimedes Palimpsest that led to groundbreaking scientific research across numerous fields in both the humanities and sciences. This project culminated in Will delivering a TED talk in 2012 “Revealing the lost codex of Archimedes,” which has been viewed by over a million people.  Many of the protocols and methods developed during this project continue to advance research in the retrieval of overwritten texts. Will was also recognized as a White House Open Science Champion of Change by the Obama Administration in 2013. He was chair of the Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries (PACSCL) from 2018-2022. His expertise was also recognized when he was invited to give the Sandars Lectures in Bibliography at Cambridge University Library in 2019, which he gave on the topic of “The Medieval Manuscript and Its Digital Image.”

Photo credit: Brandon Johnson

Will joined Princeton in March 2020 and his commitment to the reshaping of Special Collections was transformational. Ever present at library gatherings, public programs, and online events, Will led from within. As the infectiously welcoming host of the biweekly MARBAS (Manuscript, Rare Book and Archive Studies) talks, dazzling co-instructor of the Rare Book School’s course on ‘Fifteenth-Century Books in Print & Manuscript,’ or developing a close relationship with the Friends of PUL and acting as shepherd of the Student Friends of PUL, he offered himself entirely and selflessly, providing others with the necessary tools and voice to make their own impact. With Will, despite all of his administrative responsibilities, no time was a bad time to teach someone more about medieval manuscripts, contemporary archives, or new ways to make digital resources accessible. While his energy, warmth, and generosity will be profoundly missed, we take some comfort in the fact that he instilled the same spirit in many of his colleagues.

Ever a champion for innovative ideas and approaches that leveraged technology to transform access to medieval culture for the academy and beyond, Will partnered with colleagues across the library to advance digital access and approaches to special collections, leading to the digitization of approximately 1,700 codices from the Islamic world as well as numerous other digital projects. In particular, he increased the visibility and accessibility of the library’s collections through its digital library platform (DPUL) and championed the development of sustainable approaches to ensuring that the diversity within our collections continues to be celebrated and shared widely and openly. Will also advocated for new ways to engage digitally with collections, leading the Library’s expansion into multispectral and other advanced imaging techniques.

Will successfully defined and championed major acquisitions that also reflected his strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These included a Hebrew-Arabic dictionary (11th century), one of only four existing manuscripts of this important text by Ali ben Israel; African American History in Newspapers – a uniquely comprehensive collection of 300+ full issues covering essential historical events from the 17th to the 21st century; a complete run of the National Era (1851-52), featuring the entire serialized text of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin; the Theodotu Collection of Byzantine coins; ‘The Four Kings,’ 17th-century engravings portraying four Native American leaders; and an ink drawing by Jacob Lawrence for Westchester Graduation Ball program, 1951.

Photo credit: Shelley Szwast

As Head of Exhibitions at PUL, Will played a central role in shaping the programming and development of exhibitions for the Milberg Gallery. Utilizing his subject expertise, stewardship, and diplomatic approach he shaped and led the production of highly successful exhibitions including “Toni Morrison: Sites of Memory,” “In the Company of Good Books: Shakespeare to Morrison,” and “Records of Resistance: Documenting Global Activism 1933 to 2021.” Furthering his dedication to democratize access to information, these exhibitions were designed to not only display treasures but to serve as opportunities to teach with collections, which he did with great enthusiasm, and promote access to a wider audience.

Will made such an incredible impact on those of us who were fortunate enough to work with him. Even with his many talents and accomplishments, Will carried himself lightly and was quick to laugh and see the humor in situations. He was a joyous and caring person whose boundless curiosity and kindness made all of us better people for having had him in our lives. The impact of his vision, energy, and leadership for Special Collections at Princeton and beyond will be felt for years to come. 

Will was very proud of his family, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to Lynn Ransom and Henry Noel, his wife and son, and to his brother Robert Noel, his sister Emma Kennerley, and other members of his extended family. 

Written by: Anne Jarvis, Dean of Libraries and Robert H. Taylor 1930 University Librarian Jon Stroop, Deputy Dean of Libraries Wind Cowles, Associate Dean for Data, Research, and Teaching Eric White, Scheide Librarian and Assistant University Librarian for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Published May 8, 2024.

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Old College protest: a statement from the Principal

Since 5 May 2024, a group of people have been occupying the Old College Quad in protest about the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine. This follows a number of similar protests taking place in campuses across the UK, the USA and the world over the last few weeks.

To the students currently encamped in Old College and to other members of our community who are engaged in other forms of protest on current issues, I am writing as Principal of our University to emphasise that we hear your message, we respect your right to peaceful and lawful protest and we fully recognise the strength of feeling that you have demonstrated with your actions.

Our primary concern has always been and will always be the safety, security and wellbeing of all members of our University community. There will be people with views very different from yours: they are also welcome to express them in peaceful and lawful ways. A university should be a place where the most sensitive, topical and complex matters can be openly debated in an atmosphere of respect and safety. This principle is enshrined in our position on freedom of expression which was articulated some years ago and still holds true today:

Our Commitment to Freedom of Expression | The University of Edinburgh

By the same principle, members of our community have the right to go about their lawful business, free from harassment: in this respect we are grateful that the encampment in Old College has so far been peaceful and has not obstructed access to Old College for the staff who work there or for others needing access. Please note that hundreds of your fellow students are scheduled to sit examinations in the coming days and weeks. Some of these examinations are taking place in Old College and our students are using study space and the library at Old College. This is an important time of year for our students and we hope and expect that you will respect their needs and wishes, so that they can navigate a time period which is already stressful for them without any additional tensions. Similarly, staff require access to their workplaces to do their jobs, so please treat them with respect and let them carry on as normal.  

We have very recently been notified of the intention of an unknown number of students to commence a hunger strike as an indication of their strength of feeling and determination around issues related to Palestine and Israel. Whilst we recognise their bodily autonomy, we appeal to them and others not to take risks with their own health, safety and wellbeing. Please make yourself known to us at any point at which we may be able to direct you to support. We are in daily contact with the protesters to ensure they are aware of the health and wellbeing support available to them.

There are some inaccuracies in some of the assertions made: for example we do not invest in controversial weapons; Blackrock is one of a number of investment managers that we use and our investment in their ESG fund complies with our responsible investment policy; Albemarle has not manufactured white phosphorus for at least a decade; there is no portrait of Lord Balfour in Old College (we have for several years been engaged in a project to modernise some of the artwork in Old College: this started in the reception area and has extended to the area under the Playfair staircase where the portrait of Lord Balfour was formerly located). On these and other contested issues, we maintain a regular dialogue with student and staff representatives and we will continue to work in this way. A university should also be a place where there is respect for the truth.

We all deeply regret the loss of innocent lives anywhere in the world. We fervently hope for a peaceful solution to the current conflict in Palestine and other conflicts around the world. We will support the right to peaceful and lawful protest, and we have no current plans to disrupt your encampment provided that it does not unduly interfere with the activities of the University and its community.

We are proud of our status as a University of Sanctuary over many decades, and a founder member of CARA, the Council for At-Risk Academics, which provides opportunities for displaced academics from all over the world at our and other like-minded universities. We will continue to offer support to those members of our community that are directly or indirectly affected by Palestine or other conflicts. Right across the University, we are thinking of ways to help rebuild and regenerate the region as conflict subsides, including how we can help to bring back the University sector which has been so devastated.

Professor Peter Mathieson

Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh

9 May 2024:  Response to Edinburgh University Justice for Palestine Society

15 May 2024: Update on the University's investments

17 May 2024: Response to student protesters and staff group