I am applying for A PhD whose advertisement requires that I only send "..a covering letter, cv, 1 page statement supporting your application and stating your reasons for wishing to enroll in this programme, and arrange to have 3 letters of reference sent or emailed..". Does anyone know what a statement should include to enhance the support? What other areas of these requirements should I pay attention to maximise my chances? Should I be talking to a prospective supervisor? Thanks, Sammy.

Essentially, remember that the committee already knows about your grades and achievements as you detailed them in your CV. Focus on what your career goals are, how the PhD will help those goals, and WHY you will be a good fit with that particular PhD. For example say, The PhD particularly interests me because...

Look up on recent publications of the supervisor and mention them in your statement. That way you will show that you were intersted enough in the research of your supervisor to look at what they have done lately.