Anthropology degree personal statement example (1a) Durham offer

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I question many different aspects of human society and behaviour, wondering inquisitively if the evolutionary past of human beings has influenced our social organisation and culture. The famous Anglo-American poet Wynstan Hugh Auden claimed, "The study of answers belongs to anthropology." With this in mind, I am eager to discover the answers to my on-going questions, which I believe may lie in anthropological theories.

Although I am predominantly interested in socio-cultural anthropology- in topics ranging from our political and economic organisations to gender politics- I am aware that various anthropologies exist and I am interested in all aspects therein. I am mostly fascinated by the way in which people relate to concepts of space and place built within the environment; ideas such as these enthuse me to study anthropology at a higher level. I hope to acquire the colossal body of knowledge that anthropology provides, and to explore the behaviour of human beings in the world around me.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

I currently study Theology, English Literature and Classics, all of which have broadened my analytical and critical-thinking skills. These skills have enabled me to observe situations from a more objective perspective, one that I think may be useful in conducting ethnographic research. I have enjoyed supplementing my understanding in Philosophy, a division of my Theology A-level. The evaluation of the different philosophical views and counter arguments on Religious Experience in particular has piqued my interest in the emergence of religious behaviour and the belief in a supreme being during the course of human evolution. Therefore, I am confident that the study of anthropology will expand my understanding of these issues and enable me to make significant contributions to on-going debates.

I have also thoroughly enjoyed my English Literature and Classics courses. Although by nature they are diverse, I enjoy relating historical and social contexts to the literary text that I study in both subjects. I was specifically enlightened to women's struggle in education during the late 20th century through the play 'Educating Rita' by Willy Russell. This drove me to research the reasons for gender bias in academic underachievement levels. Gaining an understanding in these issues has helped me improve my educational experience and has inspired me to achieve the best that I potentially can.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

My love for travelling has instilled within me an appreciation of social and cultural diversity. While visiting the Gauteng province of South Africa, it came to my attention that the city of Pretoria was more urban and westernised when compared to other parts of the province. However what fascinated me was that the norms and values in the more rural parts of the province were completely contrary to those of the western world. I wish to learn more about cultures, as well as our own society, and I await the opportunity to do so in fieldwork. As well as enjoying creative writing and currently writing my own novel, I am also an avid reader and I enjoy reading a range of genres.

This year, volunteering in Oxfam, completing a Sports Leadership course, participating in my Sixth Form's newspaper committee named 'The Piece of Sheet', as well as organising a Showcase event, has given me the oppurtunity to develop my leadership skills and has enhanced my innate ability to work within a team. When working independently, I realised that I can absorb new information quickly and that my common sense approach allows me to take direction and carry out a variety of tasks; I am very much looking forward to applying these skills in university. I strive to better myself and be the best that I can possibly be, and strongly believe that this will benefit me whilst adapting to university life. I await the opportunity to experience the diverse social and cultural mix at university, and to study anthropology, a subject that I am passionate about, in depth.

Universities applied to:

• The University of Durham
• The University of Aberdeen
• Queens University Belfast
• Oxford Brookes
• The University of Edinburgh

Grades achieved:

• BBC

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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