Biological sciences degree personal statement example (1f) foundation year

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

At the current time I am a full time carer for adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities, I am very passionate about my job and have dedicated myself to helping people. After earning my degree I would like to continue to help people but in a different way. Earning a degree in Biological Sciences will allow me to go on into further study and help a wider group of people in a more academic manner.

When making my GCSE choices I made the decision to study Biology as a twilight course, it was during this course that I first discovered an interest in genetics. During the two year course I became increasingly intrigued by the topic. In my final years at school I also studied physical education, this combined with my science GCSE's and Biology also lead me to develop an interest in the anatomy and physiology of the human body. I continued to study Biology at an AS level before deciding that I wanted to gain some experience of the working world before I continued my academic studies.

After completing my degree I would like to continue my studies and earn a masters degree in genetic counselling. My end goal is to become a genetic counsellor, this way I will be helping families to make informed decisions by having a greater understanding of what a genetic condition may entail and supporting these families through any difficult times. I currently work with individuals and their families providing both emotional and physical support, and by becoming a genetic counsellor I can continue to provide this support to people diagnosed with similar conditions and their families.

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

While studying at AS level I became enthralled by the complexity of the human body and the processes it carries out. Through my current working role I have become fascinated by the many causes of individual learning disabilities and have, over the past two years, developed an even stronger desire to learn more about the genetics behind these conditions and how this affects their presentation.

During my school work experience placement I worked in various roles within the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Hull. It was something I thoroughly enjoyed and I knew then that I wanted to study Biological Sciences at university in the future. Some of my placement was spent working on a transmission electron microscope; whilst doing this I found myself amazed by the intricacy and complexity of individual cells, even more so by how something so small is capable of carrying out essential functions and can form entire organisms.

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

I have previously volunteered with St John Ambulance as a First Aider and Badger Leader, during my time volunteering I worked to support young children in learning life saving skills, working as part of a team and how to be active and healthy among other subjects. I also spent time doing my own training in to be an effective member of a team providing first aid to the public on duty at events.

I train in Ju-Jitsu and currently hold a second Dan Black Belt, through my training I have learned how to defend myself from all manner of threatening behaviours, as well as keeping fit and learning discipline. I spent time teaching younger students basic defence skills and then as they progressed more complex skills, this teaching lead to me being awarded my assistant instructors certificate. I have also learned about body mechanics relating to self defence and about certain aspects of Chinese Medicine such as acupressure, massage and chiropractic techniques.

Universities applied to:

• University of Hull (Biomedical Science with Foundation Year)
• University of Hull (Biology with Foundation Year)
• University of Hull (Human Biology with Foundation Year)

Grades achieved:

• Biology (AS) - D
• Chemistry (AS) - C
• Matgematics (AS) - D
• Psychology (AS) - C

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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