Biology degree personal statement example (1e)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My fascination with biology started early: as a child I spent hours catching frogs, toads and insects in the garden so I could observe them and how they lived. My curiosity about living organisms grew further as we learnt about the human body at school. I was amazed at how simple body responses are actually so complex - how, for example, a touch stimulus is passed along nerves and synapses to be read by the brain - and how tiny organisms like bacteria can overwhelm and destroy even the strongest creatures.

As I have learned more, this has developed into a strong interest in the basic processes of life such as molecular biology and genetics. I am fascinated by how something so small, like a single mutation in the base sequence on a polynucleotide, can set off a sequence of changes causing a devastating genetic disease like sickle cell anaemia. Reading books like "The Language of the Genes" by Steve Jones has made me realise that this is still a very recent and developing area of science, with huge potential to change the way we treat diseases, just as genetic engineering has transformed the production of insulin and the treatment of diabetes. Through this and other reading, such as New Scientist, I have also come to understand the importance of new research leading to medical advances. For example, the development of the new malaria vaccine currently in trial is a huge advance, as the first vaccine against a parasitic form of infection, not only potentially saving millions of lives but also opening up doors to the possibilities of new vaccines against other parasites.

I feel that biological sciences are at the heart of some of the most exciting and fast-moving advances in science right now, and I would very much like to contribute to that by pursuing a career in this area. A degree in biological sciences would enable me to gain an overall understanding across the different disciplines, before potentially specialising in an area I am particularly interested in, such as molecular, genetic, or cellular biology. I know I am enthusiastic and passionate enough to succeed in studying biology to a higher level. University will be a stimulating and exciting experience where I can deepen my understanding of this fascinating area of science as well as gaining a broad range of professional and personal skills for my future career.

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

I am also interested in the way biological sciences link in with other sciences such as physics and chemistry, and how these can be applied together in practical ways. This has been fired partly by my participation in the Engineering Education Scheme, which provided an opportunity to work on an applied science project in an industrial environment. Our project included designing and making a fully working de-icing product, writing up a project and making presentations to a group of senior professional engineers. As well as showing how the different sciences work together, it helped me develop my team working, time management and presentation skills, and made me realise how motivated I can become when I get deeply involved in a project. I was delighted to receive a BA Gold Crest Award on completing the project.

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

Aside from my school work, I have gained my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and have also been volunteering at my local Oxfam shop for the last two years, which has helped me gain skills in terms of interacting and working with people. I have now become a trusted volunteer, enabling me to improve processes, for example in coding different kinds of stock for gift aid, helping me develop leadership skills as well as increasing my confidence.

Universities applied to:

• University Of Birmingham
• University Of Exeter
• University Of Leeds
• University Of Nottingham
• University Of York

Grades achieved:

• Chemistry AS - B
• Biology A2 - A
• Maths A2 - A
• Physics A2 - A

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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