Chemistry degree personal statement example (2a) MChem year in industry

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I enjoyed studying the three sciences and Geography at A-Level but Chemistry was far and away my favourite. The practical aspects of Chemistry appealed to me as I enjoy lab work, as well as solving theoretical problems; this combination made the subject exciting, and made me want to study chemistry further. The topics I liked most were the quantum aspects, atomic emission spectra and the composition of stars; radioactivity - particularly nuclear fission and fusion, and the application of radioisotopes as tracers in medicine. I also developed an interest in organic chemistry after experiments in class synthesising aspirin and penicillin. The need to plan a suitable synthesis route for the preparation of pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds particularly interests me.

Studying Physics A-Level and Biology AS was a great asset to my chemistry studies and made me realise how much the different disciplines in science overlap. Planning and following through with practical project in my A2 year demonstrated I was conscientious and organised when researching and working in a lab.

For me, to study chemistry at university would be a fantastic opportunity. My ultimate aim is to pursue a career in research, or possibly teaching, and at some stage working overseas.

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

Studying Physics A-Level and Biology AS was a great asset to my chemistry studies and made me realise how much the different disciplines in science overlap. Planning and following through with practical project in my A2 year demonstrated I was conscientious and organised when researching and working in a lab.

My school work experience placement at GE Healthcare began my interest in Chemistry and its medicinal applications, and I gained a Silver award for my write up of the experience. For example, I was involved in the quality control of equipment and reagents used for the injection of Myoview - a technetium-99 labelled tracer used for the diagnosis and imaging of coronary heart disease. This showed how theory in the classroom transferred to industrial use in medicine, even though I spent most of my time counting out 33,000 rubber bungs!

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

I would like to think that I am a strong candidate as I love my subject and I am also very determined once I set my sights on a goal. This is shown in my achievements to date - I have completed both Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards. I started helping out at a Beaver Scout Colony, and now after 3 years I am becoming a formal assistant to the colony.

I am also helping a friend format a Chemistry text book, using my extensive knowledge of ICT to help contribute to the book, in particular using online freeware and Microsoft Word.

I have played the violin, flute and piano and participated in orchestras and choirs throughout my primary and secondary education, and I sang at the Royal Albert Hall with my primary school. I am a keen walker, particularly living in an area of beautiful countryside, and I have climbed the three tallest peaks in England - Scafell Pike, Skiddaw and Helvellyn in the Lake District.

My decision to take a gap year was influenced by my experiences on a World Challenge expedition to Malawi, where I learnt how to lead a team, to be part of a team and to deal with personal and team obstacles. The challenges I encountered were budgeting for the renovation of a school, traversing the Mulanje Massif and relocating misplaced luggage! I was truly bitten by the travel bug and found it fascinating meeting people of different cultures and backgrounds.

In October of this year I will be travelling to Nepal and the South Pacific, including a strenuous trek to Everest base camp and the experience of working with Sea Turtles and teaching rudimentary English. I also have researched the local languages and aim to speak Nepali and Bislama as much as possible to converse with the local people, and the children on my teaching project.

On my return, I will take on the role as the Humanities Technician at Chesham High School where I will be working closely with the school and its community.

Universities applied to:

• York
• Warwick
• Southampton
• Liverpool
• Surrey

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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