Computer science degree personal statement example (1q)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I have been fascinated by computers and how they work from an early age. Some of my earliest memories are of sitting with my father in the kitchen watching him fix computers. I started to learn the piano and play chess from an early age; this helped me to think logically and algorithmically. I enrolled in a small junior computer club when I was 7; this sparked my enthusiasm for the subject.

In primary school, I will never forget the feeling of success I got when there was a problem with the network and I identified and fixed the problem. The interest in computers then stretched to high school where I graduated top of my class in IT and gained an interest in mathematics where I tutored younger students. From high school, I knew that computing was the direction I wanted to head in.

Travelling is a hobby of mine, in particular in the USA. It has been a dream of mine to live there or perhaps study for a long time. I have recently taken a keen interest in mobile computing. Since I got a new smartphone, I can see the potential that it and cloud computing holds, and I am currently looking into designing applications for it.

I also have an interest in cinema and regularly attend. I have had a few small acting roles in minor productions. I present a computerised karaoke show with my father bi-weekly. I have a big interest in recording and listening to music and regularly volunteer at RNIB recording audiobooks and poems for the visually impaired.

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

I enrolled onto the National Diploma for IT Practitioners at college specialising in Software Development, and I instantly knew that this was the career for me. I had an immediate bond with some subjects on this course namely event-driven and object-oriented programming. I feel that everything made sense and that everything fitted into place. I also enjoy systems analysis and design, which allows me to take a problem, analyse it, and come up with a solution. I find that this is a strong point of mine. The networking side of the course also appeals to me because it fulfils my desire for balance between hardware and the essential running software.

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

During my time at college, I have engaged in a few different projects. I became the Enterprise Representative for Coleg Glan Hafren, attending many events where I was the youngest participant. Through the enterprise work, I became a member of The National Consortium of University Entrepreneurs and entered a College version of the Dragons Den, where I was placed in the top 12.

I co-started an event-organising business specialising in under-18’s events, and later a web hosting company, helping small businesses set up websites for e-commerce. I also hosted a very popular online radio show.

I then became involved with a well-known Bargoed-based chimney sweeper business, helping them to become digital by designing a logo and a website and setting up a network in their main office so they could communicate more efficiently and access files from a central location.

I had a week’s work experience in the kitchen of the Cardiff Marriott. In this time, I had the opportunity to work as a team and build my problem-solving and time management skills. I also helped them start using an online system to order stock. My product design project in technology gave me insight into how large-scale projects are managed and manufactured, and I learned a great deal about computer-aided design and manufacture.

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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