Computer science degree personal statement example (2r) Masters, Oxford applicant

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My understanding of computing as a science, at the age of 17, was limited to the textbook definition of what computer science was about. However, due to the interest I had on technology, I decided to consider it as a choice of degree. Over the years I began to appreciate the importance of computing as a modern day science and its impact in the society that we live in. However, I feel that I haven’t yet entirely comprehended all the possibilities that this area of study has to offer. With a masters degree I hope to explore the field to understand a more distinct meaning of computer science, and how it can shape the reality and the future we hope to create.

I wish to extend my expertise in this field by studying Computer Science at Oxford, where I know my desire for knowledge will be satisfied. More specifically, I wish to advance in the field of computer graphics and software engineering, thus attending the offered OO Programming course will be highly valuable. Computer Science at Oxford is the best program that offers both in depth exploration of theory as well as practical and resourceful courses like Computer Animation. I understand the effort and commitment that comes with attending such a renowned institution, but I believe the intellectual fulfilment and scholarly benefit will be so great that they will keep me motivated and 100% focused, both on my personal and on the school's educational objectives.

Originality and competence are my guiding values and Oxford is where I want to develop my ideas and creativity. Oxford graduates are held in high esteem by employers due to the values they have obtained during their stay at the institution. With its academic freedom and collegiality, the university always provides an exceptional education and recruits the best students. I strongly believe I am one of them, and I am grateful that the admission committee will take the time and the effort to allow me to join your esteemed department.

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

In my first year I was introduced to Java. It was a very big step for me, as I had never studied nor utilised any kind of computer-based programming language before. To my surprise, I was doing well and managed to get ahead of the coursework, which gave me time to explore other aspects of Java as well as concepts yet to be examined in other courses. The following year I had the pleasure to learn about Graphical User Interfaces. Given my passion for graphic design and arts, I was driven to perform well, and what I learnt helped me improve my programming skills as well as the understanding of the human mind. The knowledge acquired in these courses was a very powerful asset in the Software Engineering course, where myself, and a team of other students, had to create a fully working database system for hospitals. In addition to implementing all the necessary functional requirements, I spent time researching the best user interfaces for this particular type of systems. It was a wise choice, as the testing team determined our project was one of the most complete, in terms of range of capabilities and usability.

For my final year project I have decided to focus on my interest for GUI and Computer Graphics that Dr. Pengwei Hao is currently teaching. From a young age, I’ve been experimenting and building curiosity in 3D modelling. Google SketchUp was my first encounter with the subject. Since then, I’ve gained expertise by practice, and I’m now able to create very sophisticated works of 3D art by using different software systems, such as Cinema4D. Through the graphics course, I’ve learnt the mathematical background that supports this complex architecture and being able to relate to the subject matter was a great advantage. I know Computer Animation is offered on the MSc course at Oxford and it is definitely one that I want to take. My project will focus on introducing sign language to the hearing community, with the use of a real-time generated signing avatar. Point positions in space and key frames will be generated in Cinema4D, whilst the animation will be created in Java using OpenGL. Signs will then be dynamically linked together, by generating an algorithm for between frame interpolations. I will have to apply my knowledge of vectors and matrices for the rotation of joints that make up the skeleton for the avatar, as well as referring back to the Software Engineering course to develop a highly usable and appealing application.

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

During my academic years I’ve also worked as a Sound and Video editor for the university online television channel, QMTV. At the same time I was employed at the Bart’s Cancer Prevention Trials Unit as a ‘Branding and Design project manager’. My role was to create and develop logos and other branding tools for their upcoming research projects. My success at their institute resulted in other units asking for my services. The role was part-time and I worked voluntarily to help gain some valuable experience, by extensively working with people other than students in a professional environment and taking initiatives with them. This year I decided to work as a teaching assistant for the same programming module introducing Java to first year students; it has been an exceptionally rewarding experience so far. My fluent knowledge of Italian, English and French has allowed me to adapt to different kinds of environments, and this was particularly useful, especially when dealing with pupils who had difficulties speaking English. While reading the ‘Entrepreneurship in IT’ module, I led a team of students where were given 6 weeks to design a poster and prepare a pitch to be given in front of a jury. Bill Morrow, Co-founder of Angels Den was also present. The poster I designed and the pitch we presented led us to win the prize for Most Creative Communications. Overall, I think all the challenges I faced while working at Queen Mary and outside of academia, helped me learn new skills and improve upon my abilities. I believe these will be crucial in an intellectually challenging and multicultural environment such as Oxford.

Universities applied to:

• Oxford

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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