Computing and ethical hacking degree personal statement example (1a) Glasgow Caledonian offer

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I once read somewhere that becoming a hacker is much like becoming a Jedi or a Sith. You have a choice to use your knowledge and power for good or evil. The responsibility implied in this statement has become more apparent to me this year whilst I have been studying computer networking. Computing is involved in everything we do, from helping us wake up in the morning to solving some of the most advanced problems in the world. I aim to be a part of that to make a positive contribution to the industry from a cyber-security front.

While I have a strong knowledge of computing already there is still more I would like to learn. I am fascinated by computer systems but primarily with computer networking. For example protocols such as the OSI model and how much communication has to be made between two end devices just to send a simple text file or how a signal is transmitted and received. My passion however is in security, as this interests and challenges me even more. I have had a taste of this in my current course from ARP poisoning to Mac address flooding but I find myself eager to learn more as I research these attacks in my spare time, read about them in the news and even practice with them in the secure networking lab.

As I have previously stated computing is involved in everything we do and we are continuously becoming more dependant on technology. With this, crime is turning more virtual and therefore ‘virtual jedis’ are in ever increasing demand. Your course will help me achieve my dream of becoming an accomplished professional.

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

In July I will gain my Cisco Certified Network Associate qualification, I have been working through the books and online resources, and to better manage my time I am enrolling in an evening class in February to continue and finish my qualification. Maths and problem solving are major elements of cyber-security and while this is already one of my many strengths, I felt I could improve my skills. Therefore I have employed a maths tutor to help better my understanding of mathematics.

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

I have also applied for a voluntary position to work in the summer with NVT group, who have been privately contracted to do all of the networking for the Commonwealth games. Upon hearing that the company where offering limited places to students like myself I decided to apply and was delighted to be successful in my application. The work will involve installing all the equipment prior to the games, maintaining and fixing any issues during the games and then packing down after. I am looking forward to using the skills I have learnt for my college course in a real world setting. I will be required to do tasks such as configuring routers in a variable length subnet mask configuration, installing DHCP servers and much more. This is an amazing opportunity and will help improve my communication and team working skills.

When I am not studying or at work I head out of the city to go mountain biking. I love the freedom and the adrenaline rush I get from pushing myself to go faster. Despite breaking bones, I still challenge myself to improve my skills. This year I have taken up Ninjutsu, it takes a lot of discipline and dedication to practice such an art, although I find it gives me focus and allows me to relax.

Universities applied to:

• Glasgow Caledonian
• Abertay
• Edinburgh Napier

Grades achieved:

• Computing (Higher) - C
• Information systems (Higher) - B
• Computer Networking (HNC) - Predicted 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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