Economics degree personal statement example (1g)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My interest in economics stems from a drive I have always possessed: to understand how and why things happen, not vaguely or partially, but to my complete satisfaction. My desire to understand has grown through the study of physics and under the challenge of advanced abstract mathematical problems. However, I am most driven to apply my analytical skills to understand the human interaction of economics; I am intrigued by what is said and done behind the closed doors of the world’s most powerful cities.

There is no more exciting time to be studying economics than now. It is hugely rewarding to discuss and understand concepts in class whilst seeing the financial markets transform under the pressure of the credit crunch, an event already claiming many casualties. In a selfish sense, I consider myself lucky to be a student of economics during this colourful period in economic history.

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

Although there are clear links between my A2 economics and current affairs, such as the notion of the shut-down point in industrial economics and its relation to the recent collapse of several airlines, my desire to understand frequently takes my learning beyond the classroom. I read BBC business editor Robert Peston’s blog, and articles from The Guardian and The Times, in order to keep pace with the ever-changing economic world around me. I supplement my knowledge of economic ideas by reading books such as Paul Krugman’s The Accidental Theorist. In ‘Four Percent Follies’, Krugman attacks Felix Rohatyn’s aim at the time to raise the US growth rate from 2-2.5% to 4%. Krugman uses a seemingly trivial example of a neighbourhood babysitting scheme to illustrate the holes in Rohatyn’s argument. This has encouraged me to question economic and business ideas in the news, for example, the Conservatives’ recent proposal to scrap plans for a third runway at Heathrow in favour of a new high-speed rail link instead. Looking past the environmentalist-pleasing benefits touted, the idea clearly has substantial flaws.

For me, economic study requires initiative and creative thinking; attributes I have proved myself to have from a young age. When I was too young to have a job, I was buying and selling items on eBay to raise money for my own computer. With this, I taught myself advanced computer skills, and aged 14, they enabled me to take a temporary summer position as an ICT technician at a local school. More recently, in having the foresight to train for and take a lifeguarding exam, I now hold a job I enjoy, with a better rate of pay than most of my peers.

Preferably, I will study economics with elements of management. In 2007, I undertook two weeks’ work experience with a local project management firm. Shadowing the owner of this firm raised an interest in the role of good management to the success of a project or firm. I continued to pursue this interest in management by becoming co-managing director of a Young Enterprise company. Helping to run my own, albeit small, company taught me of the diversity of management - the nature of it fluctuates depending on the people, product or situation involved.

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

I am a keen cross-country runner, captaining my very successful school team and competing for my local club. I run every day and am going on my second international training tour this winter. I would like to continue this sport further and represent my future university. My success in cross-country running demonstrates my determination to succeed in all aspects of my life. I would apply this same ambition, drive and commitment to ensure my successful study of economics at university.

Universities applied to:

• Oxford
• Bristol
• Manchester
• Birmingham

Grades achieved:

• French AS - B
• Maths AS - A over 90%
• Economics AS - A over 90%
• Physics AS - A over 90%

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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