Aeronautical engineering degree personal statement example (1f) Southampton offer

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My long-standing fascination with aircrafts began with my favourite toy helicopter. Since then I have made a model plane of a radio controlled spitfire Mk2 and managed to fly it. My fascination has been followed up with literature and resources; further developing my understanding and interests in the architecture of an aircraft.

Books such as 'The Aerospace Chronology' provided some insight into technological advances that have produced safer, faster and more agile planes. As a result to extensive research into which degree course to study, all has pointed towards the Aerospace aspect of engineering. I am now anxious to be involved in future aircraft developments and keen to expand my knowledge in this particular field.

After doing some intensive research, I now know that I would like to pursue a career in this field and am now very eager to study aeronautical engineering at university level. I believe that not only do I have the desire to do the course; I also have the ambition and motivation to succeed and be the best I can be.

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

I have always been interested in the mechanics involved in creating machines. For example when my computer broke down I dismantled it in an attempt to repair it and figure out a way to make it function again. I was unable to solve the problem, but this only built on my curiosity to understanding the circuitry and chips embedded in the computer. Helping my father maintain and repair the family motor vehicle has also strengthened my desire to study engineering as I love technicality involved in using my hands to repair something. I have also noticed that most of the engineering courses have slightly similar substance and structure in the beginning and only specialise later on, I find this to be quite an appealing factor.

At college my favourite subjects include physics and mathematics as I take great pleasure in applying the concepts learned on real life situations. Mathematics is often described as the building blocks of life; everything around us consists of mathematics, without numbers it would be impossible for engineers to make predictions. Although to me the real beauty of mathematics is the challenge presented in problem solving and the pleasure one gets in conquering the problem.

My main objective for studying physics is due to the fact that it seeks to explain our world while using exceedingly interesting theories. I was particularly intrigued by the phenomenon that is the Bernoulli principle, and the relevance it has with the designing of airfoils such as aircraft wings and I look forward to learning more about fluid behaviour at university. I also chose chemistry because it's the foundation off all sciences, during my chemistry studies I have realised its importance and how it overlaps with physics; thus enabling me to understand my physics modules thoroughly.

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

I attended a two day engineering master class at London South bank University. During my time there, I received a very insightful view to engineering. I had the opportunity to meet and discuss with graduates and engineers in the industry, and was practically informed on the career paths and impressions engineering has on every day life.

My work experience, which was based at Trinity Community Centre, helped me gain valuable skills which are indispensable in my chosen course. Working there required me to attain a certain degree of patience and an ability to communicate with others. My role involved dealing and helping members of the community, working as part of a large number of staff, which allowed me to exercise my team working skills.

Universities applied to:

• Bristol
• Southampton
• Loughborough
• Sheffield
• Leeds

Grades achieved:

• AAB
• AAA
• ABB

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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