Aerospace engineering degree personal statement example (1a) University of Manchester offer

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

From the Wright Flyer to today's Airbus A-380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the development of the Aviation industry has been immense. Yet, there are still many contemporary issues facing the engineers of today; I aspire to be part of this rapidly advancing industry. Studying the engineering behind one of man's greatest achievements would be an educational challenge I would relish and it would build upon my experiences in the field. I am eager to broaden my mind on the applications of the engineering practices followed in the aeronautical industry. I am fascinated by discovering how different components function together.

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

I studied Engineering at secondary school and completed a two week work experience course at Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council's civil engineering department which gave me an insight into engineering practices and procedure. In my A2 Physics coursework, I chose to investigate how variations in the design of an aircraft's aerofoil affect its performance. Furthermore, I am a student member of the Royal Aeronautical Society which enables me to read the Aerospace International Journal, and I am a member of the Lancashire Aero Club. These two organisations increase my knowledge and understanding of a range of aviation operations.

In my educational career I have also accomplished a great deal. At secondary school I was elected a Senior Prefect and also Vice Chairman of the School Council, both of which developed my communication skills through a series of public speaking events. I was a peer mentor and I also represented the school on the Local District Assembly. At Sixth Form College I was a member of the Maths Club where I helped low ability year seven pupils with their maths skills. I am Deputy Head Boy and as part of this role I am the sixth form representative on the School Council. This enables me to express my views, and the views of others, in a formal environment whilst also taking into consideration the opinions of others.

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

Being a member of the Air Training Corps, I have already gained a lot of knowledge about aircraft: how they perform and the principles of how flight works. I completed a Gliding Scholarship in May 2012 which involved flying nine hours of training flights in a motorised glider (Grob 109b Vigilant) after which I was allowed to complete a solo circuit of the airfield. This was one of the most fulfilling and exciting experiences I have ever had. Also, I completed an engineering work experience course at RAFC Cranwell where I observed engineering training on the Sepecat Jaguar and on-going engineering work on the E3-D Sentry at RAF Waddington. As part of the Air Training Corps, I currently hold the rank of Flight Sergeant; I have the classification of 'Master Air Cadet' and am a qualified Instructor Cadet and first aider. I was selected to be one of only twelve cadets from the entire country to attend a prestigious International Air Cadet Exchange to Canada in the summer of 2012.

In my spare time I enjoy engaging in the athletic event of pole vault. This year I have competed for my club, Sale Harriers, in many events including the British Athletics League Premiership. I won the Greater Manchester Schools Athletic Championships and was selected to represent Greater Manchester at the English Schools Athletics Championships. I volunteer at a local hospice charity shop which raises funds to provide specialist palliative care for sufferers of life changing illnesses. Engineering is a profound application of my enjoyment of maths and physics, and combined with my interest in aviation, the field of aeronautical engineering would be an exciting amalgamation of my academic and vocational interests.

Universities applied to:

• University of Manchester
• Brunel University
• University of Leicester
• University of Salford
• Loughborough University

Grades achieved:

• AAB
• ABB
• BBB
• 280 points
• AAB

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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