Aerospace engineering degree personal statement example (1d) University of Southampton offer

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

It would be difficult to imagine a world without engineering. A walk down the street would expose you to hundreds of engineered products, from the aeroplanes overhead to the lampposts you pass. These products are the result of engineers applying scientific principles to their projects with the aim to make life easier. The ingenious ways engineers use these principles have inspired me to become an integral part of this fascinating fast paced world by studying engineering at university.

My interest in engineering stemmed from learning of Da Vinci’s investigations into the concept of manned flight. For such thoughts to occur to a mind of the 16th century amazed me and spurred me on to research more recent developments in the field of aeronautics. For this I took it upon myself to read books such as “Understanding Flight” by D.W. Anderson which offered me an easy to understand insight into the concepts, theories and mechanical principles that make flight possible. One topic I found particularly intriguing was the concept of hypersonic travel and the forming of a sonic boom, which I would thoroughly enjoy studying in further detail. To further my own knowledge I am currently undertaking an Extended Project on the evolution of flight and what its future holds.

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

Following this I undertook 2 weeks of work experience in Aero Engine Controls, shadowing an engineer. During my time there I learnt the intricacies of developing engine control units for engines such as the Trent 900. I was impressed at the necessity for micron level accuracy and how parts were scrapped if they fell outside this tolerance. It became apparent that there was no room for error when it came to aviation engineering. This striving for perfection in engineering showed me that without the talent and attentiveness of engineers, these vehicles would not succeed. To achieve the status of an engineer of this high calibre is my goal.

By seeking out opportunities to gain valuable experience in engineering, I discovered The Engineering Education Scheme (EES) and became a part of a team working with National Grid, designing a cost effective solution to the harmful releasing of waste gas from pipelines. We discovered that burning the gas and releasing its products instead of releasing it as methane gave a smaller environmental impact. The experience improved my abilities in research and analysis of real life problems. The ability to convey these concepts is also crucial for an engineer, thus presenting our team’s solution to a board of executive engineers provided me with invaluable insight into the work of an engineer. Reading Henry Petroski’s “Success through Failure” gave me an insight into the driving forces behind engineering and what makes a successful engineer. A recurring theme I saw was that learning from past failures is critical to future successes, for example, when the Quebec Bridge collapsed, the next engineer learnt from the mistake of rushing the design to try to set records, and went on to design a new bridge that still stands today.

Multitasking the EPQ alongside my A-Level studies this year including taking an extra M2 module, is a challenge I’m looking forward to just as I have managed Envision and EES during my AS studies. To recognise these achievements, I have been awarded the Gold Crest Award for my work in EES and the v50 award for Envision, both of which required strong team skills to achieve the set goals.

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

Non-academic activities such as badminton and biking have allowed me to have a break from work whilst providing me with a healthy outlet for my spare time.

My personal drive to succeed would ensure my success in Aerospace Engineering and I look forward to the challenges that this degree course will bring. My abilities and experience would allow me to adapt to university life well and utilise my time at university to become a part of the limitless world of engineering.

Universities applied to:

• University of Cambridge-Downing (Engineering)
• Imperial College (Aeronautical Engineering)
• University of Bristol (Aerospace Engineering)
• University of Southampton (Aerospace Engineering)
• University of Sheffield (Aerospace Engineering)

Grades achieved:

• Maths (AS) - A
• Chemistry (AS) - B
• Physics (AS) - A
• Computing (A2) - 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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