Chemical engineering degree personal statement example (1j) with year abroad

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My desire to study Chemical Engineering is propelled by its ability to take knowledge and turn it into a reality. By using science, technology and management, it can manufacture the materials and products needed by society. It is a field driven by necessity and therefore is constantly changing. As the progress is never stagnant and I enjoy variety, the field is even more attractive. I am driven to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering to see my work applied in a practical form. As a number of my family reside in Nigeria, I am a frequent visitor. The impact of inventions such as antimalarial drugs was my first insight to what Chemical Engineering can produce. They have been astutely engineered to produce a safe yet pungent delivery of medication. The notion of solving scientific problems affecting the world in an original manner is an inviting challenge.

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

My interest in Engineering began during my work experience at HurleyPalmerFlatt; a multi-discipline Engineering consultancy. I shadowed various engineers, and worked on a theoretical project of building a leisure complex. During my experience I gained an understanding of external constraints, such as process economics, and their impact. My work experience required me having to communicate with foreign students, which meant I had to be expressive and patient to overcome the language barrier. The experience highlighted the importance of positive communication between team members; I would like to develop this skill further by studying a degree in Engineering.

I feel my A-level science subjects have given me a firm grounding for understanding some of the complex processes in Chemical Engineering. I attended an Engineering taster course at University College London where I was inspired by Chemical Engineering’s capacity to change lives. I saw first-hand the engineering of innovative drug therapies, such as the use of Nano-radii gold bubbles in spot-isolated treatment; a creation that could radicalise the face of medicine. This fostered my wish to undertake my course at an institution known for its contribution to humanity. I went on to request copies of the ‘Institution of Chemical Engineers’ journals for personal reading. An article that interested me in particular was one concerning the potential fuel source of excess glycerine. A solution to the use of traditional fuels which are rapidly depleting and in some cases, have had catastrophic results.

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

I enjoy participating in competitive sport which requires intelligent reasoning and team work. In particular, I am dedicated to athletics and have been practicing for 8 years. In addition, I captained my netball team to our first U16 League win. I have participated in Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Awards, which required me to be self-motivated and autonomous in effort, to organise my teams’ expedition.

For my award, I began assisting with a computer repair company. This required me to maintain a comprehensive tactical approach while using initiative and rationale. I was given the final project of restructuring a computer, and I had to critically evaluate and improve performance, paying close attention to detail. This will be useful for me as an engineering student due to the large role of amendment and evaluation, such as in increasing processor efficiency. I frequently assist in voluntary work such as with a Montessori Day Nursery, where I was responsible for children with SEN needs; the nature of this work helped me to further develop risk awareness and management. I particularly enjoyed the feeling of responsibility this gave me.

Studying Engineering will allow me to apply mathematical ingenuity to enhance social development. I look forward to actively contributing to university life and will cherish the opportunity to build upon my life experiences and achievements.

Universities applied to:

• Imperial College (Chem. Eng w/ A Year Abroad)
• University of Birmingham (Chem. Eng w/ Industrial and International Study)
• University of Manchester (Chem. Eng w/Industrial Experience)
• Loughborough University (Chem. Eng w/Management)
• Leeds University (Chem. Eng w/Nuclear)

Grades achieved:

• Maths (A2) - A*
• Chemistry (AS/A2) - A*
• Physics (AS/A2) - A*
• Critical Thinking (AS/A2) - B
• Biology (AS) - 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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