Engineering degree personal statement example (1o)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Tales of my Great Grandfather flying Sopwith Camels and SE5A’s during the 1st World War sparked my interest in aircraft at an early age. I started flying flight simulators at the age of 6, albeit not very well. As my flying became more proficient, my thirst for information concerning aircraft and the mechanics of flight grew. This was the start of my love for Aeronautical Engineering.

With a view to a potential career in this subject, I secured a work experience placement in the Engineering Department of Bond Helicopters. This assignment reinforced my aspiration to become an aeronautical engineer. I helped to maintain Super Puma helicopters; this included changing the mast and rotor blades and replacing an exhaust which had cracked due to operational vibrations. I realised that there is a need for the design and development of parts which will both reduce and withstand vibrations and therefore increase the safety and the lifespan of an aircraft.

I enjoy reading about Aeronautical Engineering, especially “Jet Engines: Fundamentals of Theory, Design and Operation” by Klaus Hünecke, which enabled me to appreciate how jet engines work and the many factors which have to be taken into account when designing an engine. I also read articles in the Aerospace International publication, particularly the research into UAV's. It is my ambition to work on such projects in the future.

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

My fascination for Engineering led me to become involved in my school’s Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) entry in this year’s MATE competition, in which we came 3rd in Scotland. I was the Technical Manager/Team Leader and our task was to design and build an ROV and tools needed to carry out tasks relating to the BP Macondo oil spill. I designed and built a liquid extraction tool which successfully sampled the oil. During the testing of our ROV, we discovered that the servos manipulating the arm would turn on and off unexpectedly. My troubleshooting showed that the voltage regulators we were using required heat sinks. Once these were installed, the servos ran without stopping. Determined to win next year, we are going to learn from our experiences and engineer a much better ROV, with a new frame and the use of pneumatics. By helping the team with the technical aspects of the ROV, I was able to gain an insight into the role of an engineer.

My passion for aircraft led me to join the RAF section of the CCF 4 years ago. I was named Recruit of the Year in 2009 and recognised for making the greatest contribution in 2010 and 2011. This year I was selected for the Air Cadet Leadership Course at RAF Cranwell. This course enabled me to learn more about myself and how to work as part of a team when under pressure.

I have been chosen to represent my school in a number of competitions. Last year, I entered an Analytical Chemistry Competition at Heriot-Watt University along with two pupils from the year above me. I have also achieved Gold awards in the UKMT, and was chosen to represent, as one of the team, my class in the Mathématiques Sans Frontières competition; and our S5 class came 1st in Scotland.

My many achievements show my inner drive to do well. With my determination and enthusiasm to become an aeronautical engineer and my strong background in Physics and Mathematics, I believe I have the qualities needed to both contribute to, and to succeed at university.

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

My ability to work as part of a team and handle responsibility is shown by my being a school prefect and the head of the school kayak club, where I teach kayaking to both students and teachers. I have successfully completed Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. For the service element of these awards, I have volunteered for the past 4 years to help at a Shelter charity shop where my main area of responsibility has been checking electronic items.

In my spare time I enjoy hill walking, driving and maintaining my collection of nitro cars, cycling and playing both bridge and golf.

By joining the RAF section of the Combined Cadet Force and being selected for leadership courses, I have learned important teamwork and leadership skills that will help me under pressure in my future studies and career.

These experiences, alongside my work placements and competition work, have given me practical insight into the engineering world and developed my problem-solving and leadership qualities, which are essential for success in Aeronautical Engineering.

Universities applied to:

• University of Cambridge (Engineering)
• Imperial College London (Aeronautical Engineering)
• University of Bristol (Aeronautical Engineering)
• University of Sheffield (Aeronautical Engineering)
• University of Strathclyde (Aeronautical Engineering)

Grades achieved:

• Maths (Adv Higher) - A1
• Chemistry (Adv Higher) - A1
• Physics (Adv Higher) - A1
• Maths (Higher) - A1
• Chemistry (Higher) - A1
• Physics (Higher) - A1
• Computing (Higher) - A1
• Human Biology (Higher) - A1

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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