Personal Statement - Petroleum Engineering 1

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

From an early age I have enjoyed partaking in the sciences at school. I furthered this by studying them at an advanced level. I would like to study Chemical Engineering specialising in Petroleum Engineering if possible. My interest in natural resources developed when I came across a detailed article in a newspaper about "Hubbert's Peak". I became fascinated with the production of oil and the manner in which drilling for such a widely available resource has become so difficult in recent years. It is truly an engineering marvel to see companies drilling 18000ft into the sea to obtain a natural resource, which in years gone by was readily available at 2000ft. I want to be part of a new age where engineers are constantly pushing the boundaries in an effort to be cleaner, more efficient and extract value of our world's depleting resources. Enrolling on my specified course is the natural step for me to develop my interest further and will lead me to my chosen career of working within the field of natural resources.

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

The study of physics and chemistry has enabled me to develop my interests further. For my A2 physics coursework I researched the area of fluid flow, which I immensely enjoyed. I am aware that fluid flow plays an important part in the extraction of oil and gas. This was an area, which was also touched upon during my 2 week work placement at a local engineering company. I was involved in a team on a number of projects lead by the head engineer. This gave me an insight in the wide ranging uses an Engineering degree can have in a different array of jobs.

With an elder sister who is currently in her final year of a Pharmacy degree I have had the benefit of browsing through literature such as RSC Chemistry World and New Scientist magazines. In doing so I have increased my knowledge in cutting edge scientific developments, such as the use of microbes to enhance oil recovery. These magazines also provide a general aid as to developments being made in a variety of science related fields.

Grades Achieved:

• Mathematics (A2) - A
• Chemistry (A2) - B
• Physics (A2) - C
• French (AS) - D

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

I believe that to succeed in life one must have a vast arsenal of skills and this is the reason why I have not limited myself to gaining experience purely in the science field. In the summer of 2007 I worked for a medium sized solicitors firm for approximately 6 weeks. I was able to experience the working life in an office environment. Meeting deadlines, working to a specific schedule, being flexible and learning how to work within new systems, were all basic tasks which prepare an individual for the time when one starts employment.

I have travelled extensively throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. I have found that travelling has broadened my horizons by giving me the opportunity to meet new people and experience different cultures. I am an enthusiastic boxer (partaking and watching) and also enjoy playing cricket and tennis. I thoroughly enjoy working with electronics and am in the process of building my very own CNC Machine.

I look forward to becoming a member of the numerous student organisations prevalent at your institution, whilst at the same time studying hard to achieve my academic goals. I relish the opportunity to prove my worth and I am firmly of the view that I can become a real asset to your institution not only academically, but also by becoming involved in the wide ranging activities on offer.

Universities applied to:

• Manchester University (Petroleum Engineering)
• Nottingham University (Chemical Engineering)
• Leeds University (Petroleum Engineering)
• Leeds University (Chemical Engineering)
• Sheffield University (Chemical Engineering)

Grades achieved:

• Mathematics (A2) - A
• Chemistry (A2) - B
• Physics (A2) - C
• French (AS) - D

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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