Personal Statement - Software Engineering or Computer Science

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I have a passion for solving problems and find the field of computer programming extremely rewarding in this sense. As long as I can remember I have always strived to better my understanding of the things around me and tried to grasp knowledge that would enable me to create bigger and better things. Since I’ve been introduced to the world of programming I have been engulfed by its pristinely methodical procedures. Creating a working program from scratch using only knowledge and initiative thoroughly excites me.

In the future I see myself as a software developer, creating specialised software for leading industrial organisations at the head of their respective fields.

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

The A Levels I have studied have helped me gain skills which will greatly aid me in the area of computer science and software engineering at university. Physics is analytical yet practical and it has helped me combine these two principles, Mathematics is more methodical and Computing has given me an insight into programming languages and taught me how to construct simple algorithms and combine them to create a large multifunctional program.

I am studying for the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma and developing key skills, active community work and learning about the challenges facing today’s society.

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

I have participated in a World Challenge Expedition in Southeast Asia and experienced the local culture. I raised £3375 over a one year time period before departure to ensure a place on the trip. During the month long trip in the summer of 2009 we experienced what can only be described as a once in a lifetime opportunity. We visited a rural third world school where we taught the children English and built a road for the rainy season. We trekked through the northern Thai jungles sleeping with hill tribes overnight, and visited some of the many world heritage sites present all over this part of the world. The whole experience has confirmed that I am a determined yet adaptable person who enjoys the company of others and relishes the chance to demonstrate my leadership skills.

I have participated in two major engineering related extracurricular activities during my time in Sixth Form. The Engineering Education Scheme Wales (EESW) project entailed being assigned to work with an industry leading company to solve a real life problem using ingenuity and teamwork. In Dow Corning we were assigned to research and design a semi automatic filling system. I was appointed the team leader on this project and out of some 70 other teams around Wales, we were nominated for ‘Best Overall Team Performance’.

As part of the Nuffield Bursary Scheme, I researched the biomechanical properties in the infant skull. This experience proved an invaluable insight into the fascinating yet frustrating world of research, and has motivated me in my thirst for knowledge and success.

Team sports have always been a big part of my life; since I was seven I have played for my local football team and love the game. I’ve also taught myself to play the acoustic and electric guitar which has formed a new found love of music over the past 3 or 4 years, new and old. In Year 10 I achieved the Duke of Edinburgh (Bronze) which contributed to enhancing problem solving and teamwork.

It is fair to say that everything I do, I do for a reason: to improve myself. I am competitive and always looking for new experiences and challenges and with this in mind I am looking forward to the opportunities which will be afforded to me at undergraduate level.

Universities applied to:

• Aberystwyth - Software Engineering (Offer - accepted)
• Southampton - Software Engineering
• Durham - Software Engineering
• Edinburgh - Software Engineering
• Cardiff - Computer Science

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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