Personal Statement - English and History 4

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

The study of History affords a focus on that which sculpts and frames modern society, and this has always been a subject of much curiosity to me. I find literature to be a fundamental basis of my passion for History and have enjoyed reading biographies of such modern historical icons as Mandela and more recently Obama. I also enjoy the contextual value of fiction like that of Robert Browning's poetry and George Orwell's Marxist ideologies reflected in his 'Animal Farm'. Weimar Germany and Italian Nationalism have been topics of great interest and this encouraged me to look further into the impacts of dictatorships elsewhere, such as Mugabe's much condemned presidency in Zimbabwe. As well as this I have enjoyed exploring the studies of Ian Kershaw whose work on the Third Reich intrigues me and allowed me to incorporate a range of strong criticism into my studies. My recent study of the British Empire has augmented a keen interest in culture and society in Britain through the ages which I would like to explore further, whilst broadening my knowledge on a wider range of topics.

I look forward to the prospect of studying History as a full time occupation and I know that this degree will be an excellent preparation for a career using my writing and reading skills and also the skills of analysis, investigation and independent study which this course will provide.

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

My studies in English Literature enable a wealth of insight into the value of non-fiction as well as fiction as a source of context. A passion for literature outside of the classroom has been the basis of a wider reading experience from the classics of Wilde, Joyce and the Brontes to more contemporary works of Monica Ali and Ian McEwan, all of whom resolve their work in an exhilarating and thought provoking manner. English Literature has acted as a platform for the analysis and breaking down of a text, which corresponds to the study of sources and a historical outlook on people and events. Likewise, Geography adds to a sense of politics and economics which I have particularly found useful having studied and compared the impacts of global superpowers like the British Empire and China. A taster course at Birkbeck College, University of London on the subject of English allowed me to practice the new form of learning that I will experience at university and also let me put my own writing skills to the test.

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

The Duke of Edinburgh's silver award scheme was a commitment I undertook last year and proved to be extremely rewarding. As I joined a scheme independently and with students from other schools, I expanded my social network and learned to work with people from a wider range of backgrounds. This has allowed me to experience first-hand team work which I expect to encounter at university and in a work place. The activities were physically challenging and I learned that I have personal resources of endurance, patience and logical thinking. As well as the expedition element of the scheme I have also worked in an Oxfam charity shop for over twelve months and intend to continue further. Furthermore, I have been a consistent helper on school open days and parents' evenings which has sanctioned, to an extent, the ability to manage others and use my own initiative.

I have taken advantage of London as a centre of culture and regularly visit the museums, cinema and theatre available to me. The Natural History Museum in particular has interested me from childhood and I have kept up to date with recent exhibitions that appeal to me. I also like to visit galleries where I can explore an interest in art and photography, which I believe can offer considerable reflections on society. Being part of a lacrosse team has enabled the skills of teamwork and communication, whilst appealing to my competitive nature. I have recently joined a book club to expand my reading repertoire and enjoy a forum where I can analyse and discuss a text in depth with others who have a passion for literature.

Universities applied to:

• East Anglia (Literature and History)
• Exeter (History)
• Kent (English Literature and History)
• Nottingham (English Literature and History)
• Warwick (History and Culture)

Grades achieved:

• ABB
• 360 tarrif points

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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