Personal Statement - English and Theology

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

The decision to study both Theology and English rests on my conviction that language itself embodies the possibility of communion between one person and another, and in so doing points beyond itself to that reality which constitutes this very interconnectedness. The urgency of whether language does in fact operate in this way - that is, theologically - was first presented to me through literature and the arresting contrast between those who see language as a means only of measuring our own isolation (i.e. Sylvia Plath's 'Resolve') and those who see that the very presence of language establishes the hope of communion (i.e. T.S. Eliot's 'Little Gidding'). If language is the cartography of articulation, the watercolours with which to paint our vision of the world, what happens when we encounter language as a barrier that leaves us with nothing but a mere vision, with no connection to reality or no sense of anything real at all? Perhaps the revelation that our words are not ultimate but that it is we who are addressed first by the Word who became flesh. Through literature I found myself unexpectedly claimed by Christian tradition and responding to this Word that literature presupposes.

The influence of Christianity on literature, and indeed literature on Christianity, is one I have discovered with great enthusiasm. Over the past two years I have seen these two subjects cross many paths and become like sparking dendrites across a once derelict mind. To read 'The Four Quartets' without St John of the Cross, or 'The Brothers Karamazov' without knowing Russian Orthodoxy seems to me to lose a great wonder of allusion in writing which so often points to beyond itself, and beyond language. We cannot always use someone else's words to express our experience of the world but, on occasion, the language of others is like a lattice sustaining our ability to communicate a common experience - unveiling the Word that joins together all our understanding - sharing, perhaps, both in the desperation of John Clare's 'I am', and in the awe of Blake's 'The Tyger'.

This trust in the capacity of language has effected in me a need to attempt an understanding of Theology and what the consequences of studying such a subject might be. As with language, so I have had to learn what Theology itself means. Theology is not the dispassionate study of God, but our rediscovery of the world in the light of God who is passionately seeking us out in the midst of our incomprehension. Theology is not a gathering of knowledge, a mere intellectual pursuit, a good argument in defence of Faith, but an opening up to truth and taking the weight of it; and to do this we must trust, as we do every time we utter a word, in the existence of something other than ourselves, alone. Thus I am implicated in the study of Theology as well as English, with a responsibility to attempt to speak the truth, as is proposed in 'Holiness, Speech and Silence' by Nicholas Lash, and a primary duty to listen.

In reaction to the dichotomy present throughout the history of language and literature, illustrated here through reference to Plath and Eliot, I place my faith in Eliot's 'Little Gidding', in the hope that we may encounter words in communion and understanding with others, and with the world as it truly is. Thomas Merton in his 'Seeds of Contemplation' cries out to the reader to hope, and risk frustration, as we might love and risk obduracy, rather than be one who, for fear of failure, will never attempt anything. It is this call to risk and celebrate communion, persistently reverberating through and beyond language, that has underpinned and confirmed my decision to further explore both English and Theology.

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

I have achieved strong A-level results that support my readiness for university study in these subjects. English at A2 was awarded an A*, demonstrating my aptitude and passion for literature. Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at A2 received a B, showing my engagement with religious and ethical concepts that underpin Theology. My Theatre Studies A2 grade was a B, reflecting my interest in dramatic texts and performance, which enhances my appreciation of language and expression. Additionally, I secured a Grade A in AS History, which has broadened my contextual understanding of cultural and societal developments important to both Theology and English.

These qualifications have not only honed my analytical skills but also deepened my appreciation for the intersections of literature, religion, and thought, equipping me to handle the complex and interdisciplinary nature of my chosen courses. For example, my studies have familiarised me with literary allusions to religious themes, such as those found in 'The Four Quartets' and 'The Brothers Karamazov', which enrich my understanding of both subjects.

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

Beyond formal education, my preparation has involved engaging deeply with literature and religious texts which bridge English and Theology. Encountering works by T.S. Eliot, Thomas Merton, and Nicholas Lash has cultivated my intellectual curiosity and theological reflection, motivating me to explore beyond academic texts. For instance, Eliot's 'Little Gidding' offers hope about language as a medium for communion, a theme that resonates through my personal faith journey and academic interests.

I have also reflected on personal reactions to literature, such as the contrasting viewpoints of Sylvia Plath and Eliot on language's role in human connection, which have challenged and enriched my perspectives. This engagement with literature and theology outside the classroom has made my studies deeply personal and meaningful, equipping me with a mature approach to university-level discussions.

These experiences are useful because they demonstrate my capacity to integrate complex ideas from diverse sources and to apply reflective thinking beyond academic requirements. They show a commitment to listening and speaking truthfully, which I see as fundamental to studying Theology and English at university.

Universities applied to:

• University of Edinburgh
• University of St Andrews
• University of Leeds
• University of Nottingham
• University of Aberdeen

Grades achieved:

• English (A2) - A*
• Philosophy of Religion and Ethics (A2) - B
• Theatre Studies (A2) - B
• History (AS) - Grade 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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