Personal Statement - English with Hispanic Studies

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My passion for Spanish and other languages derives from my love of performing music. My discovery of Latin-based music: Jazz, Tango and Salsa, amongst others, have fuelled my enthusiasm for learning the language of their origin. My devotion to linguistics has evolved from studying A level English Language and Literature. In the first year of the course, we studied numerous works, ranging from writers Khaled Housseni, to Harold Pinter. I take an interest in the study of speech: e.g. how a person's position in society affects the way in which they speak and consequently how they are judged by other people.

In Spanish, I found the cultural topics particularly engaging. We studied elements of Spanish Cinema, which involved watching films including 'Te Doy Mis Ojos' and 'La Familia Rodante', enabling me to experience the language from both Spain and South America. I enjoy speaking with our language assistant and focusing on aspects of accent and pronunciation, which I have incorporated into my own language speaking. This was the key to gaining confidence with oral skills which I proved in the exam.

Following my degree, my ambition is to take my language abilities to a Spanish speaking country, and combine these with my love of music. Spain and Latin America (both being parts of the world where jazz influenced music is loved) are places where I feel that I will develop my learning in both languages and culture. Being able to speak Spanish and gain knowledge of popular culture will open up many future opportunities for me. It will enable me to travel to many different countries and to pursue my career with ease of communication. As I am interested in pursuing journalism, a linguistic based degree course will enable me to become confident and fluent in numerous Modern languages, and I will obtain strengths that will benefit me in my chosen career path.

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

The skills I have acquired through studying English and Spanish are interchangeable. Being able to scan texts, extract information and reproduce it in my own way has aided me in exams, coursework, and general reading around the subject. My study of English Language and Literature involved analyzing various texts, developing my understanding of linguistic structures and cultural contexts, which has complemented my language studies.

In Spanish, my oral skills have improved significantly through regular practice, especially by engaging with my language assistant on accent and pronunciation. These abilities were demonstrated successfully in my exams. I have also encountered a wide range of cultural materials, including cinema, expanding my linguistic and cultural knowledge.

The A-level grades I have achieved reflect my dedication and preparation for this course: Spanish (B at A2), Music (C at A2), and English Language and Literature (A* at A2).

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

Outside my English lessons, I read a range of novels and non-fiction texts and have recently started a series of articles, all of which are written by pre- and post-war female journalists. I take part in online language learning exchanges, and I have email and instant messaging contacts with people my own age who are studying English as a second language in Spain and Latin America. This has rapidly improved my conversational Spanish, and I am learning about new aspects of modern Spanish culture.

I have broadened my abilities by also taking online courses in beginner Italian and Portuguese. I have played the flute since the age of 8, and I am particularly passionate about Jazz and Latin music. Most of the music I play is by composers of Hispanic origin. I am an active musician in my college and have been part of the Jazz band for the past year. This has developed my ability to communicate my own ideas and create a unique take on original compositions.

Also, spending 7 months teaching jazz flute enabled me to develop my communication and interpersonal skills, both of which I feel will assist my transition from sixth form to university. I am determined, and persevere when I am challenged. I work well independently, but also focus and work effectively in a group situation. I consistently have my work well organised and always meet deadlines. I am an independent learner and produce work to the best of my ability. I feel that being part of a linguistic subject will enable me to thrive in the subjects that I am most passionate about and enable me to pursue my future ambitions.

Universities applied to:

• University of Leicester (Modern Language Studies (with a Year in Europe) - Offer (AAB) - Declined
• University of Leicester (Spanish and Italian) - Offer (ABB) - Declined
• The University of Liverpool (Hispanic Studies) - Offer (BBB) - Declined
• The University of Nottingham (English and Hispanic Studies - Offer (ABC) - Insurance
• The University of Birmingham (Hispanic Studies) - Offer (BBB) - Firm

Grades achieved:

• Spanish (A2) - B
• Music (A2) - C
• English Language and Literature (A2) - 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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