Personal Statement - Human Geography

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Different cultures and environments have always fascinated me. As a young child growing up in both the Mediterranean and England I had the unique opportunity to experience this interest first hand, subsequently my passion to explore new places and people thrived. As a school pupil I thoroughly enjoyed both collecting and reading the popular National Geographic and Animal World Series. I often find the Discovery channel and National Geographic channel compulsive viewing and a valuable information source, very relevant to key issues I'm studying in my 'A' level courses. I found a recent documentary concerning the El Nino phenomenon and its potentially worldwide effects particularly absorbing. A recent trip to Pembrokeshire, where I studied igneous extrusions, confirmed my interest in physical Geography and my decision to pursue the subject at degree level.

However, my interest in human Geography is still of great importance to my studies and to study either subject at degree level would be equally rewarding.

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

Currently, I'm completing Geography coursework concerning certain aspects of British agriculture. Living on a farm myself, I have found the work thoroughly enjoyable and find many aspects of my Geography 'A' level course highly relevant to current news issues. I feel that my enthusiasm for the subject will provide me with an excellent foundation for a degree course at university.

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

As a school prefect I have held numerous responsibilities such as 'First year Personal Prefect' which involved helping younger students with personal or schoolwork related difficulties. My involvement with younger pupils was extremely rewarding and has reinforced my interest in a teaching career. As well as my prefect role, becoming captain of various sports teams earned me several awards including the 'Brookes shield' for most outstanding contribution to Hounsdown school sport.

Playing in sports teams has taught me the importance of communication and teamwork but also increased my awareness of self-reliance. A personal love of equitation and work experience at a local veterinary surgery has fuelled my interest in the animal kingdom. This has enabled me to appreciate the environment and enhance my understanding of the natural world.

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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