Personal Statement for MSc in Environmental Policy and Management - international student

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Major businesses thrive on power, often at the expense of the environment. The MSc in Environmental Policy and Management would equip me with the tools and knowledge necessary to bring about change and prove that financial power can go hand in hand with the respect of the environment. News relating to rising temperatures and the devastating impact our actions have on the planet arise every week. More specifically, the situation in the Arctic and its increasing number of endangered species such as the polar bear or the beluga whale, as well as the decreasing albedo deeply concern me. Thus, I am highly motivated to understand the roots and impacts of climate change by studying this topic at university.

Given -------- University’s outstanding academic reputation and its strong association with the intergovernmental and national policy makers, I am convinced that the MSc in Environmental Policy and Management would enable me to develop a career with a tangible environmental impact. This degree’s focus on climate change research and hands-on consulting will help me gain practical experience. I believe that this program will allow me to achieve my aspiration to work in Corporate Social Responsibility or as an Environmental, Social and Governance consultant. I am thrilled to start this new journey in another country and plan to make the most out of every learning opportunity.

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

As a student in translation and interpreting, I have been introduced to a broad range of disciplines. I was especially zealous for the Science course I attended in the second grade. Science has always been a deep interest of mine and understanding how the anthropogenic carbon cycle generates pollution was intriguing. Besides, knowing that we live surrounded by electromagnetic radiation and photon energy that are part of the global warming process is astonishing and undoubtedly captures my attention.

Moreover, the Geographic Economy and the International Relations courses introduced me to the ever-changing and often unjust socioeconomic dynamics around the world, as well as the policies that dictate them. The Environmental Policy and Management MSc would give me an excellent opportunity to learn more about international environmental policies, thus equipping me with a holistic framework to commence a career in Environmental Management.

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

Eager to learn more about climate change, I have independently pursued an online class ‘Climate Change: The Science’ offered by the University of British Columbia and delivered by PhD Professor Sara Harris. This course has deepened my understanding of the principles of climate science, energy system dynamics, greenhouse gases and more. In addition, the passion of Hope Jahren, plant biologist at the University of Oslo, for plants in her book ‘Lab Girl’ or that of Tristan Gooley for water in ‘How to Read Water’ are both mesmerizing, not only through their dedication to their respective fields but also due to the nature-based science itself.

On the other hand, my appeal for the conservation of the environment also takes its roots in animal welfare and the human impact on it. Therefore, I actively volunteer at the Blue Cross in Brussels where animals are given a second chance at life, after being abandoned or abused by men. This mission gives me a sense of purpose and responsibility in defending something that cannot defend itself, exactly like nature.

As an enthusiastic traveller, nature has been at the core of my every destination choice. At the age of 19, I decided to take a gap year in New Zealand, where I worked until I was able to afford a car which I slept in and used to travel across the wonderful country. New Zealand was special to me because of its various landscapes, from the Whakaari volcano to the Franz Josef Glacier, and the link I developed with the environment there.

While studying for my bachelor’s degree, I had the chance to win a company sponsorship, aimed at organizing a trip in the Norwegian fjords with the purpose of promoting not only the brand but also the beauty of these northern environments. Being sponsored helped me to develop a sense of responsibility and commitment to the company involved.

Finally, the most recent experience abroad I have had was in Petrozavodsk, Russia, as part of my university’s Erasmus program. During this stay, I decided to write a translation paper on environmental issues in Russia. The situation at Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake, particularly caught my attention, as it is extremely polluted and so, I bought a train ticket to see the lake myself. As Russian environmental issues are numerous, my desire to enrol in environmental oriented studies only grew more.

Universities applied to:

• University of Glasgow
• University of Bristol
• University of Manchester

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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