Personal Statement:Environmental geoscience 1

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

The world around us has long been a source of great interest and discovery for me. From a young age excavating fossilised crinoid pieces from a Northumbrian cliff face, to assessing more recently the effects of Iceland's volcanic eruption in 2010. Eyjafjallajökull was said to be the "first carbon-negative volcano", by the New Scientist. The fact that this erupting volcano could offset its carbon dioxide emissions, due to its impact on European aviation, astounds me.

I have a strong aptitude for science and a love of the outdoors. I am curious about the Earth and its atmosphere. How is the global climate changing? How do Earth systems work? How can society's growing demands for energy and water be satisfied whilst conserving natural resources for future generations? It is questions like these that capture my interest in Environmental Geoscience. The opportunity to study a very practical degree with a strong element of problem solving appeals to me.

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

My choice of A level subjects has helped me develop skills that are relevant to this course. Studying Maths has given me the skills to tackle problems logically. In particular the Statistics module has taught me how to take raw data and process it into a more digestible format. Many topics in Biology have reinforced my curiosity in the outside world, including exploring pollution indicators such as lichens and analysing statistics from field experiments. Geography has enabled me to understand the forces that have shaped our planet, including the devastating impacts that natural processes can bring. Throughout my studies I have relished all opportunities for fieldwork trips and visited Glen Coe on an optional college 5-day trip to look at glaciation. The trip provided a much greater depth of understanding of the erosive powers of glaciers.

I put every effort into my academic work and I am keen to expand my knowledge and understanding of Environmental Geoscience. I am capable of absorbing new information quickly and applying it in practice.

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

At college I enjoy participating in a wide range of activities and I was recently elected Vice Captain of College and House Captain. Last Easter I took part in the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon spanning 125 miles which I completed in a two man kayak in just over 22 hours. Apart from being greatly enjoyable and highly challenging, I was able to experience first hand the strength of the Earth's elements and forces - tides, wind, rain and heat - and how they can affect the human body! I have completed my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver awards and I am currently undertaking my Gold award.

I was elected Managing Director for our Young Enterprise Company and as a team we raised over £300 for the 'Dreams Come True' charity. I have been enrolled in the CCF for the last 5 years, undertaking 24-hour exercises, residential 'army camps' and have reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. I am also a keen rock climber and help to instruct younger students and route set on the college climbing wall. Participation in all of these activities has taught me the value of teamwork, flexibility and perseverance and given me the confidence to deal with the unexpected.

I have a great love of travel and managed to raise £4000 in 2 years to take part in a 6 week expedition to Central America, travelling from Mexico to Panama. It was an exciting opportunity to explore different landscapes and observe the vast biodiversity in tropical environments. To fund my travels I have had 2 part-time jobs that have helped me develop a sense of responsibility and commitment to work.

I would enjoy contributing to all aspects of university life and believe everything I have achieved so far will help me to succeed at university.

Universities applied to:

• University of Edinburgh
• Durham
• Bristol
• Royal Holloway
• Birmingham

Grades achieved:

• Maths (A2) - A*
• Biology (A2) - A
• Geography (A2) - A
• Economics (AS) - A
• General Studies (AS) - 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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