Earth science degree personal statement example (1a) voluntary work

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Climate change, ocean acidification, and the rise in Fast Fashion are only a selection of anthropogenic challenges facing society in the 21st century. I believe the ability to address these issues is through the study of Earth Science. This degree allows integration of physical geography and chemistry, consequently encouraging my interest in groundwater geochemistry and atmospheric science in the Global South.

In March 2022 I attended a lecture by Dr Shreyashi Dasgupta - 'Makeshift Accommodation in cities of the Global South'. This lecture sparked my interest of the Global South by contradicting Western views of development, allowing me to question the intent of the term "slum", and providing an insight into the future of these "mess" accommodations.

This interest led me to read Kathleen McCarty's influential book 'Arsenic Geochemistry', which encouraged me to think of the mechanisms of contamination, and the resultant soil contamination, particularly in areas in South-East Asia. I believe increasing the access to adequate analytical instruments to measure arsenic contamination will reduce the impact, resulting in food security and a greater quality of life. Additionally, in Sadiq Ahmed's 'Leading issues in Bangladesh Development', he stated Bangladesh has had the largest deterioration of urban quality of life. Although Ahmed blames their "corrupt" government, I think the crucial factor preventing development in Bangladesh is the natural contamination of water sources. Comparing these books allowed me to analyse how geological challenges and uncontrolled urbanisation can cause threats socially and environmentally, therefore increasing my interpreting skills successfully.

Outside the classroom I independently researched the Antarctic ozone hole. This added nuance to my knowledge, and allowed me to be more open-minded, by illustrating a significant negative feedback loop in the Global South. This research stimulated my interest in atmospheric science by implying anthropogenic air pollution can have positive consequences, such as the increase in the Earth's albedo.

In October 2021 I attended the Stowe School Climate Action conference. I found the talk by Ed Davey interesting as he urged political parties to engage in climate management. This gave me an insight into geopolitics by highlighting the importance that governments have in the climate crisis. Hence, I think persistent environmental awareness globally will be beneficial in correcting flawed policies, such as the Net Zero Strategy, which is unable to reduce greenhouse gas emissions enough to meet the UK's climate target.

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

In the beginning of A-Level geography, studying CUE and Water and Carbon simultaneously allowed me to develop links between the topics and prompted my interest in geochemistry. This inspired my NEA (a project focusing on the environmental impacts of infrastructure) which honed my analytical and practical skills by using ArcGIS for the first time.

Studying chemistry has taught me the fundamentals of physical geography, allowing for an understanding of the impacts of human activity, particularly air pollutants in the atmosphere.

In October 2022, I entered the FT e-waste essay and the RGS Young Geographer of the Year competition which have both taught me vital data presentation skills by using Esri Story Maps.

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

In July 2023, I aim to volunteer with IVHQ on sustainable agriculture courses in Puerto Rico and Nepal. The disparity in cultures ranging from South America to Asia, majestic landscapes, and the knowledge of sustainable practices in developing countries will provide me with the experience and cultural skills necessary for studying Earth Science at university.

Beyond sixth form, I volunteer online as a mentor of chemistry and geography which continuously increases my leadership and communication skills through one-to-one interaction with students. I feel my attentiveness to specific areas of Earth Science will be helpful in my degree.

Universities applied to:

• Lancaster
• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Keele
• Royal Holloway

Grades achieved:

• AAB
• AAA
• BCC

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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