Personal Statement - History 24

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

History is a window to the past and it fascinates me to learn about human nature, achievement and innovation whilst also exploring examples of power, struggle and human rights. I enjoy all aspects of History: interpreting texts, understanding what a historian is trying to communicate and evaluating their ideas, formulating my own opinions and coming up with coherent arguments whilst enjoying the thrill of formulating an extended piece of writing. I have been told that I put my ideas across well and am able to justify my views and for these reasons I feel that I have an aptitude to study this subject.

I especially enjoy the process of research, investigation, discovery and understanding events and people from different perspectives.

I am very excited and motivated to broaden and deepen my knowledge and look forward to the challenge of a university education and what it will provide for my future prospects.

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

I completed a 2000 word coursework for AS English Literature and enjoyed reading around the time in which the texts were set. They often mirrored what we were studying in History at the time which I found extremely interesting and beneficial, for example the study of 'The Great Gatsby' coincided with 'The Roaring Twenties'.

This year in History I have been required to complete a 4000 word essay for coursework, building on skills including independent research, completing deadlines, and being able to write coherently with well-argued points using carefully selected primary and secondary sources to back those arguments up, something I believe will stand me in good stead for university assignments.

I am conscientious, hardworking and enthusiastic and have received certificates for achievement in each year of secondary school for History and English.

Recent projects on 'The United States in the 1920's' and 'Britain and Ireland in the 1900's' required me to work on my own, while 'Slavery in the US' was completed as a group. I found myself naturally taking the lead in areas such as researching, planning, organising and structuring projects.

I enjoy reading around the syllabus and discovering new historical thesis. I have read works including that of Eric Foner, 'A Short History of Reconstruction', Ian Kershaw's interpretation of 'The Nazi Dictatorship', George M. Frederickson's 'Black Liberation', and James M. Mcpherson's 'Battle Cry of Freedom - The Civil War Era'.

I also took the initiative to visit Germany during my IGCSE year to learn more about the history I was studying at that time.

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

I have an Irish mother and a Dutch father, and this cultural diversity, living in Spain, and being fluent in English and Spanish allows me to form individual perspectives which will help me adapt quickly to university life.

Having lived on a yacht for five years, I find that travel and adventure is in my blood and I love visiting new countries, experiencing different cultures and using my languages. I am currently learning German. I am equally comfortable working alone or in a group.

I have further developed my leadership skills as school house captain, allowing me to act as a role model for fellow peers and to help teachers and parents.

I have assisted the Art Department by helping in lessons and during school art exhibitions, and have volunteered as a sports coach for Key Stage 3.

I worked as an assistant at a summer college in Ireland where I had charge of six girls and was responsible for organising sports and social events for the students, which taught me to be responsible and trustworthy.

I play piano, the guitar and attend a dance school, all of which have helped me grow in confidence and improve my discipline and dedication.

I am an active sportsperson, representing the school in tennis and playing football for a local club and hope to continue these interests in university.

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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