Personal Statement - History 25

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I have always had a keen interest in history, and from my studies throughout my time at school, I have realised that it is more than just the study of the past for its own sake. It is about defining the way that the past impacts on our present and future, and the effects that decisions made centuries ago have on the way contemporary society operates. From recent reading including Carr's What is History? and Re-thinking History by Keith Jenkins, I have been able to explore in more detail the professional debates as to, for example, whether history goes in cycles, as well as to encounter new concepts, such as the idea that history might be a science, or the limitations of viewing history solely as the actions of successive individuals.

Through the further study of history, I would embrace the chance to study the subject that I am truly enthusiastic about alongside like minded individuals, whilst also gaining skills which will be transferable to the career I choose to pursue after university.

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

Currently, I am in the process of researching an Independent Investigation on 'The Mid Tudor-Crisis', an idea stemming from an essay on the Reformation which I researched and wrote during a week spent at a UNIQ Summer School. There, I investigated periods and themes previously a blank canvas for me such as "Black Power in the USA". Through tutorial style discussions on the idea of 'modernity in Russia', I encountered for the first time ideas regarding the theory of history and how the individual's view of what is 'modern' and 'civilised' is influenced by their outlook and position in time. In addition to reading books such as Jones' The Mid-Tudor Crisis 1539-63 which focus directly on my investigation topic, to gain a further sense of the Tudor period as a whole, I have read The Sisters that Would be Queen by L. Der Leise, which focuses on the lives of the Grey sisters, and Tudor Women by A. Plowden, thus extending my knowledge of a period which falls outside the limited 19th and 20th century history which I am studying as part of my A Level course.

The reading which I will carry out within my other A2 subjects complements my interest in history. English Literature will allow me to study texts from the pastoral genre, such as Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles, which present views of society in the 19th century, as well as perspectives on women and changes from rural to industrial life. By also examining literature from Marxist and Feminist viewpoints I seek to familiarise myself with concepts which will overlap with my studies within history. In French, I will explore the unrest in May 1968 and I am keen to continue to improve my linguistic skills to possibly access French history and primary source material in the future.

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

Periods of work experience and volunteering have also enabled me to embrace a practical access to the subject that I love. This summer, I spent a week participating in an archaeological excavation at ----- Roman Fort, excavating and washing finds alongside university students. I have volunteered at -------- Roman Site, where I worked alongside the curator, cataloguing and marking finds from various sites ---------.

Outside of history, I participate widely in my local and school community. I am a Brownie Young Leader, Head Chorister of --------- Church Choir, and last year completed my Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. In school, I am a member of the school council, and last year spent time tutoring a GCSE English Student. I'm part of the Sixth Form debate club, through which I have improved my confidence, ability to form arguments, and interpretation and judgement skills.

Universities applied to:

• University of Oxford
• University of York
• Durham University
• University of St Andrews
• University of Edinburgh

Grades achieved:

• History (A2) - A [predicted A*]
• English Literature (A2) - A* [predicted A*]
• French (A2) - A [predicted A]
• General Studies (A2) - A* [predicted A*]
• Mathematics (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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