Personal Statement - History 4

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

"History is to the world what the memory is to the human." There is great truth in this statement, and it indicates the importance of History as an academic discipline. There are many lessons that we can learn from History, and this is why a desire the study of the subject to a higher and deeper level.

History has always been one of my favourite subjects throughout my school career, and have been particularly enthralled by the discipline of History throughout my A-level course. The two key topics I have studied are "The Coming of the Civil War" and "Russia and the USSR 1881-1985". I have really enjoyed these topics, and have extended my reading outside the class textbooks, in order to gain a better understanding of the issues and themes at hand.

Outside the A level topics I have personally studied many historical topics in depth. I enjoy a wide range of British History that ranges from Victorian to Tudor periods, and I am particularly fascinated by a wide range of European history, such as the French Revolution and the two World Wars.

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

This outside reading has lead me to gain over 95% in both modules at AS level, and I intend to achieve the same at A2 standard.

Alongside my academic work in History, I have received a wide range of accolades for my academic abilities. In year 11 I was rewarded with the award for History, English Literature, Geography, Spanish, French, German and Mathematics, as well as being in the top 5 in the whole country for both History and English Literature.

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

At school I have recently been democratically elected as the Sixth Form President, a position I was excited about fulfilling. I have taken this role extremely seriously, and am particularly keen to raise as much money for charity as possible, and have a Sixth Form mid-term ball planned for the near future.

In my spare time I enjoy a wide range of hobbies. These include sports such as bowls, bowling, football, rugby, cricket and curling. Stemming from my A level Art course I also have a passion for Art; I often visit art galleries and enjoy expressionist painting within my own studio at home. I am an extremely avid reader; my favourite author is Iain Banks. I appreciate his chilling and dark approach to a wide range of social issues. In addition, I enjoy regular bell ringing at the local Church.

As the first member in my family to enter higher education I am excited about taking advantage of this great opportunity.

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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