Personal Statement - History with Economics

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Answering the question 'why?' has long been of interest to me. Why were Francis I and Henry VIII rivals? Why do interest rates affect the economy? Why did Keynes reject accepted 'Classical' macro-economic theory? It is the answers to these types of questions that have long fuelled my fascination with history and economics, current affairs and the reasons behind them.

I have been fortunate enough that I have been able to indulge my interest in history with visits to various historic buildings around the world, from 'The Alamo' in San Antonio, Texas to Sudeley castle in Winchcombe, from the Buddhist temples in Thailand to the palace of Versailles near Paris. This first-hand experience has been supported by books by authors such as Knecht and Guy. While I am interested in history as a whole, my preference leans toward early modern European history, an interest which has led to me studying Catherine de Medici for my coursework.

Many historical events have their base in economic problems; the cause and effect relationship between these two subjects means I feel they complement each other well. How do we distribute resources efficiently? For nearly a century Europe was divided into two camps on this crucial issue, the West supporting free market capitalism, the East favouring a centrally managed 'workers paradise'. It is through the study of economics I wish to learn to answer questions such as these. On a micro-scale, every day firms are trying to reach their own goals, whether that be profit maximisation or simply profit satisficing. Again, it is economics which gives us the theory of how they try and achieve their goals. Having had experience in many different companies, I have been able to see these theories put into practice which has furthered my interest in this subject.

In the future I would like to work in finance, preferably in a job which involves travel. Alternatively, I am considering taking a law course after university as I think a background of History with Economics would be a good foundation for this and it allows me to study what I am passionate about at university.

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

My membership of the school debating society made it possible for me to participate in the Oxford Union Debating competition. The practice for this event honed my skills in making a concise, logical and above all persuasive argument based on little or no information. It improved my already present ability to be cynical, an attitude vital in history where many sources are inaccurate, incomplete or biased; an argument which is not based in facts is an irrelevant argument.

Sixth form has also allowed me to get involved with the school's young enterprise company (Y.E.S!). Suddenly the economic theories learnt in the classroom were relevant. The project was relatively successful and we were able to give GBP 100 from our year's profit to a local primary school.

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

I also worked for over a year for Boots the Chemist in one of their larger stores as a sales assistant. As a long established company with a steady turnover, their aims were very different to those of Y.E.S! but my time there has given me real experience in the workplace and a sense of commitment. My work-experience was based in Germany (despite not having spoken German for six months), where I worked in a 'Konditerei' for two weeks. This, along with two other exchanges in years nine and ten, has improved my confidence in speaking German and has made me more independent, giving me a willingness to travel and experience different cultures.

I worked for over six months at a local 'Save the Children' shop as a volunteer. During the time I was there, we had a new till system put in place and it was my responsibility to train the other members of the shop on using it.

I have helped with a local Brownie group for the last four years as a young leader and am currently applying for my adult warrant which would allow me to run my own pack. My role as a young leader has entailed organising planning meetings, learning how to manage account books, running weekly meetings and helping to organise larger trips to places such as Legoland.

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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