Personal Statement - Modern History

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My major interest is Modern History because I feel that it is important and relevant to us all. A degree in history is important and relevant. It is not only interesting learning about the past but also, in the case of modern history, learning about a part of history that involved the whole world during the world wars and cold war and so on. Finally, history for me as a subject is enjoyable and thus allows me a want to learn in-depth about the subject and all its attributes.

The reasons that I wish to go to university are mainly to be able to further my education to a degree that I will be qualified enough to go into the career that I choose. Apart from the educational side of things, I also hope to grow socially and have the experience of living and coping without parents or teacher in loco parentis. Hopefully, after gaining a degree in History, I intend to go into advertising or merchant banking, which I have explored thoroughly through my father and godfather who are both in the trades.

My keen interest in History and classics led me to Greece and Italy Easter 2000, looking at the art and architecture of the ancient world. Italy was also toured by one of the rugby teams I have represented.

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

During my time at school at Uppingham and before, I have succeeded in playing rugby at 1st XV level for one of the top four rugby schools in the country. I have also played for the first VI tennis team and captained my school in both Rugby and tennis lower down the school.

My other main interests are sport, outdoor pursuits ranging from anything such as walking to activities such as clay pigeon shooting, fishing and equestrian pursuits.

A degree in history is important and relevant. The reason I have chosen history is, most importantly, because it opens doors to many careers and will hopefully allow me to investigate into many fields of professions ranging from advertising through to investment banking.

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

During the Summer and Christmas Holidays I have had work experience, working on a farm where I was fortunate enough to be involved in both the managerial and manual parts of the job. This gave me a good insight into the working world and I continue to do this now as well.

I also have had the chance to experience responsibility through being a house prefect. Also being an usher for the school at Play production throughout the year, these are also attended by the public. I have chaired the house food committee.

The societies I have been involved in, apart from being a keen visitor to the theatre, I have also taken part in Wine society, Orators, and the food committee. All of which have been a good way to spend my extra time.

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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