Personal Statement:History and politics 9

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

As someone who is instinctively curious about the past and its relationship with the present, the study of History satisfies my desire to understand how the contemporary world took shape. I am fascinated by human interaction and how individuals and groups have an impact on their wider communities. The combination of History and Politics, therefore, seems to me a uniquely diverse and rewarding discipline in which to pursue my interests in both the past and present within an academically rigorous, thorough framework.

Since childhood, I have explored historical events, visiting many local historical sites: from Battle, to the Tower of London, to Chartwell. While I am interested in all periods, the immediate proximity of 20th Century events sparked a deep interest in how the world changed so drastically in a relatively short period. My A Level course introduced me to the development of the Soviet Union, with Robert Service’s biographies of Lenin and Stalin providing a hugely interesting perspective on the individual’s role in shaping history. This prompted me to consider studying Politics, as I was intrigued by the rise of individuals against a seemingly unfavourable background. Additionally, my Philosophy studies introduced me to aspects of political theory, which I found equally stimulating. I am drawn to the inherent logicality of Classical minds such as Plato and Aristotle and am fascinated by their impact upon Western civilisation and establishment.

My interests in History and Politics also converge in the field of international relations. Robert Jackman’s ‘Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches’ gave me an insight into IR as an area of study - something that I aim to explore deeper in my study of both History and Politics. I also enjoyed Hedley Bull’s theory of set patterns in world politics, in ‘The Anarchical Society: A Study of Order in World Politics’; it stimulated my constant drive to fit together pieces of human history and understand the present. In that respect, Thucydides’ ‘History of the Peloponnesian War’ unifies many of my interests; combining history, politics, international affairs and, fundamentally, the study of human interaction, feeding my desire to understand societies and seek resolution to many contemporary issues.

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

My A Level course introduced me to pivotal topics like the development of the Soviet Union. Robert Service’s biographies of Lenin and Stalin deepened my understanding of the individual’s role in shaping history, which reinforced my interest in Politics. Studying Philosophy alongside History gave me an introduction to political theory, with Classical thinkers like Plato and Aristotle capturing my attention through their structured logic and lasting impact on Western civilisation.

Particularly, I gained insight into international relations through works such as Robert Jackman’s ‘Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches’ and Hedley Bull’s ‘The Anarchical Society: A Study of Order in World Politics’. These academic sources stimulated my analytical skills and my drive to interconnect historical and political knowledge. These studies form a solid foundation preparing me for the intellectual challenges of university-level History and Politics.

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

As a member of my school’s History Society, I recently argued the case for King Leopold II of Belgium as part of a ‘History’s Greatest Villains’ series, citing his creation of the Congo Free State as his own personal wealth venture - the ramifications of which are still evident in the Great Lakes region today. Having been a delegate on the UNHRC at the Harvard Model UN conference, I felt I had a unique perspective to offer on Leopold and similar colonialists’ controversial contribution to Sub-Saharan Africa. My experience with the UN gave an insight into the intricacies of international diplomacy.

I recently travelled to Oregon as part of a small team of young disabled people from the UK, attempting to build connections and empower disabled communities in both countries. After advising the government on the recent Children and Families Act, my experience of upholding disability rights has reinforced my wider concern for universal human rights. I have gained valuable communication skills, participating twice as a barrister in the Bar Mock Trial competition, increasing my confidence in public speaking, constructing an argument and presenting a compelling case. I also sat on a panel of diverse young people interviewing candidates for the role of Children’s Commissioner, which honed my critical analysis skills and mental agility.

As Deputy Head Boy at school, I believe I can develop the necessary skills in leadership, commitment and organisation to enable me to achieve my goals, both within and outside my academic studies. Studying History and Politics would be fulfilling in itself, whilst being a strong foundation for the future.

Universities applied to:

• University of Oxford (History and Politics)
• University of Bath (Politics and International Relations)
• University of Durham (International Relations)
• University of Exeter (History and Politics)
• University of York (History and Politics)

Grades achieved:

• A2 English - A*
• A2 Philosophy and Ethics - A*
• A2 History - 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.

Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.