Personal Statement - International Relations 10

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My aspiration to study International Relations is driven by my desire to explore how global nations can achieve stability in our complex and unsettled world. I believe that the key to achieving this stability lies in improving communication between Occidental and Oriental societies; my recent college trip to China highlighted many of the complex international problems that exist between the West and a newly developed and resurgent China. A degree in International Relations will not only allow me to gain a better understanding of how the world functions, but will also enable me to develop solutions for some of the more complex political issues of our age.

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

My A-level subjects have accentuated my interest in International Relations. Studying History and Politics has made me aware of the pivotal role that the interactions between various state and non-state actors have on society. History has allowed me to comprehend and appreciate how society has moved forward from major historical events, like the Armenian genocide, which is still, unrecognized by many in Turkish society. It also permits mankind to learn from the successes and failures of others. Whether I was learning about the annexing of Austria or the hostile relations between East and West Germany, I was able to observe that politics is a reoccurring theme and that it plays a crucial role in shaping international relations.

Having been introduced to the Cold War from an American point of view, I decided to research the Russian perspective; what interests me most, is how history and politics differed greatly from the different cultural viewpoints. The study of Politics has provided me with an understanding of both the British and American political systems and has also required me to stay up to date with current affairs. Studying Spanish has developed my understanding of Hispanic culture and the problems it faces, for example, South America's growing drug culture and its effect on the economy and development. Reading the Spanish newspaper 'El Pais' has allowed me to access different perspectives of international new stories, as well as developing my Spanish vocabulary. In the future, I hope that I will have the opportunity to work abroad; therefore, having a foreign language will be extremely useful.

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

I have completed work experience at a firm of local solicitors. This experience provided me with an insight into how law and policy on an international scale affect the activities of world powers, most commonly with regard to issues surrounding immigration. Aside from my studies, I have always played an active role in my school community, which has included fundraising for charity and leading the netball club and debating society. I believe that it is essential to stay fit; therefore, I have begun to instruct Zumba sessions. Being a subject representative developed my public speaking and negotiation skills, especially when dealing with conflicting opinions, as well as providing me with a taste of diplomacy, a career path which I hope to pursue in the future.

Furthermore, I strongly believe that due to globalization, the importance of understanding a foreign language is essential. Asia, in particular India, is currently at the forefront of globalization, which sparked my interest to learn Hindi. As Hindi bares a close relation to Urdu and several other Indo-Aryan languages, I decided to research the historic hostilities and conflicts between India and a newly emerged Pakistan, following the partition in 1947. I believe I possess the academic and interpersonal skills which are necessary for success. Thus, by reading this degree I feel my current political knowledge and social skills will be enhanced, which will allow me to understand the importance of the interactions between global nations and gain further knowledge of the intricacies of maintaining global stability.

Universities applied to:

• University of Nottingham
• SOAS
• University of Birmingham
• University of Leicester
• Queen Mary University

Grades achieved:

• History (A2) - B
• Spanish (A2) - B
• Politics (A2) - A
• Biology (AS) - D

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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