Personal Statement - International Relations and Russian Studies

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Globalisation in the twenty first century means that the world is now a smaller place, and that diplomacy is essential in acquiring natural resources, allies and enabling trade. International relationships, such as the strong Anglo-American relationship, can play a huge role in domestic politics, and political power can encourage social and economic development. I am interested in organisations such as Liberty and International Alert as I am particularly interested in issues such as the UK anti-terrorist legislation and international aid and development.

Russian has always been a language which I have wanted to learn and I have been seeing a native Russian speaker over the past year to further my learning. As a country with large amounts of natural resources and a growing political weight, I think the need for Russian speakers will become more important in the international political sphere. I believe that the ability to communicate in different languages will be crucial in resolving current and future global issues, especially as the world today faces some of the most important decisions.

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

This year, my voluntary work with my MP led to me becoming his intern as his policy researcher. I have to deal with constituency worries about policies introduced by the coalition, ranging from the Browne review to Equitable Life compensation. I was also able to attend the 2010 Liberal Democrat autumn conference and really gain an insight into the Liberal Democrat party. The atmosphere throughout was electrifying with a real sense that change in the government could be achieved. A personal highlight was a Liberty fringe meeting I attended where Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, and several MPs discussed issues that I am passionate about, such as the current pre-charge detention period and control orders. In January, I will start a 60 point Open University module in Social Sciences to further my understanding of politics. I am looking forward to the Ordered Lives module as it deals with the role of government in society and issues of international order. Long distance learning will be challenging, but I feel a worthwhile experience.

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

I completed a week’s work experience last year with my local Member of Parliament. The visit to Westminster really encouraged my interest in politics, especially international relations as I was able to witness the previous Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, David Miliband in the House of Commons as well as viewing a committee meeting concerning the Department for International Development and Nigeria. Both sessions demonstrated to me how Britain can influence change in even the furthest parts of the world.

I was also fortunate to visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg, after my college team won the trip in a debating competition, which strengthened my interest in the role of Britain, both present and future, within the European community and the European Union itself. I am also voluntarily researching for the think tank, Centre for Europe, on tuition fees in Sweden and Russia which will be used in a comparative study of higher education across Europe. This allows me to expand my research ability and interests in Europe.

Universities applied to:

• University of Birmingham (International Relations and Russian Studies)
• University of Leeds (Politics and Russian Studies)
• University of Reading (International Relations)
• University of Exeter
• University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus (Politics and International Relations)

Grades achieved:

• History (A2) - A
• French (A2) - B
• Spanish (A2) - B
• Philosophy (AS) - C

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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