Personal Statement:Modern Languages 2

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

The depth of culture and history in Europe is vast. I have always been fascinated by language. I first gained my taste for languages as a small child, being brought up bilingually, and spending my summers in Sweden. I later went on to study French and German at secondary school. I did well in both, winning the German prize in year 11 and in year 12 the German and French prizes for attainment.

I want to continue with my studies in at least one of these languages, as I believe that even A level studies are merely the tip of the iceberg. I would like to develop my knowledge of other cultures, and I feel the best way do this is by studying a new language ab initio. Another northern European language strikes me as the most interesting way forward.

Studying languages at university will provide me with a thought provoking and stimulating experience. It will give me life-long transferable skills and a high level of fluency in two languages. It will extend and develop my enthusiasm for languages. I am convinced that modern languages is the choice for me.

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

In 2004 I took part in a German school exchange in Bad Windsheim. In July 2006 I returned there independently for a further week when I did work experience both in a pharmacy and with a vet. Spending time in Germany gave me a valuable opportunity to find out more about both Germany and its people, and to improve my German.

I have enjoyed travelling independently in recent years, exploring the UK, Sweden, France, Germany and Denmark. I always prefer to travel by rail, as it affords the perfect chance to view the landscape and observe cultural differences.

I read a wide variety of genres, from crime to fantasy and I particularly like reading translated works and comparing the way authors portray their own cultures (for example Dario Fo and Henning Mankell). My role as a student librarian for four years at xxxx High and my part-time job at a local award winning bookshop both involved me in many literary events. I attended Poetry Live in 2005, and the Gothenburg Book Fair Bok och Bibliotek in 2005 and 2006. At the 2005 fair I interviewed the author Philip Pullman, and later had an article published on a website. I enjoy watching films in Swedish, Danish, German and French. As well as going to British and foreign theatres I have organised a school theatre trip to London.

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

I keep up-to-date with current affairs by reading foreign newspapers and watching foreign news on the internet. I was involved with Comenius Youth News for three years and at a gathering of representatives I was able to chat with both Germans and Norwegians. During the project I wrote a number of articles and was involved in the running of its website.

Over the years I have been involved in the Nordic community at the Scandinavian Church in Liverpool, helping at fundraising events, along with Swedes, Norwegians, Finns and Danes.

Last year I acted as a barrister in the Bar Mock Trial competition. Having won our regional heat we finished second in the national finals at the Old Bailey. I thrived under the pressure of this role and gained a valuable insight into an area I knew little about, whilst also enjoying myself.

I have played rugby (reaching a national quarter final), tennis, the piano and the saxophone, and am thus aware that only practice leads to success.

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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