Diagnostic radiography degree personal statement example (1c)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I have always felt that my career should be within the health profession and hospital based. It is a feeling I cannot really explain or reason, it is just there, and either I could choose to stay in a profession that was not challenging or interesting me any more, or I could take the risk and dive into a different path. Radiography is to me an exceptional and rare combination of technology, science, people care and health, an amalgamation which both enthuses and motivates me to pursue it as a career. In order to gain crucial work experience and further insight or be absolutely sure that it was the right choice for me, I spent a week experiencing radiography at Pinderfields hospital in Wakefield.

During my week's work experience I was fortunate enough to observe some of the most qualified radiographers in the country, and I was able to experience a wide range of the spectrum of opportunities open to radiographers. What I can say is that it was one of the most exciting professional weeks I have ever had and I enjoyed every minute of it, confirming to me my aspiration to embark on radiography as a career choice. I felt that I was in the right place, where my qualities could be developed and challenged, where my scientific background could be finally combined with people care, a missing element in my previous occupations.

I was very pleased to learn that eventually my PhD in Biological Sciences and my experience in oral and written presentations, research, independency and problem solving skills will be useful after my graduation with the progression of my career. Science and radiography go together, hence my PhD and scientific education will help enormously during my training. I discovered how important it is for a radiographer to work as a team. As a scientist I worked in a lab team with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and I was responsible for the training and supervision of several students. This helped me develop excellent team building and communication skills so that we could all work together to achieve our goals. I feel these attributes are essential for a successful radiography department.

These are only some examples of what I have seen in a week's experience in a radiology department and I could write much more about it. I am aware that there are a few years ahead of training and general radiography before I will have the opportunity to specialise, but that there are opportunities within the career path to progress is important to me. Nevertheless I am really looking forward to working in a team in a stressful environment such as Accident & Emergency as a general radiographer. I believe I have all the skills, attitude, interest and drive to succeed, enjoy and progress firstly within the undergraduate course and later in the profession.

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

I was very pleased to learn that eventually my PhD in Biological Sciences and my experience in oral and written presentations, research, independency and problem solving skills will be useful after my graduation with the progression of my career. Science and radiography go together, hence my PhD and scientific education will help enormously during my training. I discovered how important it is for a radiographer to work as a team. As a scientist I worked in a lab team with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and I was responsible for the training and supervision of several students. This helped me develop excellent team building and communication skills so that we could all work together to achieve our goals. I feel these attributes are essential for a successful radiography department.

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

In a radiology department it is crucial to have excellent interpersonal skills to communicate with other members of the team and to support patients who may be scared or insecure about what is going to happen. Diagnostic radiographers get to know patients for a very brief period of time and it is important to be able to understand the psychology of individuals very quickly to be able to provide the best care possible.

This aspect was particularly obvious in the Breast clinic, where women arrive terrified and they need to have either a traditional scan or a mammogram, which can be very uncomfortable. I noticed that the necessity of excellent team work is essential during vascular surgeries, where the radiographer plays a key role so that the radiologist can operate, but also assures a smooth communication between nurses, and doctors in theatre. I was fascinated by the radiographer's deep knowledge of anatomy, pathology, technology and surgical instruments.

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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