Personal Statement:Radiotherapy and Oncology 1

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

The interaction of human physiology and medicine has fascinated me from a young age. This was primarily because I was born without a thyroid gland, which got me interested in the treatment provided for me and how that contributed to my health. I have therefore appreciated the role of doctors and their responsibility as they play an important role in the preservation of society. I see myself to be a very caring individual who would be able to handle sensitive issues in a professional manner. Like the doctors that are working in caring and treating my thyroid dysfunction, I also want to work in a similar profession so I too can help patients with the use of relevant care.

Therefore, therapeutic radiography has appealed to me greatly, as the content covered is largely relevant to the field of work that I wish to pursue. Therapeutic radiography will enable me to grasp the necessary diagnostic skills by recognising patient symptoms and therefore giving me the ability to prescribe and apply adequate treatments. I also have a desire in fully understanding the human anatomy so I can work on cures and treatments to prevent and fight against diseases. This requires effort, time and responsibility and therefore I want to dedicate my time to something I enjoy.

I feel that radiotherapy would be a career with much job satisfaction that I would enjoy. Another factor that appeals to me is the security of a job once qualified. Radiotherapy offers this unique opportunity for me to follow my ambition, develop my skills and improve my knowledge at a higher level, all these factors will be my motivation to complete the course and become a therapeutic radiographer.

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

My A level studies in biology and chemistry have provided me with foundations of an understanding into how the body works and how it may respond to certain chemicals. However, I desire to study these subjects in much more depth to gather a more thorough understanding of how they work together. Modules such as genetics interested me to how we can now understand DNA in depth and how we can manipulate these codes for example, to clone and generate required genes to fight diseases and illnesses.

After studying biochemistry, it became more apparent how biology and chemistry are essential subjects to appreciate fully human physiology. Learning how food can be digested through the complex and intricate organs was an interesting insight on how mechanical and chemical features work together in the body.

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

To become better acquainted with how the medical profession works, I have arranged work experience at the Western Park Hospital and have spoken to people already involved with the profession. I am always keen to help by volunteering; whilst I was at college I volunteered to work with a group of teachers on a 'Black and Ethnic Minority Achievement' event so they can support black and ethnic minority groups better within their school. This was a very gratifying experience, knowing that it would make a difference to the children.

To relax, I enjoy sports including football and cricket for which I was captain of the school and college team since the age of nine which has enabled me to excel in my leadership skills. I had also earned the most valuable player award for my role in the team. I have also been the secretary for the college team where I had to form a team and arrange matches with other colleges; I believe this was delegated as a responsibility to the students so they would show initiative.

I have also gained effective communication skills whilst captaining the team, strengthening my confidence dealing with the diverse personalities within the team. I believe I could use these skills when dealing with different patients and colleagues.

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.