Personal Statement:Midwifery 4

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I can pinpoint the exact moment in my life when my interest in pregnancy and childbirth was sparked; when I heard the heartbeat of the unborn baby for the first time. At the time, however, this did not automatically ignite an interest in midwifery itself, but I started doing research in my free time into pregnancy, simply for the purpose of expanding my own knowledge. Simultaneously to this research, I was also in the process of exploring potential degree choices for university. I knew I wanted to go into a career that involved caring for other people, but none of the degrees I found, specifically appealed to me. It wasn’t until I watched the documentary ‘The Hospital’ (Channel 4, 2010), that I began to look more closely at the role of a midwife. I became interested in the vital concept of women-centred care, and the different ways health professionals can provide this for women both in a hospital and community setting. I believe that midwives play a vital role in society, not only at the point at birth, but also in supporting a woman and her family in the pre-natal and post-natal months, as there is much more to pregnancy than the delivery of the baby.

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

In Health and Social care, I have conducted an in depth interview with a current midwife of 10 years on various aspects of the job. I feel that this has given me a thorough understanding of exactly what a midwives’ role entails. Through this experience I have learnt the importance of choice and autonomy for a woman during childbirth, but also that there are times when medical intervention will be necessary. My other academic subjects have given me knowledge and skills that I can apply to both the degree and to my career afterwards. My A* in GCSE Biology shows my aptitude for the scientific elements of the course, whilst I feel my studies in Psychology and Theatre Studies have vastly improved my understanding of people, and how best to effectively communicate with individuals. In particular, the foundations unit of my Religious Studies course was very informative as I chose neo-natal care as the topic of my research. During my preparation for the exam, I became further aware of certain debates within pregnancy such as those surrounding viability, and treatments given to very premature babies. I feel this gave me a wider breadth to my knowledge as previously, most of my research had been concerned with typical, low-risk births.

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

My work experience in a special school has given me numerous skills in working with young adults, who are in vulnerable situations. The experience highlighted to me how working with those in a health and social care setting can be challenging, but also extremely rewarding. Working with these young people taught me vital, transferable skills such as patience and respect for clients in my care. In order to further my understanding specifically in a maternity setting, I hope to soon gain work experience in a local general hospital, where I aim to gain knowledge in the day-to-day running of both a maternity ward and of a hospital in general. Outside of my academic subjects, I have a range of interests that provide useful opportunities and experiences, sometimes in unlikely places! For example, whilst undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh award at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, I displayed determination, dedication, and above all team-work, which I feel will be useful in a challenging career such as midwifery, but DofE also gave me the opportunity to learn basic first aid and widened my knowledge of the importance of nutrition and exercise, all things which are important in any healthcare setting. Due to my part-time job in a fast food restaurant, I am experienced at working long hours, late shifts and weekend shifts, as well as balancing this with my academic studies. The nature of the course would require me to balance placements with academic studies, a challenge I can confidently say I am prepared for.

Grades achieved:

• A* in GCSE Biology

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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