Personal Statement:Philosophy and English Literature 1

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My desire to study philosophy could probably be best described as fledgling, given that my first true exposure to the subject was only a few months ago. However, to say I am enamoured with the discipline today would be an understatement. Pure excitement mixed with a sense of anticipation and wonder is an admittedly poor attempt to describe how I feel when I contemplate the idea of trying to answer some of life's most fundamental questions. How can one fail to be utterly enthralled when pondering the question of whether or not human beings are truly free? Can the debate over what constitutes "the good" ever be definitively settled? It is these limitless possibilities that have given me a passion for philosophy and the aspiration to study it at university.

I am also fascinated with the intricacies of the English language, having been an avid reader since early childhood. This love of literature has instilled in me a strong desire to embark on a degree course, having pursued the subject enthusiastically at Higher level. Among my favourite works is Gabriel Garcia Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude, the author's alluring use of language giving the novel an almost dreamlike quality and providing a sterling example of writing as an artistic gesture.

Attending open days and mock lectures at both Strathclyde and Glasgow University have helped give me a real flavour of what university life would entail, as well as reinforcing my desire to study the aforementioned courses. I must confess to having little idea of what career I would like to pursue, however I know many employers highly value the analytical and logical skills I would develop during my degree. I am well aware of the challenge ahead, and only too eager to begin.

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

Since my first class in August we have covered the free will versus determinism debate, as well as Karl Popper and Thomas Kuhn's accounts of the progress of science. I find both Popper's notion of verisimilitude and Kuhn's theory of the paradigm shift particularly engrossing, challenging as they do the conventional view that science is constantly proceeding along a linear path towards some objective "truth". The true nature of philosophic enquiry is of course to break down our preconceptions, and I feel both philosophers do this brilliantly. I believe Descartes' statement in The Meditations, that in order to establish some indubitable truths he must presume all his previous opinions are false, epitomises this concept of free thought unfettered by prejudice and dogma. It is this ability to banish our long held assumptions through the use of pure reason that, for me truly sets the "love of wisdom" apart from other disciplines.

Having pursued English Literature at Higher level, this academic background has helped me grow a deep appreciation for language and literary styles, equipping me with analytical and interpretive skills that I will bring to university study.

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

In my free time I am a keen track athlete, training six days (around 12 hours) per week. I have represented Scotland at junior level on a number of occasions, and feel athletics has helped me to develop a strong self discipline which is reflected in my approach to my studies. Towards the end of fourth year I was selected after a stringent trial and interview process to attend the Glasgow School of Sport. I believe my ability to successfully balance my sporting commitments with academic life shows effective time management and good organisation, which I know would be crucial when coping with the rigours of a degree course (and indeed life beyond university).

Another positive experience I have taken from my sporting career is the opportunity to coach younger children, which has been extremely rewarding and confidence building. I feel it has also helped me develop a greater sense of responsibility, as well as a more mature and measured approach to tasks which may have previously overwhelmed me.

Universities applied to:

• Strathclyde
• Glasgow University

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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