Astrophysics degree personal statement example (1b)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

From being a small child in primary school I have always had an interest in maths and the universe. Throughout my education my interest has become specifically focused upon the topics involved in astrophysics, such as gravity and relativity and more astronomical aspects of the subject such as cosmology. During my A-level course in Physics I have enjoyed the topics based around the concepts of space such as gravity and relativity as well as those related to mechanics, as I find it interesting to know how the world around us operates and what rules govern the universe. In maths I have enjoyed learning and using calculus, this is also one of my strongest parts of the maths course. I find it fascinating to see the extent to which this technique is used in industry. I have enjoyed doing both A-levels and have found that they complement each other superbly. By choosing to study astrophysics at university I hope to study the nature of matter and stellar astrophysics.

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

During my A-level course in Physics I have enjoyed the topics based around the concepts of space such as gravity and relativity as well as those related to mechanics, as I find it interesting to know how the world around us operates and what rules govern the universe. In maths I have enjoyed learning and using calculus, this is also one of my strongest parts of the maths course. I find it fascinating to see the extent to which this technique is used in industry. Apart from studying at school and college I have also visited the radio telescopes in Cornwall, the Goonhilly telescope, and at Jodrell Bank. I have also been to Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. In addition to this I also try to keep up-to-date with the whole of physics by being a student member of the institute of physics. I particularly enjoyed reading the articles in the institutes monthly publications which dealt with the search for dark matter, and the origin and destiny of the universe.

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

By studying astrophysics I hope to gain the knowledge and experience to further my own research upon leaving university. I understand that to succeed I will require determination and dedication to my studies. I feel I have enough of these qualities to reach my goal. In addition to studying for ten GCSEs at school, I also studies I.T. in my own time, and gained an 'A' in the subject. My dedication is perpetuated by my will to succeed in everything I do. At school I was elected as a prefect, which helped me to grow in responsibility. In my last year I received an award for excellence in science and also an award for overall success and effort. I also enjoyed success in the school athletics and represented the school in the district long jump competition. Outside of college I enjoy Jujitsu, which I have been doing since I was eight and am now a black belt. I have won several tournaments and enjoy competing against people from across the country. I also have a keen interest in football, and played for my town team for four years until leaving to concentrate on my studies. I am an honest, motivated and conscientious student keen to take up the challenges of higher education.

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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