Personal Statement:Politics 4

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Politics is vital: it touches every aspect of our lives, whether the general public realises it or not. There is one political issue that I find particularly interesting: civil liberties, and their erosion. This has prompted me to join the pressure group Liberty and has introduced me to books such as The Assault on Liberty by D Raab. I want to delve deeper into the world of politics, to analyse and evaluate other political systems and ideologies, and to discover how political events have shaped the world, for example how WWII contributed to the formation of the EU. Moreover, it appears that the future of our planet will depend on political decisions and international co-operation. The challenge for politics is immense, and I want to be a part of the solution.

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

My Government & Politics A-Level has turned my long-term informal interest into an academic fascination. Many topics have sparked a particular interest, such as social policy and the inception and expansion of the Welfare State. I am interested in the ways in which ideology is developed and then converted into policy. I also enjoy contributing to our lively classroom discussions. I see many examples of the effects that political decisions have in the real world in Geography, such as the effect of EU fishing quotas on small fishing communities, hazard management, globalisation and population. Physics has helped to develop my understanding of the science behind the energy crisis, which will require a political solution. In Psychology the social influence topic is especially interesting, as it covers the reasons why people follow and obey others, which in turn forms the basis for why it is possible for political leaders to exist. Criminology spans both psychology and politics, so I have now seen it from two perspectives. Finally, Critical Thinking has enhanced my communication skills and powers of analysis, as well as covering how to construct an argument. All of these are valuable skills in politics.

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

I have developed my interest in the political process by competing in inter-school parliamentary-style debating, visiting Parliament, meeting and talking to my local Liberal Democrat MP, Stephen Williams, and attending speeches by Michael Portillo and William Waldegrave. Additionally I have work experience with HM Revenue & Customs, and I have applied for work experience with a prospective Conservative candidate. I use a selection of news sources, especially the broadsheets, to keep up to date with current affairs.

In addition to my academic studies, I am an enthusiastic glider pilot. I achieved 'solo' status at the age of 16 and won my club's prize for the 'Best Junior'. I am keen to continue gliding whilst at university by joining or establishing a university gliding club. I have developed my leadership skills by volunteering on a city farm in a deprived inner-city area for the last three years. This enables disadvantaged children to come and work with the livestock. I also raised 300 pounds to help alleviate a funding crisis there. Furthermore, I gave a speech to my House, which resulted in the city farm being elected as House charity for a year. During my AS year I was the Marketing Director of my school's Young Enterprise company. We were very successful, making 1000 pounds before proceeding to the regional finals. I also run my own small pet sitting business, which has involved time and commitment over more than two years to become a successful concern. I have also been caring for my frail grandparents for up to four hours a day since the beginning of sixth form. These commitments have given me excellent time management and organisational skills, and, particularly with respect to my caring responsibilities, a more mature outlook on life.

I am looking forward to university life and intend to participate in a study abroad programme, to immerse myself in a different culture, to gain experience of different political views, and to enhance my understanding.

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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