Personal Statement:Politics 9

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My interest in Politics has been going from strength to strength over recent years, and furthered even more when I had the chance to study the subject for A-Level. The fact that politics can change lives made me take notice. I question why the British public is so nonchalant about politics when its importance in society, the power it has to affect everyone and anyone, proves that it is a fundamental part of life.

My inquisitive nature makes me want to learn more about the processes of politics and government. Political Ideologies is a topic I wish to explore because it is fascinating to learn about the thinking behind political parties, the basis of their beliefs. Analysing different theories and looking at how they coincided with events in political history, such as communism and its role in the Russian Revolution, will combine my interests in modern and past politics.

International Relations enthuses me. My interest in world politics stems from my Viet-Chinese background. Annual holidays to the countries have given me the chance to witness the communist/socialist regimes first-hand. To experience two diverse worlds, the democratic UK compared to the strict communist countries, puts into perspective just how different the governments are. The level of governmental control varies from country to country, and this is one area I would like to look into, especially the politics of the new emerging superpower, China. Chinese politics is somewhat in limbo. Clearly it is the one-party state normally seen in a communist nation, however with its trading boom, is China becoming a capitalist nation? It has always been fascinating to learn about America, from its early colonial days to its now undisputed position as the world's most powerful country. For my A2 Historical Enquiry, I chose to investigate the causes of the Vietnam War, arguing whether Vietnam's break for independence from a century of colonisation or America's anti-communist foreign policy was the greater factor. It is particularly fascinating to research about the Vietnam War because of its coincidence with the Cold War and America's aggressive anti-communist policy.

The topic I most enjoyed at AS was Civil Rights because it provoked questions from me. In Britain, we are given the right of freedoms, but why, under New Labour, were they, in effect, removed? The documentary "Taking Liberties" was particularly engaging, presenting evidence that proves the last executive were blatantly restricting people's civil liberties and rights.

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

The subjects I have taken provide me with the relevant skills and knowledge to prepare me for a Politics degree. The essay subjects help me argue my points in an articulate and coherent way, whilst my AS in Mathematics has moulded me to think logically, something I think is missing in British politics today!

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

Outside of school, I read in order to expand my knowledge of politics. I recently developed a fascination for ancient world culture and decided to read Aristotle's "The Politics", to gain an understanding for ancient society and attempted to find similarities with modern day politics. Nevertheless, my reading is not limited to works of political thought. "1984" provided me with a vivid insight into what a totalitarian state would be like. Orwell wrote in a manner that made me experience the emotions Winston Smith felt: the fear of the Thought Police, the feeling of being watched.

I follow British and world politics constantly, instead of concentrating my interest to the run-up and aftermath of general elections. I read The Sunday Times weekly and subscribe to Politics Review to get a contemporary view on current affairs. Being the first in my family to enter tertiary education, coupled with my determination to exceed the grades I received at AS, I have the motivation and drive that will help me succeed at degree level. I need to pursue my growing curiosity for Politics, something that will, as I stated earlier, affect my life forever.

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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