Personal Statement:Politics and Sociology 2015

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I am intrigued by the concept of power and how it is created, distributed and fought over within contemporary social systems and structures. Studying Politics and Sociology will enable me to explore this. Ideas from these disciplines have dominated the way in which I perceive and understand the world's social turmoil and successes, both in my lifetime, and in the lives I wish to leave for future generations. With the study of these subjects I hope to shape the world through government or NGOs, to become a fairer, more equal place, regardless of gender, race or background.

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

This ambition and inquisitive drive is reflected in my choice of social science A-levels. Economics and Geography have helped me appreciate the immense effects of globalisation, and incentive-based decision making, which I feel apply greatly to how we make our largest life decisions both as a society, and as individuals. These subjects have also given me the skills to analyse and interpret data and apply them to theories and hypotheses. Psychology has exposed me to different answers to my questions about the creation of social change and the use of conformity and internalisation as a political tool. Communication & Culture has introduced and captivated me in the writings, ideas and debates of key ideologies, multiculturalism and feminism - experiencing the growth of popular feminism within my habitus has made this captivation especially pertinent. These subjects have given me the skills and foundation to commit to the disciplines of Politics and Sociology, providing alternate viewpoints I can exploit.

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

My external reading covers a large variety of the social sciences. The Economist and Freakonomics introduced me to wider issues that face the world today in a way in which I could relate, so I became an avid reader of them, as well as a listener of their more detailed podcasts. These fuelled me to start thought provoking debates in my economics class applying our economic practices into solving sociological problems. Learning about Marx in my Communications and Culture classes helped me find 'Contemporary Political Ideologies' by Lyman Sargent, which added a great deal to the essays that I am currently writing about Feminism and Marxism. Due to my interest in power, Gramsci's ideas of hegemony and the passing down of this influence is a subject I have searched for both in essays and in research papers to fulfil my curiosity. The paper I have found most intriguing is 'A Critique of the Ruling Elite Model' by Robert Dahl. It made me rethink my ideas on the political system and the common-felt feeling of dissatisfaction caused by the popular belief of a 'ruling elite' in modern-day Britain. I hope to be reading and delving into such ideas of power in my future studies.

Alongside this, I am an active part of student life. I lead a subdivision of the Senior Prefect Team focussed on Enterprise and Publications and through this I have created widely-circulated media for school events. Further, as part of Young Enterprise I led a team which designed a mobile application for my school. Theatre is a big part of my life outside of school, with Posh, a play about the Bullingdon Club being a favourite. I enjoy immersive theatre and helped fund a recent version of Titus Andronicus which took place in a Peckham Car Park. I have also volunteered for the theatre company Punchdrunk, and hope to help in their future enrichment projects for children. Part of my social life also expresses my passion for this course. I regularly watch and discuss Question Time, Newsnight and Prime Minister's Questions with friends and we recently enjoyed predicting and observing the results of the Scottish Referendum and European Elections, the latter of which was my first vote.

I am deeply enthusiastic about this opportunity to continue to satisfy my curiosity and reach my aspirations through studying Politics and Sociology. I look forward to giving total commitment and energy to my university life and studies.

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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