Personal Statement:Politics, Philosophy and Economics 16

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My fascination in global affairs started around 2007 after reading 1984 by George Orwell, as my interest turned towards the 'imperialism' of the United States - allegations of arms dealing and the dangers of diminishing resources, with emphasis on oil and its relation to war. I would perhaps consider myself lucky that I am applying to university in this economic downturn, when we are seeing criticism towards capitalism, highlighted in 23 Things They Don't Tell you About Capitalism by Chang and an encouraging shift towards new theories in the macroeconomic world. I am also intrigued by the impact of international politics; as I write this in the aftermath of Chris Steven's death in Libya, there continues to be instability in today's increasingly globalised world. Is the death evidence that overthrowing tyranny does not bring peace and freedom?

Since witnessing the Gaza flotilla raid protest at Downing Street in 2010, and on the basis of my own wider reading, I have reflected carefully on my chosen course and hope to pursue my understanding of inequality, fairness and justice in this world.

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

Apart from reading The Independent, The Economist, I also follow Paul Krugman's blog to develop my own stance on global affairs. I recently finished his book, End this Depression Now and watched his lecture online to strengthen my awareness of the economic world; although I understand Keynesian theory, I agree with the need for cuts for a more sustainable long-term growth plan. As it was increasingly obvious no-one foresaw the magnitude of the mortgage crisis in 2008, I pondered upon how a butterfly effect essentially sparked the economic downturn - thus confidence or lack of it can be catastrophic as appreciated by Akerlof and Shiller in Animal Spirits. I particularly enjoyed reading about their views on wage efficiency theory proposed by Stiglitz and Shapiro whereby firms pay a wage above the market rate, opposed to neoclassical theory. I have written in essay competitions, ranging from uniquely discussing the chaos theory within economics and its strange relation to the London riots, to presenting concise arguments on free trade and immigration.

Descartes was a mathematician himself - however he also believed in truths with pure unaided reasoning. Think by Simon Blackburn introduced me to the unresolved distinction between body and mind and I enjoyed reading about the manner in which science slowly came into existence. Currently I am reading Political Philosophy by David Miller and largely agree with Hayek's view that social justice and market freedom are conflicting goals. Even though I come from a religious background, I endeavour to keep an open-mind and constantly question beliefs and assumptions with a desire to search for truths. I have for example been fascinated by Nietzsche's challenging existential ideas such as the "God is dead" speech and also Marx's view that religion is the "heart of the heartless world". As more people edge towards atheism, recurring questions include the purpose of our existence, the relation between morality and religion, and the true meaning of 'free will'.

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

In school, I have been appointed a prefect, accepting higher responsibility as well as actively tutoring students. Not long ago, I joined the school team for the Debating Matters competition, debating ethical and social matters helping me construct and strengthen my own arguments. Recently I have just completed the Duke of Edinburgh Silver award which has helped immensely in developing strict time-management, leadership and organisation skills. In my spare time, I invest in the stock market, captain my football team, and volunteer to help organise sporting events for children in the community.

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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