Personal Statement:Politics philosophy and economics ppe 4 - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I would probably lie if I said that I had always been interested in reality, as I have always been more interested in exploring the possibilities it creates. 'A Short History of Philosophy' by Robert Solomon gave me a strong impulse to investigate reasons for basic human interactions such as trade and forming legal structures. It focused my interest on both political and economical aspects of modern societies. Barber's innovative 'Jihad vs. McWorld' completely changed my perception of both economics and international politics. It made me consider macro-economical processes not as a simple balance between supply and demand but as a deeper relation between global politics and economy determined by international corporations.

My passion for each of philosophy, politics and economics resulted in a double participation in the National Philosophical Contest where my essay 'The way culture of consumerism affects the idea of free market' won the first prize at national level. My preparation for written and oral tests greatly stimulated me to broaden my knowledge of philosophy. Also reading Tatarkiewicz's 'History of Philosophy' was a good opportunity to do so. Gathering more specific information for the essay familiarized me with F.A. Hayek's 'Road to Selfdom' and Friedman's 'Free to choose'. The essay has recently been published in the 20th Philosophical Contest Bulletin. I believe that participation in the Philosophical Contest not only allowed me to considerably develop my knowledge of both economics and politics but also enhanced my personal, organizational and research skills.

Both of the above mentioned visits had made a strong impact on me, further focusing my interest on global politics and economics.

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

A strong need to share my personal reflections and research on that matter inspired me to set up school's student Economic and Management Activity Club which was intended to help other students understand basic macro-economical processes. Leading that club has been a worthwhile opportunity to develop my interpersonal skills and my knowledge in the field of economics.

While being a vice-chairman of Youth City Council of **** ****** for two years I was responsible for undertaking and coordinating a vast majority of projects realised by local student societies. One of these projects comprised holding two editions of the Regional Contest of Knowledge of European Union. Its purpose was to make local students interested in both the benefits and possible threats after Poland's EU accession. This undertaking resulted in setting-up a close cooperation with Mr ****** *****, a Polish MEP. After the highly successful finals of the second edition (2007) I received an invitation to a five-day visit in Brussels. During my stay I became familiar with the work and structures of the European Parliament, where I had an opportunity to talk with Mr ***** ******, a former chairman of European Parliament and Mr ***** ******, a former prime minister of Poland. A year before, invited by one of the Polish deputies, I also had the opportunity to visit and find out more about functional aspects of Polish Parliament.

In June, 2007 I was also awarded the Golden Pen, the top prize awarded by the city Mayor to the most active citizens in recognition of their academic and non-academic achievements.

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

Spending a 'gap year' in United Kingdom turned me into a more mature, open-minded and target-focused person. Taking a job as a General Advisor at Sykes has made me a better team player. Also, it has developed my flexibility and ability to work to a tight schedule.

I hope my achievements, character and interest in economics, politics and philosophy make me a suitable candidate for this joint course.

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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