Personal Statement:Politics, philosophy and economics ppe 7 - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

On selecting my A levels I initially determined to follow a science-based path and selected mainly science A-levels as a result. To provide an alternative perspective I elected to study Politics also. Having studied Politics, I am particularly interested in the way that philosophy underpins political ideology which in turn influences the direction of economic policy and therefore, I opted to study a combination of these subjects at university.

My interest in Politics comes from the way in which Political ideologies are translated into specific actions and decisions that affect the way society works, including the way that economic policy is applied. Also due to family heritage connections, an area I hold a passion for is the Irish ‘Troubles’ of the 20th century. The situation Northern Ireland found itself in for the better part of the last 100 years was clearly not just political, much of the tension was caused by the societal segregation of the Catholic and Protestant communities, especially regarding the difference in economic situations. I find the volatile environment, created by the culmination of the social and economic differences between the communities and the pure ideological and religious differences between them a fascinating subject to observe. The works of Tim Pat Coogan, particularly ‘Ireland in the 20th Century’, gave me a detailed insight into life during the troubles. My interest lies with the Catholic community, the minority in the 6 counties, and the levels to which they have power and control over their own lives. Upon reading J.S Mill’s ‘On Liberty’, I can appreciate Northern Ireland as a worked example of the ‘tyranny of the majority’, whereby the liberty and power of the Catholic community are unequal to that of the Protestant one. It raises questions about the balance of power in a democratic society and is one of the reasons why I wish to pursue Philosophy further.

Also within my Politics AS level studies, I conducted an extended research assignment pertaining to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. My focus lay with the role of Sinn Féin and the extent to which they were responsible for the Agreement being signed. It is my belief that the end of Sinn Féin’s hostility towards political participation, starting with the abandonment of the abstention policy to the Dáil Éireann in 1986, catalysed the breaking of the political stalemate with the introduction of inclusive talks. These inclusive talks ultimately led to the Agreement being signed.

My interest in these specific subjects has led me to want to study them on a broader scale to learn about the various schools of thought that have developed and how they have affected the past, currently affect the present and may affect the future of societies.

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

On selecting my A levels I initially determined to follow a science-based path and selected mainly science A-levels as a result. To provide an alternative perspective I elected to study Politics also.

Within my Politics AS level studies, I conducted an extended research assignment pertaining to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. My focus lay with the role of Sinn Féin and the extent to which they were responsible for the Agreement being signed.

I have achieved strong academic results so far: at GCSE I obtained 8A* and 3A, with AS levels achieving 5A in Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Politics, and Critical Thinking. I am predicted AAA at A2 in Biology, Maths, and Politics.

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

Sport is an important part of my life outside college, something I wish to continue at university. I have played Rugby Union for Worcester for 7 years and am current captain of the U18 Ladies side, who were crowned National Champions last season for the second time in three years. For me to start in my second National final was an incredible experience and I hope to lead the team successfully over the coming season with the hope of retaining the title. I have represented the West Midlands Regional side for the past 4 seasons. I hope to establish myself in the starting line up once more this season and challenge myself against the best players in the country.

Alongside sport, music is a key part of my life. I have been playing piano for 8 years and am currently working towards my Grade 8 exam, which I will be taking in December. Despite the fact it takes hard work to achieve the grades, I enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to learn and appreciate a range of musical styles.

I enjoy the challenges set by the study, musical and sporting facets of my life and am looking forward meeting similar challenges at University.

Universities applied to:

• Oxford
• York
• Durham
• Sheffield
• LSE

Grades achieved:

• 8A* 3A (GCSE)
• 5A (Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Politics, Critical Thinking) AS
• Predicted AAA (Biology, Maths, Politics) A2

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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