Personal Statement:Politics philosophy and economics ppe 8 - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

“Change we can believe in” – Senator Barack Obama. Are politicians capable of effecting meaningful change or are they hamstrung by the structural constraints that surround them? Is this a genuine attempt by a sincere candidate to implement progressive politics, or simply another politician adapting to volatile economic times by promising a resurgence that cannot be attained? These questions amongst others have led me to develop a passionate interest in politics, economics and philosophy; subjects that affect everyone’s life. My interest started at my 6th form evening when I discovered that study of A-Level Politics would coincide with the 2008 US Presidential election. The contrast with the UK political system and the fascination of studying and understanding the many political and economic ideologies such as capitalism, communism and fascism became extremely appealing to me.

I have come to realise over the past two years that politics, philosophy and economics are inextricably linked. To me studying any of these subjects in isolation fails to exploit the synergy that together these subjects bring; together they move from the academic to the real world. Communism may be an ideology with an arguably sound philosophy but it demonstrably failed in political and economic terms.

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

My A2 subjects are all chosen to build to the study of PPE. My strong grounding in Mathematics will support the study of Economics at degree level. I have chosen to study Ethics as extra-curricular option in year 13 under the Open University YASS scheme. This will give me an early foundation for Philosophy. The A2 Politics course has generated an increasing interest in the various political ideologies that has led me to read round on a variety of political philosophies. A2 Geography and in particular human Geography relates strongly to political and economic issues for example urban regeneration and the impact of the global economy of developing countries such as China and Malaysia.

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

My work shadowing experience in year 12 gave me a wonderful opportunity to see aspects of government that many people never see. I was fortunate to be able to shadow Lord Crisp, formerly Permanent Secretary at the DoH and Chief Executive of the NHS. During this time I attended a Lord’s select committee meeting, listened to a debate from the floor of the House and attended a meeting in 10 Downing Street. I also shadowed the Chief Nurse in the DoH and the lead for the NHS ‘Breaking Through’ programme to increase senior level representation for BAME groups. These experiences have cemented my already keen interest in Government and Politics.

My electives in year 12 have been journalism and photography both contributing to school publications which I intend to continue in year 13 when I will also be co-editing a politically themed website. This has helped my time-management skills and writing ability.

For the last 6 years I have enjoyed playing for a local football team in this period gaining two promotions and being named player of the year twice. I also regularly play tennis and snooker. Since early 2006 I have worked as a chef’s assistant at a local restaurant. These activities demonstrate both my commitment and personal discipline while being part of a team has helped develop my social skills. Over the past few years I have discovered a passion and an aptitude for skiing. I intend to take a gap year to attend a three month ski training school in Canada to gain internationally recognised ski coaching qualifications. I will then spend the remainder of the gap year teaching in New Zealand before commencing my degree studies.

Universities applied to:

• York
• Durham
• Warwick
• Manchester
• Newcastle

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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