Personal Statement:Social and Political Sciences 1

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Reading about history, economics and sociology has opened up the world for me, and strengthened my interest in international development. This interest originates from my experience of growing up in an emerging economy with many third world characteristics. Studying macroeconomics gave me an insight into a new dimension of factors that affect nations, and helped me to further understand how countries impact each other. Reading modern world history gave me insight into how today's governmental structures and ideologies evolved. Fitting these puzzle pieces together has been very exciting to me. I studied A level Biology to further explore practical ways of becoming involved in third world development. I looked at the work of international organisations such as the WHO, and became aware of the need for insight into the local political, sociological and cultural climate before attempting to enforce or apply solutions.

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

Studying isn’t the only thing in life that excites me. I am a very keen rock climber and hiker, climbing twice a week and often embarking on outdoor adventures. I climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in January this year. I hiked up Ben Nevis and then from Fort William down to Glasgow in August. I enjoy travelling and am privileged enough to consistently do so, having visited 21 different countries in my life. I am planning to travel further during my gap year; at the same time I will be acquiring further work experience. This year I hope to take a part-time access course in A level History. I've loved reading since childhood. I read fantasy, adventure, classics, and non-fiction. I enjoy Jane Austen, "Sophie's World" by Jostein Gaarder and "Gods, Graves and Scholars; The Story of Archaeology" by C.W. Ceram. I have a huge appetite for learning and absorbing more. I read articles from 'Time' magazine, 'The National Geographic' and BBC, and I use the internet to read around my areas of interest. Listening to music is essential to me; I enjoy art and drama. I speak Afrikaans and French. I enjoy critical and analytical writing. I like cooking. I am a passionate Christian, very much involved in my church community.

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

I soundly enjoyed my academic studies and have often expressed the desire to be an eternal student. I am highly focused, disciplined and enthusiastic. I am well organised. I have also become adaptable, having moved several times both recently and generally. I am logical and analytical. I sincerely believe that I have an extraordinary drive and commitment to bring to my studies.

Universities applied to:

• York (Politics)
• Cambridge (Social and Political Sciences)
• Edinburgh (Geography and Politics)
• Queens University Belfast (Politics)
• Bristol (Politics)
• Durham University (Social Sciences)

Grades achieved:

• HIGCSE English Language - 1
• HIGCSE History - 1
• HIGCSE Economics - 2
• HIGCSE Biology - 2
• GCE A Level English Literature - A
• GCE A Level Biology - A
• GCE A Level Chemistry - C

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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