Personal Statement:Psychology

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Of all my school subjects Psychology has, without doubt, the strongest appeal for me. Even before I had the opportunity to learn about the subject formally I was fascinated by human behaviour, and how and why we think and feel. Part of the subject's appeal for me is the fact that it is a constantly evolving and influential subject, with discoveries being made every day. A student of Psychology has the opportunity to analyse old theories and investigate the development of new ones. I am particularly looking forward to the module on Forensic Psychology as this is a field which intrigues me.

I am very enthusiastic about Psychology and I am excited at the prospect of embarking on a degree course.

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

In Year 12, I feel I quickly adapted to the course content and the skills required for AS Psychology. I have produced detailed essays and reports and I enjoy writing, researching and analysing theories and studies. Last year we studied memory, eating disorders, day care and social influence, but it was the abnormality material that most appealed to me. In particular it was interesting to explore how we can perceive normality differently, both within our own culture and around the world. My Psychology coursework for A2 involves investigating the role of cultural relativism in defining abnormality. This year our study of depression and schizophrenia is giving me an understanding of these conditions and how they are treated.

At AS level I studied Biology and I am continuing with English Literature and History at A2. I found that Psychology features in all of my subjects, especially Biology, which was relevant to the stress module of our AS Psychology course. English Literature and History also have psychological aspects. Last year we studied "Hamlet", in which Shakespeare portrays the melancholy tragic hero as facing a dilemma about the question of revenge. I found the play a very interesting exploration of a complex character facing a complex ethical issue. The AS History course included a depth study on Nazi Germany, an area that prompted Milgram's studies into obedience and why we respect authoritarian figures.

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

Throughout my school experience I have been involved in a range of activities including the Community Sports Leadership Award, in which I learned how to organise sporting events for children, and community service with the Millennium Volunteers scheme, such as working with disabled children. I also took part in two cultural exchanges, one to A Coruna, Spain, and a more recent trip to Krakow, Poland. As well as having the chance to see new countries I found it fascinating to experience a different way of life, with different cultural traditions and customs. Our visit to Auschwitz was especially memorable.

I was the Human Resources Director for our Young Enterprise gift card company. We worked together to overcome various problems and made a profit of over GBP 1,000. The experience taught me a lot about working effectively in a team and gave me some insight into how psychology is relevant to business and industry.

I am delighted to have been chosen as a Psychology Prefect; this involves organising activities such as trips, a film club and researching Psychology in the media. I also assist the department by setting up wall displays, revision classes and other general administration. This has improved my ability to work alongside teachers and communicate with both students and parents.

Before starting University I plan to take a gap year, working to raise the necessary funds. My intention is to travel for 6 months taking part in volunteer work, such as counselling or helping at orphanages in China and India, through the Frontier organisation. I feel I will gain valuable life experience from taking a year out, and become more independent and mature. After gaining my BSc in Psychology I hope to undertake relevant work experience with the HM Prison Service or Probation Service, perhaps going on to an MSc in Forensic Psychology.

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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