Personal Statement:Psychology 32 - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Psychology attempts to explain human behaviour through scientific research and theories in order to design ways how to manage or enhance a particular behaviour occurrence. This includes our thought processes, emotions and actions where they are studied through empirical research. A Psychologist is therefore interested in discovering factors that influence a particular behaviour which takes place, such as learning that can be linked to reinforcement. This is why I choose psychology, as it will provide me with a more in depth perspective on understanding human behaviour.

One of my main interests is cognitive psychology, especially the idea that cognitive abilities may affect our behaviour. In A level Psychology, I studied Piaget’s theory of cognitive development which has long been practiced in schools. His theory has exposed me to the appropriate teaching methods which educators use in respect to the learners’ ages. However, other researchers have shown that younger and older children develop their cognitive abilities in a continuum rather than through discrete stages as Piaget suggested. I learned that children need to be nurtured in order for them to be able to make sense of the world. This made me think of other possibilities, and taught me not to rely on a single theory.

As for the future, I am interested in teaching Psychology to students because I feel it is really important for them to learn that our behaviour is not all common sense knowledge, but rather can be explained through scientific theories. I am also keen on becoming an Educational Psychologist in order to help and design ways to improve student performance.

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

I do believe that I have some of the basic skills needed to pursue the Psychology degree, and these include analytical and evaluative skills which I obtained through studying English Literature, Psychology and Sociology. In English Literature, for example, we were asked to analyse the author’s piece of work in terms of how it is affected by culture, history, lifestyle and its aim. On the other hand, Sociology has given me the insight on how society works, and this involves institutions such as the family, religion, mass media and peer groups that can influence individual behaviour. We also had to compare and contrast the different societies that have their own unique culture which shape individual behaviour. These subjects have required me to think critically and provide evidence for supporting and disagreeing with a particular point of view, and then to present them in class. This opportunity helped me with my public speaking skills and taught me to meet deadlines.

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

During my school year, I was one of the members of the Peer Support Group in my school. It was my responsibility to find and establish a good rapport with local companies as well as to find sponsors for any of our events. The peer support group has helped me to help students with their personal or academic problems. I was also elected as one of the school’s representatives for the Borneo Global Issues Conference VII which is a student United Nations conference simulation. We did our research on the backgrounds, culture and people of our assigned countries and use this as information that could help us to decide whether a particular resolution is to be accepted or not. I had the opportunity to meet and interact with foreign students as well, and learn about their own cultures and reflect how different their cultures are compared to mine. I certainly believe that this will help me to adapt well in the UK.

Recently, I was selected as one of the three students in my school to have a dialogue session with his Royal Highness Prince Azim. During this dialogue session we discussed social problems amongst the youth as well as voicing our opinions on the country’s education system. This experience gave me the chance to have my voice heard, and to listen to the ideas and thoughts of other people, including the powerful.

Universities applied to:

• Unknown

Grades achieved:

• Unknown

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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