Personal Statement:Psychology 70

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Human behaviour has always been a curiosity of mine. This interest around abnormal human behaviour initiated from watching a documentary series called ‘Born to Kill’. I found it difficult to comprehend how seemingly normal people with fairly regular upbringings had the capacity to perform the unthinkable and become serial killers. As I began my A Levels, my interest in the human mind and behaviour grew intensely. A particular study that took my interest was Milgram’s conformity experiments. It showed me how easily people will conform with authority, even if it means causing harm to others. I began to learn more about how society and ‘nurture’ has a large impact on how people behave and interact with others.

I am currently working on a report for my extended project qualification entitled ‘Psychopaths: The Product of Nature or Nurture?’ I chose this title because it showed to be perfect for my area of interest and from the correct research, it could potentially begin to fill the gaps in my knowledge of abnormal psychology and mental health. As I began my project, I found interesting books such as ‘The Psychopath Test’ by Jon Ronson. I found this book fascinating and a good basis for my research as it stimulated me to think about where the line between insanity and sanity actually is.

In an attempt to find out more about abnormal psychology to aid my project and understanding, I came across a website called ‘FutureLearn’ that allows you to take part in online courses. I chose a course entitled ‘Psychology and Mental Health: Beyond Nature and Nurture’ which was extremely interesting because it allowed me to take my EPQ question further and consider my ideas from a different angle. The course supplied the information and articles for me to consider, before I was encouraged to draw up my own conclusions. I’m glad I came across this course because it pushed me to learn independently and although I enjoy working with others and sharing knowledge, I found it a new and exciting experience to interpret ideas on my own.

I am keen to deepen my understanding of mental processes and human behaviour by studying Psychology at a more advanced level and I am excited for the potential opportunities that will follow this degree.

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

As well as Psychology, I am currently studying Biology and Film Studies in my A levels. Studying Biology is what first opened my mind to how the human body functions and the complexity of biological processes, inspiring me to take further interest more focused around brain function and human behaviour. Biology has also enabled me to gain experimental knowledge and the ability to assess through conducting experiments and being taught how to evaluate studies efficiently.

Film Studies is developing my verbal and written language skills, which I know are crucial for the course I have chosen. More importantly though, it has interested me to develop an understanding of analysing character behaviour and interpreting actions in film. I believe this relates to Psychology as although film is fiction, the characters are acting to portray idealistic human emotions/reactions to situations. This specifically interests me because it shows the director’s personal perception of the world and circumstances.

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

I took part in volunteering during the summer at a charitable organisation called ‘Wildlife Aid’, which I found rewarding and stimulating because I was able to make a difference to a life, however small. I intend to offer more of my time to this charity because I liked how everyone who worked there was so passionate about what they do.

I also have a part–time job in customer service at John Lewis which I have had for over a year now. This indicates that I am a committed individual and has also enabled me to learn and interpret customer behaviour and act accordingly, enabling me to deliver the best customer service I can.

I think I possess qualities that I will be able to develop to help me succeed in a career path towards Psychology such as being a sceptical thinker and maintaining an open mind to new concepts and theories, even if they contrast with my own.

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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