Personal Statement:Psychology and criminology 1 - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My interest in Psychology and social science is the motivation for me applying to study Psychology and Criminology. Psychology is my favourite subject and I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the A-Level course.

The career I am hoping to go into once I’ve finished the course would be to join the police force or within prisons as a forensic psychologist. I am very interested in helping reform criminals whilst inside prison and on parole and have always been interested to find out how the criminal mind works and why they committed the crime. This course will lead me into this career and open up many opportunities to work with and help criminals.

I believe that university will provide me with the opportunity to develop as a person. I am hard working, intellectually curious and determined to be successful. I look forward to the new experiences and opportunities, university will provide me with and guarantee to participate whenever possible.

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

In addition to Psychology I have also studied Sociology, Photography and Film Studies. Studying Psychology has given me a more in-depth understanding of human behaviour and interaction, which I can relate into everyday life. Studying Sociology has enhanced my understanding of the society we live in and how it functions. These subjects have demanded commitment and time management and have improved my comprehension and analytical skills.

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

Participation in clubs and work placements has enabled me to develop key character attributes. When on work experience at a junior school I was able to advance my communicative skills, this allowed me to teach children to read and to express themselves using paragraphs and grammar correctly. Whilst working as a Recreation Assistant I have become more confident with working around both adults and children; I have learnt valuable people and observational skills. A few years ago I joined St John Cadets where I have learnt first aid skills. Through structured interviews and presentations I was chosen to represent North East Wales to compete for cadet of the year. I am also a black belt in karate and have helped others improve their technique.

I have enjoyed an active role in school life. Whilst at ****** School I was appointed as Prefect and I was nominated by my peers to act as Form Captain. As a result I was trusted to voice the beliefs of my peers and hence I have developed key people skills. In addition, I have helped to organise sports day, the harvest festival and school open days.

In my spare time I enjoy reading; my favourite books include: ‘The Curious Incident of the dog in the Night time’, books by Dan Brown and ‘Harry Potter’. I also enjoy swimming, going to my local gym, walking and socialising.

Universities applied to:

• University of Bolton (Criminological and Forensic Psychology)
• Chester (Psychology with Criminology)
• Liverpool John Moores (Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice)
• Newport (Psychology/Criminal & Community Justice)
• Bangor (Criminology/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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