Personal Statement:Psychology and criminology 3

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I have always wondered what makes people do what they do. As a child, I could never understand why people fought and hurt each other with no obvious outcome. I saw black and white and there was nothing in between. But as a teenager and then a young adult, it became clear that the complexities of this world may never be understood but could become clearer whilst studying for a career in psychology. Psychology for me, isn’t just about seeing the world from a different perspective, it is opening my eyes to a new world and seeing it from an altered perspective thus figuring out how one day we may change it. I have researched many cases which mainly surround criminal psychology e.g. the case of James Bulger. I first found interest in the case with the images of the young boy hand in hand with two older children whom he didn’t know, but trusted. I found a deep interest in how criminals can prepare themselves to commit a crime and also justify their actions and often don’t justify them but deny them. From this case, I have also looked into child psychology and have found this is a path I would like to look into further. I think this has become of interest due to my early days in finding out ‘why’. I never want to forget the innocent approach I had towards people and society when I was a child but I want to dig deeper into what makes human beings ultimately make the decisions they make.

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

Whilst studying Access Health, I have looked closely at Milgram’s electric shock experiment and found this to be something of immense interest. Stanley Milgram stated: “If we need help, will those around us stand around and let us be destroyed or will they come to our aid? Are those other creatures there to help us sustain our life and values or are we individual flecks of dust just floating around in a vacuum?” (Milgram.1984). I find Milgram and his methods and hypotheses intriguing and I find myself questioning others on their thoughts of his electric shock experiment to gain insight into the difference in opinions and beliefs. Milgram’s experiment made me examine my own thoughts on obedience and encouraged me to examine the issue of bullying and discipline.

I am currently working to complete my Access Health qualification along with additional Chemistry, Physics and Maths, with the sole aim of gaining a place in university to study Psychology.

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

I have had experience of working closely with a psychologist whilst working in a nursing home in Scotland. The home was for dementia patients who also had other underlying illnesses or disabilities. I had previously associated mental health issues with age and or physical disability but I was challenged daily by the intelligence, patience and understanding of those assumed to be less fortunate than ourselves. I gathered experience of shift work and being ‘on-call’ and some experience of child psychology whilst doing several shifts in a home for mentally and physically disabled children. This role was a magnifying glass into a bigger world.

In my spare time I work as administrator on the student Facebook page which I set up and manage myself and find this is my way of unwinding. I am also employed as a volunteer in Stoke on Trent College in student support helping others who are also studying for various qualifications. I enjoy the fast paced lifestyle and gain great satisfaction out of completing tasks which I have set for myself. I aim high, work hard and enjoy the rewards.

Universities applied to:

• Staffordshire University
• Keele University
• Staffordshire University
• Staffordshire University

Grades achieved:

• Biology - 5 Distinctions
• Human Biology - 6 distinctions
• Psychology - 3distinctions, 1 Merit
• Sociology - 4 distinctions

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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