Personal Statement:Psychology with linguistics - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

As the human race progresses and the demands on the individual increase, it is imperative to have skilled psychologists to help people deal with the inevitable conflicts that arise. Balancing family life with a demanding job can be quite arduous, and making both healthy environments for all concerned is of paramount importance. I am pursuing a psychology degree in the hope that it will help satisfy my insatiable desire to understand the infinite facets of human behaviour. My long-term goal is to work as a counselling or occupational psychologist, and contribute to mentally healthy environments.

Studying IB psychology at the standard level (my school does not offer it at higher level) has only scratched the surface of my yearning for psychology. Along with Theory of Knowledge classes, it has titillated my intellect, and left me wanting more in the areas of perception, language and learning. The humanistic perspective combines my strongest passions: psychology and philosophy. I decided to study this area independent of my diploma. I have found existential philosophy to be an important element in the analysis of human behaviour. I admire Camus and Nietzsche’s works and how they articulate difficult-to-describe aspects of human nature. I believe this approach will help me become an eclectic psychological analyst, someone who utilises all possible tools when making an assessment, from the great minds of the past and present as well as my own developing intellect.

I am developing a cognitive linguistics research project for the Danish National Research Competition (Forskerspirer) entitled “What is lost in translation?” Having learned Danish and English as a child, I always encounter the problem of translation. I chose the topic because I am interested in how meaning is created, conveyed to and interpreted by others as well as within the mind. In this era of globalisation, how information is encoded, transmitted and comprehended and what is gained, lost and misconstrued in the process is very significant.

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

At 16 I completed my General Equivalency Diploma in America. After working in the computer field and then the watch-making world for several years, I chose to pursue a Study for the IB Diploma which requires considerable autodidactic study and self-discipline. I look forward to university life demanding the same discipline and study habits.

Studying IB psychology at the standard level (my school does not offer it at higher level) has only scratched the surface of my yearning for psychology. Along with Theory of Knowledge classes, it has titillated my intellect, and left me wanting more in the areas of perception, language and learning.

In 2003 I studied under Microsoft Certified Trainers and achieved my Microsoft Certified Professional and Network Certified Professional certificates. My ample experience with computers as a technician and consultant has enabled me to be an analytical and critical problem solver; it is often impossible to find solutions to computer issues, which forces the technician to think outside the box and use the best tool at his disposal: his brain. During my IB Diploma study I have used my computer skills to help teachers and students alike.

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

Being a mature student I have several qualities that make me a unique addition to life at university. I have the self-motivation to work my hardest and bring my pursuits to fruition, as well as a wealth of experience to share with my peers. I consider myself a perceptive and trustworthy listener, someone in whom one can confide. I enjoy exploring solutions to problems and stimulating thought in those I meet.

My neighbourhood provides me the opportunity to assist the elderly with a range of computer problems. It is extremely rewarding to facilitate the digital lives of the elderly and helped me give back to the community in a positive way, a mutually rewarding exchange that I hope to continue at university.

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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