Biblical studies degree personal statement example (1a) St Andrews offer

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Although religion is often dismissed in the Western world as a complex, superstitious and outdated basis for life, it remains as relevant as ever; touching every aspect of our lives from personal relationships to local politics and international conflict. It is this universal relevance combined with a strong personal relationship with God that makes me want to pursue the study of Theology and Biblical studies. Before starting my degree, I plan to take a year out with a Christian charity in order to gain some experience and also to help others.

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

I have demonstrated an aptitude for academic study in a broad range of subjects. Theatre Studies has helped me to develop teamwork and leadership skills as well as providing me with opportunities to communicate in creative ways. German has exercised different mental faculties as well as preparing me for learning a biblical language supported by such techniques as textual analysis. This subject has also given me an insight into church history as I chose “Luther and the Reformation” for my oral exam topic. Psychology and Critical Thinking have required logic and clear written communication in addition to the ability to analyse both sides of an argument. In mathematics, my final strand of study, I have enjoyed another aspect of learning and consistently done well. In the UKMT “Maths Challenge” I attained my school’s best score in my final year. I have been a member of the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth since 2004.

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

I have always attended Shirley Baptist Church and at a young age made a personal commitment to a life centred on God. I was baptised at thirteen and have been actively engaged in church life since. I help at an open youth club and I am a trained young leader in Girls’ Brigade where I have thoroughly enjoyed planning Bible based activities, leading discussions and playing games. This has been a challenge but enjoyable and I believe it has helped me to develop as a responsible and organised young person. I have written and directed sketches and recognise humour is a great aid to communication. I am part of a planning group for bi-monthly youth services and have led and spoken at a number of these and other events.

I have been keen to get involved in extra curricular activities and I am always ready to take opportunities that are open to me. I represented my school in all sorts of areas from netball, football and hockey to chemistry and a “mock magistrates” competition. I play violin and clarinet and have been fortunate enough to perform at Birmingham Symphony Hall, Warwick Arts Centre and the National Exhibition Centre. I have been actively involved with a number of plays and productions both acting and backstage. To achieve a Silver Young People’s Arts Award, I worked with a group of younger students on a piece of theatre relevant to them. This experience helped me to gain confidence in my leadership skills. I have recently completed my Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and am now starting Gold. Whilst completing the Bronze and Silver awards, I learned that teamwork and co-operation are vital and that with determination and enthusiasm I can complete even the most daunting tasks.

My part time job as an assistant at a Kumon Centre (supporting children in English and Maths) requires good organisational skills as it involves a large amount of administrative work. In this role I also spend a lot of time helping children, aged five to sixteen, teaching them new methods and helping them with work they do not understand.

I believe that it is a combination of academic ability, relevant skills and a passion to know more about God that will make me successful.

Universities applied to:

• University of St Andrews
• Nazarene Theological College
• University of Manchester
• University of Sheffield
• Bangor University

Grades achieved:

• Maths (A2) - A
• German (A2) - A
• Psychology (A2) - B
• Drama and Theatre Studies (AS) - B
• Critical Thinking (AS) - B

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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