Personal Statement:Theology 4 - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Growing up in a Roman Catholic household has meant I’ve always been exposed to the Bible, church teaching and current religious issues. Listening to John’s Passion Narrative at Good Friday service, I was struck by a particular line: ‘Truth? What is that?’ Religion asks questions that I feel there is no real answer to – we can only get close to the truth. Through Theology, I want to get as close to these truths as possible.

My love for Theology was cemented by my studies in Religious Studies at A-level where I met my lessons with an undogmatic approach and gritty curiosity. I enjoyed engaging with ethical theories like Utilitarianism and exposing their merits and shortcomings. Saying that, I feel my other A-level choices are attuned to Theology. Studying Mathematics I have acquired a respect for methodical, logical thinking. As with philosophical ideas, mathematical theorems must be worked through step-by-step, each premise understood, in order that a lucid conclusion is made. I wish to utilise this precision in Systematic Theology. Through English Literature I have attained a sensitive approach to assessing texts, which has been of use when reading the Gnostic ‘Gospel of Judas’, where I was gripped by the presentation of God the Father: a ‘luminous cloud of light’, unknowable and indecipherable. This abstract view of God is perhaps the reason why theologians and church leaders have deemed Judas’ Gospel heresy, and why it holds negligible weight in Christianity.

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

To enrich my understanding of scriptural origins, I currently study New Testament Greek with a doctor of Theology and Philosophy and now have a basic idea of the alphabet and reading the Greek. I am captivated by the translation process of scripture, and constantly wonder what is lost (or gained) in translation. This pursuit has had current significance; I have attended three lectures on the Catholic New Missal Translation and found the debate about what ‘and with your spirit’ actually means to be fierce, but fascinating. It has aided my A2 studies in John’s Gospel too; simply translating the Greek ‘erga’ to ‘works’ lessens its majesty and any allusion to God’s omnipotence is lost. I also play hymns on my guitar at Mass weekly. Planning the music is fun but taxing; it should link with the Gospel but be familiar to parishioners. This has made me an organised individual who can manage time efficiently.

Another of my theological preoccupations is found in biblical exegesis, and I enjoy unlocking and interpreting the Bible’s copious secrets. This interest led me to undertake the Extended Project, with Genesis as my topic. Tackling Genesis’ lyrical verses and applying their meanings to moral issues like inequality has been intriguing. Aside from textual analysis, I relish any kind of writing. This shines through in a column I write for an educational publication called ‘4to18’, or in essays, which I write with confidence. I certainly won’t complain when being set assignments; writing is a genuine passion.

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

Beyond the classroom, I play rugby for school and captain my local team, and I am fond of the camaraderie and teamwork I take from sport, despite cold Sunday mornings! I am a public speaker and recently finished second place in a national competition. Rugby and public speaking have given me confidence and have tested my nerve in uneasy situation, and debating experience has come in handy in religious disputes, where well-structured points are key. Consequently, I consider myself a resilient character. As Deputy Head Boy at school, I must mediate between students and staff, and promote the school at open events. This has given me an appreciation of good manners and positivity, but of reliability too, and I strive to be punctual and well presented at all times.

I believe I have the necessary qualities to shine as a student. I enjoy studying Theology. It isn’t a chore, it isn’t boring. It seeks to get as near to the truth as conceivable, and that’s all I want to do.

Universities applied to:

• Cambridge (Theology & Religious Studies at Clare)
• Exeter (Theology)
• Nottingham (Theology)
• Durham (Theology)
• Birmingham (Theology & Religion)

Grades achieved:

• Religious Studies - A*
• English Lit - A
• Maths - A
• Business Studies AS - a

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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