Personal Statement:Social anthropology - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

What I love about anthropology is the constant sense of discovery in exploring differences in human experience. Having moved from America as a child, I have always had the vague notion that I have been brought up between two worlds - the loss of my mother having almost cut me off from one side of my family. Though the contrast between cultures is relatively slight, the different linguistics, attitudes, and religions have had significant effects on my formative years. A chance to study this type of diaspora was shown to me when a student I worked with at a local cafe gave me a book; 'Small Places, Large Issues' by Thomas Eriksen. Since then, I have read everything I could find. From criticisms of the Westernised viewpoint in 'Feminism and Anthropology' by Henrietta L. Moore to the attempted explanations of our modern behaviours from our ancestors in 'Rise and Fall of the Third Chimpanzee' by Jared Diamond, the exploration of cultures in these books has only further inspired my fascination.

My hopes for university include being part of a vibrant and multicultural community to study the subject I love. My experience with anthropology has never been an idle pursuit and I doubt degree level study will be either. The opportunity to engage in learning this discipline extends beyond simple academic interest; increasingly, it is the desire to take on the perspective of others and allow myself a new worldview.

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

Academically, I am currently undertaking an EPQ investigating the perceptions of gender in explorative fiction over the past twenty years. With the study of kinship and sex being so integral to anthropology, I hope that this work will allow me to explore this topic widely. My interest in study of fiction also led me to take English Literature as an A Level - as works of art are echoes of the culture they were formed in, I believe that enquiry into a society's writings can help us understand their contexts and attitudes. Studying psychology has taught me about the human psyche and the importance of culture and environment on a person - something crucial to the study of humanity.

Investigating history at this level has improved my critical thinking skills, something of vital importance to both life and academia; and with colonialism having such an impact on cultures across the world it allows me to provide context when reading about varied topics in and out of anthropology.

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

At sixteen, I embarked on a group expedition to Ecuador and the Galapagos, the attraction for me being time in a country a world away from an urban town in England. As the least incompetent Spanish speaker I initiated conversing with locals to organise our trip. From little things, such as how Ecuadorians eat pizza with cutlery instead of their hands, to the greater ones in staying with an indigenous family in the Amazon rainforest, the culture shock and total immersion gave me a new perspective.

The Shuar reputation for violence and head-shrinking was something that had engaged me as soon as I knew we would be visiting them, and the differences when we arrived were clear. Getting sunstroke whilst there and being offered treatment with medicines they grew was an eye-opening experience to how other cultures view their health and illnesses. The opportunity to stay with them and learn about their history is something that will shape my life for years to come.

Through my association with a local museum, I am helping lead a student group to curate a gallery on Urban Life in Watford. The skills I have gained so far have helped me in furthering my organisation and teamwork in outside life. Spending my work experience there has allowed me to further explore my love for anthropology, having helped revamp the Archaeology exhibit and other galleries. Volunteering at disability charities has also allowed me to interact with people I normally would have little opportunity to and has helped me form a new outlook on issues in the disabled community.

Universities applied to:

• School of Oriental and African Studies (Social Anthropology BA)
• London School of Economics (Anthropology BSc)
• Brunel University (Anthropology BSc)
• University of Sussex (Anthropology BA)
• University of Kent (Social Anthropology BA)

Grades achieved:

• English Literature - A (Predicted A*)
• History - B (Predicted A)
• Psychology - C (Predicted 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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