Personal Statement:Sociology 5 - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I have chosen to study Sociology at university as I hope the subject will give me an insight into the inner workings of society. After my degree, I hope to go on to a PGCE course as my aspirations are to become a teacher. I have had the opportunity to study Sociology at both GCSE and A level and have developed a keen interest in the historical aspect of sociology although I still enjoy the subject on a wider spectrum. Some topics that interest me the most are “Globalisation”, “Religion” and “Race and Ethnicity”.

I became curious about the history of sociology, its developments, its key moments and the men and women that have affected the advancement of the subject the most. I was keen to know who the inspiration was for those who inspire me, how the subject was formed and how research became such a large part of the subject itself. I wanted to know what events have caused the biggest changes in my society and how societies all over the world can hold such different norms and values even in such a modern age. I still want to be given access to information that could help me find the answers to my questions and so I hope to go to university and study the subject in more detail.

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

My other subjects include Applied ICT and Communication and Culture A-level as I thought it would benefit me more to have experience with essay writing and understanding Society. I have found that parts of the Communication and Culture course have links to sociology and this has helped me to further my understanding of both subjects. Although my academic achievement is a major part of my life, I appreciate the importance of socialising and having time to myself. In my spare time I love reading and have read some of the classics such as Little Women and Wuthering Heights. I do prefer Dark Romance or Fantasy and have a vast collection that I have built on over the past 4 years.

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

In 2007 I took part in a community play highlighting the possible effects of anti-social behaviour. The play was shown to primary schools around my local area. When I volunteered to take part in this project my aim was to have a more active role in my community. Whilst I was doing this I found out a lot about the ABCD Wardens in my area and the work that they did to discourage anti-social behaviour and keep youths off the streets. Many of these people inspired me and I came to respect them as well as thoroughly enjoying my experience whilst working with them. This further developed my interest about the differing values of those in society and factors which affect others.

During the summer I volunteered for a charity called Sense and I found that working with other volunteers gave me a better understanding and appreciation of every opportunity I have. Charity work has become an important issue with me and I look forward to continuing helping those less fortunate than myself.

University will provide me with an opportunity not only for extending my educational knowledge into the subject area but also pursuing my personal interests into societies which the university offers. I would be interested in joining activities such as swimming and I also would be keen to have a voice on the Student Union.

I am looking forward to moving on to Higher Education in order to take the next step along my learning path and I believe that University will provide me with many more opportunities for my own development as both an Undergraduate and also as a person.

Universities applied to:

• University of Birmingham
• Keele University
• Aston University
• Coventry University
• University of Greenwich

Grades achieved:

• Sociology AS - B
• ICT AS - C
• Accounts AS - D
• Maths AS - E
• Communication and Culture A2 - A*
• Sociology A2 - A
• ICT A2 - 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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