Personal Statement:Sociology 7

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I have chosen to study Sociology at university as it helps in understanding the behaviour, identity and beliefs of myself and those around me, which I find to be of utmost importance and interest. By studying the course from GCSE through to A-level, I have particularly enjoyed learning about the key conflict in ideologies between Marxists and Functionalists and how they view society as characterized by conflict and consensus respectively. My interest in the major theoretical perspectives in Sociology has led me to broaden my knowledge through reading "The Sociology Review", whilst also contributing towards my decision to study the subject further. Through studying the course at university, I hope to broaden my knowledge of sociological concepts which I hope will further improve my understanding and awareness of the world around me.

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

In addition to Sociology, I believe that my other A-Level studies of Economics and English Language have provided me with key skills and qualities necessary for success at university. Studying Economics has pushed me to delve deeper into the impact of social policy on society today, for example, the recent introduction of bedroom tax has seen an increase in poverty and food bank dependency across the UK. Studying English has vastly improved my verbal and written communication whilst also providing me with the opportunity to conduct my own independent research into the difference between men and women's speech. By looking at secondary data from sociolinguists such as Deborah Tannen and Robin Lakoff as well as using the comparative method, I successfully managed to test my hypothesis that, in this ever-changing society, men and women's language contains very subtle differences when compared with forty years ago due to rapid social change. I thoroughly enjoyed conducting my own sociological research which made me more enthusiastic about studying Sociology at university and carrying out further research in the future.

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

This Summer, I was given the opportunity to experience studying social sciences at university by attending seminars and lectures for a week at the University of Nottingham. I thoroughly enjoyed participating in debates on topics such as the slave trade and capital punishment, as well as conversing with current university students about the skills required for success both inside and outside of lessons. I found this experience to be important in preparing me for university and confirming my belief that a Sociology degree would be both challenging and satisfying.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading and applying sociological concepts to most books that I come across, for example, Lord of the Flies by William Golding perfectly illustrates how a lack of social order and control coupled with deviant behaviour can lead to a breakdown of society and disastrous consequences. I also enjoy participating in the college football team which has helped me in realising the importance of teamwork and leadership skills. In addition, I also partake in Kyokushin Karate outside of college where I am currently a 3rd Kyu (brown belt) and thoroughly enjoy competing in tournaments across the UK. I believe this demonstrates my ability to create a healthy balance between my social life and college workload, which I plan to continue whilst at university.

I am a conscientious, reliable and hardworking student and I feel a university environment will provide me with an ideal platform to develop, both educationally and as a person. I look forward to undertaking a rigorous and demanding Sociology course that I believe will prepare me for a successful future.

Universities applied to:

• Durham
• University of Leicester
• Warwick
• Bath
• Liverpool

Grades achieved:

• Sociology (A2) - A*
• Economics (A2) - B
• English Language (A2) - B
• History (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.

Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.