Personal Statement:Sociology 8

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Sociology has always stood out to me as the most captivating and eye-opening subject I have studied. We cannot avoid Sociology; from miniscule interactions, such as going to the supermarket to buy food, to the functions of institutions, for instance the education system. I am eager to develop my understanding of the complex issues in society by studying such a broad and intriguing subject at degree level.

I have been able to think critically using various sociological perspectives and question what we consider to be 'the norm' in our society, which most of us just nonchalantly accept. Post-modern theory has particularly interested me, and how we, as a society, appear to have developed many metanarratives in which we can pick and choose from as we see fit. Society now seems to be more diverse and advanced than ever before, for example we have become more accepting towards ideas and beliefs that were once seen as taboo, for example the legalisation of gay marriage. This is fascinating for me, since it goes against many traditional ideas about the family, showing theories (even from as little as 50/60 years ago) to be outdated.

I feel that University would help me integrate with like-minded people who share the same passion as me. By networking with others and being dedicated to my studies, I think university could provide me with the kick-start I need to construct my future.

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

Being a student of the social sciences, I find it useful and thought-provoking to read online sociological journals and articles, such as those on The Economist. I frequently contribute to my college's Sociology and Politics Facebook group with topical social experiments and articles, where I am able to express and challenge ideas, one of which highlighted the significant differences between domestic abuse towards women and men. It showed how the latter is often not widely recognised or taken seriously in society, which is an issue that I am keen to research further. I recently ran a seminar for Year 11 students wanting to study sociology where I talked about this particular video, linking in sociological thoughts and concepts, for instance the feminist perspective on domestic violence.

The study of psychology has given me the opportunity to examine our society and its individuals from a more scientific approach. For example, Albert Bandura's concept of Social Learning Theory has enabled me to consider how we behave based on how we view other people, and replicate actions that we see.

One of the main skills that I have obtained from studying German is without a doubt the language itself, since I enjoy learning another language and try my best to use it whenever possible.

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

Due to many differing cultures across the globe, I'd love to study Sociology abroad as I would be able to simultaneously develop my communication skills and my understanding of another country's social and political system. I also recently went on an exchange to a small, rural village in Germany, giving me the opportunity to experience the German way of living and take on the day-to-day life of a Bavarian family. I was mainly captivated by how different their norms and values were, as well as their family structure, despite being a very similar country to the United Kingdom. In addition to staying with a foreign family, I have also had a German exchange student stay at my house, again allowing me to utilise my knowledge of the language and conversely attempting at teaching a small bit of English.

In my spare time I run a DIY record label, putting out releases for various small bands. I record the music onto cassette tapes, recreate the artwork and distribute merchandise independently. I am organised and self-motivated and will carry out these tasks to the best of my ability. I also play bass in a band, playing shows regularly up and down the country, and even hoping to branch out into Europe before the end of the academic year.

Universities applied to:

• University of Kent (Sociology with a Year in Finland)
• Loughborough University (Sociology)
• Sheffield Hallam University (Sociology)
• University of Salford (Sociology)
• University of Portsmouth (Sociology)

Grades achieved:

• Sociology (A2) - B
• German (A2) - B
• Psychology (A2) - C
• Maths (AS) - U

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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