Personal Statement:Sociology1

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

To me, Sociology is a way to decode human behaviour, something which is not only intensely interesting but essential for a comprehensive and critical understanding of society. By studying Sociology, you learn more about life. Dynamic and multifaceted, what I love most about the subject is that it never stands still. Sociology evolves alongside the constant progression of society. It is integral in understanding the extensive inner workings of the world and I wish to foster my passion for this subject and expand my understanding of the social world by studying it at university.

I have enjoyed both the theoretical side of Sociology and applying the knowledge to certain themes, however I have particularly liked the perspective of Marxism because it opened my eyes to a new way of seeing the world instead of just accepting the status quo. Sociology has changed forever the way that I perceive society and behaviour and enabled me to see the links between individuals and the social world in which we live. Studying Sociology also allows me to develop my own ideas about the world and it has given me some explanations for "the way things are" - building on these and attempting to improve the situation is another reason why I wish to study Sociology at university. By identifying and analysing problems in society and social institutions, there is a clearer path to solving them. Working to make society better for everyone using the principles learnt in Sociology is something I would enjoy doing after university.

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

As well as studying Sociology at A-level, I am continuing to enhance my sociological imagination through a Level Three Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on the relevance of feminism in modern society, to be completed this year. This project has provided me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge and understanding of Sociology and also to undertake some primary research, giving my theoretical knowledge a practical component. In addition, I spend a lot of my free time reading both fiction and non-fiction centred on sociological themes. Owen Jones' book "Chavs: The Demonization of the Working Class" was especially interesting to me for analysis of class division in the UK, with social class being a fundamental aspect of Sociology. However, I think fiction is just as important for understanding society as non-fiction, and a piece of literature that has most profoundly affected me is "1984" by George Orwell. With themes of nationalism and oppression, 1984 illustrates social control and order at its extreme, but with the reminder that it is not necessarily unthinkable.

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

My work at college, both Sociology-related and otherwise, along with activities undertaken outside of it, have enabled me to develop essential skills. My EPQ not only serves to improve my sociological understanding, but gives me experience of independent work and high levels of organisation. I regularly volunteer at a local Brownie pack as a young leader and have done so for over a year. In this role I demonstrate leadership abilities and work as part of a team of varying ages. Furthermore, at my part-time job in a busy retail store, I have had to show responsibility and efficiency as well as learning to work under pressure and within strict time frames. The commitment, confidence, organisation and responsibility learnt from these experiences will, I feel, stand me in good stead when it comes to university.

Universities applied to:

• University of Warwick (Sociology)
• University of Leicester (Sociology)
• University of Northampton (Sociology)
• Loughborough University (Sociology)
• Aston University (Sociology)

Grades achieved:

• Sociology A2 - A*
• Extended Project - A*
• Government & Politics A2 - B
• Psychology 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.

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