Southampton University Personal Statements
These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to University of Southampton. You can click on one of the links below to view the entire statement and find out if the applicant was offered a place.
You can also view our entire collection of personal statements or view personal statements for application at other universities.
Computer Science Personal Statement Example 1 
From an early age I’ve always been deeply interested in computing. It was my dad, introducing me to the computer systems at his work place that first sparked this interest. I can always remember the feeling of wanting to know just how computers worked, why they worked and what else they could do...
Business Management Personal Statement Example 1
There is a rapid growth in global organisational concepts, crystallised in Japanese business philosophy, to be as effective as possible in the most efficient way.
New technology involving networking information and automation influences the behaviour of business and enables significant transformation...
Computer Science Personal Statement Example 3
My three major interests and passions are Computer Science, Maths and Music, and I believe that there is a creative fusion between all these disciplines. I engage wholeheartedly in these areas both in my school courses and out of school, and hope that I will be able to continue doing so on my chosen course and in the extra-curricular opportunities at university...
Economics Personal Statement Example 3
When moving from GCSE to A Level I approached the two ‘new’ subjects I had chosen with excitement and some trepidation. I now realise taking Politics and Economics was the right choice. My experiences of A Level Economics have shown me the fundamental part it plays in our lives and I am keen to study it in more depth and be able to use my knowledge to complete individual economic based studies...
Creative Writing Personal Statement Example 1
Writing gives me the freedom to create a world where I set the rules, where the characters act the way I want them to, a world where everything is exactly how I want it to be and I know that I am the one who controls everything...
Sociology and Anthropology Personal Statement Example 1
The study of sociology and anthropology is appealing to me because of the diversity of topics they cover and their relevance to our world today. In an increasingly globalised world, it is important to have a deep understanding of the economic and political institutions that govern, and the cultural backgrounds and values of its citizens...
Maths Personal Statement Example 3
I am extremely enthusiastic about my decision to read Mathematics at university as for as long as I can remember Maths has always been my main academic interest.
From learning to count at primary school, to studying calculus towards my Mathematics A level, I have found this subject intriguing due to its obvious application to the real world...
Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Example 1
Fire, the wheel, boats, book printing, electricity, engines, automobiles, planes, spaceships, wireless information transfer: engineering is determining this progress.
Leading engineers are the creators of our future...
Maths and Spanish Personal Statement Example
For as long as I have recognised words and numbers, I have seen a connection between the two. As I progressed in the AS Mathematics course I realised how drawn I was to the subject, motivating me to spend 2 weeks at school over the summer holidays learning 2 entire AS Further Maths modules, in order to take the full A-level course in one year...
Maths and Actuarial Science Personal Statement Example
Maths is a subject like no other; its complexity makes it a challenging and often frustrating area of study, however the logic behind every problem leaves a feeling of certainty about it. My devotion to the subject has grown exponentially, especially in recent years...
Biomedical Sciences Personal Statement Example 32
Since humans have existed we have been susceptible to disease and illness. With the progress in the search of treatments for long-standing diseases accelerating faster than ever before, I believe that now is the perfect opportunity to utilise my interests in cell biology, biochemistry and neuroscience by studying a biomedicine degree...
Physics Personal Statement Example 5
With philosophy at its foundation, and mathematics as its language, physics is full of profound insights into the workings of the universe, from the tiniest quantum interactions to the forming of the most distant galaxies...
Criminology Personal Statement Example 1
I am interested in studying Criminology for the mere purpose of wanting to fulfil a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of crime and exploring how crime affects our society. The workings of the human mind intrigue me...
Geography Personal Statement Example 1
At first glance, my A Level choices appear scientifically biased, but they underpin key topics studied in Geography. I enjoy investigating the theories of global economies, population and poverty. The mathematics I have studied enables me to manipulate raw data meaningfully...
Biomedical Science Personal Statement Example 7
As human beings we rely on intelligence and limitless curiosity to sustain our existence in such a complex society. Yet this existence is fragile, threatened by disease and the ticking time bomb of age, amongst other things, and yet seemingly held together by the principles and applications of biomedical science...
English Literature & Creative Writing Personal Statement Example 1
'I write for the same reason I breathe- because if I didn't, I would die.'
I believe that Isaac Asimov sums up writing particularly aptly. Whilst it could be classed as hyperbole, I feel my sentiments are similar...
Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2
The ability to apply what I have learnt in the classroom to the outside world is an aspect of physics and maths that I particularly enjoy. An example of this was being able to calculate the coefficient of friction between a book and a table, by knowing the weight and measuring the angle at which it started to move...
Civil & Architectural Engineering Personal Statement Example
My passion for structures began at the tender age of 7 on a trip to Nevada, USA, where I was confronted with this immense structure that has lingered at the back of my mind for over 10 years: 6.6 million tons of concrete holding back about 34 teraliters of water, the Hoover Dam, one of man’s most striking constructions, conquering what was once thought to be an impossible obstacle...
Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Example 8
If I were to describe myself in one word, it would definitely be inquisitive. Since young, I have always been eager to know how things work and what the principles that lie within them are. Hence I have always enjoyed science-related subjects particularly Mathematics and Physics...
English and Philosophy Personal Statement Example
English has always been at the forefront of my mind, whether it be writing storybooks as a child, play-writing as a teen, or analysing literature at A Level. I enjoy the thrill of writing creatively but equally enjoy composing non-literary pieces where I can put across my views, inform or debate...
Chemistry Personal Statement Example (IB background)
Few aspects of life fall outside the scope of chemistry and this is what fascinates me about this dynamic and fundamental science subject. From a young age I have enjoyed and excelled in mathematics which reflects my logical and enquiring mind...
Computer Science Personal Statement Example 46
When a friend asked me: "Why do you like computer science?" I found myself unable to give an answer. However, from that moment on, I tried to understand what makes computer science so attractive for me...
Environmental Policy and Geography Personal Statement Example
The presentation of environmental problems in the media was what initially sparked my interest in environmental studies. In school, I have always enjoyed geography and natural sciences, which led me to take the Geography Concours General, a particularly challenging exercise...
Engineering Personal Statement Example (Mature Student)
Having had a successful 11 year career in the travel industry, it may seem a little peculiar that I am now applying to study engineering.
When I was younger, I had planned to become an engineer and at 16 I took an apprenticeship with the Royal Navy...
Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example 10
Engineering, the result of the equation : Scientific knowledge + Mathematics, with the purpose of creating processes from which all Earth's inventions develop.
It is a concept which dates back from the early beginning...
Postgraduate Linguistics Personal Statement Example
My interest in linguistics was gradually shaped throughout my life by all the different ways in which I have experienced languages: as a learner, translator, and as a teacher. However, it was the times spent living in Russia and later in the UK that made me fully understand that language can be a means of conveying much more than just our thoughts...
Geography Personal Statement Example 14
If I said ‘I’ve loved geography since an early age’, I’d be lying. Although I loved our family holidays, which have always been seen as expeditions, I didn’t think it was ‘geography’ until I started using places I’d been to as examples in geography lessons...
Medicine Personal Statement Example 49
Growing up in a developing country during a war, I have been through a lot. Having spent most of my childhood in hospital, being treated for severe injuries.
I have come to realise how incredibly complex and vulnerable the human body is...
Medicine Foundation Year Personal Statement Example 1
Medicine is a combination of care, treatment and research which I am actively interested in.
It is a general acknowledgement that good doctors are some of the hardest working and
committed people you will meet...
Chemistry Personal Statement Example 15
Chemistry is in my opinion the most important of the sciences today. As a science of matter and its properties, Chemistry can be applied to almost any situation from forensics through medicine to environmental sustainability...
Early Childhood Studies Personal Statement Example 5
Ever since I could remember I have always wanted to play a big part in children’s education. As I was growing up I could see children of my age in Africa struggling to go to school because of their circumstances...
Environmental Engineering Personal Statement Example
Nowadays, Environmental Engineering plays a vital role in the world as the environment is being put under constantly increasing pressure. As I am fascinated by Science and Mathematics and feel that the environment is incredibly important, I decided to study this course...
Geography Personal Statement Example 15
Geography affects all aspects of our lives. One of the beauties of the subject is that wherever you look, there are links to geography. Even as I write this, there are connections all around. The sky is full of the typical unpredictable rainclouds, contrasting the bright blue skies opposite...
Psychology Personal Statement Example 53
Studying psychology will be the beginning of my journey to a challenging, fascinating and gratifying career. Since I was quite young I have aspired to work in a caring role, and more recently in the area of mental health...
English Literature & Spanish Personal Statement Example
For me, the most captivating part of English literature is the way great writers are able to influence the reader's imagination through the manipulation of language.
The A-level topic of World War One literature was especially affecting because it showed me the importance of world events and their effect on contemporary literature that still inspires us today...
Natural Science/Geology Personal Statement Example
The sheer intricacy of our planet is something that has always left me in utter amazement. From the creation of mountains to the way we as humans evolved. Science is a deep rooted love that has grown since I was a young child...
Physics & Maths Personal Statement Example 1
The nobility of physics together with my aspiration to explore natural phenomena mathematically and to formulate theories that govern them has changed my perception of reality and this has made me ponder difficult questions...
Politics and International Studies Personal Statement Example 2
According to Aristotle “If liberty and equality, are chiefly thought to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in government to the utmost”. Reflection on the disparity between the philosopher’s idealised maxim of democracy and my own dissatisfaction with the actual, gave cause to my decision to become an academic in political science...
Law Personal Statement Example 70
Law is ever changing, whether parliament is passing new legislation, existing legislation is being rewritten or the courts are interpreting laws in different ways. In the case of Anthony Bland the distinguishing of earlier precedents was vital...
Economics Personal Statement Example 27
When asked 'Why do you want to study economics?' I have always struggled to find a concise answer. There are so many reasons why I would want to study the subject, and this made explaining such an answer quite difficult...
Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Example 17
While other children fell asleep to the sound of their parents reading them bedtime fairytales, I was busy re-reading Ladybirds Explorer’s, “Flight” for probably the fourth time that day.
I’ve been enthralled by the concept of flight and aerodynamics ever since I was young...
Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Example 18
The aerospace industry is at the forefront of innovation, pushing the boundaries of technological advancement at an exponential rate. The design and manufacture of craft that can defy the limits of our world, or go beyond the decree of nature, is arguably the pinnacle of engineering in the world today...
Politics Personal Statement Example 26
In the Oxford English Dictionary, politics is merely described as the science and art of government. I disagree; it is much more than that.
Politics applies to everything we do, it is innate and has been since long before any government existed...
Medicine Personal Statement Example 66
White coats, stethoscopes hung around necks and the sense of playing hero were popular amongst childhood dreams.
However, unlike others around me, this dream was not lost when I realised reality paved a much tougher road- instead, it grew to become a fierce ambition...
Archaeology Personal Statement Example 6
I have always enjoyed learning about different cultures and civilisations, reflected in my enduring love of history, and more recently, archaeology. Compared to modern history, archaeology carries a sense of enigma which makes it much more stimulating for an imaginative and inquisitive mind...
Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Example 19
These days, we are surrounded by engineering marvels. From radios to space shuttles, everything involves a vital feat of engineering.
That is what I find most attractive about this field as its application is everywhere...
Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Example 20
Having spent most of my early childhood abroad and the rest in an international school, English has become my primary language. Despite being fluent in my native language, Vietnamese, I prefer using English most of the time, especially when it comes to studying...
Engineering Personal Statement Example 23
As I triggered the release mechanism and watched two pounds of rock hurtle skywards I thought to myself, "trebuchets are awesome!".
Years passed before I realised that this was my first engineering project...
Engineering Personal Statement Example 24
When I was a child, most of the sentences I spoke out finished with a question mark, asking how everyday things work.
Receiving answers to these questions and learning more about Mathematics and Physics has enlarged my desire to make human life easier and become an Engineer...
Computer Science Personal Statement Example 56
Computer Science - the most exciting insight into humanity's mission to conquer the future. It has been my favourite and most fascinating preoccupation since childhood, though back then I did not even know it...
History & International Relations Personal Statement Example 2
The study of history is a lens through which political developments can be viewed, enabling us to see how past policies between nations have sculpted western society today.
The intertwinement of history and political relations was best epitomised through my discovery of historical revisionism and negationism; how the realities of history can be altered and distorted in the name of political gain...
Philosophy Personal Statement Example (Mature Student)
Since leaving education in 2006 I have always wanted to return; a great love of learning, desire for knowledge and natural curiosity throughout my life resulted in an ambition to teach. It was with this ambition in my heart that I took the plunge and returned to education, beginning my Access course last year with the intention of applying to study for a primary education degree...
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Example 3
Curiosity has always been my nature since I was young and I was never afraid to know more as I really like challenges.
This is why I have a keen interest in science ever since I started formal education, it explains the hows and whys in almost anything and everything...
Philosophy Personal Statement Example 15
The way philosophy can challenge our assumptions will never cease to astound me. I particularly remember my first lesson on Descartes, where I was asked to prove that I knew the room around me was real...
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