Politics personal statement example (2)

Reading time: 3 minutes
Price: Free download
Published: 27th October 2019
Word count: 654 words
File format: Text

Politics is integral to the way in which society operates, allowing controlled diversity and conflict of ideas, whilst cultivating a willingness to cooperate and act collectively. The current lack of political participation in modern society intrigues me; therefore, it is my desire to closely examine society and calculate why general political participation by the masses has crumbled; most importantly,who or what the fault lies with.This is one of many reasons why I’d like to pursue a degree in politics. I have my own thoughts and opinions, which I share with my peers through class debates, and ensure my views are able to withstand intellectual rigour, enabling me to challenge the status quo and develop these ideas with the addition of my peers’ opinions. After finishing my Politics degree, I may decide to complete a law conversion course into criminal law, utilising what i have learnt.

My current studies in Politics, History and Psychology were chosen solely with the intent of going on to study Politics at degree level. Psychology has helped me think outside the box in the study of human behaviour. I like researching the topics we are studying, synthesizing and interpreting information, designing and conducting new research and data analysis, all of which, I believe will help within my Politics degree.My History A Level, encompassing the Making of Modern Britain and Tsarist Russia, is also very political, which was one of the main reasons I decided to study this subject. My Politics A Level has driven my eagerness to study Politics at degree level and I’d like to study in more detail human rights in context and the limits and tensions within modern society.

I gained a work placement at a law firm, shadowing a solicitor in both the magistrate and crown courts. I followed debates and negotiations at a professional level and I had to show analytical and evaluative skills when presented with information; I also had to deconstruct and explore different legal solutions available for real life cases. Working in a professional environment and being able to show my capabilities boosted my confidence. Not only was my oral communication improved, but also my written interactions, as i had to be able to concisely and clearly explain a complex legal issue in a formal structured manner. I believe these skills are vital for the Politics degree. I am currently planning my gap year in 2019 and intend on gaining experience within the public sector to aid me with my understanding in my degree studies.

Being employed from the age of 15 and staying within the same job, has not only given me a strong work ethic, but the ability to organise myself according to different tasks which the job entails, from managing a cafe and training up new staff members, to assisting in the shop office organising the retail. This also shows my commitment, which is vital in a professional career. Working in a cafe with different aspects such as the shop and garden centre has had a positive impact on my communication skills, ensuring everything works consistently competently. Also, working with customers, especially tricky customers, it is important to be able to adapt these skills.

During October, 2017, I took part in the National Citizen Service (NCS). This experience consisted of three phases, including taking part in a series of challenges, developing teamwork skills and meeting new people. We also lived independently, learning essential life skills from local business leaders and charities, gaining confidence in public speaking and communication skills. We also had to devise a social project based on an issue our team felt passionately about and socialise with the public on it. My involvement in NCS has helped me to further increase my confidence, being thrown into the deep end and having to find my own feet in a new environment. I am looking forward to utilising these skills in adjusting to university life.

13th February 2019

Why this example works — strengths and ways to improve

Your statement opens with a genuine question about declining political participation, which could anchor a strong application, but it is never developed with reading, examples or argument. Later paragraphs list experiences mainly as generic skills. The law placement and long-term job are useful evidence, yet the political thinking that should connect them stays largely absent.

Subject motivation

calculate why general political participation by the masses has crumbled

This is a promising, specific interest, but you never return to it. You could name what you have noticed, such as turnout patterns, party membership or a debate you studied, and explain your tentative view. As written, the motivation is declared rather than explored, and the law conversion aside slightly blurs your focus on Politics.

Academic preparation

I’d like to study in more detail human rights in context

You name your subjects and topics like Tsarist Russia, but you only describe them as relevant, for example saying History is very political. Pick one idea from each, such as an argument about autocracy and reform, and show how it changed your thinking. The claim about designing and conducting research needs concrete detail to be convincing.

Evidence and reflection

I believe these skills are vital for the Politics degree.

Reflection repeatedly ends in transferable skills like confidence and communication instead of insight. The court shadowing could reveal something about state power, justice or institutions. Similarly, your NCS social project is mentioned but its issue is never named. Saying what you learned about politics, not just about yourself, would transform these sections.

Relevant experience

shadowing a solicitor in both the magistrate and crown courts

This is genuinely relevant, and your café job from age 15, including training staff, shows real commitment. However, phrases like 'deconstruct and explore different legal solutions' may overstate a shadowing role. Describing one case you observed, and what puzzled you, would be more credible and more interesting than asserting professional-level analysis.

Credibility and voice

enabling me to challenge the status quo

Your voice is earnest, but stock phrases such as 'think outside the box', 'intellectual rigour' and 'thrown into the deep end' make it sound generic. Saying subjects were chosen 'solely' for Politics also feels rehearsed. Concrete moments from debates, with a view you actually defended, would let your own thinking come through.

Structure and format

ensuring everything works consistently competently

The order is logical, but the second half drifts into activity lists without returning to politics, and there is no conclusion; the date replaces one. Proofread carefully: lowercase 'i', missing spaces after full stops, and awkward phrasing like this quotation weaken clarity. A closing paragraph linking back to participation would unify the piece.

What you’ve done well

Your opening question about why political participation has declined, and who is responsible, is a specific and researchable interest.
Holding the same job since 15, with responsibility for running a café and training staff, is strong evidence of reliability.

How this draft could improve

Develop your participation question with one source, statistic or argument you have encountered and your own response to it.
Replace generic skill claims after the court placement and NCS with one specific observation each about how power, justice or civic action works.
Add a brief conclusion and proofread for capitalisation, spacing and awkward phrasing.

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