- Reading time: 2 minutes
- Price: Free download
- Published: 13th September 2019
- Word count: 531 words
- File format: Text
Sociology is a huge passion of mine as I believe that the world we live in today is never the same as the day before. The diversity across the globe is important to study as it influences our lives on an everyday basis whether that be through the media, religion or our communities.
Criminology first captivated my attention through the daily news stories about violence and conflict across the globe, impacting societies and individuals’ lives. I began to question what causes people to commit crimes and how as a society we can stop crime from happening. However, after studying crime and deviance in A-Level Sociology and reading ‘The Sociology of Crime’ by Stephen Hester & Peter Eglin, I learnt that there was not just one set explanation behind why an individual commits a crime and that there are thousands of explanations which I hope to delve into further throughout my degree.
Sociology at A-Level has given me the opportunity to develop my enthusiasm for the subtopic- ethnic differences within crime. I believe that ethnicity is one of, if not the most influential factor into crime and society, so much so that I conducted my English Language investigation as a part of my A-Level on ‘how black gun crimes are portrayed differently to white gun crimes within the media’ and my history coursework about how black lives had changed in America from 1870-1970.
My English Language A-Level has allowed me to develop my analytical skills into the meanings of stereotypes and how they influence societal expectations. We also considered how different social groups divide through language differences. I can use the skills I gained in English Language to consider how what we say influences society.
I feel that problem solving will be a clear theme throughout this degree, which is ideal as I have developed my problem solving skills and initative through my two part time jobs and my Duke of Edinburgh award.
My most rewarding work experience placement was at the Joseph Wright Sixth Form where I observed Sociology, Criminology and English Language A-Level classes. Although I was the same age as the students, I was quickly able to bond with staff as I supported them in classes by creating resources for them to use with their A-Level groups. I worked independently with students to help them excel and used my initiative to include subjects they had not yet studied but I had due to the difference in curriculum.
After observing the criminology class, I immediately was able to debate issues with the students due to my strong opinions formed through my Sociology experience. The Head of Social Sciences described my ‘dedicated work ethic’ and noted how my ‘passion for sociology was clear’.
This experience was eyeopening as I saw the diverse class debate about sociology and crime which inspired me to bring these ideas into my A-Level sociology class once I returned from my placement.
I believe that I cannot study sociology completely without considering crime, and I cannot study criminology completely without considering society therefore making this dual honours ideal for me to gain a deeper understanding into how the criminal justice system works and successfully maintains social solidarity.
27.10.2018
Why this example works — strengths and ways to improve
Your statement shows genuine interest in crime, ethnicity and media, backed by A-Level coursework that connects across subjects. Its strongest material is the English Language investigation, but reflection stays thin: you name topics and reading without explaining specific ideas learned. Some claims overreach, the skills paragraph is generic, and the placement section focuses on praise rather than insight.
Subject motivation
I began to question what causes people to commit crimes
This question is a credible starting point and leads naturally into your course. The opening, however, relies on a vague claim that the world 'is never the same as the day before', and news stories about violence are a common trigger. Naming one particular case or question that stayed with you would sharpen motivation.
Academic preparation
reading ‘The Sociology of Crime’ by Stephen Hester & Peter Eglin
Citing a specific text and A-Level crime and deviance work shows relevant preparation. Yet you only conclude there are 'thousands of explanations'. Identifying one perspective from the book, and whether you found it convincing, would show how you read and think rather than simply that you read.
Evidence and reflection
how black gun crimes are portrayed differently to white gun crimes within the media
This is your most distinctive evidence, linking linguistics, media and criminology. You do not say what you found, how you analysed it or what surprised you. Similarly, the claim that ethnicity is 'if not the most influential factor' is asserted without reasoning; a sociology reader would expect nuance or support.
Relevant experience
I supported them in classes by creating resources for them
The sixth-form placement is relevant, and creating resources is concrete. The reflection centres on debating and receiving praise rather than on what the diverse class discussion taught you about crime or society. The jobs and Duke of Edinburgh line names activities but offers no example of the problem-solving claimed.
Credibility and voice
I immediately was able to debate issues with the students
Your enthusiasm comes through, but phrases like 'immediately', 'strong opinions' and 'help them excel' slightly overstate your role as a peer observer. Quoted staff praise substitutes for showing qualities directly. A more measured tone, admitting what you still wanted to understand, would sound more mature and convincing.
Structure and format
therefore making this dual honours ideal for me
The closing link between sociology and criminology effectively justifies the joint course, though 'successfully maintains social solidarity' assumes an outcome many sociologists question. Several short paragraphs on the placement could be merged, and there are small errors such as 'initative' and 'eyeopening' to correct.
What you’ve done well
- Your coursework across Sociology, English Language and History forms a coherent thread on ethnicity, media and crime.
- The closing paragraph gives a clear, reasoned case for a joint sociology and criminology degree.
How this draft could improve
- Explain one finding from your gun-crime media investigation and what it taught you about representation and crime.
- Replace the generic problem-solving paragraph with a specific example, or cut it to make room for deeper reflection.
- Qualify sweeping claims about ethnicity and the justice system, showing awareness of competing sociological explanations.