history politics and economics personal statement

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History, politics and economics personal statement example 1.

It may sound exaggerated, but I genuinely love History, and it has become a part of my life for over four years.

As contemporary political events have increasingly become my main concern in recent years, Politics and Economics are also my favourite subjects. Therefore, I decided to take them as A-level subjects - 'a powerful combination' as the Director of Studies commented - along with Further Maths which could develop my logical thinking.

I learnt to read very early, and that has contributed to my early interest in History. Besides playing the piano and reading news, it is my habit to pore over every history document coming to hand and talk about them excitingly when asked. As an imaginative person, History with me is not cold remote facts as most people consider, but successive events relating closely to each other, which can be redrawn vividly in my mind.

For that reason, modern history is my favourite due to the incredibly dynamic nature of its events, with various factors to evaluate. Liveliness is what I can also find in A-level books, and my most-read is 'Weimar and Nazi Germany' which provides information on many aspects of life in the two regimes and compares them through good analysis and lots of illustrations.

My political awareness and concern about global affairs has developed since childhood through reading newspapers and watching news frequently. Studying modern history led me to frequently asked questions of our time: why there are conflicts and tensions between peoples, what their causes are and how they can be resolved.

To answer them, I have been building up my political knowledge through studying books as well as political articles and analyses from newspapers.

Discussing politics with my father is one of my habits. For me, political theories and international relations are very interesting topics that I cannot stop thinking about, and studying in the UK gives me a broad approach to different, including Western, political views and concepts.

Economics surprised me with its diversity of theories and interpretations of human economic activities. It provided me a brand new approach to political and social processes, as well as historical events, and helped me evaluate them from economists' perspectives.

Knowledge of macroeconomic concepts is important for me to assess important social events; however, the study of microeconomics has helped me understand how an economy functions every day and how human beings' complex minds affect economic factors.

I think Economics is a very important subject as my knowledge can be useful in developing our country's infant free market as well as avoiding negative impacts resulting from it.

People often assume that, with such academic concerns, I am a bookworm, but the truth is more interesting. Eight years of my education in Vietnam were spent on an experimental programme, which was different from the rigid, unimaginative rote learning in most schools.

Thanks to it, I always consider my favourite subjects 'friends' in a true sense; they have 'walked out' from lectures and libraries to follow me step by step.

Having few self-made pressures from studying, I am eager to socialise, and my friends in Vietnam still remember me as a confident speaker in the high school Student Council, the provider of ideas for the school charitable programmes, or a key member of the Dreams and Teams Club. Last year in the UK, despite a demanding timetable, I still managed to participate in the school choir where I could satisfy my music interests and met many friends, and weekly trips to the local Sports Centre helped refresh my mind to enjoy a busy school life.

Together, History, Politics and Economics have built up in my mind a comprehensive approach to human beings' processes past and present, and with a relevant degree at university I hope I can see the right way to the future and answer unsolved questions of our time.

Profile info

Related personal statements, wow your ps captivated my.

Mon, 29/11/2010 - 21:19

WOW your ps captivated my interest so much especially since im going to take economics, history and politics at A Level im pleased you got into most of the universities you wanted to, do you mind me asking what gcse results you received?

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Politics and Economics Personal Statement Examples

• 1 Personal Statement Example Links
• 2 Career Opportunities
• 3 UK Admission Requirements
• 4 UK Earnings Potential For Politics and Economics
• 5 Similar Courses in UK
• 6 UK Curriculum
• 7 Alumni Network

Personal Statement Example Links

• Personal Statement Example 1
• Personal Statement Example 2
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Ever pondered how political decision-making intertwines with economic theory? Interested in exploring the economic dimensions of public policy and the political aspects of economic decisions?

If so, a degree in Politics and Economics could be your perfect pathway. This interdisciplinary programme provides you with the tools to critically analyse, understand, and influence the political and economic systems that govern our societies.

Politics and economics are two interreled fields of study that examine the way in which governments, societies, and economies interact. The politics and economics course covers a range of topics, from the history of political thought to the principles of macroeconomics. Students will learn about the different political systems, the role of the state in the economy, and the impact of international trade and investment.

This course is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Students will learn about the different political ideologies, the role of the state in the economy, and the impact of international trade and investment. They will also gain an understanding of the economic theory behind the various economic systems, such as capitalism, socialism, and mixed economies.

The course will also cover the history of economic thought, from the classical economists to the modern day. Students will learn about the different economic models and theories, and how they have been applied to various economic situations.

Overall, Politics and Economics is an interesting and relevant choice for students. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topics and theories related to politics and economics, and gives students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of politics and economics on their lives.

👍 When writing a personal statement : Highlight your passion for the course, demonstrating your understanding of it. Use relevant personal experiences, coursework, or work history to showcase how these have fostered your interest and readiness for the course.

Career Opportunities

Securing a Politics and Economics degree from a UK university opens a broad range of career paths in various sectors:

1. Policy Analyst: Research, analyse, and provide advice on issues of public policy, within governmental or non-governmental organisations.

2. Political Advisor: Advise politicians on economic issues, using your understanding of political systems and economic theories.

3. Economic Consultant: Provide strategic advice to businesses or government bodies on economic conditions, forecasts and policies.

4. Diplomat: Represent and protect a nation’s interests at home and abroad, leveraging understanding of economic and political dynamics.

5. Researcher: Conduct in-depth studies into political or economic trends for think tanks, universities or government departments.

6. Lobbyist: Advocate for specific issues or policies on behalf of a group, organisation, or industry.

7. Public Relations Officer: Manage the reputation and image of an organisation or individual, often dealing with political and economic issues.

These roles allow you to apply your knowledge of economics and politics in meaningful ways that can shape society and influence policy-making. The world of politics and economics is yours to explore!

UK Admission Requirements

In order to be accepted into the Politics and Economics course at a UK university, applicants must have achieved a minimum of a Grade B in A-Level Economics, and a Grade C in A-Level Politics. Additionally, applicants must have achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C or above, including Maths and English.

This entry criteria is relatively standard for most university courses in the UK, and is slightly more stringent than some other courses. For example, a course in History may only require a Grade C in A-Level History, and a Grade D in any other A-Level subject. Similarly, a course in English Literature may only require a Grade C in A-Level English Literature, and a Grade D in any other A-Level subject.

Overall, the entry criteria for the Politics and Economics course is quite standard, and is slightly more stringent than some other courses.

UK Earnings Potential For Politics and Economics

The average earnings for someone with a degree in Politics and Economics can vary greatly depending on the job role and the sector they are in. Generally speaking, graduates with a degree in Politics and Economics can expect to earn an average of £25,000 to £35,000 per year.

The job market for graduates with a degree in Politics and Economics is growing rapidly. This is due to the increased demand for individuals with knowledge and skills in both areas, as well as the fact that many employers are looking for individuals who can offer a unique combination of both political and economic expertise.

In terms of trends, the job market for graduates with a degree in Politics and Economics is expected to continue to grow. This is due to the increasing demand for individuals with knowledge and skills in both areas, as well as the fact that many employers are looking for individuals who can offer a unique combination of both political and economic expertise. Additionally, the political and economic landscape is constantly changing, which means that the demand for people with knowledge and skills in both areas is likely to remain high.

Similar Courses in UK

Other university courses related to Politics and Economics are International Relations, Political Science, and Economics.

International Relations is a course that focuses on the study of relationships between countries, including the study of international law, diplomacy, and international organizations. It also looks at the history and development of international relations, as well as the current state of international affairs.

Political Science is a course that focuses on the study of politics, government, and public policy. It looks at the theories and practices of political systems, how governments work, and the role of citizens in the political process.

Economics is a course that focuses on the study of how societies produce, distribute, and consume goods and services. It looks at the theories of supply and demand, economic growth, and the impact of government policies on the economy.

The key differences between these courses are that International Relations focuses on the study of international relations, Political Science focuses on the study of politics and government, and Economics focuses on the study of economics. Each course has its own unique focus and approach to the study of politics and economics.

UK Curriculum

Politics and Economics is a course that covers a wide range of topics and modules. It typically includes an introduction to the study of politics and economics, an exploration of the key concepts and theories in both fields, and an examination of the key issues and debates in contemporary politics and economics.

The course typically covers topics such as the history and development of political and economic systems, the role of the state and markets, the impact of globalization, and the role of public policy in shaping economic and political outcomes. It also covers the role of international organizations, the role of the media and public opinion, and the role of political parties and interest groups.

In addition to lectures and seminars, the course may also include practical work such as field trips, case studies, and simulations. Students may also be asked to complete research projects and write essays on the topics covered in the course. This provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field and to apply the concepts and theories they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations.

Alumni Network

Notable alumni from the course Politics and Economics include former US President Barack Obama , who earned a degree in International Relations from Columbia University in 1983. Obama has since gone on to become a highly influential leader in the world of politics and economics, having served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017.

During his time in office, Obama implemented a number of economic policies that had a major impact on the US economy, including the Affordable Care Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Obama Foundation also offers a variety of alumni events and networking opportunities for former students of the course Politics and Economics. These include the Obama Foundation Summit, an annual gathering of leaders from around the world, and the Obama Foundation Scholars Program, which provides mentorship and other resources to help students pursue their academic and professional goals.

Additionally, the Obama Foundation hosts a number of alumni events throughout the year, such as the Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago and the Obama Foundation Global Summit in Japan. These events provide alumni with the opportunity to connect with other alumni, network, and learn more about the Obama Foundation’s mission and initiatives.

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Successful Personal Statement For History At Oxford

Last Updated: 6th April 2022

Author: Rob Needleman

Table of Contents

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it. 

Today, we are looking through a History applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The History Course at Oxford combines the examination of large regions over extended periods of time with more focused work on smaller social groups, shorter periods and particular themes.

Read on to see how this candidate demonstrates that they can understand and analyse history.  

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement (the applicant uses most of the 4,000 characters available):

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

Enrolling on our Oxbridge History comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts. 

Your tutor will give you actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement Oxbridge quality for the best chances of success.  

History Personal Statement

My passion for history can best be explained by discussing the period of German Unification, which displays the most engrossing virtues of studying the subject. Firstly there is great scope for debate and exploration of the interlocking causations, examining the relative importance of Bismarck’s own role against the military strengthening of Prussia or the shifting international relations. But most interestingly it is a defining period in the shaping of modern Europe and the way in which it links the past to the present is most fascinating. Studying this period reveals how international relations progressed after the Napoleonic era leading to the way in which Germany was unified through war and thus became a country built around war. It is therefore arguable that this era created the state which would then trigger the two wars which have shaped the modern world. This period shows how history can give us a more rounded understanding of the world we live in, linking our mysterious and intriguing past to our all too familiar present surroundings. It is partly this, which motivates me to study history as in doing so I gain immense satisfaction from learning how our world has evolved.

An understanding of history also provides a fundamental backdrop for any other areas of study. I have found this through my other A-Level subjects, for example historical knowledge of politics in Britain was essential to AS politics, particularly when studying the political situation in Ireland. An understanding of past conflicts is indispensable when it comes to managing contemporary politics. Furthermore, whilst taking French the study of Un Sac De Billes by Joseph Joffo unearthed experiences of living under Vichy France. To learn a language fully it is important to immerse oneself in the culture and history of the country in order to develop a more rounded understanding of the people who live there. Thus it seems that history is inescapable; it not only provides vital background knowledge but also helps bring to life every other academic subject, which is why in my opinion, it is the most important.     

During my A Level history course, the Napoleonic era particularly fascinated me and I pursued my interest through further reading, looking specifically at Napoleon’s downfall, an area I found most compelling as it offers the greatest exposition of the psychology of this exceptional man. I read Digby Smith’s ‘The Decline and Fall of Napoleon’s Empire’ as well as Zamoyski’s ‘1812’. I picked up on several themes throughout Zamoyski’s book and developed my own opinions such as sympathetic stances towards General Barclay and the Tsar, but was particularly intrigued by how Napoleon let his ego drive his pre-war diplomacy and how Napoleon’s own role in the breakdown of the Treaty of Tilsit perhaps triggered his eventual downfall. The fact that I was so gripped by so many different themes within an historical study of one war also reveals another aspect of history that is so appealing to me. It offers vast numbers of different avenues to pursue in one’s research, whether it is Napoleon’s diplomacy or the fallibility of the Russian command.

Outside of my academic studies, I am a dedicated sportsman but have particularly flourished musically as a cellist, obtaining a grade 8 standard in year 11 and am a committed member of various ensembles. Music has coloured my historical studies, for example, I played various Shostakovich symphonies coinciding with my study of Stalinist Russia at GCSE, each with a very different feel depending upon his relationship with Stalin, but perhaps most moving was playing his 10 th symphony, a purely self-indulgent expression of relief after the death of the dictator. It is impossible to appreciate this great work without its historical context, which transforms the piece into something personal, attaching the listener emotionally. History is not only fascinating in itself, but it enriches our appreciation of all other interests.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

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The student speaks intelligently and successfully links their interests – both within history and outside of history – to the study of history on a wider scale. The statement is well organised and reads well. Paragraph three, in particular, has many strong points with a greater focus on what really interests the student and why. The student does well to focus on the different areas of exploration within history showing a strong awareness of the nuances within historical study.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

The statement focuses too much on what the student knows, rather than what interests the student – the first paragraph, in particular, reads too much like an essay, and less like an exploration of why this student actually wants to study history. The student risks falling into a trap of trying to teach and impress the admissions tutor with their knowledge instead of offering a more personal approach. The student also needs to try to avoid repetition, for example ‘most interestingly’ and ‘most fascinating’ within the same sentence in order to ensure the whole statement flows better.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This is a very strong, well-written Personal Statement. The student has clearly proved they can both understand and analyse history. The student perhaps needs to focus more on their own motivations behind studying history, but overall, the statement suggests a student with great potential and zeal for the subject. What would make the student stand out even more is a stronger closing statement – something to bring the whole personal statement together.

This Personal Statement for History is a great example of a strong, well-written Statement. The candidate’s interest and achievements are clearly shown which is vital to Admissions Tutors.

Remember, at Oxford, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

There are plenty more successful personal statements and expert guides on our Free Personal Statement Resources page.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Oxford History application.

With our  Oxbridge History Premium Programme, we help you craft the perfect Personal   Statement , score highly on the HAT and teach you how to  Interview effectively .

Discover our  Oxbridge History Premium Programme  by clicking the button below to  enrol and triple your chances of success.

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• Economics and Politics Personal Statement

Economics and Politics Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

Money and commerce has been a part of our society for thousands of years and politics and power struggles have been a major part of our society for even longer than that. At an early age I realised that economics and politics were intrinsically linked and that understanding both was the only true way to understand how our society functions.

Globalisation of commerce has made it easier for countries to become global superpowers but also for economic disasters, such as the Wall Street Crash, to occur.

My interest in both economics and politics made it impossible to choose between to two degrees so I am grateful that I have the chance to study the two disciplines together.

At college I was able to study Economics, Politics, History, and Sociology which I feel gave me a well-rounded insight into our relationship with money, power, and each other across the ages.

Whilst at school I was Chairperson of our Student Council which gave me hands on experience of a democracy and how the decisions of a small group of people affects the lives of a community as a whole.

This experience also helped me develop my organisational, teamwork, and leadership skills whilst giving me a sense of responsibility.

Outside of school I have a keen interest in cooking and how what you eat affects your physical and mental wellbeing. I take part in as many cookery classes as I can and am undertaking an online course in Health and Nutrition with e-learning provider Coursera.

I also try to lead an active lifestyle and am a regular runner. Throughout school and college I was a member of my local football team and I hope that this in an activity that I can continue at university.

My aim in studying Economics and Politics at university is to gain an entry level position in the financial sector. I hope that I can build on the skills, experience, knowledge, and personal attributes that I already have and achieve high grades in all my modules during my time studying at your university.  

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Personal statement example economics and politics personal statement.

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Economics and Politics Personal Statement

Politics is all about opinion and ideas. From the most powerful man in the world to us, the public, our opinions shape politics today. Opinions have led to the UK starting the process of leaving the EU. This very current topic attracted many young people, although they were unable to vote, such as myself. It didn’t stop us expressing our thoughts on the subject. Being half French, my family has very strong opinions on this topic. However, I am fascinated by other views on Brexit. To fulfil my curiosity on this matter, I attended a talk by the authors of the book ‘How to lose a referendum’ at Latymer Upper school. The talk gave me an insight into the minds of other voters. This is what interests me most, not my own theory, but those of others with alternative views. Coming from a very mixed background ranging from a German communist, a Liverpudlian philanthropist to conservative French Basque farmers, I have grown up hearing many controversial views on political matters. This fuelled my interest in politics, finding out the reasoning for these completely different outlooks. Studying American racial politics at A-level intrigued me further, as there are many diverse opinions within the topic that shock me but also fascinate me and make me ask “Why”?

Having read “Revolution” by Russel Brand opened my eyes to new political theories and ideas, not ones I necessarily agree with. His strong views on democracy and the UK political system fascinate me. Moreover, his opinions resonate with younger voters, striking a chord with their disenchantment of current politics. In truth, whilst his ideas for future action are not concurrent with mainstream political thought, he has got people engaged in politics and actively discussing the current political climate.

Being selected to take part in the Model United Nations not only improved my public speaking but also my research skills as I had to create a resolution on the question of tax avoidance by multinational corporations, which I then put forward for discussion. It introduced me to large debates in which ideas and judgments were shared and I was able to contest. Furthermore, participating in the Mock Trial competition enabled me to develop my skills of critical analysis, especially as the demand of the competition was to analyse and evaluate the evidence presented to me.

Academically, studying Economics A-level has helped me to develop a wide range of skills that in turn has helped me through my politics course, as both subjects are very closely related. Also studying French A-level has given me an insight to a new political system which has furthered my understanding and appreciation of globalisation and global community.

In and outside school, I take part in a variety of different activities. For my level 1 and 2 Sports Leader Award I had to organise and carry out sporting events for younger children, attaining organisation and leadership skills. I was the Captain of my local Water Polo team, where I had to keep up the team’s spirits, bolstering my communication and team working skills. I was selected to play for the Eastern region of England in the girls U17’s Water Polo team and hope to continue this at University, as it is a sport I very much enjoy.

I play the violin and take part in my school’s string group, hoping to pass my grade 7 exam soon. I am a trained Lifeguard, a job which demands commitment, responsibility and reliability.

Studying politics at University will open me up to a world of new ideas and diverse theories that I am looking forward to study. I’m not only looking forward to throwing myself into the course, but also into University life.

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Till Düppe Examines the Personal to Construct the "Lived Experiences" of Economists

April 10, 2024.

Paul Dudenhefer

Here’s one way to begin a paper: In 1954, the French-born economist Gerard Debreu, along with Kenneth Arrow, published an article that proved that general equilibrium exists. This and other works, as one economist said, “profoundly changed the way economics is practiced.” Indeed, in 1983, Debreu was awarded the Nobel Prize “for having incorporated new analytical methods into economic theory and for his rigorous reformulation of the theory of general equilibrium.”

Here’s another way to begin: When he was a small boy, the French-born economist Gerard Debreu was present in the house when his little sister burned to death in her cradle. When he was eight years old, his father committed suicide. A year later, his mother died.

Did the personal tragedies of one affect the professional triumphs of the other? Till Düppe believes so. One of his first papers began exactly this way. Till, who is visiting the HOPE Center this spring, is a historian of economics who has increasingly sought to capture and understand the “lived experience” of the people he writes about. His interests have led him to go beyond the formal publications and professional activities that form the basis of traditional histories of economics—and that perhaps too often constitute the way we think about famous scholars and scientists.  

“Yes, Debreu wrote elegant proofs in economic theory. But he also lost both parents at a young age. And with Paris occupied, during the war he was forced to pursue an improvised postsecondary education. Those things matter too when we ask what these proofs meant to him personally,” Till says.

Not surprisingly, a good part of such personal meaning involves an economist’s family relationships. “A spouse, siblings, children—family members and their impressions and recollections bring me closer to the economists I study,” says Till, a professor of economics at the Université du Québec à Montréal. Above all, Till is interested in what an economist’s work—the questions asked, the means by which they might be answered—meant to him or her. “How did someone like Debreu end up doing the work he did? How did his intellectual values take shape in his particular historical situation?”

Till began his research career slightly differently, “more interested in evaluating the discipline as a whole —notably unfavorably.” Take his first book, The Making of the Economy: A Phenomenology of Economic Science , published in 2011. There, he criticized the profession’s “intellectual reticence.”

“I reacted to the way economists steered clear of conflict and controversy and how they avoided saying anything committal about the important issues of the day.”

Then, around 2010, Till connected with E. Roy Weintraub, who, like Till, was working on Debreu and mathematical economics generally. They soon agreed to collaborate. The result was Finding Equilibrium: Arrow, Debreu, McKenzie and the Problem of Scientific Credit , which won the Joseph Spengler Book Award given by the History of Economics Society.

“From Roy I learned the ease of letting go of this belief that I had to criticize economics. What I learned instead is that my job was to understand it historically and how people end up doing what they do.”

Till’s interest in the lived experience has recently led him to take seriously the psychological makeup of economists. He has just drafted a paper on the post-Keynesian economist Sidney Weintraub—the father of E. Roy Weintraub—that attempts to understand Sidney’s career and professional behavior as manifestations of his troubled personality structure.

In 2023, Till published a book titled The Closed World of East German Economists: Hopes and Defeats of a Generation , a book that, true to Till’s own historiographical values, seeks to understand how East German economists saw themselves and the work that they did.

Till, who was born and raised in southwestern Germany, completed his PhD in the philosophy of economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam. His advisor was Arjo Klamer, who did his PhD at Duke under E. Roy Weintraub and Craufurd Goodwin.

“So, I’m an intellectual grandchild of the HOPE Center,” Till says proudly.

Till will continue his sabbatical in Europe later this spring before returning to Montreal.

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