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Social and Political Sciences Personal Statement

Writing Pen Paper

At this time of year, you should be focusing on your Personal Statement. It is the best way to show your passion and interest in your subject and is particularly important for Oxford applications where it will help to determine whether or not you are invited to interview. It is really important to understand that you should avoid clichés. Too many students feel that they need to start their Personal Statement “with a bang” and talk about “wanting to understand how to fit the micro piece into the macro puzzle” (too cheesy) or about how they have “wanted to study PPE for my whole life” (not true and overused) so try to avoid sweeping statements or fake passion.

Some Reading

Before you start, spend some time reading about your course and the modules that you will be studying, or will have the option of studying over the three or four years that you will be at University, and think about what you have done or read that can demonstrate why you would be a good fit for the course. University reading lists are a very good place to start if you need some inspiration for what to read and can help you in showing that your academic interests are a good fit for your course. Of course, if you have an interest in something other than what is on the list, that is a great way to demonstrate your ability to study independently and will set you apart from other candidates. Do ensure that books you read are of a level that shows you are capable of stretching yourself academically – something like the Armchair Economics or Superfreakonomics are not really the best way to show you push yourself so if you want to use them, be sure to have developed and extended your analysis of them.

If your course contains more than one academic subject, make sure that you demonstrate your desire to study all of the subjects – I have seen a lot of E&M and PPE Personal Statements where one of the subjects is not addressed at all. It is difficult to get everything in a short space but you need to demonstrate your commitment to all the subjects you will be studying.

Tackling The Character Count

With regard to the character count, focus on content before you worry about cutting things out. It is far better to write everything you want and to edit and improve before you start cutting things out as you will find you have a more smoothly flowing Personal Statement than if you keep chopping to fit the character count. It is really important that you do not lie on your Personal Statement – too many students exaggerate or lie in order to appear more impressive. Think about all of the relevant things you have done – for example, societies you are a part of, talks you have attended, books you have read, competitions you have entered, and use those to bolster how you come across as a candidate, and show your commitment to your subject. If you feel you have not done enough, there is still plenty of time to rectify it and bolster your activity. Lots of Universities host talks with speakers that are free to attend and societies such as the Adam Smith Institute and other think tanks also have free talks and policy discussions that you should attend if you have not done so already.

To get the best possible Personal Statement, make sure you start now and look over it/redraft every three or four days. Leavings gaps will enable you to have a fresh mind when you read it again and will give you enough time to edit and shape it until you’re happy with it. Be true to yourself and make sure every section shows your passion for your subject.

Good luck writing!

All views and ideas represented in this blog post are exclusive to Resham, and do not represent those of any other third party.

Click here to read what Oxbridge Applications’ former Head of Programmes, Rebecca Williams, had to say about common mistakes in Personal Statements in her interview with The Telegraph. 

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Social Sciences Personal Statement

Sample Social Science Personal Statement

Understanding individual and collective behaviour is in my view the social sciences’ key contribution to human knowledge. With a burgeoning passion for the social sciences that stems from my own curiosity regarding fundamental questions relating to how society shapes the individual and what factors in turn motivate the individual to live their chosen lifestyle, I view the possibility of progressing to university as an unrivalled opportunity for me to be able to delve into these questions through studying a joint-honours degree in the social sciences.

I find sociology a particularly fascinating branch of the social sciences due to the bold attempts of sociologists to take what may seem to be unexplainable phenomena and provide an understanding of them that is based around sound methods and conceptual frameworks that provide real insight into society and the way it shapes individuals. I have always been fascinated by the ‘nature versus nurture’ debate, and while some turn to the sciences for guidance, I believe that sociology provides much more satisfactory answers.

The area of criminology is perhaps the most important field within sociology in this regard. Reducing crime is a perennial objective of governments; yet without understanding what causes people to commit crime such efforts are likely to fail. It is only through examining questions such as the relationship between inequality or social deprivation and crime, or the pressures placed on certain sectors of society such as poor inner-city youths to become involved in delinquent or gang culture, that we can truly come to understand criminality.

Criminological matters also tie in very closely to psychology, another branch of the social sciences that I am strongly drawn to. Psychology has much to tell us about the nature of human motivation and the range of cognitive responses that individuals have to different circumstances. In this regard psychological research is as useful for explaining areas of crime, such as the ways in which individuals respond to provocation with violence, as it is to sport–an area that strongly interests me as a result of my passion for rugby and golf–and the matter of how individuals respond psychologically to adversity on the field.

I have enjoyed the strong thread of social sciences that has run through the BTEC I am currently completing in Business. For example, the course has laid strong emphasis on the psychological dimensions of themes such as leadership, management and team cohesion, all of which are central to the success of a business. Moreover, it is increasingly important for businesses to reflect on their social responsibilities, something which requires a consideration of sociological theory. The excellent marks I have received in the BTEC so far reflect my great enthusiasm for my studies; I am all the more proud of my results so far because I am studying this two-year course in the space of one year, a challenge that has helped mould me into a diligent and well-organised student.

I also balance this intense study workload with a part-time job as a customer assistant at Marks and Spencer. The role is an outlet for my natural desire for social interaction with people. I enjoy being able to offer advice to customers and build a rapport with people from a wide range of backgrounds. The teamwork element of the job is also very enjoyable, and it has been a pleasure to both learn how to carry out tasks such as cash management from colleagues and in turn teach these skills to others.

Playing and watching rugby is a great passion of mine. Between the ages of eight and seventeen I was continuously involved with playing for local and school sides. Doing so has given me a real ability to set myself goals and targets and then working towards them. It has also given me a love of working alongside others towards a common goal. That said, I also enjoy the solitary contemplation that comes with going to the gym five times a week and playing golf.

we hope you have found this sample Social Sciences personal statement helpful.

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How to Get into Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) at Cambridge

12/08/2022 Richard Evans

Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) is a particularly competitive course at Cambridge University. Just 17% of applicants were successful in receiving an offer to study HSPS in 2021, so making your application stand out is of the utmost importance.

If you’re thinking of applying for HSPS or just curious about what it takes to get into one of the most popular humanities courses at Cambridge, this guide contains everything you need to know – from entry requirements to tips on how to prepare from our expert HSPS tutors .

Don’t forget to check out our other articles on how to get into Cambridge and what to do if you don’t meet Cambridge’s entry requirements !

The Profs’ HSPS tutors have first-hand experience of the admissions process and what is required to succeed at each stage. Thanks to our expert support, students who work with The Profs are more than three times more likely to receive an offer from Cambridge University. Reach out to our team today to maximise your chances of success.

What is Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS)?

Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) is a flexible, interdisciplinary course offered by Cambridge University. The course consists of three disciplines: Politics and International Relations, Social Anthropology, and Sociology. Each of these branches bring a different set of theories and issues to explore, as well as unique skills to develop that lend themselves to a range of careers and topics of further study.

Politics and International Relations explores politics within and between countries, looking at issues ranging from human rights and democracy, to financial crises and international conflict. Social Anthropology involves the study of humans, including how people live, think and relate to each other around the world. Finally, Sociology looks at the nature of modern societies, including social institutions and topics such as power and inequality.

What are the entry requirements for HSPS?

Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS), like all courses at Cambridge, is incredibly competitive. The course requires applicants to achieve excellent grades, ideally in a wide range of subjects, and show great academic potential. The table below shows the entry requirements for HSPS:

Note that, for 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, 71% of successful applicants from an A Level background achieved at least one grade higher than the entry requirements (A*A*A). For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 44 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level. You should therefore be aiming for at least one grade above those required for entry in order to maximise your chances of receiving an offer.

Worried that you won’t achieve the necessary grades to study Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) at Cambridge? The Profs’ A level and IB tutors can help. We have extensive experience helping students excel in their coursework and final exams and achieve the entry grades for this competitive course. Reach out to our team for support.

Which subjects are recommended?

There are no specific required subjects for HSPS applicants to any college. However, Cambridge does recommend studying at least one essay-based subject at A-level or equivalent to help you prepare for the essay-based nature of the course. Some colleges require this.

84% of successful applicants coming from an A level background typically took at least one of English (Language, Language & Literature, or Literature), History, or a language. Cambridge deems these subjects “useful preparation” so studying them could make your application more competitive. If it’s too late to pursue one of these subjects as an A level (or equivalent) then consider pursuing one outside of school instead e.g. entering a competition (e.g. an essay competition), completing a project, MOOC, independent research or joining a society.

Which admissions test do you need for Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS)?

There is no admissions assessment required for HSPS at most colleges at Cambridge. However, some colleges require 2022 applicants to take a written assessment – these are :

  • Hughes Hall
  • Murray Edwards
  • St Edmund’s

The exact content of the HSPS admissions assessment may vary from college to college. Typically, applicants will be asked to choose one essay to write from a range of titles. The admissions assessment will test the necessary skills required to succeed on the HSPS course, rather than any specific subject knowledge, but it’s important to know what to expect, prepare, and practice. Our expert admissions tutors can offer inside knowledge and tips on how to p repare for this written test.

How hard is it to get into HSPS at Cambridge?

Getting into Cambridge to study Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) is no mean feat. Not only do you need to achieve the grade requirements and score highly in the admissions assessment (if required), but you also need to perform well in the interview. Just 17% of applicants – less than 1 in 5 – were successful in receiving an offer in 2021, and with the course only growing in popularity, HSPS remains extremely competitive.

Thankfully, The Profs’ Oxbridge admissions tutors can help you triple your chances of getting into Oxford to study Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS). Thanks to our network of experienced tutors, many of whom are Oxbridge graduates and ex-admissions officers themselves, we have the very latest and best knowledge on what Cambridge is looking for in top HSPS applicants. Get in touch with us today to chat with a member of our team about how we can help you.

What are the fees for HSPS at Cambridge?

The table below shows the fees for Cambridge’s Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) course for both home (UK) and overseas students:

You can find out more information about what fees you will pay on Cambridge’s fee status page . You can also use Cambridge’s fees, funding and financial assistance page to see the funding options available to you.

4 tips on how to get into Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) at Cambridge

1. prepare thoroughly for each stage of the admissions process.

When applying to study HSPS at Cambridge, there are many stages of the admissions process to consider, and you should prepare for each one thoroughly.

  • Your grades – preparation for your HSPS application really starts from the moment you begin your GCSEs and A-levels (or equivalent). An excellent academic track record is essential in order to be considered for a place at Cambridge, so you should be aiming for A*A*A in your A-levels (or equivalent) – one grade above the minimum entry requirements – for the best chance of receiving an offer.
  • Your UCAS application – the first official stage of your HSPS application is completing your UCAS application online. As well as your grades, this includes your personal statement, which is the first chance you’ll get to showcase your suitability for HSPS and prove to Cambridge that you are interested and committed to the subject areas.  Your personal statement needs to stand out from the crowd and be as specific as possible to HSPS and Cambridge itself. Why are you the perfect fit for this course at Cambridge? Check out our previous article on how to write a winning personal statement.
  • Your MyCapp application – the MyCapp is another application form that’s unique to Cambridge which asks for some extra academic and personal information. It also offers the opportunity for you to submit a second personal statement which specific and unique to the HSPS course at Cambridge University. You should NOT copy/paste your UCAS personal statement into this box; in fact, it would be better to write nothing. You should write directly to Cambridge. Yes, there’s more effort and work involved in writing a whole new statement but the MyCapp is an invaluable chance to stand out and sell yourself as the perfect candidate. A lot of students overlook the MyCapp application and waste or misuse their second personal statement, don’t make the same mistake! Read out previous article on the MyCapp and reach out to our expert admission tutors .
  • The written test, if required – some colleges require a written test and it’s important that you prepare for this in advance with an expert who knows what the examiners will be looking for. Reach out to The Profs’ admissions consultants for more information on this.
  • The interview – if your UCAS application and performance in the admissions test (if required) are impressive enough, you may be invited for an interview at Cambridge. This is your last chance to impress the university and prove that you are an excellent candidate for the course. Oxbridge interviews are like oral admissions tests and there is often even a mark scheme your interviewers will be scoring you against, so it’s important to seek professional help to prepare effectively. We have a guide on completing Oxbridge interviews here . Oxbridge interviews are far different from most other university interviews and require a very specific approach, we have a lot of experience and inside information on exactly what Oxbridge interviewers are looking for.

Need some help with any of the steps above? We have experts for each niche: GCSE tutors, A level tutors, personal statement tutors, and interview tutors. We can help you smash each and every step.

Note that all students applying to university for 2023, 2024 or 2025 will still be required to submit a UCAS personal statement as normal. However, from January 2025 onwards (October 2024, for Oxbridge applicants), there will be changes to the UCAS application process and students will no longer be required to write a personal statement. Instead, all applicants will answer a series of shorter, more tailored questions provided by UCAS.

2. Stay up to date with current affairs and relevant news

Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) is all about understanding the world around us. It’s therefore really important that you keep up to date with the latest news and developments happening globally. You can do this primarily by reading quality newspapers such as the Financial Times, the Guardian, the New York Times, the Economist and more.

However, you don’t have to limit yourself to just newspapers – watching reliable news on television, listening to news round-up podcasts, and watching topical documentaries and YouTube videos are all great ways to expand your knowledge of the world around you.

You should also think carefully and critically about the news you read and consume, reflecting on what it means for the economy, people, the environment, and the world as a whole. This will help you to develop the thinking skills necessary to succeed on the HSPS degree course and give you insightful points to include in your personal statement and to raise in your interview.

Take theory and apply it to current events and global affairs. Show that you have the independent faculties to use this knowledge to process the world around you and that you want to. Appearing curious, stimulated and enthusiastic will present you as the type of student Cambridge’s HSPS course wants. After all, they only want to invest in students who are hungry and will stay motivated throughout an undergraduate degree. Potential is the key thing, so your academic intelligence isn’t enough on its own. It’s how you use it.

3. Do some introductory reading

Although having studied Politics or Sociology at A level (or equivalent) is not necessary to apply for HSPS, it is a good idea to have an interest and understanding of these two subjects and related disciplines. A good way to do this is to do some introductory reading on the subjects you will study. Not only will this give you ideas of topics to include in your personal statement, but it may also help you build a rapport with your interviewer if you are interested in similar areas of study.

Immerse yourself in relevant subjects as much as possible through podcasts, open lectures, online courses, documentaries, and reading. Mention your independent study in your personal statement. Linking Political Science with Human and Social theories together in your analyses of a real-world event could also show good student potential.

The lists below show some introductory readings, as suggested by Cambridge, to help you prepare for your Human, Social and Political Sciences application and degree course.

  • Democracy for Realists by C. H. Achen, and L.M. Bartels (2016)
  • Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea by M. Blyth (2013)
  • Novels such as Yvonne by Adhiambo Owuor, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, and Black Moses by Alain Mabanckou
  • The Making of Black Lives Matter by C. J. Lebron (2017)
  • The Last Utopia by S. Moyn (2010)
  • How Democracy Ends by D. Runciman (2018)
  • Podcasts such as Talking Politics

Social anthropology:

  • Eating Soup without a Spoon: Anthropological Theory and Method in the Real World by J. Cohen (2015)
  • Fresh Fruit, Broken Bodies: Migrant Farmworkers in the United States by S. Holmes (2013)
  • Think Like an Anthropologist by M. Engelke (2017)
  • Nightmarch: Among India’s Revolutionary Guerrillas by A. Shah (2018)
  • Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Anthropology
  • The Cambridge Anthropology Podcast
  • Thinking sociologically (2nd edition) by Z. Bauman (2001)
  • Connected sociologies by G. Bhambra (2014)
  • Black feminist thought: Knowledge, consciousness and the politics of empowerment by P. H. Collins (2000)
  • Together: The rituals, pleasures and politics of cooperation by R. Sennett (2012)
  • Nationalism (2nd edition) by A. Smith (2013)
  • The spirit level: Why equality is better for everyone by R. Wilkinson and K. Pickett (2010)
  • Books that have won prizes by the American Sociological Association

You can appear like a keen and dedicated student by referencing a couple of these books to show that you’ve read Cambridge’s suggested reading list. But it’s best if you can go beyond their reading list and demonstrate independent thought by linking one or two of these texts to some more niche texts that you found yourself.

4. Seek help from a Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) expert

Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) is a competitive course at Cambridge and requires you to perform well in multiple stages to be in with a chance of securing an offer. Unfortunately, schools and colleges are oftentimes not equipped to provide specialist HSPS or Cambridge admissions preparation due to a lack of experience, expertise or resources. As a result, we advise seeking a professional HSPS or Cambridge admissions tutor to help you through the process.

The Profs’ Human, Social and Political Sciences tutors have many years of experience helping students develop their academic profiles, prepare for the admissions test, and excel in the admissions interview. Many of our Cambridge admissions tutors have studied at Cambridge or worked in Cambridge admissions. If you work with one of The Profs’ tutors, you are more than three times more likely to get into Cambridge. 

Gain invaluable independent study skills that will prepare you for study at an elite UK university, as well as a deeper and broader understanding of a range of political, anthropological and sociological concepts and critical thinking approaches. Reach out to our experienced team today to get started.

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human social and political science personal statement

Oxbridge-Mind

10 Top Tips for an Oxford Human Sciences Personal Statement 

Your Oxford Human Sciences personal statement is a crucial component in your Oxford application. It gives you a chance to articulate why you’re particularly interested in Human Sciences and to distinguish yourself from other applicants. While Oxford admissions tutors are most interested in your academic performance and ability, a great personal statement could make all the difference between you and a candidate with the same grade. Additionally, it offers the Oxford interviewer a focal point to base discussions around your personality and interests. Ultimately, they can deduce your commitment to the subject you’re applying for. 

To help guide you through the process, our Oxford application experts have compiled a list of top 10 tips. It includes everything you should and should not do for your Human Science Personal Statement for the 2024/25 application cycle. 

human sciences Oxford personal statement

Human Sciences is an interdisciplinary degree course which enables students to study humans from multiple interconnecting perspectives across the biological and social sciences. Underlying the degree concept is the recognition that it is important to understand connections among biological, social, and cultural phenomena in order to address the major issues and problems humans face in a rapidly changing world. When planning out your Oxford Human Sciences personal statement, make sure you research Oxford’s achievements and use it as a guide to illustrate your interest in Human Sciences. 

Top 5 Tips for an Oxford Human Sciences Personal Statement

Tell your story.

Your story of how you considered a degree in Human Sciences’ and why you applied to Oxford should be what distinguishes you from other applicants. Outline why you want to pursue a degree in Human Sciences. Consider your future career plans, extra-curricular work. Also address why you chose to study at Oxford over all other universities.

What makes you suitable

Your application should demonstrate what makes you an ideal candidate to study Human Sciences at Oxford. What skills or experience do you have? Since it’s such a varied degree, are there any experiences you can draw on that not only make you suitable for studying Human Sciences but also to be an Oxford University student. 

Read around the subject you’re applying for

The competition at Oxford will be great. Extracurricular reading is a good way to stand out from other students and this can range from reading books or journals. A typical book is ‘The Selfish Gene’ by Richard Dawkins, or a podcast such as ‘ Hidden Brain .’ Be sure to have some things to talk about as you may be questioned at an interview.

oxbridge personal statements

Proofread & read your work out loud

Once you’re happy with the content of your draft, check it and then check it again! Useful people to ask to proofread your work include a teacher in the field, a current Oxford student, and a student who is studying Human Sciences. Oxbridge Mind also offer a personal statement check . By allowing people to take a look at your Human Sciences Oxford personal statement, they would be able to pick up mistakes or name improvements that you may have missed.

Why Human Sciences

What was it that first got you interested in Human Sciences? Consider why you would be an ideal Oxford candidate too. What skills or experience do you have? Examples include analytical and critical thinking skills. What careers will this degree open for you and how does this align with your own plans for the future.

human sciences personal statement Oxford

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Oxford Human Sciences Personal Statement

Writing a list of achievements.

Reflect and expand on some key points to demonstrate your understanding and what you have learnt from them rather than listing achievements which will appear tedious. Talk about the skills you have gained from the work you have undertaken. How have these skills furthered your desire to study Human Sciences, and to study at Oxford University.

Don’t write anything that isn’t true

Don’t exaggerate. You may be asked to provide evidence of your stated achievements, or if you are interviewed you may be asked detailed questions about things you’ve mentioned. It will reflect poorly on you if you are unable to answer questions about your Human Sciences Oxford personal statement. 

Copying someone else’s personal statements

Don’t plagiarise. Do not copy someone else’s UCAS personal statement or use something you have found on the internet. UCAS uses software to check every personal statement for plagiarism.

Not reflecting on or justifying your point

Write succinctly and explain points without repeating yourself. Examples include analytical skills, and other transferable skills. Remember, quality is always better than quantity- it’s better to expand on a few points than to list every point you can without going into detail.

Don’t sound unprofessional

Steer clear of slang, clichés and quotes. It will sound repetitive to Oxford admissions tutors to hear about how students are “passionate” about their subject or that they have a “thirst for knowledge”. Write about your personal experience with your Human Sciences’ journey, and allow the Oxford admissions tutors to do the rest.

If you’re unsure whether you’ve covered everything in your Human Sciences Oxford personal statement, why not book a personal statement check where our experts will give you feedback within 24 hours and you can even have a 1-1 online session on how to improve your statement.

→What is Oxford Human Sciences?

Oxford Human Sciences is an interdisciplinary field of study that combines aspects of biology, psychology, anthropology, and sociology to better understand human behavior and health. Students studying Human Sciences at Oxford University will explore the social, cultural, biological, and evolutionary aspects of human beings, as well as how they interact with their environment.

→What should I include in my Oxford Human Sciences personal statement?

Your personal statement should highlight your academic background and relevant experiences, as well as your motivation for studying Human Sciences at Oxford. You should also demonstrate your critical thinking skills, ability to analyze complex issues, and passion for understanding human behavior.

→How long should my Oxford Human Sciences personal statement be?

Oxford University recommends that your personal statement should be no longer than 4,000 characters, or about 500 words. It is important to be concise and focus on the most relevant and compelling aspects of your experience and qualifications.

→What qualities are Oxford Human Sciences admissions looking for in applicants?

Oxford Human Sciences admissions are looking for applicants who demonstrate a strong academic record, critical thinking skills, creativity, and a genuine interest in understanding human behavior. They also value experiences that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

→How important is the personal statement in the Oxford Human Sciences admissions process?

The personal statement is an important part of the Oxford Human Sciences admissions process, as it provides admissions officers with insights into your academic background, experiences, and motivation for studying Human Sciences. It is an opportunity to showcase your unique perspective and strengths as an applicant.

→Can I get help with my Oxford Human Sciences personal statement?

Yes, there are a range of resources available to help you with your personal statement, including online guides, writing workshops, and tutoring services. However, it is important to ensure that the content of your personal statement is entirely your own and reflects your own thoughts and experiences.

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Sample Personal Statement for Political Science

human social and political science personal statement

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to several top graduate schools in political science. Variations of this PS got accepted at Duke, UCLA, and NYU. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in political science should look like.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School in PoliSci

It was not until I studied the introductory “Political Thought” course during my undergrad that I discovered my passion for political philosophy. Studying ancient and modern political thought allowed me to get introduced to the thought experiments of political thinkers to construct novel political concepts. This enabled me to relate the theory to other branches of political science. However, the courses I studied at the undergrad level were introductory, hence, not enough to quench my thirst for philosophical thinking.  

The best thing that happened to me because of studying these courses was that I started thinking along the lines of philosophy. After my undergrad, I engaged in various endeavors, which also included working as an HR Manager. However, the intrigue that originated after studying the Political Thought courses kept pushing me towards further academic pursuits. I applied to the program of MA Political Science at Central European University and got in. It was here that I discovered that I needed to cover immense ground in Political Theory. The fortunate thing was that I was not confused about the line I was supposed to tread, which was political theory.

Therefore, I opted for the same line and selected electives accordingly. In the mandatory course of Political Theory, I got introduced to more profound philosophies, particularly related to liberal egalitarianism. I hadn’t read those theories before, and the start of the course was not as rosy as it was in the courses of Political Thoughts back in my bachelor’s. However, my professor, Dr. Moles, encouraged all students to participate in the rigorous debates surrounding those philosophies.

The whole process happened to be very enriching. My brain started working in that direction, and I kept philosophizing about different political ideas even during my leisure time. The unfortunate thing that happened during this course was the aggravated anxiety I was going through. The condition took a toll on my studies, and I had to seek help from the medical center at my university. There was a time when I thought I would not be able to complete my master’s. However, thanks to the encouragement of my professors and peers, I was soon back on track amid psychological challenges. After studying political theory courses from Moles, Miklosi, and Kis, I concluded that I wanted to conceptualize responsibility in egalitarian distributive justice. It was mainly due to my reading of luck egalitarianism. Under the guidance of Professor Moles, I completed my thesis on the topic of “Individual Choice and Responsibility in the Backdrop of Just Institutions.”

After my master’s, teaching was the first option that occurred to me. Therefore, I sought employment in higher-education-teaching and got employed as a lecturer. It has been a challenging yet enriching experience. I am still teaching in the same organization. I teach courses ranging from qualitative research methods to International Relations (IR). I enjoy teaching IR courses, and the most exciting thing about them is that my knowledge of political theory helps me have a profound understanding of global political issues.  

In addition to the intrigue of engaging in different philosophical debates, teaching various courses and applying my theoretical knowledge galvanize me to further advance my understanding. The important thing is that I want to produce coherent research along the lines of political and social theory. For this to happen, it is imperative to pursue a doctorate. If I get the chance to enter a doctorate, I shall research along the lines of the Theory of Justice, Liberal Rights, Marxist critique on liberal rights, etc. I am also writing a research paper on “The Moral Status of Potential Immigrants from the Rawlsian Original Position.” The topic has the potential to be converted into comprehensive doctorate research.

Numerous universities in the USA have excellent political theory faculty, and many are working in my area of interest. If I get the opportunity, I shall be able to pursue my interest in becoming a teacher and researcher. I have survived the events which could have instilled hopelessness in me. However, on the contrary, my determination shows that I have cultivated enough resilience to tread the trajectory toward my passion.

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This page outlines our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the HSPS programme.

The HSPS administation team and the relevant Departments are keen to support our prospective students in gathering the information they need to make an informed application.

If you cannot find the answer to your query in our FAQs (below) or on the undergraduate admissions website (including their FAQs ) , please feel free to contact us .

There are no required subjects for HSPS. We require only a minimum of A*AA in any subject at A Level (or equivalent), or International Baccalaureate of 40-42. We will look particularly closely at the average Uniform Mark Scheme, or UMS, of your best three subjects at A Level (excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies).

We will consider any subject at A Level. In addition, some Colleges may give preference to some subject combinations over others, so you should always check College websites to find out if they recommend certain subjects for entry.

If you have already decided that you want to specialise in a certain area, you may find it beneficial to have taken some subjects in the Sixth Form when starting the course. For example, students interested in Politics may benefit from having studied some History.

You should write your UCAS application to be appropriate for all courses to which you are applying. Once you've submitted an application to Cambridge University you'll be emailed and asked to complete a My Cambridge Application in addition to the UCAS statement. (It can take up to 48 hours for the email to arrive, as it takes a while to process your application. Check the inbox and junk folder of the email account used in your UCAS application on a regular basis.) You can use the My Cambridge Application to write specifically about why you are applying for HSPS.

We use My Cambridge Application to ensure we have complete and consistent information about all applicants. It helps us to collect information that's not in the UCAS application but is useful for assessing applications. For example, details of topics you've covered as part of your AS/A Level (or equivalent) courses may help our interviewers to decide which questions to ask.

Further information about My Cambridge Application is available at  here .

You should write your UCAS application to be appropriate for all courses to which you are applying, and use the My Cambridge Application to be more specific about HSPS. Further information about My Cambridge Application is available at  here .

Some Colleges may ask you if you have any particular interest(s), as this helps them to co-ordinate their interview process. However, it's fine if you haven't yet made up your mind, or if you want to change it later; no choice that you make at interview will be binding if we make you an offer.

There are no quotas on subjects at the point of entry.

Each College organises its own interviews and this means that the process will not be identical at all of them. The most likely arrangements will be that you may be asked to submit some written work to form the basis of interview discussion, and that you will meet interviewers from more than one of the subjects within the range offered within the HSPS course. Please see College websites for details on the use of admissions tests and for other details.

In the first year, students will choose four papers. If you know what you want to specialise in during your second and third years, you can choose compatible papers to help you prepare. However, if you aren't sure yet what you want your speciality to be, or if you want to take a broader interdisciplinary selection, you can do so and keep your options open. During the second and third years, each specialism has particular combinations of papers that you will need to take, although all subjects permit at least one borrowed paper from another discipline.

Due to the breadth of the course, no-one expects prior knowledge of all the subjects in HSPS and indeed you may well not have had the opportunity to study some of them before. You can focus your application and interview on one or more of the subjects, particularly if you have already expressed a particular interest. The interviewers will ask you to demonstrate awareness of the real-world application of the subject, and will ask you questions arising from your previous studies. What we are looking for in all applicants is a capacity to read widely and critically, to develop ideas flexibly, and to show potential to thrive on the course. The Tripos has a reading list that you might find useful when preparing for interviews, which you can find on our website here . There will be material here that will allow you to move beyond the specifications of subjects you are currently studying and/or to learn something of subjects that you have not yet studied.

The Tripos allows you to structure your own study so that if you have a particular interest you can immerse yourself from the start. The flexible nature of the Tripos means that you can supplement your choice of subject by bringing interdisciplinary perspectives to your learning, or keep a broad focus until you find a subject that you really love.

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Human, Social, and Political Sciences

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Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS) at Cambridge

Human, Social, and Political Sciences at Cambridge includes politics and international relations, social anthropology and sociology.  

You can specialise in one or two subjects, but you can also explore a variety of other subjects too.    

Human, Social, and Political Sciences at Cambridge

You can tailor this course from the very start and study specific subjects that interest you. 

You’ll study three core disciplines, taught by globally respected departments: 

  • Politics and International Relations, where you explore politics within and between countries, covering issues from human rights and democracy to financial crises and international conflict
  • Social anthropology, where you investigate ‘what it is to be human’ by studying social and cultural diversity – how people live, think and relate to each other around the world
  • Sociology, where you analyse multiple forms of power and inequality, and how they impact on the social, cultural, political and economic dimensions of people’s lives

You may also be able to choose other Human, Social, and Political Sciences subjects, or subjects from other courses.

Teaching and facilities

You’ll be taught by experts with a worldwide reputation for teaching and research. 

Facilities 

The Faculty of Human, Social, and Political Science facilities include: 

  • two faculty libraries 
  • Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology 
  • computing facilities 
  • multimedia-equipped teaching rooms 
  • rare collection of ethnographic films 

You'll also have access to the impressive Cambridge University Library, one of the world’s oldest university libraries.

Course costs

When you go to university, you’ll need to consider two main costs – your tuition fees and your living costs (sometimes referred to as maintenance costs).

Your living costs will include costs related to your studies that are not covered by your tuition fees. There are some general study costs that will apply for all students – you can find details of these costs here .

There are no compulsory additional course costs for Human, Social, and Political Sciences. If you have any queries about resources/materials, please contact the Department.

Your future career

You’ll graduate with analytical and critical skills, intellectual versatility, multicultural sensitivity and an international outlook. These skills are widely sought after by employers.  

Recent graduates have gone onto careers in: 

  • research, both academic and policy research 
  • Civil Service, including the Foreign Office 
  • journalism 
  • management consultancy 
  • national and international non-governmental organisations and development agencies 
  • publishing 
  • health management 
  • public relations 

Teaching is provided through lectures, seminars and small-group supervisions.  

You will usually have 8 hours of lectures, and one or two supervisions each week during the first year.

Assessment is mostly through examinations. Some papers are assessed by coursework. 

In the third year you can replace one paper with a 10,000 word dissertation. 

You won't usually be able to resit any of your exams.

Year 1 (Part IA)

You take 4 papers.  

  • 3 papers must be from the core subjects – politics, international relations, social anthropology, and sociology 
  • 1 paper can be another core subject paper, or you can choose an archaeology, biological anthropology or psychology option 

Years 2 and 3 (Part II) 

You choose one of 3 single-subject tracks or one of 5 two-subject tracks. 

The 3 single-subject tracks are: 

  • Politics and International Relations  
  • Social Anthropology 

The 5 two-subject tracks are: 

  • Politics and Sociology 
  • Social Anthropology and Politics 
  • Social Anthropology and Religious Studies (Modern Religion) 
  • Sociology and Criminology 
  • Sociology and Social Anthropology 

It’s not possible to change tracks unless you switch from a two-subject track to one of the subjects within it. 

For further information about this course and the papers you can take see the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Sciences website.

Changing course

It’s really important to think carefully about which course you want to study before you apply. 

In rare cases, it may be possible to change course once you’ve joined the University. You will usually have to get agreement from your College and the relevant departments. It’s not guaranteed that your course change will be approved.

You might also have to:

  • take part in an interview
  • complete an admissions test
  • produce some written work
  • achieve a particular grade in your current studies
  • do some catch-up work
  • start your new course from the beginning 

For more information visit the course website .

You can also apply to change to:

  • Management Studies at the Judge Business School

You can't apply to this course until you're at Cambridge. You would usually apply when you have completed 1 year or more of your original Cambridge course.

You should contact your College’s Admissions Office if you’re thinking of changing your course. They will be able to give you advice and explain how changing courses works.

Minimum offer level

A level: A*AA IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level Other qualifications : Check which other qualifications we accept .

Subject requirements

While we don't ask for any specific subjects to apply to Human, Social, and Political Sciences, Colleges normally require A*/7 in an essay-based subject.     

We’d also recommend certain subjects for a strong application:  

  • English (language or literature) 
  • Languages (ancient or modern)    

You can find more information about the subjects our typical entrants have studied below. 

See Entrance requirements  and  Choosing your post-16 subjects  for additional guidance and conditions of entry. 

What HSPS students have studied

Most HSPS students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2017-19) achieved at least A*A*A (71% of entrants).

Most had usually studied at least one of the subjects recommended above.

The rest had usually taken at least one of:

  • Mathematics
  • Ancient History, Classical Civilisation, Economics, Further Mathematics, Geography, Politics, History of Art, Law, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, sciences (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or Sociology.

The majority of students who studied IB achieved at least 44 points overall.

Check our advice on choosing your high school subjects . You should also check if there are any required subjects for your course when you apply.

Admission assessment

If you’re shortlisted for interview, you may need to take a written assessment. Please check back in April 2024 for details. If an assessment is required, you will not need to register in advance and the Colleges will provide details directly to you. 

If you applied for 2024 entry in the March application round , please check the College Admission Assessments page for more information and example papers. 

Submitting written work

Applicants to all Colleges are required to submit 2 pieces of written work prior to interview. 

Offers above the minimum requirement

The minimum offer level and subject requirements outline the minimum you'll usually need to achieve to get an offer from Cambridge.

In some cases, you'll get a higher or more challenging offer. Colleges set higher offer requirements for a range of reasons. If you'd like to find out more about why we do this, check the information about offers above the minimum requirement  on the entry requirements page.

Some Colleges usually make offers above the minimum offer level. Find out more on our qualifications page .

All undergraduate admissions decisions are the responsibility of the Cambridge Colleges. Please contact the relevant  College admissions office  if you have any queries.

Discover your department or faculty

  • Visit the faculty of Human, Social, and Political Sciences website - The Faculty of Human, Social and Political Sciences website has more information about this course, facilities, people and research.

Explore our Colleges

  • Find out how Colleges work - A College is where you’ll live, eat and socialise. It’s also where you’ll have teaching in a small group, known as supervisions.
  • How to choose a Cambridge College that's right for you - If you think you know which course you’d like to study, it’s time to choose a College.

Visit us on an open day

  • Book an open day - Get a feel for the city and the University.
  • Find an event - We offer a range of events where you can find out more about Cambridge, Colleges, and your course. Many of our events have hybrid options so you can join us virtually.

Find out how to apply

  • Find out how to apply and how our admissions processes work - Our admissions process is slightly different to other universities. We’ve put together a handy guide to tell you everything you need to know about applying to study at Cambridge.
  • Improve your application - Supercurricular activities are a great way to engage with your chosen subject outside of school or college.

Discover Uni data

Contextual information.

Discover Uni allows you to compare information about individual courses at different higher education institutions.  This can be a useful method of considering your options and what course may suit you best.

However, please note that superficially similar courses often have very different structures and objectives, and that the teaching, support and learning environment that best suits you can only be determined by identifying your own interests, needs, expectations and goals, and comparing them with detailed institution- and course-specific information.

We recommend that you look thoroughly at the course and University information contained on these webpages and consider coming to visit us on an Open Day , rather than relying solely on statistical comparison.

You may find the following notes helpful when considering information presented by Discover Uni.

  • Discover Uni relies on superficially similar courses being coded in the same way. Whilst this works on one level, it may lead to some anomalies. For example, Music courses and Music Technology courses can have exactly the same code despite being very different programmes with quite distinct educational and career outcomes. Any course which combines several disciplines (as many courses at Cambridge do) tends to be compared nationally with courses in just one of those disciplines, and in such cases the Discover Uni comparison may not be an accurate or fair reflection of the reality of either. For example, you may find that when considering a degree which embraces a range of disciplines such as biology, physics, chemistry and geology (for instance, Natural Sciences at Cambridge), the comparison provided is with courses at other institutions that primarily focus on just one (or a smaller combination) of those subjects.You may therefore find that not all elements of the Cambridge degree are represented in the Discover Uni data.
  • Some contextual data linked from other surveys, such as the National Student Survey (NSS) or the Destination of Leavers in Higher Education (DLHE), may not be available or may be aggregated across several courses or several years due to small sample sizes.  When using the data to inform your course choice, it is important to ensure you understand how it has been processed prior to its presentation. Discover Uni offers some explanatory information about how the contextual data is collated, and how it may be used, which you can view here: https://discoveruni.gov.uk/about-our-data/ .
  • Discover Uni draws on national data to provide average salaries and employment/continuation data.  Whilst starting salaries can be a useful measure, they do not give any sense of career trajectory or take account of the voluntary/low paid work that many graduates undertake initially in order to gain valuable experience necessary/advantageous for later career progression. Discover Uni is currently piloting use of the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data to demonstrate possible career progression; it is important to note that this is experimental and its use may be modified as it embeds.

The above list is not exhaustive and there may be other important factors that are relevant to the choices that you are making, but we hope that this will be a useful starting point to help you delve deeper than the face value of the Discover Uni data.

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Human, Social and Political Sciences and International Relations

Author: jack long-martinez, applied in: winter 2015, university offers: cambridge.

In The Soldier and the State Samuel P. Huntington writes that “collective will supplants individual whim”, and it is this notion of the collaborative power of humanity which is key to my desire to study politics. I find both mankind’s ability to draw strength from the creation of societies and the interrelationships between political powers intriguing and I am eager, therefore, to explore the world’s civilisations in detail.

As an introduction to my study of global political cultures, I read J. Stiglitz’s novel The Price of Inequality; his exposure of the flaws in US social structure prior to the Great Recession gave an insight into the workings of contemporary American society, with the author focusing in particular on the relationship between the nation’s reckless financial sector and the suffering of the USA’s “99 percent”. I subsequently read F. Fukuyama’s After the Neocons. This text furthered my understanding of American politics, discussing the consequences of the Bush administration’s incorrect application of neoconservative theory with regards to foreign policy and criticising its reliance on overwhelming military force as the key driver of cultural development.

Undertaking an extended project concerning the extent to which Francoist Spain was a fascist state allowed me to explore the political history of both Spain and Europe as a whole. My research led me to conclude that, in spite of sharing traits with its Fascist contemporaries, the absence of typically fascist ideals such as militaristic expansion and utopianism meant that the regime could never itself be truly classed as fascist. This view echoes that of S J Woolf, who labelled Franco’s fascism as “at best…half hearted”.

In order to understand international politics in a broader context, I also read Fukuyama’s The End of History and the Last Man; through his analysis of political development over the course of history and identification of Western liberal democracy as the ultimate political system, the author indicates the past’s importance in shaping today’s politics. It is questionable, however, whether Fukuyama’s views concerning Western society are valid, with the prominence of competing cultures-particularly Islam-casting doubt over their legitimacy. His argument has, therefore, been widely disputed, with S. Huntington, for example, describing belief in “the universality of Western culture” as “false” and “immoral”.

Politics and social organisation is not, however, only important on an international scale. It governs interaction at any level, be it within government or among communities, which inspires me to explore all forms of political activity. Publications such as The Economist and literature such as R.Peston’s How do we Fix this Mess? developed my interest in national politics. Work experience with Norman Lamb MP achieved similar outcomes; I gained a practical insight into the varied role of an MP at local level, with my drafting of letters to constituents, policy research and exchanges with Mr Lamb and his staff all proving to be invaluable in expanding my understanding and appreciation of Britain’s political system.

Outside the classroom, I have been heavily involved in charitable work. I raised several thousand pounds as an executive on Norwich School’s Appeals Committee and worked with the international charity ‘Smile’, for which I delivered speeches to audiences of over 900 people within Norwich Cathedral. Communication was also crucial to my role as Managing Director of a Young Enterprise company, through which I appeared on BBC Radio Norfolk. In addition, I have provided mathematics tutoring to GCSE pupils in school and played tennis to national standard. Moreover, I have recently been appointed Deputy Head of Norwich School, making me responsible for various aspects of school life, such as the Consultative Committee-the large pupil-led body which exists to voice students’ concerns on school matters-and the prefect body.

Please note UCAS will detect any form of plagiarism. PSE and its contributors do not take any responsibility for the way in which personal statements are used.

Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS)

Wollstonecraft

St John's College has a long tradition of excellence in these fields:  William Wilberforce  (1759-1833) and  Thomas Clarkson  (1760-1846), both leading figures in the campaign for the abolition of the slave trade,  Lord Palmerston  (1784-1865), Statesman and Prime Minister, William Rivers (1864-1922) and Professor Graeme Barker are amongst the distinguished Johnians who contributed much to the practice and teaching of these subjects. Many of the personal papers of these Johnians have been given to the College Library and are available for students to view.

Studying HSPS at St John's, you will have access to our exceptionally well-stocked  library  which affords 24 hour borrowing facilities and a pleasant working environment. Recommendations from all College members of items to be purchased for the library are  welcomed . Students can also benefit from an  introduction to archival material  session with the Archivist.

Students at St John's also run  The Palmerston Society , the College's HSPS society. The society has heard from a series of very distinguished and interesting speakers, and runs events frequently during the academic year.

The College also awards generous  Travel Grants  to students who wish to undertake projects abroad, as well as a wealth of other  grants and prizes  available to students, including book grants and assistance with attending conferences.

BOOK 2

  • Entry Details

Further Information

UCAS Code : UCAS code L000 BA/HSP

Typical Minimum Entry Requirements

A Level:  A*AA

International Baccalaureate:  42 points, with 776 at Higher Level

Desirable Subjects:  A Level/IB Higher Level in at least one essay-based subject. Politics, Philosophy and Sociology are desirable.

Submitted Work:   Two essays from your A2 work (or equivalent), one of which might be timed.

Admissions Assessment:  None

Admissions Interviews

Those invited for interview will typically have one interview of approximately 35 minutes with a Teaching Fellow in HSPS. The aim of these interviews is to establish your motivation and aptitude for your proposed studies. The interviewers will expect to find an enthusiasm for HSPS going beyond the minimum requirements of the examination course. We try to conduct our interviews in a friendly and informal manner, and you should not feel daunted by the prospect of them. They should not be seen as interrogations.

In making their decision about those candidates best suited to study at St John's, the interviewers consider all evidence of an applicant's academic potential. They take into account the applicant's academic record and predicted grades, their personal statement and academic reference, their submitted written work, and how they come across in interview. No part of the process will be considered in isolation or be decisive. The purpose of our interviewing process is to ensure that candidates have the greatest possible opportunity to demonstrate their ability.  

The interviewers may use your submitted written work as a means to facilitate discussion with the candidates on their interests, and they will also be looking for signs of actual and potential ability to structure argument, to use evidence effectively, to write fluently and precisely and to think originally. An example of the type of questions that you might be asked is 'how would you determine a reliable source?'. 

Directors of Studies Dr Sylvana Tomaselli - HSPS

Dr Sylvana P Tomaselli

Tutor Professor Eric Miska

Professor Eric Miska

Subject Fellows Dr Leah Downey Dr Tomas Larsson Dr Sylvana Tomaselli Dr Helen Watson Mr Ray Jobling  (Retired) Professor Christel Lane  (Retired)

College Research Associates Dr Kerry A McInerney Dr Alex McLaughlin Dr Shannon Philip

For more details please go to the   Faculty of Human, Social, and Political Sciences

For more information about Politics, Sociology and International Politics at St John's please  click here

HSPS Course Outline 

Faculty of Human, Social, and Political Science (HSPS)

Faculty of Human, Social, and Political Science (HSPS): Undergraduate Admissions

St John's College Library: HSPS Subject Guide

St John's College Library: International Relations Subject Guide

St John's College Library: Archaeology & Anthropology Subject Guide

Useful Links

Exchange Programmes

Grants, Awards and Prizes

Interview with Miss Tomaselli (July 2020)

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Human, social & political sciences personal statement example 1.

When I was a child my favorite place was the airport. I love the confusion inside it,listening to many different languages and seeing different cultures meet in only one place. I consider that my interest for the social movement arise from that place.

I was born in Odessa into a Russian family and when I was only five my parents decided to move to Crotone,in the south of Italy. Nowadays I think that I'm very lucky to know two cultures so different one from the other.

This has prompted me to take an interest on how the traditions and the events affect the human psyche and how the man himself can revolutionize the environment in which he lives.

The occurrences that particularly influence me are: The Arab spring and the Bosnian War; But also the land where I live it's a hot zone,inasmuch in Crotone there is one of the most crowded immigrant reception centre and my little town is "invaded" by new populations.

For me it's a great opportunity to know directly the victims of cruel wars or dramatic situations and many times they shared with me their stories,hopes and current problems like the integration in a new country.

My main ambition is to help every single individual to have a respectable existence,to be free and satisfied,because every satisfied person will establish a well-functioning society as Democritus affirmed -'The native land of a good soul is the whole earth'-.

While I'm studying philosophy I become fond of psychology since ancient philosophers like Aristotle or Epicurus realized the importance of the human inner being.My favorite psychologists are Freud and Gordon Allport.

I like learning new languages beyond:Italian,Russian,Ukrainian,English and Spanish I would like to learn Portuguese or a Middle Eastern language.

I consider language an essential component to understand the identity of a country,so I'm studying Latin and ancient Greek that are the basis of many European languages and the same ancient Roman-Greek way of thinking are the cornerstones of occidental culture.

Since I was ten my parents gave me the opportunity to study English abroad in summer and I could visit many Anglophone countries.

Travelling has become for me a passion,not only to see new places but also to meet new way of thinking and people.Last summer I was in Haiti I can say that I admire their culture and their pragmatist in every situation.

Beside the school I love painting,taking photos (I also participated to an exhibition in my school),looking after animals and practicing many sports like:tennis, snowboard, ski and classic ballet (that I exercise for 10 years).

Studying in United Kingdom it's a great opportunity because it has one of the most innovative education system in the world. I hope that I'll be able to join in this environment and contribute,even in a small way, to the improvement of the society

Profile info

This personal statement was written by LeraDelKey for application in 2013.

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COMMENTS

  1. Human, Social, and Political Sciences Personal Statement Example

    Profile info. There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous. Author's Comments. As an IB student applying to the competitive Human, Social and Political Sciences course at Cambridge, I wanted my personal statement to really stand and highlight my engagement with knowledge at various different levels.

  2. Human, Social & Political Sciences Personal Statement Example 2

    Human, Social & Political Sciences Personal Statement Example 2. During my trip to China in 2006, I discovered a society vastly different from the one I was growing up in. While exploring the outskirts of Shanghai, my family and I were astonished by the levels of poverty and scarcity - I vividly remember watching someone clean a whole chicken ...

  3. Cambridge HSPS Personal Statement: TOP Tips

    Your personal statement should reflect a deep interest in and engagement with social sciences. Highlight your understanding of the subjects within HSPS like politics, sociology, anthropology, or international relations. Discuss books, articles, or current events that have inspired you and link them to the course structure at Cambridge.

  4. Human, Social & Political Sciences Personal Statement Example 3

    Politics Personal Statement Example 29. Politics has always enthused me because it allows an exploration of some of the fundamental values of our society: the principles of democracy, good governance and the relationship between the state and individual. The ubiquity of politics in the modern world makes it a subject that is broad and varied ...

  5. Preparing for Interview

    The Interview. In this video, you can see four example interviews so you can get a sense of the kind of questions you might be asked. There's even a specific example of an HSPS inverview question (01:50-03:50), as well as an example of the kind of "unseen" material that you might be asked to interpret and reflect on during the interview (08:47 ...

  6. Social and Political Sciences Personal Statement

    Social and Political Sciences Personal Statement. At this time of year, you should be focusing on your Personal Statement. It is the best way to show your passion and interest in your subject and is particularly important for Oxford applications where it will help to determine whether or not you are invited to interview.

  7. Social Sciences Personal Statement

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  8. How to Get into Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) at

    Getting into Cambridge to study Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) is no mean feat. Not only do you need to achieve the grade requirements and score highly in the admissions assessment (if required), but you also need to perform well in the interview. Just 17% of applicants - less than 1 in 5 - were successful in receiving an offer ...

  9. 10 Top Tips for an Oxford Human Sciences Personal Statement

    Steer clear of slang, clichés and quotes. It will sound repetitive to Oxford admissions tutors to hear about how students are "passionate" about their subject or that they have a "thirst for knowledge". Write about your personal experience with your Human Sciences' journey, and allow the Oxford admissions tutors to do the rest.

  10. Applying to HSPS

    Applications to HSPS are made through UCAS ( Course Code L000 ). The deadline is 15 October, which is earlier than most other Universities. If your application is considered competitive, you may be invited to attend an interview in December. For complete application information, visit the University of Cambridge Undergraduate Study website.

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    BSc Social Sciences Personal Statement. Human behaviour is complex and constantly evolving. Since studying A level Psychology, my fascination with human nature and the way we behave, both in a group or as individuals has grown. The study of group behaviour led to my interest in sociology as I enjoy exploring the way society has the ability to ...

  12. Personal Statement:Social and political sciences 1

    Social and Political Sciences Personal StatementIn 2003 I completed my HIGCSEs in Pretoria; the city I lived in for 12 years of my life. I had dreamt of studying in Britain since childhood; this motivated me to gain international qualifications through home study, which in turn helped me to develop my own study style and ethic. So in 2004 I left home and moved to Andover, Hampshire where I ...

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    The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to several top graduate schools in political science. Variations of this PS got accepted at Duke, UCLA, and NYU. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in political science should look like. Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School in PoliSci

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    Human, Social & Political Sciences Personal Statement Example 1. ... Human, Social, and Political Sciences Personal Statement Example (Cambridge) Thinking, to me, occurs in patterns. I'm a scavenger when it comes to ideas: borrowing from this, considering that, using a thought to spark off another. The process of peeling back the layers ...

  16. Application FAQs

    Libraries and Facilities. This page outlines our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the HSPS programme. The HSPS administation team and the relevant Departments are keen to support our prospective students in gathering the information they need to make an informed application.

  17. Human, Social, and Political Sciences

    Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS) at Cambridge. Human, Social, and Political Sciences at Cambridge includes politics and international relations, social anthropology and sociology. You can specialise in one or two subjects, but you can also explore a variety of other subjects too. Number 1 in the UK for Sociology and Social Policy ...

  18. Human, Social and Political Sciences and International Relations

    Politics and social organisation is not, however, only important on an international scale. It governs interaction at any level, be it within government or among communities, which inspires me to explore all forms of political activity. Publications such as The Economist and literature such as R.Peston's How do we Fix this Mess? developed my ...

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    If you want to study Politics, International Relations, Sociology or Anthropology at Cambridge then Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) is the course for you, offering several popular subject combinations, as well as specialist options. St John's College has a long tradition of excellence in these fields: William Wilberforce (1759-1833 ...

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    This personal statement was written by charlied for application in 2009. charlied's Comments. This is a statement that I submitted for Social Sciences at York, Cardiff and Bath, and for Sociology and Psychology at Edinburgh and Exeter. Hope it helps! Ratings. Statement rating: Related Personal Statements

  24. Human, Social & Political Sciences Personal Statement Example 1

    Human, Social & Political Sciences Personal Statement Example 1. When I was a child my favorite place was the airport. I love the confusion inside it,listening to many different languages and seeing different cultures meet in only one place. I consider that my interest for the social movement arise from that place.