personal statement theology and religious studies

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Theology Personal Statement Examples

Below are two perfectly written Theology personal statement examples . Use it as a motivation and inspiration for your academic work and university application. 

Theology Personal Statement

The origami crane sits on my desk as a reminder of the theological questions that unfold before me. When I was 10 years old, I folded this paper crane in the hospital chapel where my mother had been admitted for cancer treatments. 

As I struggled to understand why a benevolent God would allow such suffering, the chaplain helped me find spiritual meaning in hardship through this ancient art of paper folding. Origami transforms a two-dimensional sheet into a sculpture full of contours, shadows and depth – much like how spiritual perspectives can transform situations of grief into opportunities for growth. 

Just as that little crane helped my young mind grasp concepts beyond my years, I now hope to guide others wrestling with existential questions and provide perspectives allowing them to see life anew. This childhood experience sparked a commitment I carry to this day – to advance my theological understanding so I can lift the spirits of those enduring life’s darkest nights.

Within the classroom, Religious Studies quickly emerged as my favourite A-Level subject. I was particularly captivated by modules on the philosophy of religion , ethics and the nature of God across Abrahamic faiths. Comparing ontological arguments from Anselm and Descartes highlighted to me the complexity of reasoning for God’s existence across history. Studying Kantian ethics and its application to issues like embryo research opened my eyes to moral nuance. By achieving an A grade in my RS A-Level alongside strong grades in complementary subjects like English Literature (B) and History (A), I have demonstrated both an aptitude for and commitment to theological study needed to excel at the university level.

Beyond prescribed curriculums, I have taken it upon myself to expand my theological knowledge substantially. Reading texts by modern thinkers like Richard Dawkins and Reza Aslan has exposed me to new perspectives on topics like science-religion compatibility and textual criticism of scriptures. I also had the privilege of visiting Israel and Palestine last summer, deepening my understanding of interfaith relations and conflicts in sacred land. From volunteering at a local church soup kitchen to engaging in debates on my school’s Philosophy Society, I have continually sought new ways to actively advance and apply my theological learning rather than pursuing it as a purely abstract, intellectual exercise.

Looking ahead, I feel strongly called to not only further my understanding through advanced theological study but also help guide others in their personal relationships with the divine. As an empathetic yet analytical thinker, I believe I possess the ideal traits to serve in roles like chaplaincy and spiritual counselling. 

By pursuing expertise in theological ethics as well as psychological models of faith development, I hope to provide specialised support for those in crisis moments of faith – whether they be teenagers struggling to square their sexuality and upbringing or hospital patients facing end-of-life questions about the afterlife. Wherever I land professionally, university theology programmes will provide me with the advanced knowledge and critical thinking abilities to make meaningful impacts on people when spiritual guidance matters most.

With a lifelong fascination for the theological paired with a calling to help guide others spiritually, I am confident further study at university represents the next profound step on my path. The chance to substantially deepen my expertise whilst preparing for real-world application in fields like chaplaincy truly excites me. I look forward to all the intellectual, ethical and philosophical revelations studying Theology has to offer.

The stage lights illuminate the barren set piece – a simple wooden cross. As I step forward to deliver my monologue wrestling with the mystery of Jesus’ sacrificial death, the theatre fades away until only the cross remains. 

This crucifix simultaneously embodies the profound questions at the heart of Christ’s suffering as well as the deeper spiritual longings within each audience member. Why must purity be rooted in pain? How does undeserved agony transform into redemption? In those heavy moments of silence, it feels as if all humanity holds its breath awaiting answers. 

Though the director yells “Scene!” breaking the spell, for me the lights stay dimmed as the theological queries continue churning within. That perennial quest to unpack doctrine and comfort and disturb through drama is what calls me to the formal study of God and the human condition we call theology.

Beyond just an intellectual curiosity in religious issues though, my motivation also stems from a desire to provide thoughtful spiritual counsel. My grandmother’s inspiring model demonstrated the power of faith even amidst deep grief – as I helped care for her through my grandfather’s long illness, her steadfast belief in redemptive suffering provided comfort. Inspired by her grace, I wish to similarly guide others wrestling with questions of theodicy and loss from a place of compassion. A degree in Theology would equip me with the expertise to potentially serve communities as a hospital chaplain, hospice visitor or even bereavement counsellor.

I recognise advanced engagement with philosophical debates around God, morality and the meaning of life requires strong critical thinking abilities. As an avid member of my school’s Philosophy Club, I regularly dissect complex theological arguments and have undertaken my own analysis on topics like the compatibility of divine omniscience and human free will. 

Achieving an A on my Religious Studies A-Level demonstrated my skill in interpreting biblical texts and assessing truth claims. I also further honed my logic through an interdisciplinary Extended Project Qualification exploring the intersection of law, ethics and technology.

Though eager to test boundaries of dogmatic thought, I believe fruitful theological exploration also requires empathy – an openness to varied lived experiences of the divine. As such, I have sought first-hand encounters with diverse religious traditions beyond just academic study. 

From attending a Hindu puja ceremony to volunteering at a local mosque’s Eid festival, these exposures have enriched my interfaith literacy. If selected for theology programmes, I am particularly interested in modules examining communities like liberation theology and feminist approaches to reimagining God through marginalised voices.

With equal parts intellectual rigour and compassion for the human condition, I believe I possess the essential foundations to thrive in university-level theological inquiry. By combining critical philosophical perspectives with the needs of spiritual counselling, I feel called to not only advance discourse but transform lives. Just as the most moving theatrical performances integrate layered meaning with emotional resonance, an effective theological practitioner must seamlessly blend intellect and empathy. I am eager to enact this model, bridging ideological complexities around faith with sensitive guidance to uplift people in their darkest moments of doubt.

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Theology Personal Statement Guide

Your personal statement is an important part of your university application. It is your first chance to make a lasting impression on the admission tutors in the Theology department. 

Your personal statement provides an insight into your motivations for wanting to study Theology, showcases your potential contributions to the cohort and demonstrates your determination and skills that will aid your success on the course.

Personal statement writing can appear to be a daunting process for many Theology applicants, especially when trying to strike a balance between discussing relevant accomplishments and academic interests, whilst condensing it all into one A4 page. 

To help you get on the right track, our Personal Statement Guide takes you through everything you need to know to create an excellent Theology personal statement:

• Why are Personal Statements Important?
• What Should I Include in a Theology Personal Statement?  
• What Should I Avoid in a Theology Personal Statement?  

Advice on How to Start a Theology Personal Statement  

Advice on how to finish a theology personal statement  .

What Should I Avoid in a Theology Personal Statement ?  

The most common pitfall when writing a Theology Personal statement is oversimplifying or misinterpreting theological concepts. You must ensure that you explain theological concepts accurately and clearl y to produce an effective personal statement. You can make sure you don't do this by only mentioning ideas that you've read about thoroughly and are sure you understand completely.

Moreover, you must spell any key terms you use correctly . This not only shows your ability to pay attention to detail, but that you also understand the content you are discussing. Be careful not to conflate elements of one religious tradition with another, as this too can undermine your credibility and understanding.

Finally, stay as far away as possible from cliches and overly verbose language , like “I have wanted to study theology since I was young” or “Buddhism is super fascinating.” Instead, you should use precise, genuine expressions to succinctly convey your motivations and insights. Remember that your word count is short, and wasting words on vague statements does not make for an attractive personal statement.

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Your Theology Personal statement is a reflection of your academic journey and pursuit of the subject. Hence, mapping out this journey to decide what you want to include in your personal statement is a great place to start.

Before you begin writing, creating a mind map or list outlining your reasons for interest in the subject can be very beneficial. Reflect on the theological texts you've found compelling, discussions you've engaged in, and any relevant experiences or media you've encountered. Concentrate on detailing what you have undertaken, what has motivated and enriched your understanding, and your aspirations for further learning. For instance, after reading the Epic of Gilgamesh, how was your understanding of Mesopotamia impacted or after learning about Samsara, what significance do you think reincarnation has for Hinduism?

If you are struggling to get your wider research off the ground, or need something new to get out of a research rut, check out some of our recommendations below:

Becoming Sinners: Christianity and Moral Torment in Papua New Guinea Society by Joel Robbins

Public Religions in the Modern World by José Casanova

A Secular Age by Charles Taylor

Studying Islam: The Critical Issues (Studying World Religions)  by Clinton Bennett

Religion in Britain Since 1945 by Grace Davie

Documentaries:

Testament: The Story of Moses

The Story of God With Morgan Freeman

In Our Time, Religion (BBC Radio 4)

Philosophize This!

BBC Beyond Belief Podcast

Journals/Publications:

The Journal of Theological Studies

International Journal of Systematic Theology

Religion and Gender

Writing the conclusion of a Theology Personal Statement can be as challenging as crafting the opening line. Our main piece of advice is to try not to overcomplicate things! Your final sentences should clearly and succinctly summarise your academic interest in Theology and your enthusiasm for pursuing the course.

Think about what you want the admissions tutors to remember about you once they have finished reading. This is the information to foreground in your conclusion.

Lastly, always proofread your personal statement several times . We recommend giving a final version to a parent, guardian, teacher, friend, or anyone else you can find, really! Getting a second opinion, be it from someone with a background in Theology or someone completely new to the subject, can help weed out mistakes and ensure your writing is clear and your intentions can be understood.

• What are some Tips for Writing a Strong Theology Personal Statement?
• How Long Should my Theology Personal Statement Be?
• What Kind of Extracurricular Activities Should I Include in my Theology Personal Statement?
• How Can I Tailor my Theology Personal Statement to the Oxford/Cambridge Course?

The strongest Theology Personal statements are ones which demonstrate a genuine and authentic interest in the study of Theology but also show that they understand what Theology is. Top students will include key terms and explain relevant theories or content accurately to demonstrate their understanding of the course and course requirements.

Top level applicants will spend most, if not all, of their statement focused purely on their academic research and interests within the field of Theology. They will not mention anything that they cannot relate back to Theology or relevant skills for higher level study.

If you are applying for a joint honours course, such as Theology and Philosophy, or different courses at a few universities and Theology at others, carefully think about which topics you write about to demonstrate that you have skills to cover all elements of the course.

It is advisable to use as much of the UCAS-provided limit as you can. Your personal statement is a chance to exhibit to admissions tutors that you possess the qualities of an outstanding Theology student. While the 4000-character or 47-line limit (whichever is met first) may appear ample, once you begin detailing your interests, you will find that it ins't much space at all!

You want to ensure that you only include extracurricular activities that demonstrate relevant skills, interests, and qualities in your statement.

Whether the activity or resource you want to mention is directly related to Theology or not (and it doesn't necessarily have to be), you should not just mention it, but also explicitly discuss why or how you believe that it either motivates you or equips you with the skills to perform well on the degree course to which you are applying.

A lot of students assume you need to be experts in the Reformation, know the ins and outs of all the Abrahamic religions and be able to analyse Latin, but it is no requirement to cover any of this in your personal statement. It is important when tailoring your personal statement to Oxford and Cambridge that you follow your interests and, above all, be yourself and authentic in the opinions you express and the topics you choose to discuss.

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If you’d like to know more about Theology, we have admissions test guidance and interview preparation readily available.  

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Theology Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

Studying Theology will give you an in-depth insight into many different faiths and cultures from around the world. However, no matter which subject you’re applying for writing a personal statement can be tricky.

Here is an example of a Theology personal statement to point you in the right direction:

Having been raised as an atheist but attending a Roman Catholic school I have always been interested in different religions and how belief systems shape people’s lives and even a country’s laws.

I enjoy the challenge that the ethical and moral debates surrounding religion bring, as well as exploring the historical context of how religion has developed through the centuries. My favourite subjects at school were Religious Studies and Ethics which led to me continue these subjects at A Level.

I also picked up Critical Thinking at A Level which allowed me to develop my analytical skills and learn how to construct a concise and logical argument. I look forward to the many debates I will have during my time at university on the subject of Theology.

Outside of school I am a regular runner and charity fundraiser. This year I have completed multiple sponsored runs to raise money for charity and I hope that this is something I will continue to do whilst at university.

As well as my sporting responsibilities I also work part time in my local supermarket which has helped me build on my already good communication and teamwork skills. It has also encouraged me to develop better organisational and time keeping skills as my responsibilities increased.

I look forward to the new challenges that life at university will bring and to learning more about the fascinating subject of Theology. I am considering a career in teaching after graduating and feel that my time at university will help me gain the experience, skills, and qualifications I need to become a good teacher.

I plan to complete a work placement during the summer with a local play scheme to give me an understanding into the daily life of working with children.

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Theology and Religious Studies BTh Personal Statement Example

• Reading time: 3 minutes
• Price: Free download
• Published: 20th July 2023
• Word count: 668 words
• File format: Text

Being raised in a multicultural neighborhood, I always marveled at the diverse festivals, traditions, and moral tenets that seamlessly coexisted. The melange of festivals was an exhibition of the abundant theologies around me, invoking a fascination towards religious diversity that cascaded into my academic interests and encounters. This was the genesis of my attraction towards Theology and Religious Studies, a subject rooted in the very fabric of human civilization and existence.

My deepening intrigue in this field was buttressed by my A level studies in Philosophy and Ethics, where I was exposed to the vast moral and ethical implications of religious beliefs. These lessons became a compelling avenue for me to explore the philosophical depth of theological traditions, how these traditions interact with society and individuals, and the intertwined ethics that shape social behavior.

In my quest to practically understand religion and its influence, I undertook volunteering at our local community center. This involves organizing religious and cultural events, where cross-cultural dialogues were encouraged. It enabled me to witness first-hand the impact religious beliefs exert on our lives, shaping diverse perspectives, values, and attitudes in day-to-day living, thereby validating the essence of Theology and Religious studies in contemporary society.

Further, my accomplishments in the debating society in my school strengthened my oral and written communication which I believe, are crucial for articulating complex theological concepts. Being elected as the head of the school cultural committee, I was persistent in fostering an environment of inclusion and respect for all cultures and faiths. It cultivated in me an appreciation for diversity and refined my leadership skills, offering me insights on managing religious diversity in a microcosm of society like school.

Embarking on a historical journey, I undertook a personal research project exploring the transformation of Roman paganism to Christianity during the reign of Emperor Constantine. This focused study underlined the historical fluidity of religious beliefs and sparked my interest in archaeology and its significance in understanding religious evolution and parallel societal changes. In order to gain a more comprehensive understanding, I attended a short online course in comparative religion, which provided me a sound base in identifying and analyzing the parallels, intersections, and deviations in major world religions.

With proficient skills of critical analysis, argumentation, research, and empathy, I am well-positioned to excel in the undergraduate degree in Theology and Religious Studies. My analytical ability would enable me to dissect intricate ideologies; argumentative skills to provide robust religious defenses, and the continuous yearn for knowledge amplifies my research abilities, while empathy aids in understanding various religious practices from the follower’s perspective.

My vision is to work within the framework of interfaith dialog and conflict resolution, being a voice for religious tolerance and understanding. I see the study of theology, not just as a matter of personal interest, but as an indispensable tool for bridging gaps in religious understanding, resolving conflicts, and constructing a harmonious society. This aspiration extends to my goal of acquiring a role within the United Nations, focusing on peacekeeping and conflict resolution instigated by religious misunderstanding.

To remain aligned with my goals, the BTh Theology & Religious Studies is a clear step forward. The broad scope offered in your program, combined with the possibility to specialize in areas of my interest, such as Interfaith Dialogue or Religious History, aligns perfectly with my ambitions. The cross-disciplinary approach and an environment encouraging intellectual curiosity is excellent for furthering my understanding of this multifaceted discipline.

In conclusion, my fascination for understanding religious diversity, my academic engagements, and the overall experiences profoundly resonate with my ambition to pursue Theology & Religious Studies. Embracing the depth of this course, I look forward to embarking on an enriching journey of religious exploration, contributing to the diversity of the university, and utilizing my gained wisdom in bringing harmony in a diverse world. With a quenchless thirst for understanding the profound mysteries of religion and faith, I am excited to navigate through countless dialogues, debates, and discourses marking my journey in Theology & Religious Studies.

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Sample Personal Statement in Religious Studies

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to several top MA programs in religious studies. Variations of this PS got accepted at Columbia, Harvard, and Colorado University. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in religion should look like.

Example Personal Statement in Religion

In our society, it’s natural and encouraged to accept without questioning; given this cultural norm of blind following, we accept without thinking about the social and spiritual contract we enter once we are of sound mind. However, reason can only stay unconscious as long as it doesn’t actively think, but when it does, everything we once did robotically becomes a question of why.

Something similar happened during my first year when a professor started questioning religion on philosophical grounds. Although shattered because nothing I said or thought defended my religious beliefs, my mental state became what James Baldwin once said. “The paradox of education is precisely this – that as one begins to become conscious, one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated.” Thereon, I started questioning everything in our community, including religion.

Although being a full-time Finance major momentarily distracted me from my undeniable thirst for knowing the reasoning behind the following religion, a mandatory course during my fourth semester brought the interest boiling back to the surface. I enrolled in the socio-economic-political philosophy of Islam (SEPPI) offered by the same professor I mentioned previously. My intention was solely to settle my mind, which ruthlessly questioned why I followed Islam, particularly when there were so many other religions too.

However, we didn’t start there; we began with metaphysics – the ever-live debate about the existence of God. Then, as a class, we went out to study every other major religion in the world, critically analyzing everything from Judaism to the concept of the social trinity down to the very purpose of Islam. This class overshadowed every other course I took that semester to the point that even while studying financial management, all I could think about was our class discussions. And at the end, it drove me to my professor’s office, currently also my research advisor, where I told him that this was what I wanted to study.

Next semester, I was recruited as his research assistant and started my research on the most discussed event connecting Judaist and Christian theology – The trial of Jesus (PBUH).  

Another significant development occurred during the fourth semester when I started teaching English as part of my social internship. Though my weekends got occupied, I slowly discovered my love for teaching. It was the most challenging job I had taken; I had to prepare underprivileged students for college entry exams designed to test the privileged ones. But the entire experience moulded me, and I immediately signed up for another semester to teach.

In time I realized that I felt comfortable teaching, which gave me a sense of purpose. I was finally giving back to my community, and what better way was there than to impart knowledge? So, it was no surprise when I said in my speech, upon receiving the best intern award, that I wanted to be a teacher, and at the back of my head, I knew exactly what I wanted to teach.

In the next two years that I worked as a research assistant, my research and analytical skills improved because I was constantly reading historical books and journals on Jesus. I critically viewed every stance that an author would take on his trial. As an aspirant student hoping to publish one day, my paper focused on defending Jesus’s (PBUH) position when he was accused of blasphemy and charged with crucifixion upon his claim to be the messenger of God. And while it was one experience to research it, it was another to present and teach it in a live class.

As the content of my research was part of the SEPPI curriculum, I got the opportunity to teach in the university classroom. The sophomore students not only commented but also questioned my position and thus drove me further to defend it logically. Consequently, those classes became crucial feedback to improve my research work and only confirmed my zeal for studying and teaching religious studies.

In my four years of undergrad, living away from home, finding an academic route amidst batch mates aspiring to meet corporate heights and realizing that the young generation silently thirsts for justification has inspired me to decide resistance. It’s neither dazzling nor lucrative but teaching religious studies to strengthen reasoning is a social change I would like to start.

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Theological and Religious Studies

About the program.

In light of the need for intercultural and interreligious understanding, and in light of the related challenges to religious studies and theology, the Department of Theology and Religious Studies offers a doctoral program which focuses on the phenomenon of religious pluralism as it impacts theological and religious studies. The department has faculty resources in both religious studies and theology, and the methods and discourses of each discipline will be represented in the program. To carry out the study of religious plurality adequately, the department believes that it is necessary for students to recognize the real diversity of religious traditions and to study in their integrity the beliefs and practices of more than one religious tradition. As a result, comparative work is an essential part of the program. Students will complete coursework and comprehensive exams in both a primary and secondary religious tradition. They will be expected to achieve a level of mastery in both traditions sufficient for conducting comparative research and teaching on the university level.

Connect with Us

Program Contact: Michael Slater – [email protected]

Begin your application today!

Degrees Offered

Admissions requirements.

For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information  page. Review the  program’s website  for additional information on program application requirements. Application Materials required:

• Application Form
• Non-Refundable Application Fee
• Academic Statement of Purpose
• Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions
• Writing Sample
• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• Transcripts – Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s  Application Information  page for additional details and FAQs.
• GRE Score (optional)
• TOEFL = 80 minimum
• IELTS = 7.0 minimum

Application Deadlines

• Fall:  December 15

Degree Requirements

• 36 credit hours, excluding dissertation
• Two foreign languages
• The program will normally take five years of full-time study – two years of course work, six months to one year to prepare for the comprehensive examinations and two years for the dissertation

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Theology and religious studies courses

Studying theology and religious studies at university, example course modules.

• Symposium in religion and theology
• Living religions
• Approaches to the study of religion
• Introduction to biblical studies
• Introduction to the history of Christianity
• Introduction to Islam
• Global Christianity
• The Holocaust in history and memory
• Women in Islam

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

Average for all subjects

Average hours for this subject: 9 (Low N/A - High N/A). Average hours for all subjects: 14.

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

Who studies this subject

• Female : 62% Male : 38%
• Mature : 33% School leaver : 67%
• Full-time : 84% Part-time : 16%

What students say about theology and religious studies

Academic experience.

I study theology and religious studies and I only have about six hours of contact time a week. Whilst it is great to have so much free time to myself, the few hours of uni also require me to be organised and ensure that I structure my time well. The type of work that you're required to do can vary from essays and exams to presentations, group work and recording an online log.

Course content is fantastic and relevant, module options are many! I took modules in history of the papacy and political theology, as well as liturgy and Christian anthropology. I had the option of taking up to 10 optional modules out of over 40 to choose from. The workload is challenging and it increases, but it is enjoyable and engaging. I have had to do essays, presentations and exams, as well as timed essays and lead a tutorial.

The theology department at Chester is really good. We get 12 hours per week of contact time in the first year, 10 in the second year and eight in the third). However, if you are doing a course that involves a lot of reading like I am, it's almost a full-time job for you to read everything lecturers want you to! Assessments mainly include essays, with the occasional presentation. I don't find the course too challenging because I love the content - it isn't a chore or difficult because most of the content is so interesting.

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need.

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

• No Specific Requirements

Useful to have

• English literature
• Religious studies

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

• January application
• October application
• Personal statement
• Work experience

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Career prospects

Six months after graduating.

• Welfare professionals

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful.

• Community worker

Other real-life job examples

• Financial analyst
• Civil Service fast streamer
• Housing and homelessness officer

What employers like about this subject

A theology degree will help you to develop subject-specific skills including an understanding of religions and the way that they have influenced society in the past and present and a familiarity with current religious and ethical debates. Transferable skills you can develop on a theology degree include excellent communication and negotiating skills, the ability to understand and articulate complex information and good time management. Theology is the original vocational degree and so religious organisations are much the most common employers of graduates, but they also get jobs in a variety of industries including schools, social care, recruitment, banking, the Civil Service, the law, publishing and health.

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Religious studies personal statement example 1.

I find it inspiring to be in the presence of other people who are seeking understanding of themselves, and the most intense experience I can remember is when I attended a Baptism where I witnessed the transformation people would undergo.

In addition to these personal experiences I have found my A-levels in Religious Studies and Philosophy to be absorbing because of their ability to provoke a reflection upon my own beliefs. I would like to study religion at degree level because I hope this would further my personal understanding, and my knowledge of other religious perspectives.

I have been particularly interested in the comparisons and contrasts between Christian and Buddhist religious views and practices. This requires an understanding that is absent from any projection of our own beliefs and values onto what we think 'the other' may be.

When dealing with other cultures, I believe that it is easy to mistake them for something that we hope, or fear them to be. I think it is important to have an accurate, well informed idea about the major religious traditions that affect our lives in the increasingly globalised world.

Moreover, I based my Religious Studies coursework on the relevance of religious experience to justify our beliefs. It included an evaluation that encompassed psychological and sociological explanations, and included a consideration of logical criticisms which were made up against arguments from experience.

I wrote an article for the college newspaper which provided a short introduction to Amnesty International. There has since been an Amnesty group formed within the college and we are now preparing for Protect the Human Week in October 2008.

Planning for this week has required some of the skills that are useful for a degree particularly when it comes to communicating with others, working to a deadline, and retrieving appropriate information for a particular topic. By my own initiative I have also entered the Student Union elections because I was dissatisfied with the progress made inside the college last year.

During this year's Fresher's Fair, I attempted to create a multi-faith group for people who were interested in inter-faith dialogue. The response was disappointing; however I am now re-introducing Peace Mala to the college which invites people from much broader backgrounds to celebrate what makes us different from each other. Because of these interests I am applying for courses in university where there is likely to be a multi-cultural student body.

Most of what I know has originated from books because I enjoy being self-directed and disciplined in my study. I wish to read religious literature and analyse the context it has been written in because I am interested to see if the context reflects in the literature itself. I think this is important because I believe that without understanding the historical context we can not fully appreciate the texts we are reading.

In support of my study of Buddhism at A2, I have read books by Thich Nhat Hanh, and Damien Keown that include The Heart of Understanding, and Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction.

Both have provided me with a stimulating introduction to Buddhism and I have been particularly interested in Thich Nhat Hanh's commentaries on the Heart Sutra. His commentaries are extremely clear and have certainly whet my appetite to learn more about this fascinating religion.

I take an enthusiastic interest in hiking. My most recent hike involved conquering the three highest peaks in the UK, certainly the most challenging thing I have done outside of college as it took an unlikely form of stamina to achieve, namely the mental kind.

These walks cultivated our friendship as we worked together, progressing to our next destination on the map. In the summer of 2009, we are scheduled to complete a long-distance walk for our charity of choice for which I have chosen Oxfam. The course I am applying for is well suited to all my interests and I look forward to student life.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Jinkies for application in 2009.

Jinkies's university choices University of Bristol Cardiff University

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Jinkies's Comments

This statement helped me get conditional offers for every University that I applied for (Bristol, SOAS, Cardiff, Bath Spa, and Newport). I am now about to start my first year at the University of Wales, Newport.

Each draft was given to my personal tutor to mark. She corrected my grammar and gave me advice which I think you will find useful.

1. Be absolutely sure on the subject you would like to do. You *cannot* feign enthusiasm - the admissions tutor will see straight through this.

2. Avoid poetic language. This includes words such as 'oft' for example.

3. Keep your statement to the point. This follows from the previous point that I made about poetic language. It means no rambling. It makes your statement easier to read and gives space to impress the admissions with a well written statement.

4. Your personal statement must be relevant to the course you are doing. Avoid making your statement too generic. For example, my interest in Buddhism influenced where I wanted to study. So I made sure that the Universities I applied for had modules on Eastern religions. Moreover, I balanced my statement around my chosen courses as a whole by commenting on my other interests relating to the subject along with books I have read, and my coursework and college activities. Admissions tutors want to see that you will be a great student to have in their class room.

5. The first paragraph is the worst - it's likely you'll never get it perfect.

6. When drafting, don't waste time thinking what to say. You need a free flow of consciousness - so keep typing and edit/correct spelling mistakes later. Your first few drafts are going to look like crap anyway so there's no reason to worry getting it 'perfect' first time.

7. This one is more difficult. You need to make yourself stand out, but not so much that you come across as self-important and overblown. Your statement needs to feel natural to the person reading it.

8. OK, final point. START EARLY! I started this statement at the beginning of A2 and submitted it during the very beginning of October before the deadline for Oxbridge candidates. If you've done your statement before your references - politely ask your lecturers if you could have your reference early, so you can send off your statement as soon as possible.

Whew. If you read this far then I hope it hasn't been a waste of time for you. Best wishes to everyone that's applying, and please rate my statement if you don't mind :).

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Cheers this helped a lot.

Thu, 04/07/2013 - 16:00

Cheers! This helped a lot when writing my personal statement.

Mon, 26/08/2013 - 16:49

i think the same person has written most of these comments anyways thanks it helped me

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Religious studies personal statement

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