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How to write a personal statement for sociology

Whether it’s by doing a job at McDonalds or volunteering to work in your community, show how your life has given you an interest in sociology

F rom social inequality and crime, to culture and the media, sociology can be applied to most aspects of life. It's an exciting subject to study at university and to secure a place on a course you must demonstrate particular qualities and interests. Equally, there are important things you should avoid as a budding sociologist.

What to include

"Include a mixture of three things: a passion for the subject, what you want to get out of university, and what you can offer the university," says Dr Mark Monaghan, admissions tutor for sociology and social policy at Leeds University.

Sociological interests: Dr Wendy Bottero, senior lecturer in sociology at Manchester University, says: "People often don't get the opportunity to study sociology at school or college, so we're interested in how they view the subject, why they want to study it and how it fits in with their life".

Tailor your statement to the institutions you're applying to. "Look at departments' webpages to see the modules on offer. Gear your application towards your preferred department, but be careful not to alienate other universities. Mention broad areas of sociology that are taught by a number of your choices," says Dr Gareth Millington, admissions tutor for sociology at York University.

Applicants who are new to the subject should say how they became interested in it: "Everyone will have had experiences that can be linked to sociologically relevant issues. Your part-time job in McDonalds is as relevant as having done work experience with an MP – the important point is how you link what you've done to thinking about social issues and how society works," says Dr Patrick White, admissions tutor for sociology at Leicester University.

Sociological texts: Show that you've read some relevant books. Monaghan recommends Zygmunt Bauman's What Use is Sociology? and C Wright Mills' The Sociological Imagination. Monaghan also recommends the Guardian's Society section to give you "an awareness of current debate".

Career aspirations: You should have at least some knowledge of what you can do with a sociology degree, but don't worry if you don't know exactly what job you want. "We expect applicants to be aware of the kinds of jobs available, but we wouldn't expect you to have any specific career in mind," says Monaghan.

Non-academic interests: Universities are looking at more than just your academic interests: "We want someone who shows enthusiasm and passion more generally, for example through clubs and societies. But sociologists know that this is often down to how well-off someone is, so we don't discriminate on this basis," says Bottero.

"We want someone who takes a critical view of common assumptions that people lazily accept."

What to avoid

Confusion: Sociology may be offered as part of a joint honours degree at some universities and as a single subject at others, which can result in a confused statement. Monaghan says: "Be consistent about the degree you're applying for. You may be applying for different courses at different universities, so think about the social sciences in general."

"Work out where there's common ground between degree programmes, such as politics or history, and stress that your interests are in those areas of overlap," says Bottero.

A rigid structure: The statement needs to be clear, but your personality should still shine through. "There is no set recipe for personal statements because we like to see students express who they are," says Dr Anne-Marie Fortier, from the sociology department at Lancaster University.

At Bristol University, templates are "strongly discouraged" because they result in a "generic" end product.

Sloppy writing: It might sound obvious, but as White says: "This is your chance to show that you can write well. Whatever the content, an applicant with a poorly written personal statement is unlikely to be offered a place".

Last but not least: "There's no need to overdo it with superlatives. Keep it simple and honest", says Fortier.

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Our advice when writing a personal statement

Your personal statement is your place to write whatever you’d like to say about yourself and your motivation to study your course.

It’s important to remember that  you can only write one personal statement  and so the same wording will be seen by all the universities you apply to. your personal statement should therefore focus on the course you want to study, not the universities themselves., what are universities looking for in a personal statement.

People with the skills and attributes required by the course

People ready for university-style learning

People who genuinely enjoy the subject that they are applying for

People who have engaged with their subject, above and beyond whatever they have studied at school or college

Where do I start?

Before you start writing, try talking to your friends or family about what you want to study at university: what would you tell them? What have you read or watched or seen that has inspired you? Why was it interesting? What do you want to find out next? 

How should I structure my personal statement?

Around 80% of your personal statement should be focused on your academic interests, abilities and achievements  (including super-curricular activities) and 20% on unrelated extra-curricular activities.

Opening Paragraph

  Personal statement openings tend to follow a similar format:

• Why you are excited about your subject?
• What you have done academically to show this?
• Keep it short and simple.
• Leave it until last.
• Draft five first sentences and choose your favourite. 
• Avoid clichés! (e.g. 'From an early age I have been passionate about...')

Your current studies

• Why do you want to study this course?
• What have you learnt about this topic?
• What has inspired you?

When you start to write, remember not just to list your achievements but show how they have affected you, how you have benefited, and what you’d like to learn next. 

Super-curriculars

  Super-curriculars are hobbies or activities that demonstrate how you have developed your knowledge outside of the classroom.

• What have you read, watched, visited or listened to that has inspired you? (e.g. books, documentaries, podcasts, lectures, museums)
• Have you attended any summer schools, completed any work experience, or volunteered anywhere?
• Why was it interesting?
• How do these support and compliment the course you are applying for?

Super-curriculars can also be used as 'stepping stones' within your personal statement. For example, did a super-curricular spark your interest in something new, leading you to do further research into this topic?

Extra-curriculars

• Try and focus on transferrable skills - how has balancing your extra-curriculars allowed you to become a better student?

With thanks to Wadham and Merton Colleges

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• Sociology Personal Statement Example

Use our personal statement example for Sociology as an inspiration guide to writing a better statement for your UCAS application . This example is perfect for any applicants to Oxbridge (Oxford, Cambridge), UCL, King’s College London, University of Bristol, University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, St Andrews University and any university in the UK. Learn how to write your own unique personal statement and stand out in the competitive application process.

Our economies and lives are becoming increasingly interconnected in a globalized business environment. For example, a deal done in the US in the morning could affect thousands of Chinese workers as they sleep. As an Iranian Jew, with a rich multicultural heritage that spreads across the globe, I am proud to consider myself an exemplar of this interconnectedness and wish to apply the knowledge I have gained from both the varied experiences of my family in the global business community and previous study to undergraduate study and, ultimately, to a successful career.

By studying Geography, Politics, and Sociology, I have also been able to discern how our societies and economies are interconnected. Politics has taught me how national legislation structures the activities of multinational corporations in turn, while Geography has taught me about how multinational corporations shape our physical and political geography. The study of sociology has taught me the importance of understanding and predicting individual behaviour for the refinement of these overarching systems. Moreover, all of these subjects have relied on extensive, transferrable study skills and research methods that apply to both the study of and practice of business.

I have also sought out work placements across a wide range of industries to gain experience in the application of business theory in the real world. As an employee at London’s House of Hanover, I developed communication, teamwork, and customer service skills, as well as gained insight into retail principles. Price and marketing strategies are influenced by management and business strategies to carve out a distinct niche within and generate profits. The experience I gained as an estate agent provided a different perspective on how these processes work in an alternative industry. With the failures of the US housing market causing the current, difficult economic situation, seeing how the housing market works was a timely example of its importance to the economy.

In my spare time, I also like to attempt to understand the complexities of international business, reading many books, such as ‘Pricing Money’ by J.Wiseman and ‘How The West Was Lost’ by D.Moyo, and magazines, such as Time and The Economist, that discuss the current problems and shifts in the global economy. As an Activities Officer at school, I honed my organisational and time management skills while also learning the importance of responsibility and leadership in business. Having played football, and tennis, and visited the gym regularly, I am aware of the importance of determination, dedication, and practice to achieve set goals, and I look forward to applying this to my undergraduate studies.

Societies are connected through businesses. I am already aware of the importance of these connections as a keen student who communicates across cultures and languages, including English, Hebrew, and Farsi. To gain a deeper understanding of how international business can positively impact our society, I intend to combine my knowledge and interests in economics, politics, society and language with further study in the field. This will provide me with an excellent opportunity to expand my understanding and make a valuable contribution during my undergraduate studies, as well as beyond.

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• Personal Statements
• Sociology Personal Statement

Sociology Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

I am very drawn to a career that involves working with other people and I feel I would be best suited to social work rather than nursing or medicine. I have a positive empathy with people of all ages and find it very easy to talk to people and put them at their ease. At the same time I believe I have strong problem solving skills and could apply these to help people in times of great need and distress to be able to see a way forward.

With that long-term goal in mind I first want to expand my academic knowledge by studying sociology at university. My A levels in history, philosophy and Religious Studies have enabled me to learn more about the social interactions between people in modern cultures and also between people who lived in the past. This has been very thought provoking and I want to explore further the way that class, gender and race affect the place of an individual in their society.

The role of the welfare system in today’s society in the UK is also a major interest of mine. Compared to the 19th century, when the poor were stigmatised and subjected to appalling conditions, we now have an overburdened system that is struggling. Making decisions within the system is difficult and the challenges are complex, but something needs to be done. Exploring how the welfare system was created, looking at its history and how it has developed since the 1940s and discovering expert perspectives on how its problems can be solved, is one of my major ambitions as a sociology student.

In addition to the opportunity to study a subject that interests me at far greater depth than at college, university will also help me expand my non-academic interests. I am a very keen dancer, having studied all forms of dance from the age of 6. As an active member of my local dance school I have taken part in many annual performances and during the last two years have helped behind the scenes with choreography, set design and fund raising. This all had an unexpected impact on my thinking about my sociology A-level work as I found myself working with people younger than myself from varying backgrounds, getting to know them and their families. Working with young people now features quite highly in my career ambitions and I am volunteering on a project this summer that involves the rehabilitation of young offenders through sport.

This is another big part of my life as I love running. I have completed a marathon and my ambition is to enter and compete in the London Marathon, which I hope to do in 2014. I find that running helps my general fitness, helping me to play tennis and squash better and I also find I think through academic and personal issues as I run. At university, I hope to combine my studies with both volunteering and an active sports life.

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How to Draft a Key Sociology Masters Personal Statement

Table of Contents

Writing a personal statement for your sociology master’s studies is no task. It is the opportunity to showcase who you are as an individual, demonstrate your unique strengths.

Creating a successful personal statement requires research, introspection, and dedication. To help you get started, here are some important elements you should consider when crafting your sociology masters personal statement .

What Is a Sociology Masters Program?

A sociology master’s program typically focuses on social science research, theory, and methodology. It is designed to give you the skills to analyze and use data in a larger societal context. You may also take courses that explore cultural diversity, crime, deviance, poverty, inequality, and more.

What Should You Add to a Personal Statement?

Your sociology master’s personal statement should begin with an introduction that clearly states your purpose for applying to the program . This should be followed by a discussion of why you are drawn to studying sociology.

Add how your experiences have shaped you for this endeavor. Be sure to highlight any specific interests or skills that make you well-suited for the program. Additionally, discuss any research or field experience under your belt, as well as any volunteer work or extracurricular activities.

Steps to Writing a Sociology Masters Personal Statement

Researching the Program

Before writing your personal statement , it’s essential to research the school or institution to which you’re applying. Make sure that you have an understanding of their requirements and objectives to write correctly tailored content for them. This will also help you showcase your knowledge of the sociology field and your commitment to studying there.

Brainstorming Ideas

Think about why you want to study sociology and what interests you. What experiences have led you to this point? Write down any thoughts or potential topics so that when it comes time to write your statement, you already have a starting place. Make sure that all ideas are relevant to the program and related topics in sociology.

Structure and Formatting Consideration

Your statement should be written with a clear structure and must remain concise throughout. Your opening paragraph should provide some background information on why you’re interested in studying sociology and your overall goals.

After that, divide the essay into several sections or paragraphs to discuss your relevant professional experiences. And educational accomplishments, and unique skills you can bring to the program. Include a summary of why you’d be an asset to their program and what you hope to gain from it.

Proofreading and Editing

Once you have written your statement, take some time away from it before revisiting it once more for proofreading and editing purposes. Check for any typos, grammar mistakes, or other errors that could damage your chances of being accepted into the program. Consider having someone else read over your statement as well, so they can provide feedback on anything that needs adjusting or improvement.

Tips to Follow

• Make sure to remain honest and transparent when writing your personal statement.
• Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your knowledge of the field.
• Keep it concise, yet strong enough to make a lasting impression.
• Demonstrate how you will contribute to the program during and after completion.
• Make someone else read over your statement for additional feedback before submitting it.

Example of Sociology Master’s Personal Statement

Looking for an example of a sociology masters personal statement ? Take a look below for some inspiration:

“Having spent the past three years studying sociology at the undergraduate level, I am now eager to further my education. I want to pursue a master’s degree. My research has focused on understanding how poverty affects health and well-being, and how these issues are affected by gender and race. Through my studies, I have developed an in-depth knowledge of social justice theories as well as qualitative methods of analysis. My professional experience working with non-profit organizations has also given me valuable insights into advocacy efforts at the local level. With this background, I believe I would make a valuable addition to your program and contribute significantly to its goals.”

Writing a personal statement for your sociology master’s studies can be both exciting and daunting.

By researching the program, brainstorming potential topics, and structuring and appropriately formatting your essay, you can create a successful personal statement.

This will help to demonstrate why you should be accepted into the program of your choice . Once you have written it, take some time away from it and then proofread and edit accordingly before submitting it.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Statements of Excellence in Sociology

Sample 1st Paragraph, PHD Degree in Sociology, Kuwait

I help as many people as I have the opportunity to help in the area of Sociology because of my sheer love or this field of study. Raised by parents who put little value on education, I began college late, at the age of 22. My first semester, I was clueless but registered for classes that sounded interesting, which included a Sociology class. That semester, my world lit up like a pinball machine, especially because I learned to think sociologically. I would go on to study mostly Religious Studies and Philosophy, but Sociology would always be with me in the way that I learned to think so long ago; and continue to think until today.

Help with your Personal Statement of Purpose for Graduate School in Sociology.

As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, global sociology becomes ever more important, understanding the nature of our international interactions on a scientific level. On a domestic level, sociology is helpful on a host of fronts as well. It helps us to understand why, for example, our country, the United States, is such a deeply divided nation, culture wars, conflict and tension between social classes, age groups, people of diverse sexual orientations, races, languages, etc. Sociology provides the  lens through which we can look at and understand ourselves.

Sociologists must possess a variety of skills to successfully understand that which they study. Graduate students in sociology sociological theory, social psychology, research skills and methods, statistics, and politics. But because there are many specialized areas of sociology, graduate students may also engage in coursework as varied as women's studies, gerontology, and classes dealing with legal issues

 Graduate students usually also focus on one specific area of study. This can include not only certain "geographically-bounded communities,” but also crime patterns, maintenance of ethnic and racial diversity, provision of quality social services, homelessness, domestic violence, and demographic trends in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas, to name a few.

 Job opportunities include work in sociological research, teaching at both the secondary and post-secondary levels, and community-based positions, not only schools, but also hospitals and psychological clinics, as well as politics. Other options include sales and marketing, communications, and community development; in fact, the choices are limited only by your imagination and your willingness to explore all your options.

 It is very important that you carefully review the style and presentation of your application material for graduate school before submitting it, especially your Personal Statement of Purpose. Seeking the assistance of a professional writer is often a very good idea, especially if English is your second or third language. I would be happy to draft the first paragraph free of charge so that I have the opportunity to demonstrate to you how I can help in this regard. You will only need to pay for my services if you are very impressed with the first paragraph and decide to commission me to draft the entire statement.

I want to help you get accepted to Graduate School in Sociology.

I would be happy to provide you with a highly eloquent Statement that portrays you as someone with enormous potential to contribute to the advance of the field of sociology over the long term. After you fill out my  Online Interview Form , I will ask you some specific questions by email if I need any further information. Please also send your resume/CV and or rough draft if you have one.

Issues and Challenges in the Provision of Aid

The greatest challenges for those involved in humanitarian aid and development assistance are to and achieve efficiency, effectiveness, and manage the extremely complex political, economic, and social side effects associated with them. It has become increasingly clear that aid is not a panacea, and, although externally driven, humanitarian aid and development assistance programs inevitably take on roles within the conflict and in the societies in which they operate.

As a sociologist, you get to analyze and take part in improving humanitarian action and the relationships by the various actors involved. How will you make your mark? If further study is necessary at this stage in the journey, or you would like help applying for the job of your dreams, let us know if we can help! Good luck.

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Sociology and Women's Studies Major Applying to MSW Program, Sample 1st 2 Paragraphs

Completing my undergraduate studies in Sociology and Women’s Studies enabled me to make the most of my study abroad experience in Tel Aviv, Israel, (January-July 2014), serving as an Intern at the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center. Among other duties, I was assigned the task of reviewing, evaluating, and revising sexual assault prevention programs. This year, May-August 2015, I enjoyed the enormous privilege of serving as a Behavioral Health Specialist with The XXXX Foundation in Scottsdale, AZ, helping youth with substance abuse and mental health issues. These experiences, combined with my leadership role in the Jewish community, have convinced me that I have the heart and soul to do this work.

The Humanitarian Side of Sociology

As protracted internal conflicts have become more common and more deadly, the impact on civilians has increased. Post-Cold War conflicts have caused over five million casualties. Ninety-five percent of them were civilians. In 2001, it was estimated that 35 million people were affected in different ways by conflict internationally.

According to former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, it is increasingly true that "the main aim ... [of conflicts] ... is the destruction not of armies but of civilians and entire ethnic groups."

These disturbing developments have involved extensive humanitarian relief efforts and development assistance to rebuild war-torn countries after the conflict has ended. Development assistance is also a long-term strategy for the prevention of  violence . Although they are presented separately here, humanitarian aid and development assistance often overlap and have a lot in common.

What Is Humanitarian Aid?

Conflicts adversely affect civilians both directly, and indirectly, through resulting "complex emergencies" created by protracted conflicts. In the immediate area of conflict, the primary aim is preventing human casualties and ensuring access to the basics for survival: water, sanitation, food, shelter, and medical care. Away from the main fighting, the priority is to help people who have been  displaced , prevent the spread of conflict, support relief work, and prepare for rehabilitation.

What Is Development Assistance?

External development assistance, to reconstruct a country's infrastructure, institutions, and economy, is often a key part of the work done in the aftermath of war. This assistance ensures that the country can develop, instead of sliding back into conflict and war. Some of the key requirements include:

• Reconstruction  of property and infrastructure to facilitate return of the displaced security, governance, transport of food and supplies, and rebuild the economy.
• Transitioning to normal security conditions: demilitarization, demobilization, reintegration of ex-combatants and an adequate police force.
• A functioning judiciary system to enforce the rule of law.
• Governance and government service provision.
• Democratization , often in the form of a representative government to moderate conflict.
• Economic development  and a stable macroeconomic environment, promoting political stability and facilitating a solid financial base for government.
• Local capacity building: once the donors leave, the country needs to function independently of aid and function adequately.

The link between underdevelopment and propensity to conflict makes development assistance important in  violence prevention . The structural factors  contributing to conflict include political, economic, and social  inequalities ; extreme poverty; economic stagnation; poor government services; high unemployment and individual (economic) incentives to go to war and fight. Development assistance must attempt to reduce inequalities between groups and reduce economic incentives to fight by controlling illicit trade.

It is probable that the most important principle of development assistance is the use of  aid conditionality  to promote economic and political practices that strengthen peacebuilding. Donor assistance is often conditional on acceptance of a peace settlement by all sides. Continued commitment to implementing and consolidating peace is also often required.

Coordination  and effective  leadership  of the humanitarian relief effort is extremely important if the duplication and conflicting activities are to be minimized and the exchange and flow of intelligence in an extremely difficult and stressful working environment are to be maximized. Coordination is usually provided by the UN.

Funding for humanitarian aid and development assistance comes mostly from foreign governments: approximately 50 percent of funding is channeled through U.N. agencies, and much of this is then allocated to partner agencies that implement the programs.

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Sociology with criminology personal statement example.

Society plays a vital part in our lives, providing the norms and values we follow throughout our daily routine. Sociology helps us understand the aspects of society from the seemingly insignificant to those of greatest importance. I am fascinated by topics such as crime, culture, education, and government policy; therefore, sociology became an essential part of my life, enticing me to study it further.

Alongside sociology, criminology captured my particular attention, with its in-depth focus on criminality and the criminal justice process. The summer 2011 riots increased my interest in the subject as the country constantly debated the causes and consequences of such delinquent behaviour. As a result I have decided to combine my two interests and pursue a degree in Sociology and Criminology at university.

Studying A-level Sociology has allowed me to be critical and objective about how I perceive the world surrounding me. Key perspectives such as Marxism captivated me in the way it distinguishes the class division between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat; how it explores the influence of capitalist ideology within the institutions of society. What interests me about studying this subject is that the perspectives always challenge each other, influencing my ideologies, allowing me to learn the differences and find my place in these on-going debates.

The forensic psychology unit of my A-level psychology has attracted me in the ways researchers explore crime, and provide possible reasons for engaging in criminal behaviour. I find the study by Wikstrom & Tafel very thought-provoking, as it focuses on the social influence in delinquent behaviour such as poverty, and living in a disadvantaged neighbourhood. It helped me discover some features of the origins of criminal behaviours.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the research methods used in psychology, sociology and geography. Knowledge of the different methods enabled me to understand their use and suitability in different settings. Throughout my Geography A-level, I found that human geography in many ways relates to sociology. The unit on rebranding places interested me the most. Conducting surveys and interviews with the developers of Kings Cross Central, and Kings Cross police force, enabled me to gain an insight into the main reasons behind rebranding, and evaluate the levels of criminality within the area.

Throughout my secondary school and in my sixth form I have volunteered for numerous events including open days, parents evenings and enrolment day. These have improved my communication skills, enabling me to communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds, also allowing me to use my bilingual skills in a productive way. I have undertaken various responsibilities as the chairperson of Amnesty International at my sixth form, a member of the school council executive and a form representative. I believe these experiences have helped increase my confidence, leadership skills, group work and time management.

My work experience as a reception assistant at a primary school and, as receptionist at an education resource centre taught me the importance of interpersonal skills, teamwork and also increased my awareness of self-reliance. As a checkout assistant I come across different customers every day and have experienced dealing with difficult situations in a professional manner.

In my spare time I enjoy swimming, reading novels and graphic designing using various software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. I also have a passion for surreal art and photography. I won a photography competition recently with Thomson Reuters, where many students from schools across different boroughs participated.

I am a reliable and committed student who is passionate about sociology and criminology. I feel that university will deliver the vast knowledge and understanding of these subjects that I crave, providing me with opportunities to pursue a rewarding future career.

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Wed, 20/11/2013 - 01:30

You've given me real inspiration for my personal statement, there's not much else around apart from yours!

Thanks so much :)

where can I find Wikstrom &

Sat, 30/08/2014 - 19:56

where can I find Wikstrom & Tafel study?

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Personal statement example ba politics and sociology personal statement.

Submitted by Emma

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BA Politics and Sociology Personal Statement

The world of politics is always evolving - there are always new policies or new concepts to consider, explore and analyse. Just as the progression politics and the dynamics of society have informed the modern political world, the shaping of policy and the progression of our current society and political atmosphere will inform the society of the future. Class, gender, ethnic background and sexual orientation play a determinative role in both voting habits and policy formulation, proving that Sociology is essential when it comes to the study of politics. Historically, class has played a massive part in voting behaviours, but with an increasingly diversified society and an advance in technology, this behaviour has undergone change, and since the 1970s, class voting has declined. Despite this, society and our political atmosphere has become increasingly polarised, something which I am particularly interested in. I have read ‘#republic’, which was very insightful in exploring the way in which social media shapes politics, and the effects of digital democracy. I agree partly with the idea Cass Sunstein expresses, that the advancement of technology, particularly in terms of personalised social media algorithms, has had a strong influence on the polarisation of modern politics.

The way we relate to one another can be attributed to both social and economic policy, for instance the societal effects of Thatcher’s policies, and the introduction of neo-liberalism into British politics, can be seen in an increase in self-interested and individualistic voting, and a decrease in social capital. Applying this view to my History course has been fascinating; our study of communist government, and the way social policy has affected society in the USSR and the Republic of China, have provided a great contrast to my perspective on Western social policy. Similarly, in English Literature we have studied The Handmaid’s Tale, which provides a view of the societal effects of a fictional religious military dictatorship, particularly focusing on the culture of suspicion which has been seen in totalitarian regimes in both Western and communist states.

My interest in politics and sociology has developed in my study of Government and Politics, as in class we learn about the formal processes of government, the history and development of ideologies, and we engage in class discussions - these I particularly enjoy as while they are useful in expanding my knowledge, debating is particularly beneficial in refining and nuancing my arguments. We have had particularly interesting in-class debates on the use of Trident, in which I argued for its abolition, as I believe it to be economically ineffective. Although I understood the evidence provided by those who defended it in terms of security, I ultimately wasn’t persuaded to completely reverse my view, but thinking about the reasoning behind the opposition’s argument shaped my own opinion. I engage with politics outside of my course, taking part in protests for equal rights and treatment as part of the Stand Up to Racism and Free the Nipple protests. I lead my college’s socialist society, where we lead discussions on current affairs, socialist philosophy and how that is applied in politics today. I also attend and speak at debate club, and during secondary school I took LAMDA exams in Verse and Prose and Speaking for Performance, and I took part in the West Sussex Youth Speaks contest, in which my team reached the semi-final. These activities have developed my skills in communication and public speaking, which I plan to further develop in both the pursuit of a Politics and Sociology degree and extra-curricular activities at university.

After university, I aspire to a career as a civil servant. I am deterred from pursuing a career in the forefront of politics, as I find the point scoring soundbite culture of modern mainstream politics distasteful and see the civil service as a more productive political organ.

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