what to include in a geography personal statement

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

How to write a personal statement for geography

Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject – and make sure you apply for the right course

"Geography is a living, breathing subject, constantly adapting itself to change. It is dynamic and relevant, a great adventure with a purpose," wrote Michael Palin.

From global warming, to the impact of economic change on communities, geography can be a fascinating subject to study. But first, would-be geographers have to impress admissions tutors in an application.

In a personal statement for geography, tutors look for enthusiasm for the subject, experience and things that demonstrate you are a well-rounded person. There are some important things to include, and some equally important things to avoid.

What to include

Interests: Explain why you are interested in studying the course. "We want to know why on earth you want to do geography," says Peter Mackie, professor of human geography at Cardiff University.

"We're happy for students to express a specialist interest at this stage. You could say 'I'm interested in the Arab spring movement', or 'I'm interested in sustainability and climate change'. A better student can draw on interests outside of the classroom."

Experience: Next, admissions tutors want to hear about your experience. "You've told us about your interest, now we want you to prove it," says Mackie. "Show us the evidence."

"It could be a field trip, a holiday, or something you've seen in the local paper. If you've arranged geography seminars in school, or volunteered with Oxfam, let us know."

Personal qualities: Some tutors are particularly keen to see that you have compassion and empathy. "Students must show empathy with different people, places and environments," says Phil Barker, from Lancaster University's environment centre. "Things like volunteering can be good to talk about."

Other interests: In addition to your course-related experience, admissions tutors want to hear about your other interests. "We want people to be well rounded because all of our graduates go on to do diverse things," says Lucie Bilsbrough, admissions officer at the University of Leeds.

"So if you do ballet or you work at Mcdonalds, let us know. Because that can show that you're good at time management and that you have a life outside of geography."

Personality: It's also good to have an idea of what you want to gain from the course. "Say what you want to do once you leave university, even if you don't know in any detail," says Bilsbrough. "Because it looks good if you have an idea."

This can help to show tutors your personality. "I always advise applicants to try and find their own voice," says Bilsbrough. "Because you see a lot of applications that are very generic."

Communication: Basic grammar and spelling are expected. "The ability to communicate, both written and verbally, is important," says Mackie. "So students could talk about debating societies or a presentation they've given. You have to show you're willing to read and to work hard."

What to avoid doing

Lack of research: What should you avoid in a personal statement? First of all, make sure you apply for the right course. "We sometimes get people who have clearly applied for the wrong thing," says Barker.

"There are students who apply saying 'I'm really interested in a career in geo-physics'. And they've applied for a geography degree. Sometimes things with superficially similar names confuse people, so it's very important to do your research."

Forcing things together: Don't try and connect unrelated experiences to geography. "Some students try to tie unrelated experiences, such as working in Topshop or football coaching, to geography in very strange, weird and wonderful ways," says Mackie.

Lack of depth: It's best not to simply describe what you've done, but to evaluate and explain things. "People tend to be quite descriptive," says Barker. "You should try to be more evaluative to get depth into the statement."

Complicated: Don't try and tackle too many complicated ideas in not enough detail. "Sometimes we get people who try and write a lot about academic literature," says Barker. "But it's hard to do that well with a short amount of words, so it might not be right for the personal statement."

Too brief: But at the same time, make sure you use the space you've got. "Some applicants keep it very short," says Bilsbrough. "That makes you think, do you really want to do this and are you really committed?"

• Guardian Students
• Higher education
• Geography and environment studies

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Geographical

Official magazine of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

Applications: How to write a brilliant personal statement

We asked those in the know what makes a geography personal statement stand out when applying for a geography undergraduate degree

As you’ll probably already know, all university applicants are allowed a maximum of five choices (either at different universities, or different courses at the same university). While many universities offer geography degrees they will all have slightly different specialisms and different field trip opportunities, so do plenty of research and attend open days (whether in person or virtually). 

Common advice is to apply for two or three courses that normally offer the sorts of grades you realistically expect to get, and two or three others which offer lower grades than you hope to get. Ultimately you will only be able to hold two offers; these tend to be the university you most want to go to, and one other safety-net offer for lower grades in case things go less well in examinations. 

Take care to put together a strong personal statement as this could be used to distinguish between two candidates with similar predicated grades. One of the best things you can do in your application is to include evidence that you have read around your subject ­– many applicants will look no further than the A-level syllabus. But most importantly of all, make it personal and make it clear why  you  want to study geography. Oh, and proof read! Take a look at what some of the people who really matter have to say on the subject…

‘The test of a really good personal statement is always this – by the end of reading it does it answer this question: “Why do you want to spend three years of your life studying Geography?” Explain your passion and love for the subject and do that as much as possible with references to your experiences and your life.’

Professor Ian Candy – Professor in Geography at Royal Holloway University of London

 ‘The key to a great personal statement is that first word: personal. Your statement should be an authentic reflection of you, your personal interest in geography and why you want to pursue the study of geography for three years at University. I know that sounds really obvious, right? But statements have a habit of being drafted and redrafted, edited by well-meaning teachers and careers advisors, then drafted again, and what pops out the other end can sometimes be more of a generic statement than a personal one. So, keep it personal, keep it authentic and let your own voice ring through.’

Dr Alasdair Pinkerton – Professor in Geography at Royal Holloway University of London

 ‘In personal statements, we want to see your enthusiasm and passion for Geography. You should include evidence that demonstrates this, which could take many different forms. For example, you could write about places that you have visited, topics that excite you, your engagement with your local community, experiences when working or volunteering, books that you have read, or anything else that draws on your personal experience.’

Dr Rebecca Hodge – Director of Undergraduate Admissions at  Durham University

‘I look at the personal statements. Not so much the content (“everybody” wants to save the planet/whale/whatever), but if the statement is poorly written with typos and grammatical issues that tends to ring alarm bells for future work and assessments (unless the candidate has a declared disability which could affect their writing of course).’ 

Dr Peter Burt – Programme Lead for Geography at Greenwich University

‘I’m not involved in admissions at Oxford (I don’t interview students or do any of the selection), but I have been at other universities. On advice. I would just say it is very hard to prepare for an interview. Ask people to give you a practice interview (a teacher for instance) and always have a questions ready to ask if they say “have you got any questions for us” – don’t just reply “no”.

Personal statement – try to make parts of it more personal so that it is different. Say something about yourself that is unique to you, even if it is a bit quirky. Anything that makes you stand out as a little different might well help.’

Professor Danny Dorling – Halford Mackinder Professor of Geography at the University of Oxford

Plus, we caught up with  Mark Whitehead, a professor in the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at  Aberystwyth University. Mark talks about why you should consider studying Geography and how to write the best personal statement

Subscribe to our monthly print magazine!

Subscribe to  Geographical  today  for just £38 a year. Our monthly print magazine is packed full of cutting-edge stories and stunning photography, perfect for anyone fascinated by the world, its landscapes, people and cultures. From climate change and the environment, to scientific developments and global health, we cover a huge range of topics that span the globe. Plus, every issue includes book recommendations, infographics, maps and more!

for more great advice on studying geography, check out

Geographical university directory 2023/24: undergraduate courses

Featured UK universities to study geography

Geography careers

Published in the UK since 1935, Geographical is the official magazine of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) . Informative, authoritative and educational, this site’s content covers a wide range of subject areas, including geography, culture, wildlife and exploration, illustrated with superb photography.

Click Here for SUBSCRIPTION details

Want to access Geographical on your tablet or smartphone? Press the Apple, Android or PC/Mac image below to download the app for your device

More from Geographical

• Subscriptions
• Get our Newsletter
• Advertise with us
• Privacy policy
• Terms & Conditions

10 Top Tips for a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement

Your Cambridge personal statement is a crucial component in your university application as it gives you a chance to articulate why you’re particularly interested in Geography and to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Additionally, it offers the Cambridge interviewer a focal point to base discussions about your personality, interests and deduce your commitment to Geography. To help guide you through the process, our Cambridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 tips for everything you should do and not do for your Oxbridge Geography Personal Statement for the Cambridge 2024/25 application cycle. 

Geography is a course that focuses on some of the biggest challenges facing our planet, from food security, climate and biodiversity emergencies to pandemics and globalisation, and social inequalities and urbanisation to volcanoes and melting ice sheets. Your Geography personal statement could demonstrate the link between these domains and more. Moreover, when planning out your personal statement, make sure you research Cambridge’s achievements in the field of Geography and include it into your writing to illustrate your interest in studying Geography at Cambridge. For example, the department holds themselves to a high academic standard and many graduates are employed the year after graduation.

Almost all Cambridge colleges that admit undergraduates will accept applications for Geography. The current exception is Peterhouse College. Newnham College and Murray Edwards College only accept applications from women. Wolfson College , Hughes Hall College and St Edmund’s College only admit students who are over 21 at the time the course starts. In some years, certain Colleges have more Geography students than others, but the pattern fluctuates from year to year. 

Cambridge no longer requires Geography applicants to complete a pre-interview assessment. However, some Cambridge colleges may ask applicants who are invited to an interview to submit one or two examples of your written work from a relevant A Level/IB (or equivalent) course. Therefore, your geography personal statement is essential in making a god first impression on admissions tutors. We’re here to help, whether it’s through a cambridge geography personal statement check or reading on for our top tips.

Top 5 Tips for a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement

Tell your story.

Think about what drew you to study Geography at Cambridge in the first place. What skills or experience do you have that are worth mentioning? Cambridge admissions tutors are looking out for personal experiences against a high academic background. Consider your future career plans, extra-curricular work, and why you chose to study at Cambridge over all other universities.

What makes you suitable

In your personal statement, you must demonstrate what sets you apart from all other aspiring Geographers. Since Geography is such a multi-disciplinary subject, there are many things to mention from globalisation, to inequalities, to wealth divide and more. Remember to mention what interests you about Geography and any relevant skills or experience you have. This can range from extra reading to travelling, to academic skills. 

Read around the subject you’re applying for

Since the competition at Cambridge University is so great, demonstrating you have undertaken extra-curricular work will benefit your personal statement. Examples include readings in topics within Geography that interest you, for example, urbanisation or the wealth gap. Click here for a list of books published by Cambridge University for ideal reading.

Proof read & read aloud your work

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

Why Geography

Since Geography is such a varied subject, write a little bit about what stimulated your interest, and consider the careers this degree will present to you. Most students end up working in varied careers, such as business, marketing and human resources, according to the Cambridge website.

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Cambridge Geography Personal Statement

Writing a list of achievements.

Don’t list things without expanding on them. It’s better to list fewer experiences but to expand upon what you learnt from those experiences. Make sure you link back to studying a degree in Geography as it will show Cambridge admissions tutors you have insight into what the degree will entail.

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 caught out or if you are unable to answer questions about your personal statement.

Copying someone else’s personal statements

Don’t plagiarise. While you can look at geography personal statement examples, 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. If you are caught, your application will not be seen as genuine or authentic. 

Not reflecting on or justifying your point

Explain points without repeating yourself. Expand on how you’ve acquired certain skills and why they’re important. Examples include, data collection and analytical 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 Cambridge 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 Geography journey, and allow the Cambridge admissions tutor to do the rest.

→ What is a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement?

A Cambridge Geography Personal Statement is a written statement that accompanies a university application to study geography at the University of Cambridge. The personal statement is an opportunity for the candidate to showcase their academic achievements, interests, and passion for geography.

→What should be included in a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement?

A Cambridge Geography Personal Statement should include the candidate’s academic achievements, their relevant work experience, any relevant extracurricular activities or hobbies, and their passion for geography. The statement should also highlight the candidate’s interest in the course and their future career aspirations.

→How long should a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement be?

A Cambridge Geography Personal Statement should be no longer than 4,000 characters or 47 lines of text, whichever comes first. This includes spaces and punctuation.

→How important is it to proofread my personal statement?

Proofreading your personal statement is extremely important as it shows attention to detail and a commitment to presenting your best work. It is recommended that you read your personal statement out loud to catch any errors or awkward phrasing.

→What are some common mistakes to avoid in a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement?

Common mistakes to avoid in a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement include making general statements without providing specific examples, using cliches, copying or plagiarizing content, being too informal or using inappropriate language, and not proofreading thoroughly.

→Why is the personal statement important for a Cambridge geography application?

The personal statement is an important component of a Cambridge geography application because it allows the admissions team to assess the candidate’s suitability for the course. The personal statement also provides an opportunity for the candidate to demonstrate their motivation and passion for the subject.

Still got a question? Leave a comment

Cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Advice and feedback from our expert tutors on writing a standout personal statement

Prepare for your interview with the help of our expert Oxbridge tutors, who will personalise your sessions according to university and college

This comprehensive course includes tutorials, sample scenarios and model answers and award-winning strategies!

Related links

• FREE Applying to Oxbridge Course
• FREE Applying to Law Course
• FREE Applying to Medicine Course
• FREE Oxbridge Admissions Test Past Papers

Book Your Consultation

Searching . . .

Just start typing....

Clearing Universities & Courses

Clearing advice.

Recommended Clearing Universities

Popular Course Categories

Course Search & Discover

Start the search for your uni. Filter from hundreds of universities based on your preferences.

Search by Type

Search by region.

Recommended Universities

Ravensbourne University London

London (Greater) · 88% Recommended

University of Kent

South East England · 96% Recommended

The University of Law

London (Greater) · 92% Recommended

Search Open Days

What's new at Uni Compare

University of Sussex

Prepare for a digitally advanced workplace with cutting edge Finance Degrees

Bangor University

Transform lives with a Health and Social Care Degree from Bangor

Ranking Categories

Regional rankings.

More Rankings

Top 100 Universities

Taken from 65,000+ data points from students attending university to help future generations

About our Rankings

Discover university rankings devised from data collected from current students.

Guide Categories

Advice categories, recommended articles, popular statement examples, not sure what to search for, take our quick degree quiz.

Find the ideal uni course for you with our Course Degree Quiz. Get answers in minutes!

Take our full degree quiz

Get more tailored course suggestions with our full Course Degree Quiz and apply with confidence.

PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Geography Personal Statement

Interested in studying outside of the classroom?

Choose Geography at Hertfordshire, you will be constantly learning with trips (including one to the Swiss Alps!), lab and field training.

Protect the planet with a Geography degree.

Explore tropical rainforests, vast deserts, and the human impact on Earth at Leicester University.

Geography Personal Statement

‘Geography students hold the key to the world’s problems’ – Michael Palin. I have had a passionate interest in Geography since beginning high school at St. John Plessington; this and many documentaries have influenced my interest with the subject and inspired me to carry on my studies with it. This is a factor that has allowed me to show more enthusiasm in the subject which is exactly why I would enjoy a career relating to Geography.

I look forward to problem solving based learning, such as environmental impacts and sustainability within certain aspects of the course. Helping out with Eco-club with years 7-9 has allowed me to develop an interest within the field of study and improved my communication skills and leadership skills, as I have had to work with multiple students of different ages and abilities.

I am currently studying English Literature, Geography and Psychology. I thoroughly enjoy the challenges and different approaches to learning in all three subjects as they all allow an insight into how I learn. In English there are many group based activities, this has allowed me to grow as a communicator and to take responsibility for the group. Also English has helped grow my analytical skills as the work is based on the reader’s interpretation. Whereas in Geography the subject is based more on independent study which depends on organisation and time management skills, such as research into causes and effects into conflicts. In Psychology lots of the work has been formatted as presentation work, enabling me to establish more confidence and challenge me to do more public speaking activities. For example, my group was tasked with creating a presentation on schizophrenia. In this presentation I prioritised tasks and split the workload between the group, this shows responsibility and leadership style qualities as well as patience to work with others as a team. I enjoy independent research more as it allows me to work at my own pace and to my own standard. It also gives me the freedom and creativity to shape my work to how I want it.

Outside of my studies I play for a local football team which heavily relies on fluent commination and team work as in sports it is an integral part of the game and is the key to success. This helped me develop decision making skills, especially in high pressure situations. One factor contributing to my interest in studying Geography is due to visiting several different courses on open days at John Moores , and being the most interested by Geography.

During my Geography studies, I took part in a field test with my classmates. This involved obtaining data and analysing it within a group. In my work experience at Cammell Laird, I worked as part of a team of naval architectures, this offered valuable insight into the role communication and team work in a heavy industry and allowed for me to have insight into life in a competitive working environment. Outside of education I have developed multiple skills through my part time job in a kitchen showroom which have fluently transferred into my work life; skills such as a hard working ethic that has allowed me to be more responsible and manage my workload properly and efficiently.

As well as a part time job, The Duke of Edinburgh award has helped me to learn about resilience and team leadership. During DofE I have had to volunteer in both a farm to help rear animals and to grow a vegetable patch, these experiences have benefitted me with my outlook on life as I now am a more organised, social and deterministic person with a great work ethic.

Recommended Course

Recommended Statements

Submitted by anonymous

The immense size and complexity of the world has always fascinated me. As such, I have developed a deep ap...

Submitted by Amy

Geography and Sociology Personal Statement

The appeal of broadening my understanding of Geography and ...

Submitted by Jobina

Geography BA Personal Statement

I moved from India to the United Kingdom aged three and I discovered my passion for Geography upon realisi...

Submitted by Amelia

BA Geography Personal Statement

As an eleven-year-old, I travelled to the Cape Verde Islands. As soon as our plane began to descend, I was...

undergraduate Universities

Undergraduate uni's.

Ravensbourne

103 courses

Uni of Kent

580 courses

114 courses

Northeastern Uni

Uni of East London

575 courses

Leeds Beckett Uni

454 courses

Uni of Sunderland

340 courses

Cardiff Met Uni

501 courses

Uni for Creative Arts

672 courses

467 courses

Uni of Chester

645 courses

Uni of Leicester

432 courses

886 courses

Swansea Uni

1319 courses

Uni of Surrey

750 courses

Heriot-Watt Uni

334 courses

548 courses

Uni of Roehampton

468 courses

Middlesex Uni

634 courses

Uni of Winchester

259 courses

Uni of Portsmouth

761 courses

Uni of Westminster

503 courses

Goldsmiths, UOL

344 courses

Staffordshire Uni

472 courses

Uni of Hertfordshire

584 courses

Kingston Uni

617 courses

ARU Writtle

104 courses

Wrexham Uni

289 courses

West London IoT

Uni of Suffolk

186 courses

Uni of Bedfordshire

656 courses

Coventry Uni

480 courses

Uni of Bradford

390 courses

Queen's Uni

635 courses

UWE, Bristol

497 courses

Uni of Essex

1400 courses

Anglia Ruskin Uni

808 courses

Leeds Arts University

Escape Studios

Uni of C.Lancashire

798 courses

709 courses

Uni of Reading

685 courses

Uni of Huddersfield

668 courses

Uni of Brighton

407 courses

Bath Spa Uni

520 courses

Edge Hill Uni

383 courses

Uni of Hull

498 courses

Nottingham Trent

912 courses

FIND THE IDEAL COURSE FOR YOU

Degree Course Quiz

Find the ideal university course for you in minutes by taking our degree matchmaker quiz today.

Find the latest from Uni Compare

University of Surrey

Surrey has been ranked 4th for overall student satisfaction (NSS 2023).

Goldsmith's, Uni of London

Goldsmiths offers creative, cultural and social courses - click here to learn more!

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Guide

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

Geography personal statement example 33.

In an increasingly connected world, global issues feel larger than ever. The way in which Geography encompasses and provides solutions to these issues is something I believe is key for the future of the Earth and as such a Geography degree is something that particularly appeals to me. This intent was cemented after I attended a talk entitled 'Where can geography take you?', earlier this year. More than anything this enabled me to better understand the range of skills and topics that a Geography degree involves, furthering my curiosity about the subject as a whole. The talk also prompted me to write my second RGS essay competition entry under the same title, with my first written for the question 'Is it better for the world to be wealthier or to be more equal?'

As a child I was privileged enough to travel and experience different cultures and see a range of landmarks. I believe this is where my interest in geography stems. The example of Niagara perfectly encapsulates the whole geographical spectrum, with a world-renowned physical land form surrounded by a dilapidated town. Seeing this prompted me to choose Geography as a GCSE, and also led me to read 'A Globalizing World? Culture, Economics, Politics' by D. Held, which further taught me of the impacts of globalization and the formations of towns, a topic which is still at the forefront of my interest today. The trip also forged a more general interest in Geography, which led to a subscription to the National Geographic the week I returned. This magazine is still an integral part of my education and is a source of furthering my geographical knowledge to this day.

Despite being fascinated by the whole spectrum of Geography, Human Geography is the primary focus of my interest. Reading 'Urban Social Geography - An Introduction' by Knox and Pinch and 'Poverty, Progress and Population' by E. A. Wrigley, I have formed an acute interest in Economic Geography and have thoroughly enjoyed learning about uneven economic development across the globe. This interest is perfectly complemented by Economics as an additional A-Level choice with this qualification specifically aiding the topics of world trade and global commons in my Geography course. Furthermore, Economics provides me with presentation and graphical skills, which complement a Geography degree. I also take Classical Civilisation, which has thoroughly improved my critical and essay skills, which are integral for a Geography degree.

Another way in which I have furthered my geographic knowledge is through TED talks. One which I found particularly interesting is entitled 'Don't ask where I'm from, ask where I'm a local' by Taiye Selasi. This talk explores insider and outsider perceptions and what makes a place, teaching me that the global community is more important than the local one. The idea she promoted had such an influence that I decided to write my NEA on perceptions of place. Additionally, I am the leader of Geography Society at my school, whose primary aim is to promote an interest in Geography in younger students, which I believe shows me to be a dedicated and enthusiastic student. Further extra-curricular activities I have been involved in include my school's rugby 2nd XV. I have captained the side this year and I intend to carry rugby forward to university level. I believe rugby has played an important role in building my teamwork and leadership roles, as well as helping me develop time management skills, which play a part in any degree.

I believe that throughout my whole education I have displayed myself to be an ambitious and committed student, shown through the multitude of extra-curricular activities that I partake in, both non academic and educational. I am passionate about Geography and I am extremely keen to further my knowledge and gain the skills which I know further study in this subject will provide me. As such, a Geography degree is the right choice for me.

Profile info

There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.

Author's Comments

Hope this helps. In order of preference my choices were: University of Bristol, Geography with Study Abroad (09F4) Durham University, Geography (L702) University of Manchester, Geography with International Study (LF78) University of Leeds, Economics and Geography (LL17) University of Nottingham, Geography with Business (L7N1)

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Add new comment.