Ancient, Medieval, Modern History at Durham Personal Statement Advice
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Durham - History
History – 2013 ( cambridge, durham, warwick, york, sheffield ).
When I was younger I saw history only as a series of important characters and their decisions. Richard I’s choice, when shipwrecked in Italy in 1192, to return home overland ...
Please note UCAS will detect any form of plagiarism. PSE and its contributors do not take any responsibility for the way in which personal statements are used.
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By Nik Taylor (Editor, The Uni Guide) | 21 September 2023 | 7 min read
Writing a history personal statement: expert advice from universities
Here’s how to shine in your history personal statement
Share this page
Email & print.
| The university application personal statement is changing in 2025 |
|---|
| University admissions service Ucas has announced that a new style of personal statement will be launched in 2025. This will affect anyone making a university application from autumn 2025 onwards. . |
Research the course
- Read more: how to write an excellent personal statement in ten steps
Explain why you want to study history
- Read more: teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement
Keep it personal
- Read more: personal statement FAQs
Reflect on your motivations
- Read more: the ten biggest mistakes to avoid when writing your personal statement
Critique books you’ve read
- Read more: universities reveal all about personal statements
Think outside the history classroom
- Read more: universities explain how to end your personal statement with a bang
Write about relevant extracurricular activities
- Read more: how to write your personal statement when you have nothing interesting to say
Only use quotations if you’re planning to expand on them
- Read more: how long does it take for universities to reply to your application?
Ask someone to proofread your personal statement before you submit
You may want to look at these..., personal statement secrets – universities reveal all.
Want to know how to craft an amazing personal statement? Take some advice from the experts...
Help and advice on putting your application together
Personal statement FAQs
We've gone through some of the most commonly asked personal statement questions and put all the answers in one place
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The Durham Student
My experience as a first-generation student.
- October 9, 2023
The transition can be daunting
Hi, I’m Olivia! I’m a first-generation scholar studying Criminology at Hatfield College here at Durham University. As a student myself, I recognise that the transition to higher education can be a daunting prospect, however, the collegiate system here at Durham makes the process welcoming and reassuring. For me, Durham was a mix between and the modern and the traditional, with all the conveniences and amenities of a full-sized city and Newcastle just on the doorstep.
There are lots of opportunities
The University has a variety of opportunities open to everyone, whether that be sports, hobbies, or even international experiences alongside your degree. I spent my 3 rd year studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea thanks to the support of the International Office and funding by the Turing Scheme. What opportunities will you discover here at Durham?
My top tips for surviving year 13
Applying to university can be a confusing time, whether that be deciding where you want to study, what subject you want to explore, or (perhaps the most difficult of all) writing personal statements. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the chaos of year 13, but here are my top tips and tricks to surviving year 13 and applying to university.
Visit if you can
One of the best pieces of advice I tell every prospective student is to visit the University and the city to get a good feel of the environment. After all, you’re likely going to be spending at least 3 (hopefully very enjoyable) years at university and you really want to make sure that you can picture yourself spending time and studying at the university. Personally, I enjoyed exploring the history of the city and the quirky traditions at each of the colleges before making any final decisions.
Personal statements
Writing personal statements can be tricky and stressful, and I’m sure that they are everyone’s least favourite part of the process! I for one had no idea about what to write about. Personal statements can seem ambiguous and a bit like an impossible mountain to climb when you’re thinking of applying to university, but, when you break it down it is much more manageable.
Remember that nerves are completely normal throughout the process, especially when you’re waiting for university decisions and you’ve done everything you can. It’s important to remember that everyone applying to university feels this way at some point of the process.
Sometimes it can take a little while to get a decision on your application but do not fear! Although, the wait can feel like forever; please don’t worry about the length of time it takes to hear about your result. Whilst the wait can be very daunting, it just means that the university wants to give equal consideration to every applicant before decisions are made. The length of time it takes to hear back has no bearing on the outcome of your application.
Ask us anything
Finally, if you have any questions about the university (or just feel a little bit lost), feel free to contact the university on Ask Us or speak to our friendly team of student ambassadors online using UniBuddy .
You can also ask us questions on The Student Room where Durham has a profile.
Good luck in your applications!
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What is a Personal Statement? The personal statement is your opportunity to show the universities you are applying to that you are the ideal candidate for their course. It should be all about you – why you’re interested in the course, what makes you unique and what makes you stand out.
These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to The University of Durham. You can click on one of the links below to view the entire statement and find out if the applicant was offered a place.
Our departments are also an excellent source of information on topics including; what you will study, hints and tips about writing your personal statement, any special admissions requirements for the course, or if you are required to attend an interview as part of the selection process. Read More.
History: personal statements What are we looking for? It is a personal statement. Do not follow templates! Enthusiasm, commitment, and, above all, potential for: • Independence of thought –we want to know what you think about the past, who you agree with, what you think about particular topics, etc.
I’m applying to study Ancient, Medieval and Modern History at Durham. I’m unsure if I would need to include all three periods in my Personal Statement, or if just two are enough, e.g. just Ancient and Modern.
Here are 10 common personal statement mistakes that students make, as well as some tips for making sure you're on the right track. Visit the personal statement forum and the university applications forum on The Student Room to see what other students are saying about the process.
History – 2013 (Cambridge, Durham, Warwick, York, Sheffield) When I was younger I saw history only as a series of important characters and their decisions. Richard I’s choice, when shipwrecked in Italy in 1192, to return home overland ...
Here’s how to shine in your history personal statement. Share this page. Email & Print. Your personal statement is a vital part of your university application. It’s your main opportunity to really sell yourself to the universities, and could tip the balance in your favour.
Personally, I enjoyed exploring the history of the city and the quirky traditions at each of the colleges before making any final decisions. Personal statements. Writing personal statements can be tricky and stressful, and I’m sure that they are everyone’s least favourite part of the process! I for one had no idea about what to write about.
Ancient and Modern History Personal Statement Example 1. What makes history engaging and interesting to me is its interdisciplinary nature and its ability to take you on a journey to the discovery of humanity's past. History has been a constant source of captivation for me, from studying the mythology of Ancient Greece in primary school through ...