(My) Personal Statement


 Having travelled through my life with drive and with diverse interests it has been a 
refreshing experience in the past year or so to come upon the path that I wish to 
follow. Having matured appreciably in recent years I have discovered ultimately what I 
particularly like doing and what I wish to follow at a degree level, Law. It would not 
only challenge me, but crucially it would stir passions. I have always been interested 
by abstract arguments, debate and thus, the system of law. Law in the modern world 
is challenged from all sides; developments in information technology and biological 
sciences should keep everyone on their toes for the foreseeable future. I realised that 
I wanted to be part of a process that offered me the ability to use my skills to 
understand the process of change and how it shapes society. I want to be part of 
something that is not founded on a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ basis, but (rather ironically) a 
‘maybe’. Whether that means on a personal level, a local level, national or global level 
I wish to understand and formulate change, to make a difference to people. A law 
degree improves my ability to recognise a problem and uncover a solution, often on a 
personal level with people. 

 With English Literature and Modern History being my favoured subjects during my A-
level course I feel I can extend the skills that I have learnt in these subjects and 
apply them to my future degree. These subjects in particular have increased my level 
of analytical thinking and critical consciousness, allowing me to appreciate life and 
subjectivity more. These skills in turn can be applied to law. The level of thinking 
required is one half of the package, the other is being able to express one’s thoughts 
whether it be verbally or on paper. I recently took part in an intercollegiate history 
debate on the Russian Civil War, requiring me to build a case based on the facts 
presented to me and my own in-depth research on the subject. My team 
subsequently won the debate on the basis of the material produced. I also plan to 
take part in AEA English which will be both stimulating and rewarding. Chemistry in 
particular has taught me the skills of research, analysis and evaluation. It, as well as 
Biology has taught me how the world functions; I have never been one to simply 
accept, I have a thirst to understand, to discover and to debate. All these differing 
subjects combine to make me someone who isn’t just focussed on one area but who 
can spread themselves widely and take pleasure in doing so as well. 

 I have recently taken up kung-fu and it is something that I intend on continuing. An 
elevated level of self motivation and communication skills are most certainly required 
for this activity. I have an interest in many other fascinating and ancient cultures 
that has stemmed from visiting many ancient sites across Europe; from Rome to 
Lascaux. Reading ‘The Law Machine’, ‘Learning the Law’ and books of their ilk have 
added fuel to an already active fire in recent months, further buttressed by my 
interest in international socio-political criticism and study. Hence I have enjoyed 
reading the many radical articles written by Noam Chomsky and Bill Hicks (R.I.P). 
Photography is also a big part of who I am, allowing me to capture time, feelings and 
sights in an image; I have them displayed on numerous third party websites where 
people can purchase them. Above all else though, beyond possessions and pastimes, 
are my friends and family; this is where most of my time and money goes, and rightly 
so - both supportive and fun loving. 

  While a career within law may develop, the degree itself is very well respected and 
is an opportunity into a whole menagerie of other vocations. Law to me represents a 
stimulating and fluid pursuit, something entirely man made. This journey is something I 
wish to understand and be part of. For me the degree itself is a doorway into a world 
of learning and opinions, merely the beginning of an altogether fascinating voyage. 















































Jurisprudence

The study of law is something I find immensely perplexing; the fact that law 
is founded on rules made by and obeyed by mere mortals. Law at its most 
fundamental level is a man-made invention. This study into the rule of law, 
the philosophy behind one area of society that we hold so preciously, would 
prove a hugely fascinating experience for me. To me it seems an essential 
part of modern society; the fact that in recent years we have seen countries 
go to war and crumble over international law makes this decision of mine 
even more poignant. While I personally regard this something essential, it is 
not a necessary evil. Oxford offers a course that offers a two fold advantage 
over the competition; a degree in jurisprudence gives an intellectual 
advantage but also an edge in the interest stakes. For me the philosophical 
edge to law is what makes it so appealing. My wide variety of subjects 
shows that while I enjoy debate, opinion and ultimately, pondering, I do it on 
a level that is often backed up by fact and an empirical understanding of how 
the world works. 

 This is compounded by the tutorial system on offer at oxford which allows 
one to express themselves in smaller groups and have a level of interactivity 
with their tutor that they would not otherwise have. This is particularly 
constructive in a subject that thrives on deliberation and discussion. As a 
result the course on offer holds something of a sincere interest and 
something that I would feel honoured to be a part of.