personal statement for international politics

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• International Relations Masters Personal Statement Sample

Written by Ben Taylor

This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in International Relations. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement .

In today’s unstable political climate, a nuanced, multifaceted understanding of international relations seems more important than ever, with the emergence of right-wing populism around the world and the imminent reckoning of the climate crisis (not to mention the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic). Being able to grasp the power dynamics at play between (and within) nations seems crucial to maintaining some semblance of continuity in the international community.

Having studied History and Politics at undergraduate level, one of the aspects of your Masters in International Relations programme that appeals to me the most is its interdisciplinary nature. Sociology, international law and history are all incredibly important when it comes to understanding our current moment and I look forward to studying the myriad ways in which they inform each other.

My undergraduate dissertation focused on the breakup of Yugoslavia and the subsequent Dayton Accords peace agreement, and was informed by my time at an NGO in Sarajevo in 2017. This organisation promoted human rights in the Balkan region and I helped with the development of several campaigns to support judicial and civic reform. I’m eager to expand on this research for my Masters and have already secured another internship working for a Zagreb-based refugee organisation next summer.

While at university I was active in several student societies, including being on the committee for the Amnesty International Society, where I helped organise several keynote speeches and letter-writing campaigns. I was also the social secretary for the History Society and the treasurer for the Alternative Music Society, putting on several financially lucrative gigs around the city.

After graduating in 2018, I started working as an account manager for a marketing agency, drumming up sales and also acting as a liaison between our clients and the in-house team of creatives. I like to think that this experience has boosted my interpersonal communication skills and given me a knack for negotiation and managing expectations.

Despite working full-time, I’ve continued to travel widely wherever possible, returning to the Balkans on several occasions and also making self-guided study trips to the International Criminal Court in the Hague, the UN Headquarters in New York City and the United Nations Office at Geneva.

I hope that your Masters programme will provide the scope to expand on my existing experience and give me opportunities to develop expertise in new and exciting areas. Once my studies have finished, I hope to find work in a more senior role at an NGO in the Balkans and I’m sure that your programme will act as the perfect springboard for this goal.

What are my options for studying International Relations

International relations: international relations and international organization ma, university of groningen arts, politics and international relations (international relations) ma, mres, keele university school of social, political and global studies, security & international relations - msc, canterbury christ church university faculty of science, engineering and social sciences, ma international relations and security, university of liverpool department of politics, ma international relations, leiden university faculty of humanities, find a masters in international relations.

If you're interested in a studying International Relations, then why don't you check out our regularly updated catalogue of available International Relations Masters .

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Looking for the best universities for Politics & Government in the USA? Compare ranking tables from top sources here, along with their methodologies.

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Ben worked in the FindAMasters content team from 2017 to 2022, starting as an Assistant Content Writer and leaving as Student Content Manager. He focused on producing well-researched advice across a range of topics related to postgraduate study. Ben has a Bachelors degree in English Literature from the University of Sheffield and a Masters from the University of Amsterdam. Having also spent a semester at the University of Helsinki through the Erasmus programme, he’s no stranger to study abroad (or cold weather!).

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Politics personal statement example (4) (Masters)

• Reading time: 4 minutes
• Price: Free download
• Published: 1st July 2019
• Word count: 968 words
• File format: Text

Changes in the world make it an exciting time to study global affairs, and the London School of Economics offers an unparalleled opportunity to examine shifting social and economic arrangements across the world. The discipline of international relations provides a profound outlook on how we attempt to understand the social world. As a student of international relations, I have benefited from the study of the political forces shaping contemporary times from a global perspective.

Additionally, as a political science student, I have studied the general security concerns of the nation-state and how the domestic context of each state relates to its international relations. This has supplied me with the tools needed to evaluate the workings of world politics and how it shapes foreign policy. Possessing such critical thinking skills is highly valuable, affording a flexible method for perceiving the changing global environment and the challenges it presents to governments, businesses, and communities.

Pursuing a master’s degree is an endeavour I am undertaking to enhance my analytical skills and expand my knowledge in the field of international affairs. Through undergraduate courses and research, I have developed an interest in studying contemporary global conflicts. In particular, their formation from a historical perspective and the conditions which perpetuate them and prevent peaceful resolution. For example, the political obstacles preventing nations from engaging in constructive efforts to address climate change.

What prevents the creation of an effective transnational regulatory framework? Solving this topical issue is necessary for defining and promoting a practical strategy for mitigating global climate change. Based on the growing interdependence between states, the traditionally competitive foreign policy strategies which characterize state relations may be overcome to achieve shared goals. It is essential, therefore, to understand the conditions required to facilitate cooperative action on the part of nations.

The LSE’s specialized approach to focusing on the international system independently of domestic politics is one reason I would be well suited for this program. By comparing the domestic and international levels of policy-making, it is possible to view the differences between them. For instance, long-term policy objectives regarding ecological sustainability are generally treated as an unimportant issue in domestic politics.

However, the problem of climate change is a priority in many international forums such as the United Nations Environment Programme and the European Climate Change Programme. The research done by LSE’s Department of International Relations is designed to consider the unique dynamics of domestic and international actors and institutions.

Thinking theoretically about international politics allows for the identification of factors which drive conflicts in contemporary times. Through my undergraduate research projects, I have studied trends which are shaping social and economic structures globally. Considering the most pressing concerns in the world right now, I asked the following question. How are the greatest threats to the long-term stability of the current world order being managed and adapted to? This inquiry led me to research how governments are acting to meet the challenges of the future.

The European Union is an ideal subject to study, as it represents an innovative attempt by governments to meet changing global conditions. Specifically, I researched the policy-direction of the EU regarding its position on the international climate change agenda. I identified the EU as a focal point in my research, as it evidenced one potential direction governments may take to formulate action plans in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to catastrophic climate change. Investigating a broad issue, such as power politics , through the study of a narrower policy-area, such as the international climate change regime, is something I hope to do through graduate level research.

Academic works which initiated my interest in studying climate change included Anthony Giddens’s book ‘ The Politics of Climate Change .’ Specifically, his sociological perspective on the development of climate change as the result of choices made by nations revealed a new avenue of discourse over climate policy that I had not previously considered. By looking at the role of society and culture in shaping the domestic sphere in which policy is debated, I came to appreciate the role international organizations play in bringing the issue of global climate change to citizens.

By looking at how the international, national and local levels interact around an issue is essential for identifying the factors which prevent a comprehensive approach to tackling climate change.

At the LSE, I hope to develop my research interests while benefiting from the insights of other disciplines. The diversity of research specialties in the Department of International Relations makes it clear that LSE is the best university for me to continue my post-graduate studies.

Combining insights from other fields is something I have benefited from immensely. As a global security risk analyst for a multinational software company, I learned about the ways data technologies are being used to inform business strategies. Using metrics to show trends makes it possible to identify changes in the world and to see them as part of a larger pattern. Learning about how various actors operating in a global environment use technology to think strategically in an increasingly complicated environment has been valuable training for my future academic research and career.

The LSE stands out as a truly international institution. The intellectual diversity of faculty within the international affairs department makes it an ideal place for me to study the evolving world. Also, the overall prestige of the university gives it ties to the nonacademic world, drawing policy-makers and activists from around the world to share their insights with the student body. Engaging with the outside world during my studies is something that I aspire to do. By doing so, I hope my academics and research will prepare me to form new and innovative ideas on current policy-debates and overall, help me to better understand and respond to the dynamic global environment.

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• References for mature students

Politics: less can be more

Demonstrating your understanding of and interest in studying politics is a key way of impressing tutors:

‘The most persuasive statements are those that are clearly written and which get straight to the point. Less is often more. I simply want it made clear to me that an applicant is academically interested in studying the subject at university, that they’ve done their homework, and have a sense of what the academic study of politics is actually about… that it’s not just current affairs.

The University of Bristol helpfully outlines what tutors are looking for in politics applicants on its website – you need to show evidence of:

• your engagement with the subject beyond the A level (or equivalent) syllabus
• what it is that specifically and explicitly enthuses you about the debates you engage with, the books you read, and the ideas you discuss

They would also be very interested in your reflections on any relevant volunteering or campaigning you might have done, but it’s you as an individual and your intellectual engagement with ideas that they most want to get a feel for. There's no model answer – it just needs to be unique to you. Or one other way you might stand out, in Dr Allen's view, is by speaking to an admissions tutor at an open day and following it up with an email exchange.

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Politics and International Relations

Author: jack long-martinez, applied in: winter 2015, university offers: lse, warwick, york.

In The Soldier and the State Samuel P. Huntington writes that “collective will supplants individual whim”, and it is this notion of the collaborative power of humanity which is key to my desire to study politics. I find both mankind’s ability to draw strength from the creation of societies and the interrelationships between political powers intriguing and I am eager, therefore, to explore the world’s civilisations in detail.

As an introduction to my study of global political cultures, I read J. Stiglitz’s novel The Price of Inequality; his exposure of the flaws in US social structure prior to the Great Recession gave an insight into the workings of contemporary American society, with the author focusing in particular on the relationship between the nation’s reckless financial sector and the suffering of the USA’s “99 percent”. I subsequently read F. Fukuyama’s After the Neocons. This text furthered my understanding of American politics, discussing the consequences of the Bush administration’s incorrect application of neoconservative theory with regards to foreign policy and criticising its reliance on overwhelming military force as the key driver of cultural development.

Undertaking an extended project concerning the extent to which Francoist Spain was a fascist state allowed me to explore the political history of both Spain and Europe as a whole. My research led me to conclude that, in spite of sharing traits with its Fascist contemporaries, the absence of typically fascist ideals such as militaristic expansion and utopianism meant that the regime could never itself be truly classed as fascist. This view echoes that of S J Woolf, who labelled Franco’s fascism as “at best…half hearted”.

In order to understand international politics in a broader context, I also read Fukuyama’s The End of History and the Last Man; through his analysis of political development over the course of history and identification of Western liberal democracy as the ultimate political system, the author indicates the past’s importance in shaping today’s politics. It is questionable, however, whether Fukuyama’s views concerning Western society are valid, with the prominence of competing cultures-particularly Islam-casting doubt over their legitimacy. His argument has, therefore, been widely disputed, with S. Huntington, for example, describing belief in “the universality of Western culture” as “false” and “immoral”.

Politics and social organisation is not, however, only important on an international scale. It governs interaction at any level, be it within government or among communities, which inspires me to explore all forms of political activity. Publications such as The Economist and literature such as R.Peston’s How do we Fix this Mess? developed my interest in national politics. Work experience with Norman Lamb MP achieved similar outcomes; I gained a practical insight into the varied role of an MP at local level, with my drafting of letters to constituents, policy research and exchanges with Mr Lamb and his staff all proving to be invaluable in expanding my understanding and appreciation of Britain’s political system.

Outside the classroom, I have been heavily involved in charitable work. I raised several thousand pounds as an executive on Norwich School’s Appeals Committee and worked with the international charity ‘Smile’, for which I delivered speeches to audiences of over 900 people within Norwich Cathedral. Communication was also crucial to my role as Managing Director of a Young Enterprise company, through which I appeared on BBC Radio Norfolk. In addition, I have provided mathematics tutoring to GCSE pupils in school and played tennis to national standard. Moreover, I have recently been appointed Deputy Head of Norwich School, making me responsible for various aspects of school life, such as the Consultative Committee-the large pupil-led body which exists to voice students’ concerns on school matters-and the prefect body.

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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• Politics Personal Statement Examples

The following 3 personal statement examples for politics are for inspiration and guidance for students who are applying to politics at UK universities. These examples will give you a sense of the structure of personal statements for politics. Also, the tone is appropriate to use for university applications. 

Hopefully, political personal statement examples will help you write a compelling statement that will help you stand out as an applicant for a political course.

Personal Statement Examples for Politics

We are all affected by politics, and to ignore it is to be in the dark about how the world works. People have acquiesced to unjust institutions and unfair political practices because of ignorance of politics. I am interested in studying Politics so that I can gain the knowledge and analytical skills to understand the workings of the world and therefore inform the public about pervasive injustice as a foreign correspondent or political reporter.

As evidenced by my A-Level English Literature results, I have a gift for language and understanding texts. Due to my talent, I initially decided to study Literature and American Studies. Although I began these studies, I found Literature to be too detached from reality and unable to help me understand politics or fulfil my ambitions. After much reflection, I made the difficult decision to withdraw and pursue my primary interests closer to home.

My reading for American Studies, however, was very helpful in helping me gain an understanding of American politics, a subject I am looking forward to studying at university. Because of America’s unrivalled power, no one is untouched by its politics, which makes it the most important to understand all national politics. Moreover, the pace of political change and the polarisation of the parties make for fascinating reading, especially through the lens of the Huffington Post, my favourite American news outlet. Barely 2 years following Obama’s victory, Republicans are back on the offensive, winning control of Congress with the support of the ‘Tea Party movement. I’d like to learn more about how such religious grass-roots groups can coexist with established political parties in the setting of one of the world’s most secular constitutions.

In its foreign policy announcements, America sometimes uses the word democracy loosely. As well, I am interested in studying Democratic Theory to better understand how democracy has triumphed in the West and its pros and cons. I am a member of the Electoral Reform Society, which seeks to find a more representative electoral system that better reflects the wishes of voters in the UK. In reading Plato’s Republic for Philosophy A-Level, I have become aware that democracy may have deeper, intrinsic weaknesses. The anti-democracy argument of Plato has some problems, since it seems to only apply to direct democracies and assumes that philosopher-kings are apt to rule. However, his benevolent tyranny model still has appeal, which may explain why democracy has not yet reached every country, much to the chagrin of Washington.

By studying philosophy at A-Level, I have improved my argumentative skills and learned how to present clear and logical arguments. My political essays or seminars at university will benefit from this knowledge when I argue my case. On the other hand, my History A-Level has prepared me for understanding the genesis of contemporary political events through historical research skills.

Aside from school, I am preparing myself for university life and my future career by pursuing an internship at BBC Look East and volunteering for the Green Party. I plan to become very politically active at university. I’d want to join the student union and advocate for Green Party ideas. To better prepare myself for the media world, I would also like to write for and help edit a student newspaper.

I am committed to using my education and extracurricular experiences at university to not only gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of journalism, but also to cultivate compassion within myself. This increased sense of empathy will drive me to actively seek out and bring to light instances of injustice, with the ultimate goal of creating a more equitable and fair society.

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As someone who has been surrounded by political discussion and debate from a young age, it is no surprise that politics is a subject that I am deeply passionate about. My parents’ involvement in local council affairs sparked my interest in the subject, and I have been fortunate enough to gain valuable work experience as an intern at the Home Office in London.

During my time at the Home Office, I had the opportunity to work closely with senior officials and meet with ambassadors from various countries, including Germany, India, and the United States. These experiences only served to further fuel my ambition to pursue a degree in politics. I am particularly interested in studying the sociological context of politics and understanding how human social behaviour shapes and is shaped by a country’s political structure. I am also intrigued by the various social issues that have political significance, such as race, gender, national identity, the environment, and the impact of new technologies.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I have also been active in extracurricular activities that have helped to develop my leadership and management skills. I have held several positions of responsibility, including head of the boarding house at my junior school, captain of the school netball team, and managing director of a Young Enterprise group. These experiences have taught me how to take charge and work effectively with others.

I am a hard-working and determined student with a clear set of goals and a strong commitment to achieving them. I am confident and have a strong personality, but I am also humble and aware of how much I have left to learn. My curiosity drives me to seek out new ideas and perspectives, and I am always eager to broaden my understanding of the world around me. I believe that I have the necessary qualities and drive to succeed as an undergraduate in the field of politics.

As a young person, I was deeply affected by the events of 9/11 and the London bombings, which I watched unfold on television. These events sparked my curiosity about the world and drove me to learn more about different political viewpoints. I wanted to understand why certain events happened and how they were shaped by different perspectives.

Through my A-level study of history, I have seen how minor political changes make huge impacts on the world. The story of political evolution over the past 200 years fascinates me, as it explains how and why we ended up where we are today. I have come to understand the deep-rooted connection between politics and everyday life. This is particularly evident in countries which have gained independence from Britain, as governments attempt to find their feet. The histories of relatively new nations such as Zimbabwe and Pakistan are important to look back on, to help us understand how and why they operate as they do today. In the UK, I find the story of devolution in Wales an interesting one, especially as so much of the population remains ambivalent about it.

I have always had a passion for language and have studied Welsh, French, and English at the AS level. In English, I analysed the speeches of politicians such as Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher and considered why they were effective. While studying French, we compared the political systems of France and the UK. However, the political system that interests me the most is that of the USA. The system of checks and balances is a unique and interesting model, and the role of the American president as “Leader of the Free World” is constantly evolving and impacting global society. I also find the British political system to be very intriguing and hope to gain a thorough understanding of its complexity.

I have held several leadership positions at my school, including being a form representative and perfect, and serving as a Student Ambassador. These roles have required me to communicate with my peers and present their requests to staff, which has taught me the importance of sometimes making sacrifices to achieve a goal. I have also participated in the Young Interviewer competition and represented my school at a national debating tournament at Durham University. This experience introduced me to the world of political debate and required me to work in an effective team under time pressure. This year, I made it to the national final of the Welsh Schools’ Debating Championship. Through debate, I have learned to consider different viewpoints on various political, social, and moral issues and to present my arguments. These skills have also been helpful in my written work.

I have been actively involved in politics, including participating in the local election campaign for a Conservative candidate and being a member of the Young Conservatives. I also attended a rally with David Cameron in Bristol, which gave me an understanding of the important role played by grassroots politics and the work that goes into campaigning. I am deeply interested in current affairs, both in the UK and internationally, and am particularly interested in the current coalition government and its successes and challenges. I read the Guardian and have read several political memoirs, with a particular interest in the accounts of Tony Blair and Alastair Campbell, whose experiences have had a significant impact on my understanding of politics.

I hope to fully engage with the various political societies and activities offered at the university and deepen my understanding of global politics through my studies. After completing my degree, I hope to be involved in politics in some capacity, whether through a government career or potentially as a parliamentarian.

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Personal Statement:International Politics 1

International politics personal statement.

I have chosen to study International Politics at degree level due to my enjoyment of Politics classes at A-Level. In particular I have enjoyed studying domestic British Politics and British Foreign Policies in the period 1865-1965, but I would really like to broaden my knowledge by studying global political developments. My interest in the subject has increased with the unravelling of recent political crises and other international developments. My own experience of living in the former Soviet Union, witnessing the turmoil during the break up of the Union and then moving to England has been very important in developing my interest in International Politics. I still follow the developments in Russian and East European domestic and foreign policies by reading a weekly Russian newspaper, Sputnik Novosti. Moreover my work experience in a government employment agency, JobCentre, and the description of the course in prospectuses confirmed my interest in International Politics and in the long term I aim to use my degree to pursue a career in the Civil Service

I have had experience in a variety of work areas. For my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh I completed two weeks voluntary work in Northolt Care Home for elderly people, where my duties included cleaning the rooms and general care for the residents. Having completed my Bronze Award I am now working towards Silver having completed everything except the expedition. I also have had two weeks voluntary training with the London Fire Brigade also for my Award. My work experience at the JobCentre included filing and retrieving customer files, redirecting telephone calls, and general advice. Finally, I have had a work placement in a retail store where I held the position of General Assistant and I was responsible for cash and also had to keep record of the stock and order new stock when needed

In the Sixth Form I am a member of The Chess Association and regularly play chess with fellow members. As part of my geography course I have attended a field trip to Devon, where fieldwork on human geography was completed

Outside school I have a number of interests. Sport is very important and I am a member of a local racing cycling club, which I attend regularly every Saturday, also I attend karate sessions every Sunday

When I am not working out, my spare time is used to keep up to date with the current affairs through broadsheet newspapers, websites or watching news. I enjoy watching documentaries such as the documentary weighing up the arguments for and against an attack Iraq. Of course I also enjoy listening to a wide variety of music and reading non-fiction, especially on historical and political topics like The European Dictatorships 1918-1945 and I also read weekly periodicals such as Private Eye and Economist. Finally I have my own personal computer which I use for research and presentation purposes.

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History and politics personal statement example (oxbridge).

I have always found myself interested in the social sciences. The complex relation between individual, family, society and state enthralls me. The dynamic between civil liberties and state security, the role of the state in society, the question of war and revolution, are all topics that fascinate me.

Although committed to my studies in school, I have always sought to challenge myself beyond the narrow confines of the curriculum. In Government and Politics, I have learnt about various political systems in the world, political ideologies and international relations, and I have expanded on this in my wider reading.

I have thoroughly enjoyed influential political works such as Mill's 'On Liberty', Hobbes' 'Leviathan', Marx's 'The Communist Manifesto' and Aristotle's 'Polis'.

I have been particularly interested in comparing and contrasting different thinkers' models of the state; both Marx and Hobbes, for example, propose strong states (although Marx's long term model posits that the state will eventually 'wither away'), but in very different forms. Mill proposes a libertarian society based on the 'harm principle', whereas Aristotle's Polis is a much stronger state, where all do not have equal rights.

As a member of Cambridge Liberal Democrats, I have been able to take part in various talks, seminars and workshops which have supplemented my academic work. To keep abreast of current affairs, I subscribe to Total Politics and The Spectator. I am also a keen listener to BBC's Weekly Political Review.

My interest in politics is informed by a keen sense of history and the comparative lessons of the past. I have developed and nurtured my passion for History through considerable wider reading.

Richard J Evans's 'In Defence of History', Marc Bloch's 'The Historian's Craft' and John Tosh's 'The pursuit of History' first gave me a proper insight into this wonderful discipline, and have complemented the topics I have studied in school. A Level History has allowed me to learn about Russian Revolution, Vietnam War, Stuart Age and Civil Rights Movement.

I have sought immense pleasure from reading 'A People's Tragedy' by Orlando Figes, 'In Retrospect' by Robert McNamara, 'The Stuarts' by John Miller and 'Sweet Land of Liberty?' by Robert Cook. I have also developed a profound interest in political history. Books such as 'History and Illusion in Politics' and 'Fatal Purity:

Robespierre and the French Revolution' have revealed to me how political leaders can transmogrify into tyrants, how the malfunctioning of social hierarchies can cause societies to run amok. I believe the contemporary socio-political context can only be properly understood by situating it in a broader historical narrative; for this reason, history forms an essential part of my academic outlook.

I have always believed in maintaining a healthy balance between academic pursuits and wider, extracurricular activities. I was elected to represent my school in the Global Young Leader Conference in USA, as a result of my leadership skills. I have been a regular member of my school's Debating Society and Global Issues Forum.

I am currently completing my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, during which I have served in my local Citizens' Advice Bureau as a form filler. It has afforded me an invaluable opprtunity to meet people from all walks of life.

Keen to take every opportunity to further my knowledge of Politics and History in a practical context, I have sought to gain firsthand experience of the House of Commons and Imperial War Museum by arranging to shadow my local MP and a short work experience respectively.

Finally, I would like to reiterate that my academic achievements, experience and above all enthusiasm and interest in History and Politics make me an ideal candidate for the degree.

I am a highly motivated individual who is able to work both independently and as a part of a team, and I am confident these skills will stand me in good stead during my time at university.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Oxonian for application in 2010.

Oxonian's Comments

I got into Magdalene College, Oxford. That explains it all.

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

So, you got into 'Magdalene'?

Tue, 23/08/2011 - 00:04

Doesn't that, like, require you to spell the college name correctly? Here's a heads up: it's spelt 'Magdalen'.

Does it enthrall you?

Sun, 02/10/2011 - 13:16

Littering your personal statements with words you've clearly got out of a thesaurus because they sound so out-of-place and forced is not impressive.

You got into "MagdalenE".

Sun, 25/11/2012 - 16:09

You got into "MagdalenE". THAT explains it all.

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