how to write 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

Politics and international relations (international relations) ma, mres, keele university school of social, political and global studies, international relations: international relations and international organization ma, university of groningen arts, security & international relations - msc, canterbury christ church university faculty of science, engineering and social sciences, modern history and international relations (research) ma, ma international relations and security, university of liverpool department of politics, 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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• Personal statement advice: politics

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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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Sample International Relations Personal Statement (Columbia, Cornell, Kings)

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following essay is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in international relations and affairs (Masters in IR). Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Columbia’s SIPA school, Cornell’s ILR school and Kings College London. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in international relations and affairs should look like.

Sample Personal Statement in International Relations and Affairs

After GCE A-levels, I was so smitten with Economics that I wanted it to stay with me for life. As it happens to be, that did turn out to be true. I received a scholarship to the London School of Economics (LSE) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. While at the LSE, I developed an interest in economic research. I interned at the Center for Economic Research in Washington, DC, every summer for four years. My work in DC was based on Evidence-Based Procurement Reforms. The project aimed to evaluate public sector institutes’ procurement process to increase efficiency in their procurement workflow. The fieldwork required me to work with government officials and help them digitize the procurement process. I realized that even though the officials wanted public sector organizations to work efficiently, such changes were not easy to bring unless better policies were designed.

During my junior year at LSE, I worked as a research assistant at the Center for Research in Economics and Business (CREB). At CREB, I worked with Professor Antony Bert on a preliminary report to evaluate the impact of microcredit on women in developing countries. The study was conducted in collaboration with a nonprofit, and it helped me see the difference my work could make in the lives of women entrepreneurs.

During my senior year at LSE, I was selected for the Global UGRAD program. My time at Utica College helped me decide where I wanted to proceed with economics. The rich discussions in my “international political economy” and “international relations” classes gave me a lot to think about. I especially remember when I led a seminar on how the West could help the East solve its economic problems. The classroom was an amalgamation of different nationalities, so the varying viewpoints were very interesting.

The thought that developing countries may be a burden for the developed world to bear saddened me. I had previously given little thought to my country’s role in the global economy. It became apparent to me that the resources, even in the wealthiest countries, are scarce, and development is a pressing issue. At the same time, interacting with people from different ethnicities opened my mind to what I needed to do for developing countries. Talking about the problems of developing countries with others motivated me to play my part in making them better, and working for their development, seemed the right place to start.

My fascination with economics grew further when I heard Professor Kaushik Basu, the Chief Economist at World Bank, talk about the challenges facing the South Asian region at the 11th South Asian Economics Students’ Meet (SAESM) in Bhutan. He stated that the South Asian region could greatly benefit from regional integration if its countries overcame problems, such as mutual mistrust, by formulating policies to help eradicate such barriers. This increased my proclivity toward development economics and sparked an interest in studying policymaking.

Recently, I got the opportunity to intern at the Planning and Development Department of India. It was a window for me to peek into the world of policymaking, which did not turn out to be as I had hoped. Millions of dollars were allocated to different projects, yet with no significant improvement in the common man’s life. I became certain that much more is needed to be done to make public policies more effective. For example, there was no proper cost-benefit analysis of projects, and there were instances where funds were tied up in projects due to bureaucratic delays.

I was thrilled to start working as a Research Assistant for a Tax project. As I had become enamored with public policy by now, I was excited to work for evidence-based policy reform. The project intends to strengthen the social relationship between the government and the taxpayers by highlighting the link between property tax revenues and public services. I have been coordinating and working closely with the Excise and Taxation Department and have also been involved in collecting and cleaning taxpayer data. While I am learning a lot here at The Indian Econometric Society (TIES), it has helped me identify the gaps in my knowledge. For example, I lack the econometric skills to analyze public programs and policies.

I hope that graduate studies will help me obtain these skills and tools. I want to pursue a Master’s in International Relations specializing in international development policy, as I want to evaluate third-world countries’ policies in an international setting. My experiences provide a great opportunity to get a graduate degree and experience the cultural exchange experience again, where I can share more experiences from my work with the new people I meet. I hope to return to India better prepared to work on policy analysis by working for developmental organizations and agencies.

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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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Politics personal statement example (4) (Masters)

• Reading time: 4 minutes
• Price: Free download
• Published: 1st July 2019
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• 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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Politics personal statements

On this page you'll find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study politics and related courses at university.

These personal statements are written by real students - don't expect them all to be perfect! But by reading through a few of these samples, you'll be able to get some ideas and inspiration for your own personal statement. 

Politics personal statement examples

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Politics and international studies personal statement example 1.

"In our age there is no such thing as keeping out of politics, all issues are political issues." Politics for me is the power to effect change, to make a difference whether that is to the detriment or advantage to society as a whole. Politics enforces all that we hold dear; social justice, equality, tolerance. My specific interest in politics is broadly based upon Orwell's principle of the universal nature of politics, together with not only the politics of today but rather the steady progression of democracy in the UK. Drawing comparisons with political and civil unrest in the Middle East, the insurmountable power of the West and balancing the use of democracy and war especially with the unraveling of recent global political crises.

Politics is an ever changing subject, which requires skills in analysis, debate and research, whilst also possessing an open mind to be empathetic to the views of society as a whole. A Level Politics has allowed me to look further into the dynamics of British and American Politics, considering the effect of these two nations' power on the world stage, encompassed with trips to Parliament and the Senate. I have also attended conferences on American Politics entitled 'Congress to Campus' and have been involved in a student question time, having entered a question for our incumbent MP. An emphasis on further research fuelled my decision to complete an EPQ, looking at the history of American foreign policy.

Studying Economics has given me an interest in domestic and overseas fiscal policy and understanding of the tumultuous legacy of previous governments when considering the nations finances. English Literature has developed my essay writing skills, having particularly enjoyed critical analysis of poetry, both past and present. The study of Miller's 'Broken Glass' questioned the perception of the American Dream and the consequences of fascism in 1938 Germany to an economically and socially unstable America. The study of Sociology encourages research of new and differing theoretical views of all of society's institutions. I have particularly enjoyed further research into the sociological and political ideology of Marx. Though his views could be deemed much too radical to interpret British society, his interpretations of society still resonate all over the world. The rich exploit the poor with little constriction by society's institutions such as the government and legal system.

My upbringing has given me a strong working class ethic, constantly reminding me that success cannot be achieved without commitment, sacrifice and hard work. Opportunities at school allowed me to stand as a candidate to represent my county in an election to become a member of the National Youth Parliament, allowing me to participate actively in school activities and acting as an advocate for my fellow pupils. Rewarding activities included establishing an after school Food and Nutrition Club for Year 7 pupils and membership of the school debating society. Tasks included lobbying town officials for fair trade status for my hometown, allowing me to develop and debate my own ideas along with those of my peers. Amongst my proudest achievements is being awarded a place in the National Academy of Gifted and Talented Youth. I have also enjoyed fundraising activities for Help for Heroes and an expedition to Tanzania, as well as membership of Amnesty International.

When asked why I want to further my political education to degree level the answer is simple. I want to be a participant, not an observer, in the molding of an ever changing, diverse society through politics. I want to learn about the world from the grass roots up. I want to make a difference.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by sjcooper91 for application in 2011.

sjcooper91's university choices The University of Warwick The University of Warwick London School of Economics The University of Nottingham University of St Andrews

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Degree BA (Hons) Sociology at The University of Nottingham

Related Personal Statements

Did you hear from your other.

Wed, 29/12/2010 - 05:25

Did you hear from your other uni's yet?

Nope, no more offers yet.

Tue, 11/01/2011 - 20:27

Nope, no more offers yet. Starting to get rather anxious actually! But I am told that most of my university choices are unlikely to offer places before the UCAS deadline which is January 15th!

St Andrews?!

Tue, 06/09/2011 - 20:10

Hello, just wondering if you could outline why you think St Andrews declined your application? I am also thinking of studying at St Andrews. However, I'd say your ps has the edge! Any help would be great. I don't want to waste an application! Many thanks

Hi! Sorry I haven't responded

Mon, 14/11/2011 - 03:22

Hi! Sorry I haven't responded sooner, St Andrews turned me down because they said and I quote "There are more academic students who would best fill a place at the University of St Andrews" Mainly I think it was due to my GCSE results not being all that I hoped they would be due to health problems I had at the time. Something you obviously have no trouble with considering your profile.. Good Luck with your application :) x

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