Engineering Personal Statement ( 3 stars)

I have always had an interest in the way things work, and since I was young, science has been one of my favourite subjects. My interest in sciences, particularly physics, has developed throughout my time at school, and I enjoy the challenge of using scientific and mathematical ideas when solving everyday problems. Last year I took part in the Engineering Education Scheme, working alongside three other students, with the local water company, to work on a project involving the removal of sludge from a drinking water clarification tank. This helped me to develop time management, problem-solving and teamwork skills, as we encountered several problems along the way (mostly involving the sludge), as well as having to cope with each other for long hours in order to meet deadlines. I found this both challenging and rewarding, and achieved a Gold Crest Award as well as being able to take part in the regional final of the Young Engineers for Britain competition. The scheme gave me a useful insight into the types of problems that engineers have to solve, and convinced me that engineering is the career path I want to follow. I aim to secure sponsorship for my course with a local company, as this will provide me with experience of industrial work during the holidays, as well as helping me financially through my time at university. I believe that good links between engineers and businesses are essential for an efficient and profitable future for British industry. Studying Economics to AS-level, along with sciences and maths, has helped me to understand some of the scientific principles behind production and management techniques. Physics has taught me about how things behave, and how these properties can be used in solving both practical and theoretical situations. Studying biology has helped me to appreciate the role that engineers can play in helping to balance industry and natural environment. My favourite part of the course is the environment module, as I enjoy learning about how different species can adapt to their surroundings. Mathematics gives me the opportunity to apply familiar concepts to unfamiliar situations, and I enjoy the challenge of solving mathematical problems. I also find further maths enjoyable, as I find it more challenging than my normal maths lessons. Alongside my school work, I have been studying an Open University science short course entitled Food and Health: A Chemical Story. I enjoy working on the course, as it helps to broaden my scientific reading, and covers interesting topics in more depth than my school studies. It also helps me with my independent study and time management skills. I am due to complete the course at the end of October. I like to be involved in other aspects of school life, for example I took part in the junior mock trial competition lower down the school. Last year I was assistant house captain, helping to encourage younger members of my house in competitions. I helped backstage in the sixth form show, which I intend to do again this year. I am a year eight buddy, which involves helping an able younger student with extra schoolwork. I take drama lessons out of school, and recently passed Guildhall Grade 6 solo acting with honours. I have been involved in five musicals since starting at this school, and am currently rehearsing for my first principal role in the schools production of Les Miserables. I have also taken part in several pro ductions with local youth theatre and amateur dramatics societies, ranging from William Shakespeare to Willy Russell. I play the violin in the school orchestra, and enjoy singing in the school choir. I also take part in music activities outside of school, and am involved in groups such as Burton Sinfonia and Staffordshire Youth Choir. Although at the moment I intend to complete a degree in manufacturing engineering, I do not feel that I am in the best position to make any final decisions about my career yet, and have chosen courses with the first year (and in some cases the second year) common to degree

programmes in many disciplines of engineering. My experiences of engineering so far have been both challenging and rewarding, and I hope that my future career will be too.

Mechanical engineering personal statement (4stars)

From a very young age, I had aspirations of becoming an engineer, because I wanted to build machines that did not require direct human energy inputs to operate. I achieved this for the first time a few weeks later, designing a vehicle that carried it's energy stored in rubber-bands; it wasn't a roaring success, but the fact that it wasn't perfect only increased my desire to learn more about engineering. Soon afterwards, I became a serious motor sport enthusiast, and to understand the sport more, I began assisting my dad and his mechanic in the maintenance of our family cars and electricity generator. I quickly learnt and understood the function of every part of the generator and before long, my dad ran out of answers to my questions, like: 'Why do high performance engines often have up to six valves per cylinder when two would do the job?'. He therefore encouraged me to read further about engineering, and a few books later, I knew what I was devoting my life to. The more I learn about mechanical engineering, the more assured I become that a career as a mechanical engineer is suited to me. A few years ago whilst researching for a physics assignment, I discovered that most cars are 20 to 30 percent efficient at best. This statistic is unacceptable, and it had a big influence on my decision to study mechanical engineering, with my focus being engine design. In addition, learning subsequently of the rotary engine, continuously variable transmission (cvt), pneumatic and desmodromic valve control, hydraulics and many other interesting concepts has further trengthened my decision to study mechanical engineering, and it is my belief that I really can make a mark in the automobile industry. After deciding to become an engineer, I set out to find the qualities necessary for success. In the process, I read about Heinrich Maybach, Thomas Edison, Isambard Brunel, Ernst von Siemens, and a host of others. Of all the great engineers I have learnt about, the one that inspires me the most is Thomas Edison. This is because unlike all the others, he not only was talented as an engineer; he was also a brilliant businessman. I believe that success, as an engineer in this day and age, requires technical competence and a combination of management, leadership, communication and business skills. Leadership is something that I have naturally and my school recognised this by appointing me a senior prefect, which I believe has further improved my leadership and communication skills. In addition, I recently set up a maths club in my school where sixth-formers who are good at maths help pupils from the junior school with their study and homework. This has improved my communication and presentation skills tremendously. Reading Robert Kiyosaki's book, 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad', taught me the importance of having financial and business skills. To improve these skills, I volunteered at my local British Heart Foundation shop for a few months, to understand how charities make money. This turned out to be a very valuable educational experience.

When I have time outside my curricular and club activities, I am a very enthusiastic sportsperson. My main sporting interests are football and the high jump. Presently, I am in the process of starting up a football team for the sixth-formers in my school, to improve general physical fitness and to foster a sense of belonging among the new sixth-formers in my school. I am also working towards a sports leadership award. In addition, I am involved in Greenwich council's Gifted and Talented program called 'xtrahot', and I have attended a number of seminars and workshops as part of the program. It is my hope that a degree from your university would serve as a solid base for a successful career in engineering, where hopefully, I would be involved in the development of new technology for cleaner and more efficient transportation systems

Aeronautical engineering personal statement (3 stars)

Engineers through time have consistently triumphed over near-impossible odds to achieve some of the most incredible structural and mechanical feats; their pioneering ingenuity has played a central role in the ever-changing face of technological advancement. The Colloseum of Rome, over 2000 years old, is one such engineering masterpiece the fact that it remains virtually intact today is a credit to the skill and depth of planning behind it. I always strive to make a difference and, in my view, never has the world faced a bigger challenge; global warming is rapidly transforming the face of the earth as we know it, and I feel that it is partly my responsibility to make an impact. My passion for engineering stems from an inquisitive side that has fuelled many of my interests, in particular I enjoy looking into the immense intricacy of various mechanical structures and learning how the different components function. I like a challenge, and see it as an opportunity to learn something new as it appeals to the more intrepid side of my character. Although I appreciate other aspects of engineering, I find the workings of an aircraft elegant in its own right. The capability of a piece of machine to achieve lift, navigate its way through the clouds to its destination is utterly awe-inspiring. As an RAF cadet, I was introduced to hugely influential military aircrafts and I marvelled at their high speeds and manoeuvrability and desired knowledge of how they worked. My interest in aeronautics has been reinforced by my love for mathematics and physics as they underpin the fundamentals of engineering. The beauty of mathematics is the ability to use its logic and concepts to neatly solve problems, whilst physics provides simple theories that guide everyday phenomena. I spent a week at Cambridge on the Sutton trust summer school where I was introduced to first year lectures on fluid and structural mechanics. Fluid mechanics looked at the forces acting on the fluid in a jet engine (rocket science!) whereas structural mechanics introduced the idea of trusses (targets!). The most thrilling part of the summer school was the group project to design and build a fully automated robot using a computer program called NQC. The project illustrated that engineers often work as a team under timing constraint. After being introduced to lectures and student life, I feel excited as well as capable of coping with the rigour of an engineering degree. As Head Student, I supervise the school prefects, attend meetings and my free periods are largely spent mentoring KS3 students and carrying out truancy patrol. A charity for orphans benefited from the GBP 529 raised from a football tournament I co-ordinated. I have made several speeches and presentations to a large audience and conducted numerous assemblies.

In the engineering world, excellent leadership and communication skills are crucial and I have improved and demonstrated these skills at school. Outside school, my leadership qualities flourish on the pitch where I captain a local football club. When not on the pitch, I have taken on a lead role in a mini movie. I often read the 'New Scientist' and 'Everything Aerospace' to keep me informed of exciting scientific advances and by reading a book like 'Small things considered' by H.Petroski, my keenness for engineering grows. Aeronautical engineers are at the forefront of an ever-changing world of technology, and it is my dream that, I will be able to follow a career against the backdrop of this ever-advancing field. I believe that my desire to personally make a difference, along with the degree of independence that I have proven throughout recent years, will help me to adapt the challenges and opportunities that I know university will present.

Engineering personal statement (3 stars)

Almost any technology we take for granted today involves engineering: from mobile phones to space shuttles, engineering certainly has an impact on our daily lives. Increasingly over the last few years, I have become drawn to engineering and the wide range of possibilities that studying in this field can offer. Modern technology always intrigues me and I find it fascinating to see how they function, especially with the intricate physics behind them. I believe that although it is important to determine how things work, it is perhaps more valuable to understand why they fail and use it to our advantage to construct better solutions. I aspire to become an engineer because I believe that I can make a difference to our lives, by creating solutions for the many problems that surround our world today. After embracing a larger interest in engineering, I decided to broaden my mind by reading about different engineers such as James Watt and Edison. They both inspired me as they dedicated their work to improve living standards at the time, which revolutionized the way we lived. In July I attended a Headstart course at Loughborough to discover more about this field in general, and it has further secured my opinion that I want to be part of this area of expertise. Working at Steve Leung's Architects in Hong Kong last summer has provided me with a sound opportunity to gain an incredible insight into the areas of architecture and structural engineering. Although it was hard work, I enjoyed the challenges by solving them with scientific and mathematical ideas. Besides, I learnt to use statistical models to solve complex calculations, whilst developing teamwork and time management skills. I believe that I am well suited to this field, as my subjects and thinking reflect the nature of engineering. Studying physics with the Advanced Extension Award has provided me with the core scientific knowledge needed. My innate logical thought enables me to apply this theory to diverse and practical problems, which I find challenging and enjoyable. Maths has given me numerous problem solving opportunities and allows me to apply usual concepts to solve unusual situations. Furthermore, by studying Design and Technology, I gained experiences with electronics, materials and CAD/CAM, as well as coping with large amounts of coursework. Alongside the main subjects, I am also undertaking Chinese as an extra language. In addition, Geography at AS level presents me with analytical abilities and a greater awareness of issues on a larger scale. For the past 4 years I have thoroughly enjoyed boarding, as I get on well with others easily. This has helped me to develop as a person, making me independent and organized, but more

importantly it has developed my interpersonal skills. As I am from a family of Chinese origins in the UK, I am able to speak both English and Chinese fluently, which is an invaluable advantage for me. Apart from my curricular activities, I like to be involved with other aspects of school life, such as sports. My favorites are rugby and hockey, and I am currently a member of the 1st Hockey team. I also help to coach the U15s team occasionally, and this develops my teamwork skills and discipline. On the other hand I have enjoyed taking part and helping to coordinate Jack and the Beanstalk, which is the school pantomime for this year. Whenever possible, I enjoy socializing with friends, as I believe there is more to life than just academic success. Through my experiences I am beginning to appreciate the future and prosperity that engineering has to offer. I hope that a degree from your university will act as a key for a successful career in engineering.

Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement (3 stars)

I personally feel that there is substantial cachet to be gained by pursuing the field of Mechanical Engineering. The diversity present in this field has attracted me and it is consistent with my enthusiasm for Mathematics and Science. It has a lot of scope as well. I have gone through the entire gist of the course and the specific areas which interested me were Mechatronics, Robotics and Project Design. I know what a career in Engineering is like, since I come from a third generation family of Engineers. I have been quite impressed by the teamwork involved in Mechanical Engineering; how people work in groups, in order to complete a project e.g. produce a machine which would curtail the load on laborers and would generate results more quickly and efficiently. In my opinion, supervising, problem solving and decision making play an important role in most of the Engineering firms. Studying Accounting till AS level has helped me to further add to these skills. A level Physics and Chemistry, through finely planned syllabi, have provided me a beneficial educational experience. They have equipped me with adequate knowledge and understanding so that I could become a confident member of the advanced world of technology. I have the zeal to develop self inspiration and the talent to work in a consistent manner. I believe that Science and Mathematics are cohesive. By studying Mathematics, I have gained the skills which help me solve real life problems and such skills, more importantly, have been useful in the Science subjects as well. I analyze everything in depth and once I have spotted my goal, I keep on aiming for it until I succeed. Because of my interest in these subjects and some others, I scored excellent grades in O levels and as a result, I got 100% scholarship for my entire AS and A level course. At school, I have participated in many extracurricular activities. I am a member of numerous clubs and societies, which include Science, Journalism, Music and Community Service. I am the head of the Mathematics society and my task is to design quizzes. I have a keen interest in photography and as a member of the journalism society, I have the responsibility for taking pictures at various school events. Because of the charisma I possess, I was selected as the house leader of the school. Last year I received the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award for 4 activities i.e. social service at Darul-Sakun (home for special children), outstanding performances in soccer, creative writing (English) and for completing a project by working with the Agha Khan University Library as a

volunteer. I am currently doing community service at S.I.U.T (Sind Institute of Urology and Transplant). I have also played cricket for the school team. In my free time, I go out for swimming, bowling and sometimes fishing, or I get involved in indoor activities such as chess or modeling kits, constructing plastic airplane models, in particular. The reason I have chosen England for higher education is that I am aware of the environment and the fact that quality education is found there. Besides that, I will not have communication problems because my English Language skills are of the required standard. I have relished my school life and now I hope to be warmly welcomed by the more challenging, independent and competitive university lifestyle. Once I enter professional life, I would go the extra mile and will try to come out with a cutting edge over others working in the same capacity as mine. These small achievements in the ultimate analysis would give a new impetus to the corporation where I will work by galvanizing it.

Electrical & Electronics Engineering personal statement (5 stars)

Flirting with electrons has worked wonders. Electronics engineers have manipulated these positron antiparticles to revolutionise fields as diverse as acoustics, medicine and robotics. Impressed by these phenomenal advancements, I am ambitious to join the wonderful people who relentlessly strive to change our lives for the better. Electronics engineering is the most viable option to realise my dream of adding to the beauty of life. It is one of the few fields in which a small advancement, such as in fabrication or integration, can make a big difference. I therefore wish to study electronics engineering with the aim of becoming part of the next revolution. Its not just about revolutionising the world, but following my passion, a love for what I do best, and the benefit it will bring to me as well as to others. I love to fuse maths with physics in solving problems of varied nature as it provides me the opportunity to use two of my favourite subjects simultaneously. I believe that engineering will provide me lots of opportunities to continue this routine. Electricity and Magnetism have remained my favourite topics ever since I studied them in the O Levels. My obsession with electronics has even encouraged me to try practical circuitry. These successful attempts at assembling circuits like LDR and Radio receiver have given me valuable insight into electronics and confirmed my aptitude for electronics engineering. I feel that my academics have prepared me amply for a challenging course ahead. Last year the Governor of my province awarded me a Gold Medal for Excellence in Academics. I have successfully competed in NPTC (a national physics competition synonymous to BPhO) to rank among the top 50 students of Pakistan and with further short listing due in a few months, I am optimistic of making it to the top five students who will represent Pakistan in the 40th International Physics Olympiad. The most recent International Kangaroo Mathematics Contest ranked me among the top 50 students of Pakistan. MIT OpenCourseWare lectures in Physics are the primary source to quench my thirst for indepth knowledge. I usually follow these lectures with corresponding assignments and IPhO past questions. I also enjoy browsing HowStuffWorks as it helps me to appreciate the beautiful world from an engineering perspective. How its Made and I Didnt Know That are my favourite TV programmes for the same reason. In my 2008 Internship with CARE Foundation, I volunteered as a Teaching Assistant to grades 9th

and 10th in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. It was one of the best experiences of my life as I was teaching and preparing assignments for students just one & two grades junior to me! I feel honoured to be one of the 431 Supervisors who are managing over 1.3 million users on WikiAnswers, the 38th most visited website on earth. WikiAnswers has given me an opportunity to share my knowledge globally. Side by side, frequent collaboration with other WikiAnswers contributors, mainly to improve an answer, has given me teamwork skills and introduced me to the beauty of diversity. Performing website supervision in addition to the regular academic work has taught me time management and task prioritisation. The most appropriate way to realise my dreams is to enter research after completing my studies at the Doctorate level. Given this career aspiration, it is but natural that I select a university which is at the forefront of research and where students are encouraged to join their professors for hands-on experience. I have chosen your university because of its focus on research and the opportunity it provides to participate within a diverse student body. Although I am applying as an international student, my Indefinite Leave to Remain in UK is due in three years time and this is why UK is my primary choice for higher education.

Mature Student career change to Engineering personal statement (5 stars)

Having had a successful 11 year career in the travel industry, it may seem a little peculiar that I am now applying to study engineering. When I was younger, I had planned to become an engineer and at 16 I took an apprenticeship with the Royal Navy. Not liking the military lifestyle, I left the Navy a little disheartened and found a job working in a travel agency. After a relatively rapid career progression, I was fortunate enough to have a superb position as a Promotions Manager for British Airways in New York. Within a few years though, I realised that my career was not where I wanted it to be and decided to finally train to be an engineer. The thought of becoming an engineer excites me as I long to have a career that makes an impact. The idea of using physics to improve people's lives is thrilling. When I was a 'normal age' student, my passion for engineering was born from a love of finding out how things work under the hood. Being analytical, I was never satisfied with just using an object. I needed to know what was going on inside it. More recently, I have become increasingly intrigued by the new wave of technology that is becoming more integrated into our daily lives. I am particularly interested in nanotechnology and how it will shape our future. As the effect of nanotubes in electronics is still being researched, I very much look forward to studying them to create a new generation of super-technology. My goal is to be at the forefront of this technology, developing new solutions and making a real difference. To ensure I have experience and understanding of the industry, I have become a student member of The IET. Their fortnightly magazine is filled with breakthroughs in research, realworld engineering problems and has been a great insight into the work of both commercial and academic engineers. Over the summer, I was also fortunate to receive an internship with EDF Energy. This experience has been extremely useful as I have had the opportunity to work first hand with electrical engineers to discover what their day to day activities are, learn how engineering is used in the industry and attend some exciting visits to substations. I have also tried to increase my academic knowledge of the subject by reading such books as "Structures:

Or Why Things Don't Fall Down" and "Invention by Design: How Engineers Get from Thought to Thing". I particularly enjoyed the latter as it discussed the evolution of design for everyday objects such as paperclips and pencils. I had not previously thought of how much work goes into these seemingly insignificant items. Returning to education has been an exhilarating experience. Although a little apprehensive prior to the start of my course, I have thoroughly enjoyed studying Maths, Further Maths and Physics. Whilst researching how to return to education, I discovered early on that the engineering course is very rigorous. It became clear that an Access course would not provide me with enough skills to successfully begin the engineering degree. I have therefore chosen to complete two-year A level courses in these subjects. This has certainly been the right decision as I find myself challenged sufficiently and feel I will be fully prepared for higher education. Outside of academics and my career, I enjoy several hobbies. I am a keen snowboarder and enjoyed spending an entire winter season in Vermont. I also enjoy taking part in amateur dramatics and have been involved in many productions. In 2006, I completed a musical that I wrote and scored and was privileged to be given the opportunity to direct it for performance. After a successful first show I have continued to write and look forward to having the opportunity to stage another musical whilst at university.

Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement (5 stars)

I grew up as a boy who loves robots and motorbikes very much. Thus, I love things that move especially those that are related to engines. I started to be really passionate about mechanical engineering when I learned about the control system when I was in high school. I simply enjoyed learning about the hydraulics and pneumatics system. Though it is only a small branch of mechanical engineering, it utterly grabbed my attention. From then onwards, I always dreamed of handling massive machinery that involves hydraulics and pneumatics as I found it irresistible. In fact, I have always wanted to study things that involved movement, coordination and are visible with my bare eyes. Besides that, I believe that I can apply my mathematical knowledge very well and with my true passion towards physics, I believe that being an engineer is the perfect career for me. I have always described myself as an inquisitive person. I am very curious to learn something new. In fact, I can speak and write French quite well. I had taken DELF A2 which is the proficiency test for non-native speaker. Gratefully, I passed it with flying colours. Besides that, I used to be active outside the classroom. I had represented my school for National English Camp and National French Carnival in 2005 and 2006. Basically, these two events involved many activities such as quizzes, presentations, debates, group activities and so on. These activities had made me more outspoken. Plus, I am aware that a first-class engineer needs to have excellent teamwork spirit, great leadership and able to work under pressure. In fact, the skill to work in groups will be the core for a good result in university. I am confident that I can always collaborate with others. For your record, I was involved in a marching band and orchestra when I was in high

school. I was the assistant conductor for 2 years and the conductor for about 6 months. This experience taught me how to act as a team and get rid of my egocentricity and selfishness. It also taught me to be emphatic and prepared me for the job of an engineer which can be extremely challenging. In addition, being the conductor had heightened my leadership and communication skills tremendously. Thus, it is an advantage for the latter stage of my life. For fact, my hobby is cooking. I love to try different menus. However, recently I have started learning a few magic tricks from my friend and my growing interest in it has made it my new hobby. These two hobbies actually represent my true colours. I am a willing learner and I always challenge myself with something new. Regarding my interest, I really admire Ernst Werner Von Siemens. For me he is the epitome of what an engineer should be. His contribution in the field of telecommunications and power generation was astounding. I really hope that one day; I will be able to direct my own engineering firm like Siemens did. Besides, I have always dreamed to have a chance to specialize in the field of instrumentation. My aspiration is to learn about the Micro-Electro Mechanical System (MEMS). Personally, I think that this new technology has a bright prospect ahead. Therefore, having the qualification from your university is the very first step for me to achieve my goal. Despite all the cutting-edge technology in this modern world today, we are actually consuming an enormous amount of natural resources. This scenario will consequently lead to problems related to waste material and pollutant which makes the world less sustainable. In accordance with this situation, I think that engineer should take charge to solve this environmental issue and find the best alternative as a solution. Therefore it is in my passion to study mechanical engineering to help make Earth a greener world so that our next generation will inherit the planet in superb condition. Lastly, I hope that a degree from your university will be the ultimate foundation for my journey to becoming a superior engineer.

Aerospace statement personal statement (5 stars)

Personal Statement I have always loved space; from the first time I saw the Rover projects on Mars. My ambition from a young age has been to be the part of the team that sends a human to Mars. As an avid physicist I have looked into a variety of methods and ways this could be achieved but I really want to have a greater knowledge of the science behind space craft and as a result astronautics and aerospace engineering would be a perfect subject for Higher education. My father was first trained as an electrical engineer and when I was little he used to always teach me lots of little things and I believe that is one thing that really helped me develop an interest in physics. I have attended Loretto School in Musselburgh for five years and going to such a respected school has allowed me to take part in so many activities I would not have normally been able to. It has also installed ideas in me that will be with me for the rest of my life. I was very lucky to receive an all rounder scholarship which allowed me to then attend Loretto, my scholarship was

for music, academics and sport. Over the summer of twenty-eleven I managed to get a job working in China on the building of semi-submersible oil rigs for China Oil Services Limited. This was really an eye opener of the pressures of a job and what is required from an employ at a company. I was involved in setting up a new system designed to improve efficiency. Doing this I learnt about working in a group and the importance of a good work ethic. Apart from an interest in physics, I also have a keen interest in geography and enjoy learning about why things are the way they are and geography is very good at this. I am also a large follower of the political scene and love being involved in the decisions that are going to shape the future of mine and generations to come. From a young age I have also been a sports enthusiast playing a wide variety of sports and in rugby representing my county at under fifteen level and playing for my schools first XV. Playing rugby also taught me about the importance of team work and patience. I also love music and the creation of music and through this I have achieved grades one-six in piano, grade four and five on clarinet and grade six theory. Part of this involved playing in concerts and other such events. One of these involved at age twelve playing for the duke of Kent and his family at a diner event. I enjoy all my A-level subjects especially physics, which I have liked from an early age and I gave a lecture on the problems with getting a man on mars. I did this as part of my schools academic society which organises a series of lectures by both students and experts in there fields. I also took part in the British physics Olympiad which was a great challenge and yet very interesting. Aerospace engineering has fascinated me from an early age and that's why it has always been my dream profession. One advantage I have is the ability to solve mathematical and physical problems. I feel that higher education will sharpen and develop my above skills further. This subject will not only allow me to investigate new technologies but it will also give me the opportunity to develop and focus on one of my genuine interests.

Automotive engineering personal statement (2 stars)

It all began when I was very young and I used to see my father fixing pipes, changing the car's motor oil, repairing electric devices that I said I want to be like him. My father had studied Industrial Engineering, so I grew up thinking that I had to follow in my father's footsteps. While I was getting older I used to help him and I found that mechanics were interesting. Some years later, when I was 9 years old, I started exploring the world of applied mechanics to automobiles. By then I began requesting a gas RC model to my parents, who bought it for me at the age of 11, it was a source of knowledge and the turning point that settled my life long dream. Since then I have been expanding my knowledge, from detaching and rebuilding 2 and 4 stroke engines to building from scratch something similar to a motorbike to working as a mechanic. Furthermore, my devotion for discovering and learning has made me self-taught in lots of things, especially engine and transmission technology. Thanks both to the specialized books I buy and the membership with STA, which provides me with really interesting and updated magazines, I have learnt a lot. In fact, I have always wanted to break the boundaries that limit my opportunities, for instance starring in two school plays not only helped to gain confidence in public but refined my communicative skills, besides travelling abroad to perfect my English made me much more open-minded. My reading preferences range from science fiction to historical novels with Orson

Scott Card and Ken Follett being two of my favourite authors. The high school once organized a thinking games competition which I finally won thanks to being competitive and constant. Meeting new people and keeping old friends is one of my priorities. Indeed, if they are interested in motor sport we will learn from each other and can attend motorshows, rallies together. Sport has always played a key role in my spare time activities. Basketball helped me improve my team spirit and nowadays I am member of a local fitness centre which I attend on a regular basis. At weekends I tend to ride across the hills surrounding my town to strengthen my stamina and recharge my batteries. Studying Industrial Engineery has developed my problem-solving and work-planning skills. By now I have passed Basic Computer Science, Basic Mechanics, Chemistry I, Chemistry II, Graphic Representation Techniques I and Infinitesimal Calculus I. In June I am confident I will have passed Basic Thermodynamics, Geometry, Infinitesimal Calculus II and Linear Algebra. Although I enjoy the challenging and rewarding my degree is I feel Iike it is not going to give me the job opportunities I am really interested in. After having seen your curricular programmes, facilities and international prestige I decided to apply because I have no hesitation that I have to get involved with all that knowledge and experience to achieve the assured future and highly promising career I have always desired. Once graduated I would love to work with an OEM, especially, in the design and tests department. And, hopefully, joining a F1 motor-racing team one day. What is more, since economy is tightly linked to the automotive sector I might apply for an MBA later on.

Automotive Engineering personal statement

Personal Statement I have been interested in engineering from a very young age, whether building robots and structures from Lego and Meccano or repairing friend's radio control cars, it has always been part of my life. Automotive Engineering is the aspect of engineering which interests me most, not only because I have been an HGV/LGV technician, apprentice trained, for the last 8 years but because the motor trade is constantly developing new ideas. Amidst current concerns about climate change and the need to reduce our carbon footprint green transportation is a major imperative for motor vehicle companies, which also have to abide by government legislation on emissions that will inevitably become even more stringent. This is just one area of Automotive Engineering that is of interest to me as I have not only attended training courses through work on Euro 4 but because this is a particular area in which I believe I can make a difference. The emissions control systems I work with are Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR). SCR is a newer system to me as it has only recently been introduced to vehicles over the 7500kg weight. Nevertheless I was intrigued to find out how it worked on the Mercedes-Benz (MB) system. MB use a system called BLUETEC, where a tank filled with ADBLUE (aqueous urea solution 32.5%) and pump are situated on the chassis; the ADBLUE is pumped up to a metering valve and distributed via an injector/nozzle from the metering valve to the exhaust downpipe. The nozzle injects ADBLUE in to the exhaust at a specified rate dependent on engine speed to control the pollutants, particularly Nitrogen Oxides in the exhaust gases. The amount of Nitrogen Oxides in the exhaust is measured by a NOx sensor. Quite a simple idea but mounted to the chassis is the SCR control unit

which is linked to the MR (engine control) control unit via CAN-bus, so it still needs a brain to conduct the whole process. Althoug h the new system is quite fault prone, mainly due to contamination with diesel fuel, engine oil and also clogging of the metering valve and nozzle, the engineers at MB seem to be ironing them out. The New MB HGV's built as of October 2009 are all built with Euro 5 technology which keeps them within EU regulations until 2016. I feel Automotive Engineering is the appropriate course for me to study as I am fascinated by the way vehicles are developing, also it is the natural progression from my current profession. Instead of diagnosing and repairing motor vehicles I would like to explore how vehicle faults arise in the first place; heat exposure, water ingress, and electrical malfunctions all simple faults but what can be done to prevent them happening? I am particularly tempted by the chance to do a sandwich year as I feel the experience gained during a work placement will be invaluable. Added to my current experience within the motor industry, a degree and a successful work placement will radically extend my career opportunities. Away from work I like to play football, currently for a local 5-a-side team. Playing in this team has developed my team-working and communication skills. While we havent been hugely successful in terms of winning trophies, we have matured as a group and I feel that success is only around the corner. Snooker is another pastime that I enjoy, not only do I have to apply a lot of concentration, but I have to be one step ahead of my opponent and avoid complacency at all times. An Automotive Engineering degree will present me with a variety of career choices, although I havent ruled out postgraduate study. More specifically in the long term I am keen to work for a major vehicle manufacturer, researching and developing new, clean technologies that will result in economical and efficient utilisation of resources.