ppe personal statement books

• Oxbridge Law 24/25 Entry
• Non-Oxbridge Law 24/25 Entry
• Oxford PPE 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Economics 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Modern Languages 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Land Economy 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Psychology 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge English 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Human Sciences 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge History 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Geography 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Philosophy 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Classics 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Architecture 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge HSPS Programme 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Medicine 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Biomedical Sciences 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Engineering 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Natural Science 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Maths 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Computer Science 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Physics 24/25 Entry
• Oxford PPL 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Veterinary Science 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Chemistry 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Biology 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Biochemistry 24/25 Entry
• Non-Oxbridge Medicine 24/25 Entry
• Non-Oxbridge Dentistry 24/25 Entry
• IMAT Medicine 24/25 Entry
• Can’t Find Your Subject?
• Law Interview Programme
• PPE Interview Programme
• Economics Interview Programme
• Oxbridge Medicine Interview Programme
• Natural Science Interview Programme
• Engineering Interview Programme
• Maths Interview Programme
• Dentistry Interview Programme
• Medicine MMI Interview Programme
• Our Guarantee

Our Students

Student Success Stories

• University Access Scheme
• New Tutor Application Form
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How Does It Work?

Enrol before the 17th May and get 4 hours of A-Level tutoring. Book your consultation here.

Students who enrol on a Programme before the 17th May will get 4 hours of A-Level tutoring as a complimentary addition. Begin by booking your consultation here.

• +44 (0) 208 068 0438
• [email protected]

SCIENCE PROGRAMMES (25/26 ENTRY)

HUMANITIES PROGRAMMES (25/26 ENTRY)

GET STARTED

Can't find your subject?

OXFORD TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

CAMBRIDGE TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

MEDICINE TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

View Our Free admissions guides & resources

How UniAdmissions Cracked The Oxbridge Formula

Applying for Oxbridge is an opportunity seldom approached correctly. So how do you enter the top 16% of a strong cohort of applicants that get an offer? Discover how UniAdmissions get 2/3 of our students in.

How To Stay Motivated During Your A-Level Exams

With A-level exam season in full swing, we've put together 6 useful tips and tricks to stay motivated and achieve those expected grades.

Inside The UniAdmissions Portal: The UA Advantage

UniAdmissions students have access to the world's first dedicated Oxbridge admissions preparation platform, and this guide will help you discover exactly how the Portal will help you get your offer.

Discover all guides

ABOUT UNIADMISSIONS

Learn about who the world's first Oxbridge prep school are.

Learn about the Portal; the heart of our Programmes.

UniAdmissions' Foundation

The Foundation is our charitable arm to support disadvantaged students.

Students & Tutors

Discover who a UniAdmissions student is and our admissions criteria.

Learn about our high-performing Oxbridge tutors.

We're proud of our alumni. Read about their journey with UniAdmissions here.

Admissions Resources

Free Admissions Guides

Visit our Learning Centre and read our in-depth free guides.

We are the world's biggest Oxbridge application publisher. Learn more here.

Teachers Learning Hub

Learn about how to help your students get their place at Oxbridge.

Get Started

• Access Student Portal
• Oxbridge Programmes
• Open Day Webinar
• Tutor Application Form
• Common Questions
• Download Our Prospectus

Successful Personal Statement For PPE At Oxford

Last Updated: 16th April 2020

Author: Adi Sen

Table of Contents

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it. 

Today, we are looking through a PPE applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The PPE Course at Oxford brings together some of the most important approaches to understanding the world around us, developing skills useful for a wide range of careers and activities.

Read on to see how this candidate managed to navigate the many disciplines and perspectives of PPE. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

Enrolling on our Oxford PPE comprehensive Programme will help you perfect your Personal Statement.

Welcome to UniAdmissions, the world’s first Oxbridge preparatory school with an Oxbridge success rate of 57% and with over 500+ UniAdmissions students placed at Oxford and Cambridge.

Writing a compelling Personal Statement, performing well in the TSA and excelling in the interview are all crucial for your application. Our PPE Premium Programme prepares you to score highly through one-to-one tuition sessions, intensive courses, and more.  Discover how you can enrol and triple your chances of success today.

PPE Personal Statement

I have been fortunate enough to have spent half my life overseas and to have attended eight different schools in five different countries and as a result I have engaged with people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. Having enjoyed these experiences immensely, I am determined to build on this foundation by studying for a degree that will increase my understanding of how trans-national and cross-cultural transactions work. One of the key factors in these transactions, undoubtedly, is human nature.

I was very interested, therefore, to read Jonathon Wolff’s ‘An Introduction to Political Philosophy’, particularly the contrasting interpretations of the ‘state of nature’ that rose dependent on the interpretation of mankind. In my experience there is a parallel between inter-personal and international relations and I want to understand the ways in which states and people operate. My background has made me more aware of complex international issues, such as Australia’s current problem in reconciling the fact that its major trading partner has the potential to become its biggest adversary. Because of my interest in this situation I delved deeper into China’s rise, through the medium of an extended project which discussed whether China poses any threat to the USA. Research for this project caused me to question whether there is any justification for the Western ethical preference for a ‘free’ economy over command economies. This work made me realise that I need economic knowledge in order to better understand the complexities of international relations and encouraged me to fast track an A level in economics.

My research touched on the question of the apparent commonality of cultural morals and delving into this issue led me to reflect on the arguments for universal morality that J.S. Mill presents in ‘Utilitarianism’. His claim that public convictions and general happiness are the basis for a viable moral authority appears to reflect the operation of democratic governance. I would argue, however, that there is a strong, external ethical pressure that acts regardless of happiness, a knowledge of base morality that is followed for its own end. The complexity of such issues has always appealed to me, which is perhaps why I was so enthused by the mathematical elements of philosophical logic that Blackburn presents in ‘Think’. The notion of reducing rational questioning to formulaic equations was completely new to me and I found it very compelling. I was equally intrigued by the attempts, particularly of Descartes in ‘Meditations’ and Anselm in the ‘Proslogian’, to develop an irrefutable argument based purely on reason; the notion of an a priori argument that could establish what empiricism cannot is a profound possibility. I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in unknown and foreign situations. This probably stems from my travels across the globe, which took me from childhood in Moscow to my more recent time in Canberra.

Through school and college I have sustained an ability to balance my academic studies with a hectic social life, part-time jobs and my sporting commitments. I have been elected to the captaincy of two football teams and have played a consistent role in promoting youth involvement, through coaching a junior football team and being involved in the Olympic FLAMES programme. I am happy to lead or work within a team and can negotiate with difficult individuals, whether they are complaining customers or disaffected youngsters. I am eager to pursue a career path that will take me into an international and cross-cultural environment. This is why I feel strongly drawn towards a degree where I can use my experiences and ambitions to better prepare myself for the multinational market of the future. I want to develop an academic arsenal which will best establish me as a positive contributor in an increasingly trans-national, interlinked world – where global understanding looks set to become an essential attribute.

Access "The Big Book Of Oxbridge Applications" For FREE

Your Personal Statement is only one step in your PPE application, so discover everything you need to know in The Big Book Of Oxbridge Applications , available for free here! Through over 350 pages , you will find:

• 28 example Oxbridge Personal Statements
• Over 40 admissions test practice questions
• Interviews with Oxbridge students and graduates
• Additional downloadable resources

Fill in your details below to claim your digital copy today!

Good Points Of The Personal Statement

The student demonstrates a clear interest in all three subjects and does especially well in linking the three together, detailing how their interest in one politics issue lead to studying Economics, which lead to readings in Philosophy. They give the impression of an individual who has naturally come to the conclusion that PPE is the right area of study for them and they back this up substantially with both their personal history and academic studies.

The balance between discussing their academic interests and other areas of their life is just right, and they use the latter to reinforce their worth as a student. The statement flows naturally while the conclusion rounds it off nicely with a look to the future and what they wish to do with their degree.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

At times, the student dwells on explaining their exact response to each book mentioned and their current position on each area of study. This is not particularly useful as those reading it will be more interested in how you think and how your reading developed your thought, rather than whether you, for example, tend towards consequentialism or deontology, as you don’t have nearly enough space in a personal statement to back up a philosophical position in any substantial or interesting way.

The statement also ought to be broken down into smaller paragraphs. This will improve the overall structure and will make for a much more natural read.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This is an excellent statement edging very closely to 5 stars; it ties the three subjects together and clearly conveys why each is personal to the student and what they want to achieve by studying them.

The candidate ought, however, to focus more on how their background has affected their way of thinking, rather than listing their positions on various issues.

Finally, the formatting could have been improved to make it easier to read, but this is a smaller point. 

And there we have it – an Oxford PPE Personal Statement with feedback from our expert tutors. 

Remember, at Oxford, the Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

Check out our Free Personal Statement Resources page for even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

Successful personal statement for economics at cambridge, successful personal statement for land economy at cambridge, successful personal statement for chemistry at oxford, successful personal statement for geography at oxford, successful personal statement for classics at oxford, successful personal statement for law at oxford, successful personal statement for classics at cambridge, successful personal statement for engineering at cambridge, successful personal statement for philosophy at cambridge, successful personal statement for veterinary medicine at cambridge, successful personal statement for psychological and behavioural sciences at cambridge, successful personal statement for psychology at oxford, successful personal statement for history at oxford, successful personal statement for physics at oxford, successful personal statement for cambridge mathematics and physics, successful personal statement example for computer science at oxford, successful personal statement for english at cambridge, successful personal statement for oxford english language and literature, successful personal statement for medicine at oxford university, successful personal statement for modern languages at oxford, successful personal statement for engineering at oxford, successful personal statement for natural sciences (biological) at cambridge, successful personal statement for economics & management at oxford, successful personal statement for law at cambridge, successful personal statement for dentistry at king’s college london, successful personal statement for medicine at cambridge.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your PPE application.

With our  Oxford PPE Premium Programme we help you craft the perfect  Personal   Statement , achieve a highly competitive TSA score and teach you how to  Interview effectively.

Discover our  Oxford PPE Premium Programme by clicking the button below to  enrol and triple your chances of success.

UniAdmissions students placed at Oxford And Cambridge

Continue learning about Oxbridge...

Oxford announces biomedical sciences admissions test (bmsat).

Oxford is actioning various changes to its admissions testing process, including the introduction of a new admissions test for Biomedical…

Weird and Wonderful Oxford & Cambridge Interview Questions

Oxbridge interviews are known for being tough and sometimes a little bit intimidating. However, although the admissions tutors are highly…

Oxford Acceptance Rates 2023 – The Definitive Guide

As you may know, the University of Oxford is one of the hardest universities to get into in the world.…

AI Writing & UCAS Personal Statements: What You Need To Know

When it comes to writing in the 2020s, AI-Generation has become one of the most important issues for many industries,…

Oxbridge Personal Statements: A Complete Teacher’s Guide

As a teacher, you will support students with their UCAS Personal Statements every year, but what about Personal Statements for…

UCAS Personal Statements Are Changing in 2025

On January 12th 2023, UCAS announced that the traditional Personal Statement would be replaced by a multi-question form for university…

The Secrets to Oxbridge Admission.

• We cracked the Oxbridge formula . Find out what we discovered here.
• Looking for application support? Don't work with a random tutor. This is what you need to know first.
• Get up-to-date Oxbridge advice with our webinars. Follow our Open Days led by our experts and stay updated.
• Begin your Oxbridge journey with UniAdmissions through our programmes of support by clicking here.

New Oxbridge Admissions Tests Explained!

How much do you know about the admissions tests changes for this application cycle? Join us this 1st of June at 2 pm and learn everything you need to know to prepare effectively with the new updates on the ESAT, TMUA & BMSAT .

How would you like to speak to an Admissions Consultant?

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

A Guide to Effective Oxford PPE Personal Statement Examples

Table of Contents

Writing a personal statement for Oxford University’s Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program is an important task.

Your Oxford PPE personal statement examples should be to the course you are applying to. It should be giving insight into your motivations and interest in the subject. It should also demonstrate that you have the necessary skills to pursue this demanding academic program.

This blog post will provide tips on writing a compelling personal statement and examples of successful PPE student statements from previous applicants.

We hope these resources help you craft an impressive personal statement that will make your application stand out from the rest!

What Is an Oxford PPE Personal Statement?

An Oxford PPE personal statement is a written document that serves as part of the admissions process . It is into the University’s Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program. Your statement should provide proof of your interest in and commitment to the course.

Demonstrate any relevant experience or skills you may have acquired, and explain why you are the person for the program.

Tips for Writing an Effective Oxford PPE Personal Statement

1. research.

Before writing your personal statement, it is vital to research the course and understand what makes it unique from other political science degrees. Investigate any current topics related to the subject area, review past readings and assignments. Gain further insight into how this degree could help advance your academic career.

2. Show Your Enthusiasm

Let the admissions officers know that you are excited about pursuing this degree. State why you believe it is the right fit for your academic interests. Explain what makes this course unique to you and demonstrate how your goals could be achieved by completing it.

3. Be Concise

Keep your statement concise, clear, and direct. You want to communicate your interest in the subject matter effectively without wasting the reader’s time with unnecessary details or flowery language.

4. Proofread Carefully

After writing your personal statement, go over it with a fine-toothed comb. Look for any mistakes or typos which may have been overlooked during the writing process. This is especially important because even minor errors can lead to significant misunderstandings in the admissions’ office.

Successful Oxford PPE Personal Statement Examples

I am applying to the PPE program because it will allow me to study philosophy, politics, and economics in a stimulating environment. The combination of these three disciplines excites me, as it offers a unique approach to understanding complex issues from theoretical and practical perspectives. My previous studies have honed my analytical skills, allowing me to think critically about current affairs and their implications on society at large. With my enthusiasm for this research field and solid academic foundation, I am confident that I will succeed in the PPE program.

Throughout my academic and professional career; I have been committed to exploring the impact of politics on society. I have my experience organizing a political discussion forum to researching the links between economic development and inequality. This makes me passionate about understanding how policy decisions shape our lives. Oxford’s PPE program is the perfect place to continue this exploration as it offers an unparalleled combination of philosophy, politics, and economics courses. This will give me with the knowledge to pursue a career in public service or international affairs. With my strong interest in this field of study and to understanding its implications, I can make an invaluable contribution to the program.

Writing an effective oxford PPE personal statement requires thoughtful research, a clear understanding of the course content. And also an ability to communicate your enthusiasm for the subject matter. By following these tips and using examples from successful applicants, you can ensure that your application stands out from the crowd. It demonstrates why you are an ideal candidate for this program .

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Write Personal Statement Articles

How to draft meaningful length of law school personal statement.

Are you confused on how to write a law school personal statement? One of the essential elements of your application…

• Write Personal Statement

Effective History and International Relations Personal Statement to Try

Are you considering studying history and international relations? Or you may be curious about what a degree in this field…

Guide to Quality Global Management Personal Statement

Are you applying for a global management program and want to stand out from the crowd? A well-written personal statement…

How to Draft Better Examples of Personal Statements for Residency

Achieving a residency can be a massive accomplishment for any aspiring medical professional. To secure your spot in one of…

Tips for Drafting a Free Example of Personal History Statement

A personal history statement can be crucial to many applications, from university admissions to job search processes. This blog will…

Writing Compelling Dietetic Internship Personal Statement

Applying for a dietetic internship is a rigorous process and requires submitting a personal statement, which is an essential part…

How To Prepare

See below for reading suggestions, advice on preparing for the TSA, and guidance on writing a PPE personal statement. For advice on which subjects to take at A-Level or equivalent, refer to the admissions requirements table  and the course webpage  (admissions requirements tab) on the University website. 

Introductory Reading

Applicants are not expected to have studied any philosophy, politics, or economics at school, but should be interested in the three subjects and be prepared to put their minds to problems of philosophy, politics, and economics presented to them. We recommend that applicants read widely around the three subjects to help prepare for applying. PPE tutors will look for commitment and motivation to the course, as well as evidence of academic potential. They will want to know that a student has really engaged with the three subjects and has a passion for studying them. We also recommend that applicants obtain a reasonable grasp of the workings of the social and political world in which we live. Reading a good quality daily newspaper is crucial to a successful application, along with watching and listening to news and current affairs programmes. Below are some useful introductory texts for the three PPE disciplines.

• Thomas Nagel, What does it all mean?
• Jennifer Nagel, Knowledge: A Very Short Introduction  
• Further reading suggestions are in the undergraduate FAQs section of the Philosophy Faculty website.
• Jonathan Wolff, An Introduction to Political Philosophy  
• Various authors, Developments in British (French, German, East European etc.) Politics
• Adrian Leftwich, What is Politics?
• Paul Krugman’s books
• Tim Harford's books
• Further suggestions are on the PPE course page  (reading suggestions tab) of the Economics Department website. 

Admissions Test

The TSA is a test of verbal, spatial and numerical reasoning, and also asks you to write an essay in order to demonstrate that you can construct a cogent and clear argument. Whilst no particular knowledge assumed, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the format of the test and try to do some practice. Further information about how to prepare for the test is in the TSA section of the University website. 

Personal Statement

Personal statements should show evidence of interest in PPE but not necessarily knowledge of the three subjects. PPE applicants are not required to have studied politics, economics or philosophy at school, and so we do not expect you to know about these subjects before applying. We would like to see interest in one or two of the three subjects and evidence of engagement with those, e.g. through extra-curricular reading. If it appears from your personal statement that you are applying for different but related courses elsewhere, this would not disadvantage your application. We are also pleased to see evidence of hard work, time management and persistence in learning (in any area). The personal statement is just one part of the overall picture, and for PPE applicants is of lower importance in shortlisting decisions compared to your TSA result, your qualifications, and the academic reference.

Site Deactivated

This website has been deactivated by an administrator.

For more information on our inactive site policy, please view the web.unc.edu Terms and Conditions .

If you think this has been done in error, please submit a help ticket for assistance.

• Telephone Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 2394
• Email Email: [email protected]

Strategic Guidance

• Private Oxbridge Consultation
• International Oxbridge Consultation
• Postgraduate Applications Guidance
• Book a Complimentary Call

Comprehensive Support

• The Premier Service
• Oxford and Cambridge Interview Preparation Weekend

Targeted Support

• Oxbridge Personal Statement Support
• Oxbridge Admissions Test Support
• Oxbridge Interview Preparation Support

Application Guidance

• ‘Aspiring to Oxbridge’ School Talk
• Teacher Training Workshop
• Individual Guidance Consultations

Personal Statement Support

• Personal Statement Group Workshop
• Personal Statement Consultations

Admissions Test Preparation

• Admissions Test Day
• Admissions Test Course

Interview Preparation

• Interview Preparation Day
• Interview Preparation Course

Free Library

• Oxbridge Interview Resources
• Admissions Tests Resources
• Student Library
• Teacher Library
• Keeping You Current
• Webinar Library

Our Publications

Course reports, oxbridge applications.

• Become A Tutor
• Our Offices
• Dukes Education

News & Press

• Widening Access
• Publications
• Sign In Register
• Sign In    Register

May: Building your Summer reading list for PPE

In order to impress at your Oxbridge interview, you should try and pick several books based on different topics to show your breadth of interest, as well as your passion for the subject. For example, you could choose a book on Game Theory, another on Globalisation and a third on Development Economics. (These are just examples- choose what you’re interested, but try and choose books on a range of topics.) When choosing your books, don’t go for the obvious ones such as Freakonomics – if a book can be understood by the general public, it won’t really demonstrate your ability to grapple with complex ideas, so try and pick something a little tougher, or from the suggested Oxbridge reading list from your degree.

Making the most of your reading

In preparing for an Oxbridge interview, the problem that most students make is to make notes on the books they’ve read as a summary of the contents. You need to be aware of the fact that the Oxbridge interviewers aren’t interested in a synopsis of the book. What they will want from you is to see that you are able to engage with new ideas and develop them and question the content of the books you read.

Rather than making detailed notes of the book’s contents, make a few bullet points on each chapter just to boost your memory closer to the interview. This will save you time in the crucial few weeks before the interview. Your focus should be on pulling on particularly interesting points from the book that you can use for points of discussion and/or development. It could be something that relates to an article you’ve read and equally, it could be a point that you disagree with. For example, if you’re reading a book on the credit crunch that argues that the credit crunch would have occurred regardless of banking regulation preventing self-certifying mortgages, you can use that as a point for discussion based on other articles/books you have read or you can use it to demonstrate your ability to think independently and argue the merits or shortcomings of a point by arguing that perhaps a change in regulation early enough could have made the difference.

Make note of these points and keep them with your book so that closer to the time of the interview you can jog your memory – of both the overall gist of the book as well as the interesting points worthy of discussion and development. This will save you valuable time and ensure that you can show your ability to engage with new ideas as well as to be able to think independently.

Political Sciences Reading List

Economics personal statement

Resham graduated in Economics from Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 2010. She is now working for an MP, but luckily for us still finds time to pen her PPE (Politics, Philosophy and Economics) blog each month, giving you top tips for applying to these subjects.

All views and ideas represented in this blog post are exclusive to Resham, and do not represent those of any other third party.

Related Content

Arts blog – books and beauty, how to read difficult texts, what should i read for my subject.

Our Oxbridge-graduate consultants are available between 9.00 am – 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday, with additional evening availability when requested.

• Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 2394
• Email: [email protected]

Oxbridge Applications, 14 – 16 Waterloo Place, London, SW1Y 4AR

• Private Oxbridge Application Consultation
• Oxbridge Personal Statement Support Package
• Oxbridge Mock Interview Preparation and Support
• Personal Statement Workshop and Checks
• Schools Mock Interviews – Online and In-School
• Teacher Training Workshops – Online and In-School
• Oxbridge Preparation Days – Online and In-School
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Safeguarding & Child Protection
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Company Registration Number: 3757054

Recently Updated Blogs

Blog cambridge college admissions assessments, blog the oxford traffic light system: what you need to know, blog a comprehensive month-by-month guide to your university application, blog applying for maths at university take an admissions test, blog exercising self-care during school or university exams, choosing a college, a slippery question, added to cart.

Politics Economics and Philosophy Oxford

Fundamentals of Oxbridge Mind

This Oxbridge Mind programme is specifically designed to help you apply for PPE at Oxford and improve your chance of receiving an offer.

PPE Specific Course Materials

Designed by our PPE Oxbridge tutors, take advantage of our materials for TSA preparation.

One-to-One PPE Tuition

Our Oxbridge PPE tutors are dedicated to providing you with high-quality PPE tutoring.

Online Guided Tutorials

Benefit from our highly demanded award-winning PPE materials online from any place and at any time.

Expert Support Service

Access 24/7 support from our efficient Oxbridge team if you need quick help with any question or issue.

Comprehensive Application Support

Our students excel on their applications.

On average, an Oxbridge Mind student outperforms the average Oxbridge applicant with more than 1 in 2 of our students experiencing success.

Experience our one-to-one tutoring

After a successful application, each student is assigned a dedicated Oxbridge PPE tutor who specialises in your chosen field of study.

During your first lessons of 1-1 PPE Oxford Course, you'll collaborate with your Oxbridge Mind tutor to devise a strategy for approaching your application while taking your circumstances into account.

You can increase your chances of admission by using the Oxbridge Mind online resources and participating in our weekly enrichment seminars and group studies.

What our programme includes

Tailored Course Materials

One-to-One Tuition

Our satisfaction guarantee

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Qualities of an oxbridge mind student.

Think you have what it takes to study at Oxford? Get there with Oxbridge Mind!

Exceptional Academic Record

Including any necessary entrance exams such as the TSA - you'll need top scores!

Communication Skills

It's no use to have brilliant ideas if you can't articulate them effectively.

Learn how to genuinely express your enthusiasm for a PPE interview.

Commitment to Learning

Prepare yourself for the work at Oxford- show off how committed you are!

Lateral thinking

Learn to think 'outside of the box' to succeed in Oxford PPE studies.

No one said Oxbridge will be easy - can you pick yourself up when it gets tough?

Hear from our Oxbridge Mind Alumni

A bit about you

I’ve always been politically minded and the PPE course at Oxford specifically appealed to me it allowed me a chance to study philosophical and economic theory in the view of becoming a more well-rounded politician one day. I’m so glad I made the plunge to apply for Oxford as I’m having the time of my life and am enjoying the course – even if it is really hard work!

How did you find the programme?

I found the company on Google.

How did it help with your Oxbridge application?

Having a tutor who was an Oxford student. They had all the insight needed to really help me out with my application. I found some information online that seemed old or out-of-date so having someone who had recently been in my position was helpful. I liked the resources used too, they were well designed and very helpful.

When it came to applying for uni I was quite indecisive. I’ve always enjoyed learning and couldn’t make my mind up about what I wanted to study! I’ve always wanted to understand how the world works and PPE (specifically at Oxford) seemed like a good way to do that as you approach problems from political and philosophical angles. I always wanted to apply to Oxford but don’t know anyone else who’s been through the process so I was quite nervous about making sure I was doing everything possible to give myself the best chance.

My friend found the company as he was also applying. It sounded like it was really helpful for him so I also decided to sign up. Funnily enough we both got offers!

It was amazing! The tutor I was paired with helped me with every single step of the application and I couldn’t fault him. I was probably a bit of an annoying student as I had a million different questions – but he answered every single one and filled me with a lot of confidence to take forward to the interview.

Both of my parents went to Cambridge so naturally I knew I HAD to go to… Oxford. My school was really helpful and had a scheme to support students applying to Oxbridge but I was the only one applying for PPE. I wanted more PPE-specific advice and help which is why I reached out to Oxbridge Mind.

I searched on Google for TSA online courses and this seemed like the best.

The most helpful thing for me was the resources for TSA preparation. My tutor helped me realise that the essay section was my weakest point, so I went through and wrote essays for every single past paper question available. Oxbridge Mind had sample essay plans for each question available and comparing my answer to that helped me realise exactly where I was going wrong.

Book a free consultation with our specialists

Have some questions about the programme? Get in touch with one of our specialist advisors today.

Frequently Asked Questions

You might have some questions before booking your first lesson. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for in the FAQs, feel free to contact us!

Download TSA Free Notes

• Free Guide on Acing TSA
• Detailed Techniques for TSA
• Made for 2023 Specification

• Architecture
• Biomedical Sciences
• Biochemistry
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Human Sciences
• Land Economy
• Modern Languages
• Natural Sciences
• Veterinary Medicine
• PAT Preparation Course

Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

Author: cameron thompson, applied in: winter 2013, university offers: oxford, warwick, durham, nottingham, sheffield.

What excites me about PPE is not only that it encompasses three fundamental issues in understanding the world - how we should allocate resources, be governed, and make moral judgements - but also that the three disciplines are seen as complementary, not separate subjects. This attracts me hugely to the course, as it is where Philosophy, Politics and Economics overlap that I find them most gripping.

In personal reading and in regular attendance at public lectures at the LSE, the Adam Smith Institute and Gresham College I have met a rich seam of new ideas, which have spurred an academic interest in areas previously unknown. Particularly informative were lectures on the relationship between globalisation and inequality, the market's role in climate change, and Isaiah Berlin's Two Concepts of Liberty.

I am fascinated by the link between politics and economics; I investigated this link in writing an essay on the politics of NHS reform, and reading Why Nations Fail by James A. Robinson and Daron Acemoglu. They asserted political and economic inclusivity as vital in promoting long-term economic growth. A point of personal interest was the economics of incentives; their analysis of the collapse of growth in the USSR, growth which relied on capital accumulation and forced re-allocation of labour from agriculture to more productive industries by the state, was convincing. I found persuasive their theory that the extractive nature of economic institutions, which often remove the incentive to increase productivity and to innovate, can slow growth. However, I felt sympathy with the view that state involvement can accelerate the growth of nascent industries and alleviate poverty. An interest was sparked in Institution Theory, and enabled me to look at long-term economic performance without relying on traditional explanations like geography, culture, economic policy or pure historical contingency.

Reading polar perspectives has allowed a clearer insight into the philosophical basis of different economic theories. Arthur Seldon's assertion in Capitalism that the state was preceded more effectively in provision of unemployment welfare and health by private individuals was stimulating, but I thought it would be naive to assume the market can provide the nation-wide availability that government can.

Reading The Communist Manifesto and observing Marx's use of language to re-define private property as an oppressive concept and as something owned only by a minority emphasised to me the importance of rhetorical devices in political texts. Exploring this, I read Orwell's Politics and the English Language. I found compelling his idea that linguistic style and the use of rhetoric to hide truths are inseparable and was convinced by the essay, even if I found his "six-rule remedy" (which he often broke) too impractical.

To learn from peers and develop my own ideas, I attend and have lectured at the School's Eco-nomics Society and I co-chair the School's Political Society, where mediating debate has taught me to analyse arguments and their weaknesses. Work experience at Cause4, a charitable-sector consultancy, led to an interest in the changing relationship between charities and government in straitened times. I study sign language and volunteer in a school for deaf children - along with my positions as House Captain and Prefect, this has developed my ability to communicate and to work in a team setting. Balancing the large reading list for English Pre-U with the equally challenging German course - wherein I have started a personal investigation into the contribution of German thinkers to European philosophy - has been critical in improving my analysis and essay-writing skills. I have also found Maths A-Level hugely helpful in approaching problems methodically and appreciating data-based issues. I hope in the future to immerse myself in the study of ideas, and to be stretched in an environment where debate and logical argument are paramount.

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.

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Guide

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

Philosophy, politics & economics (ppe) personal statement example.

I have always loved to read the dailies, as well as magazines such as Newsweek and the Economist, for news about politics and/or international relations.

Right now, my favourite hobby is following the momentous 2008 US elections. To me, politics is the most engaging and vital aspect of human life. It is about gaining, keeping and exercising power, and directly influences actions taken in other aspects of human life, whether it is religion, healthcare or family life.

People, and groups, that have power, will have always be able to make key decisions, to shape the culture and society in which everyone else lives, and to obtain the lion's share of the benefits.

Furthermore, I believe that politics and economics are linked, because economics is the study of allocating scarce resources to satisfy, as best, as possible, unlimited wants and urgent needs, and politics is the study of the people who are able to influence the allocation of scarce resources and how their political goals makes them channel these resources in certain directions instead of others.

My interest in economics was piqued by my study of the subject in Junior College.

The Philosophy, Politics and Economics course is appealing because it allows me to understand politics at a conceptual level, thus enriching my appreciation of politics as it plays out in real life, and gives me the opportunity to understand and appreciate how issues like race, religion, gender and sexuality, can influence whom voters elect into power.

The opportunity to take additional optional subjects in Politics and Economics is a boon to me, as I would love to specialize in both these disciplines in my second year.

In primary school, I was consistently top student for social studies, the only subject which required an understanding of the politics and history of a society (in this case, Singapore).

I have been a member of the prestigious Gifted Education Programme (reserved for the top 1% of the national student cohort) throughout secondary school and in primary school, due to my academic results, was graciously awarded a prestigious scholarship by the Ministry of Education paying for my secondary school education.

My favourite paper for the GCE A levels was General Paper, which required knowledge of current events and issues in society, politics and culture, as well as the ability to coherently and concisely articulate my arguments in response to essay questions, for the essay component of the paper. It has been a pleasure of mine to take part in class discussions during General Paper lessons.

I have honed my ability to communicate my insights with others, by taking part in extracurricular activities that enable me to do research into current affairs issues, while communicating my analysis to a wider audience.

For instance, I was editor in charge of politics and current affairs at the school newspaper, and my deep interest in politics and current events was manifested in articles that were read and appreciated by many of my schoolmates.

Furthermore, as a member of my school's debate team, I was exposed to debates about issues affecting society and governance.

I gradually learned the importance of examining both sides of any proposition, or idea, and, in addition to articulating my team's viewpoint in a logical and persuasive manner, I also learned to deal with opposing points of information and arguments and come up with counter-rebuttals on the spot.

During this gap year, I am volunteering at homes for the elderly and tutoring academically struggling children from disadvantaged economic backgrounds, besides working at charitable organisations such as the Breast Cancer Foundation.

Besides reading and swimming, another key interest of mine is the piano. I have recently obtained a Fellowship of Piano Performance from the Trinity College of Music London and have performed in various concerts and competitions. Currently, I give piano lessons part-time and accompany singers for public performances.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by ratin for application in 2008.

ratin's Comments

I am applying for PPE at OXford and Warwick. I would appreciate some constructive criticism. Please, no name-calling or personal attacks, thanks!

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

So did you get offered a.

Sun, 01/08/2010 - 16:59

So did you get offered a place at Oxford with this ps? Am just starting to write mine...

Add new comment

Clearing Universities & Courses

Clearing advice.

Recommended Clearing Universities

Popular Course Categories

Course Search & Discover

Start the search for your uni. Filter from hundreds of universities based on your preferences.

Search by Type

Search by region.

Recommended Universities

Northeastern University - London

London (Greater) · 100% Recommended

The University of Law

London (Greater) · 92% Recommended

University of East London

London (Greater) · 94% Recommended

Search Open Days

What's new at Uni Compare

Bangor University

Boost your employability with a Computer Science degree!

University of Law

Ranked Top 20 amongst English universities in the 2023 National Student Survey!

Ranking Categories

Regional rankings.

More Rankings

Top 100 Universities

Taken from 65,000+ data points from students attending university to help future generations

About our Rankings

Discover university rankings devised from data collected from current students.

Guide Categories

Advice categories, recommended articles, popular statement examples, not sure what to search for, take our quick degree quiz.

Find the ideal uni course for you with our Course Degree Quiz. Get answers in minutes!

Take our full degree quiz

Get more tailored course suggestions with our full Course Degree Quiz and apply with confidence.

PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

Submitted by Sarah

To be or not to be? Explore the big questions at SOAS.

Apply for a degree in World Philosophies to learn what constitutes reality, beauty, knowledge and happiness.

Unlock your potential at The University of Law!

Develop practical skills and gain a comprehensive understanding of legal principles to pave the way for a successful career in law.

Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

As a Slovak who is conscious of my nation’s turbulent history, I have been fascinated by questions that fall within the domains of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. From questions about Slovakia’s Communist past, her current membership of the EU, and her economic future I am constantly grappling with broader issues and concepts that transcend my nation’s history and bring me to the great debates that constitute the lifeblood of my chosen course.

Influenced by my mother’s stories about her upbringing under Soviet rule I have long had an interest in both the theory and implementation of Marxist thought. Initially this interest brought me to ‘Communist Czechoslovakia’ by Dr Kevin McDermott which disturbed me with its description of real-world oppression, but it also brought me to Marx’s ‘Communist Manifesto’. Reading this text to better understand an ideology which played such a significant role in my nation’s history I found myself questioning the morality of Marxism and wondering if the attempt to move power from the bourgeoisie to the proletariat via the state would always end up – as was the case in Slovakia – with power simply being centralised in the hands of state bureaucrats. This question continues to intrigue me and provided the basis for my EPQ: “By eliminating the class system, Marxism ideology provides a just society.’ To what extent is this statement correct”.

Another debate that I find fascinating is the role and function of mathematical models in economic thought. At the University of Oxford UNIQ Summer School, I was introduced to the Neyman-Rubin causal model. This non-parametric model is revolutionary and seemingly of high utility; quantifying causal effect is vital to rational decision-making. However, reading George Szpiro’s ‘Price the Future’ and learning about how the Black Scholes’s model may have contributed to the 2008 financial crisis I am much more sensitive and alert to the way in such models may disguise more than they reveal. This is certainly not to say that such models are irrelevant to economics but we may need to show much more care in how we use them, and the possibly suspect assumptions upon which they are based.

Even though my background has brought me to important debates about society, I am also drawn to fundamental questions about truth, reality and ultimate meaning. I explored this interest when I entered the 2017 John Locke essay competition, arguing that the five-minute hypothesis (5MH) - the belief that the universe came into existence only five minutes ago, and all apparent knowledge of a past beyond that is a product of the time of creation – shouldn’t be believed. However despite my conclusion I found it both fascinating and a little disturbing that this theory, birthed to strengthen Russell’s argument about memory, is hard, if not impossible to disprove. The 5MH is certainly at odds with common sense and counter-intuitive but nonetheless it has a certain logical sense. It is such insights and challenges that I find deeply appealing about Philosophy and which can only add greater depth and value to my other areas of interest.

Apart from wider reading, essay competitions and summer schools there are many other ways in which I have fuelled my interest in PPE. For example, in my work experience at the United Nations in Geneva, I reflected on the importance of international cooperation to secure basic human rights and dignity worldwide. After visiting the Houses of Parliament, I completed an introductory MOOC into UK Politics to understand more about the dynamics of our bicameralism. While working at Deloitte, I learnt about how government regulation and systems of taxation shape the decisions of small business owners. As has hopefully been demonstrated I have deep and abiding interest in Politics, Philosophy and Economics and it is due to this that I seek to read them at university, finding answers to the many questions I have about the society, world and reality in which I live.

Recommended Course

Recommended Statements

Submitted by anonymous

Philosophy Personal Statement

Plato said that ‘wonder is very much the affection of a philosopher, for there is no other beginning of

Submitted by Isaac

Philosophy and Politics Personal Statement

My interest in philosophy came from my interest in politics; a quest for a deeper understanding of politic...

Submitted by Daniella

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.... Whatever affects one directly, affects all indir...

Submitted by Ana-Sofia

Philosophy, Politics and Economics Personal Statement

I question my political beliefs most when I try to understand what my ideal world looks like - this intern...

undergraduate Universities

Undergraduate uni's.

Northeastern Uni

114 courses

Uni of East London

575 courses

Uni for Creative Arts

672 courses

Leeds Beckett Uni

454 courses

Uni of Sunderland

340 courses

467 courses

886 courses

Uni of Chester

645 courses

Heriot-Watt Uni

334 courses

Uni of Leicester

432 courses

Uni of Westminster

503 courses

Uni of Suffolk

186 courses

Uni of Surrey

750 courses

Escape Studios

West London IoT

Uni of Winchester

259 courses

Uni of Roehampton

468 courses

Uni of Bradford

390 courses

548 courses

Staffordshire Uni

472 courses

Middlesex Uni

634 courses

Cardiff Met Uni

501 courses

Uni of Portsmouth

761 courses

Swansea Uni

1319 courses

Uni of Hertfordshire

584 courses

Wrexham Uni

289 courses

Kingston Uni

617 courses

Goldsmiths, UOL

344 courses

Uni of Reading

685 courses

Coventry Uni

480 courses

Queen's Uni

635 courses

Uni of Bedfordshire

656 courses

UWE, Bristol

497 courses

Uni of Kent

580 courses

Uni of Huddersfield

668 courses

Leeds Arts University

Uni of Essex

1400 courses

709 courses

Ravensbourne

103 courses

Uni of C.Lancashire

798 courses

Anglia Ruskin Uni

808 courses

Uni of Brighton

407 courses

Bath Spa Uni

520 courses

Edge Hill Uni

383 courses

Uni of Hull

498 courses

Nottingham Trent

912 courses

ARU Writtle

104 courses

FIND THE IDEAL COURSE FOR YOU

Degree Course Quiz

Find the ideal university course for you in minutes by taking our degree matchmaker quiz today.

Find the latest from Uni Compare

Cardiff Metropolitan Uni

Ranked as the most sustainable university in Wales (P&P Uni League 2023/24)

Northeastern Uni London

Want to earn two globally recognised degrees simultaneously? Look no further!