Writing about your other subjects in your UCAS personal statement
When crafting your personal statement, one of the best ways to demonstrate the skills you’ve developed in preparation for studying your chosen course or subject is by thoughtfully connecting your other subjects or qualifications to your chosen degree. In this guide, I'll show you how to effectively highlight these connections to strengthen your application.
Recap of UCAS question 2
UCAS question 2 asks:
"How have your qualifications or studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?"
This question invites you to reflect on your academic journey and articulate how your various studies have equipped you with the skills, knowledge, and perspectives necessary for success in your chosen university course.
Why your secondary subjects matter
Admissions tutors are looking for evidence that you've developed transferable skills and intellectual habits that will help you thrive in a university environment. Your secondary subjects provide an excellent opportunity to showcase this breadth of ability.
Many students make the mistake of only discussing their primary subject (the one most directly related to their chosen degree). However, your other subjects can often provide compelling evidence of your versatility, critical thinking, and ability to make connections across disciplines, all of which are qualities highly valued by universities.
Strategic approaches for different subject combinations
If you're applying for a humanities subject but also study sciences:
History + Maths: "Studying mathematics alongside history has strengthened my analytical approach to historical data. When examining demographic shifts during the Industrial Revolution, I applied statistical analysis to identify patterns that weren't immediately apparent through traditional historical sources alone."
English + Biology: "My study of biological systems has enriched my approach to literary analysis. Understanding evolutionary psychology has given me new perspectives when examining character motivations in Victorian literature, particularly in works that explore themes of human nature and social dynamics."
If you're applying for a scientific subject but also study humanities:
Medicine + English Literature: "Analysing literature has strengthened my communication skills and empathetic understanding, which crucial abilities for effective doctor-patient relationships. Interpreting complex narratives has parallels with interpreting patient histories, where identifying subtle cues and underlying themes is essential for accurate diagnosis."
Engineering + History: "Historical study has enhanced my understanding of how technological developments exist within social and political contexts. This perspective is valuable in engineering, where solutions must be designed with consideration for their broader societal impact."
For subjects that have natural synergies:
Economics + Politics: "Studying politics alongside economics has given me insight into how policy decisions and economic theories intersect in the real world. This interdisciplinary perspective was particularly valuable when I researched the economic impacts of Brexit for my politics coursework."
Physics + Further Maths: "My further mathematics studies have provided me with advanced mathematical tools that I've applied to complex physics problems, particularly in quantum mechanics where abstract mathematical concepts are essential for understanding subatomic phenomena."
Principles for writing
Make sure to avoid generic statements like “studying psychology has helped my understanding of literature” and instead try to give specific examples. One way to do this is to choose a specific topic in your secondary subject and then emphasise the intellectual abilities you’ve developed as a result of studying this topic. For example:
Analytical skills: How has subject A improved your ability to break down complex ideas in subject B?
Critical thinking: How has examining different perspectives in one subject enhanced your approach to another?
Problem-solving techniques: How have methodologies from one discipline influenced your approach in another?
Communication abilities: How has articulating ideas in one subject improved your expression in another?
It’s also great if you can show that you’ve made connections beyond what was explicitly taught in your courses. For example, something like: "While my A-Level syllabi didn't explicitly connect chemistry and geography, I independently explored how principles of acid-base reactions inform our understanding of ocean acidification. This self-directed investigation deepened my appreciation for interdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges."
Final thoughts
Your secondary subjects are valuable assets in your personal statement when presented thoughtfully. By drawing meaningful connections between different disciplines, you demonstrate intellectual curiosity, versatility, and the kind of interdisciplinary thinking that universities value.
Remember to be specific, authentic, and focused on the skills and perspectives these subjects have given you rather than just the content you've covered. With this approach, your "other" subjects can become a compelling part of your application narrative, showing admissions tutors that you're ready for the intellectual demands of university study.
If you’d like expert, personalised feedback on your personal statement draft, you can book a free 15-minute chat with me using the button below to discuss how I might be able to help you.
