Physics with Nuclear Technology Personal Statement

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My first experience of Nuclear Physics was when I watched James May’s Big Ideas. He visited JET and watched Nuclear Fusion take place. Seeing the process of Nuclear Fusion really sparked my interest. After seeing this I was immediately intrigued and began to research the subject, and I haven’t stopped. I first researched Fusion on Earth and some Nuclear Fission, then expanded to researching Fusion in stars. I am inspired by both forms of Nuclear Power but my real passion lies with Fusion. To pursue this I would like to study Physics, I am interested in all areas of Physics, with Nuclear Physics being my favourite. I find it particularly stimulating thinking about the world at a quantum level. Knowing how and why the world works is a desirable quality. At University I intend to extend my knowledge, and choosing this course will help me to develop my proficiency in the subject. I would also like to do a year in industry to gain a working knowledge of the field I would like to go into. In doing this I hope to enhance my employability. My career aspiration is to be a Nuclear Physicist specialising in Nuclear Fusion, this has always been my aspiration because I have a great interest in the lifecycle of stars and how the process of Nucleosynthesis progresses. I would like to use the knowledge I gain from the course to offer a potential replacement for fossil fuels in the future. I also would like to be part of a sector that makes groundbreaking discoveries and advances in the world of Physics.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

Studying at Sixth Form my A-Levels include Physics, Maths and Chemistry, I believe these will help me as they all link into a STEM element. Within Physics I particularly enjoy the Nuclear topic, I also enjoy the Quantum and Particle elements. In October I went on a once in a lifetime Physics trip to Geneva where I visited CERN and Emosson Dam along with the SIG energy plant. The subjects I study are not always straightforward and I often have to problem solve, the sense of satisfaction when I get an answer right motivates me to carry on. Whilst studying at Sixth Form, I complete many different presentations which gives me confidence in speaking in front of my peers, one of these was on Carbon Fibre reinforced polymers. I really enjoyed the freedom to research my own choice of material. In doing this my research skills have developed. I was also part of the Wickersley Plus scheme, this included a trip to Sheffield University where we were given a tour of the labs and this gave me the opportunity to see how I would work at university level.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

In my spare time I enjoy playing piano and being a member of Friends in Harmony choir, and I perform in concerts for both. Currently, I am volunteering at Catcliffe Garage as the inner workings of cars are also a big interest of mine. Whilst volunteering here, I am entrusted with customer liaisons and telephone communications. I have gained many different skills here such as, organisational skills along with time management and I am reliable and punctual.