SOP Sample for MSc Ecology in the UK - Masters Fresher Profile

Statement of Interest

I am from one of the most diverse parts of the blue planet: 'The Western Ghats'. Living in the countryside, I have learnt to live in harmony with nature and I always wanted to study coexistence. But after the twelfth class, no one with an above-average mark took BSc Zoology. So, most people around me told me not to follow my dream. But I took the magical decision to join the college for Bachelors in Zoology. And this decision changed my life.

I joined [UNIVERSITY_NAME] ([COLLEGE_NAME]) for the Bachelors in Zoology. The department was an entirely different experience. I was introduced to the core concepts for the first time. During this period, I worked as the president of the Zoological Association and organized several events. Also, I was lucky to be part of NCC (National Cadet Corps) in which I worked as a Petty Officer Cadet. I was able to organize several camps of national importance. On the academic side, I secured a university rank of 10 out of 1142 students, with a CGPA of 9.6 out of 10.

After BSc I wanted to move to a university campus where I could explore the depth of the subject. By clearing the entrance examination with 2nd rank, I was admitted to the state university—[UNIVERSITY_NAME] for MSc. Zoology. The university provided a great environment with ample facilities and quality faculties. I secured a rank of 8 out of 150 and a CGPA of 8.8/10 in MSc. I worked as the Volunteer Secretary of NSS (National Service Scheme) through which I was able to organize several activities including coordination of blood donation for the entire campus. All these helped nurture my ability to work with groups.

During my study period at [UNIVERSITY_NAME], I was able to work as part of the [STATE_NAME] State Bird Atlas Project. It was a mega project which was conducted in collaboration with [ORGANIZATION_NAME] to collect complete data of the avian fauna of [STATE_NAME]. This project helped me gain field experience. This was the point where I decided to dedicate myself to the study of ecology and conservation. The curious little boy got what he was searching for.

Also, during MSc I started wildlife photography and am currently working on a documentary about the biodiversity of my campus. I always wanted to improve the reach of science to the common man. To promote citizen science, an organisation named [ORGANIZATION_NAME] (Walk with Nature) was founded, which aims at spreading the concepts of conservation and sustainability. During the COVID period, I conducted a study about the bird diversity of my locality. This study was able to record 78 species of birds. During this period, I taught the basics of diversity studies to my siblings and now they support me in data collection. I didn't let down studies during the lockdown either. I was able to clear GATE Life Science (National Level test for PhD) with All India Rank 832 out of 23,400 candidates (96 percentile).

In these years I have been part of eight forest surveys and several other non-forest surveys and was part of five projects, out of which three were designed by me. All these helped in gaining experience in designing and conducting diversity studies. Also, I am familiar with different sampling and collection techniques. I am active in birdwatching and have recorded more than 175 species. I was able to develop experience and skills to work in extreme conditions and to do long distance trekking. I have been analysing the importance of several urban ecosystems and worked in environmental organisations in order to keep balance between developments and diversity.

Human-wildlife coexistence is my major research interest. I always wanted to work in the development of models for green urban developments. The first step towards this was my PG project itself. Also, in my BSc project I studied the fish diversity of a river and the major threats faced by the riparian diversity. I was able to find several issues which were directly linked to unscientific urbanization. This included unscientific waste disposal and construction of multiple dams which hindered the migration of fishes. Currently I am working on a project about rapid clearing of trees and its effect on the avian fauna. This project also has connection with deforestation and how the birds react to it.

I have done my MSc in Zoology in which ecology was just one paper out of many. But I want to study deeply about the concepts of ecology, evolution and conservation in order to get a perfect understanding before I proceed into research. That's the reason why I started searching for Masters in Ecology across the globe. United Kingdom is always on top of my list, mostly due to its environmentally sensitive actions. I went through the syllabus and the structure of the entire course and I was able to find exactly what I was looking for. Having an opportunity to work in such an active group will help me achieve clear and deep knowledge about the concepts of ecology and coexistence and will help me achieve my dream to be an independent researcher. UK is a place of cultural diversity; this can help me in finding like-minded people whom I can work with to take my citizen science initiatives to a global level. I hope for a future where humans live in harmony with nature and I wish to contribute my life towards it. My experience in this field and my ability to adapt as well as to produce quality work within limited time makes me different from other applicants. I appeal to you to generously acknowledge my application considering every one of my accomplishments so far.

Thanking you in anticipation,

[NAME]