SOP Sample for MSc Environmental Science in the UK

Statement of Purpose

"Everything that happens has a science behind it" – this has always fascinated me. Chemistry plays a very vital role in nature, as we all know, from photosynthesis in plants to the respiration process. This stream of science is the key tool to understand the secrets of nature and all the phenomena which will help mankind maintain its truce with nature. During my 10th grade practical, I was taught an experiment where in absence of oxygen a burning candle goes off. This topic gave fuel to my brain to explore more about chemistry.

During my school days in [SCHOOL_NAME], I had strong inclination towards science as I always performed well in this along with other subjects like geography and languages, though overall being an average student. When I was in school, I participated in National Level Abacus competition and secured 3rd rank at national level.

The spark of interest for sciences, especially Chemistry, kindled when I was in high school and had taken science as my main branch. My major subject for undergraduate studies has been Chemistry with Zoology and Botany as other subjects. I chose Chemistry and got acquainted with the fundamentals of chemistry. Along with academics, I enjoyed organizing, participating and hosting events like quiz and lecture competitions, poster presentations, seminars and a few cultural programs. In the last year, we were introduced to some techniques and instruments like NMR, IR and HPLC, GC and polarography. The characterization and analysis of different types of compounds are the prime factors that made me grow fond of these techniques.

Understanding the working and principle of all the advanced hyphenated instruments increased my urge for analytical chemistry, and I chose it as my major for my Master's program. I found that this specialization had multi-disciplinary application ranging from biology, physics, geology and environmental sciences. During my master's, I learned detailed modules of analytical chemistry along with some new topics like pharmaceutical and environmental chemistry. In my Master's program, I had undertaken a project wherein I synthesized 8 different types of beads, out of which 4 were used for the removal of Cr (VI) from water, and their re-usability was also studied. All the beads synthesized were naturally biodegradable. This was the juncture when I developed an interest in environment.

After completing my masters, I joined [COMPANY_NAME] where I got placed during my last semester. Herein, I worked as a quality control analyst. In this process, I got to learn tests like water testing, raw material and finished product testing which includes heavy metal, CO2, nitrate, etc. I also got acquainted with instruments like HPLC, GC, TOC and calibration of weighing and analytical balances, as well as how to calibrate conductivity and pH meters. All these things amazed me and I was awestruck to see how the huge instruments and highly functionalized laboratories worked. The working experience molded me into a strong and confident individual who was ready to take on this world independently.

I worked as a Research Assistant on a short project in the biodiversity department of my own college. The title of the project was "Butterfly Attractant for Pollination and Ecosystem Health." The project focus was on studying the formulation for preparing the attractants for butterflies using natural essential oils. It was at this time that I decided to deep dive into environmental sciences.

Due to some major family constraints, I had to work further and I started working with [COMPANY_NAME] as a peer review advisor. There I got familiar with the scientific and research articles publication process. I came across softwares like SciFinder, Web of Science and Google Scholar. After gaining this exposure, I decided to delve further into this process and joined [COMPANY_NAME], an MNC which also works on scientific articles publishing alongside educational content and scientific writing. During the whole time, I have learned how to manage time and remain productive even under intense pressure.

I believe that though coming from a different background, I have relevant knowledge about environment which I acquired during the early years. I picture myself as a successful environmentalist and want to seek new opportunities. In order to achieve my desire, I want to delve deeper into this particular field and to arm myself with the new ideas and required expertise. With this emerging universe, there is development in all fields, and I want to make myself capable to evolve more.

Learning an Indian classical dance, Bharatanatyam, for 5 years has blossomed in me the patience, perseverance and passion required for desires to be fulfilled. I love taking up new challenges and believe that the 3Ps can help us face them. I also believe that learning languages can help make communication easier and get people closer, and with this I completed a certificate course in Spanish language held at [INSTITUTE_NAME], [UNIVERSITY_NAME].

Now that I have decided to take a new path of higher education in Environmental Sciences, I started doing my own research and found that the United Kingdom has a rich legacy of higher education. It has always been a leading academic destination that beholds superior quality of life. The UK is the melting pot of multi-cultural people from all over the world. Some of the world's most leading institutions are present here. World class research and strong infrastructure, highly industrialized environment and quality education are some of the prime reasons for it being a top educational hub. The qualifications here are recognized worldwide; the wide variety of program choices and more flexible modules are what make it an obvious choice for higher education.

While taking up the initial step towards my goal, I began searching for the courses offered by the universities in the UK. I came across a very unique program offered by [UNIVERSITY_NAME] which is full time, named Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Monitoring, Research and Management, which can also be studied by students coming from different backgrounds of science and having relevant knowledge.

The modules covered under this course are of high interest to me and will surely help me to gain detailed information and knowledge. Modules like Lake Research, GIS for Environment, and Climate Modelling, to name a few, will help me in understanding the relation between environment and current trends in this field and the effects it will have on the ecosystem and use of developed technology for its application in environment. Some modules like Tools for River Research, Geospatial Risk, and Wind Monitoring will help me in understanding how policies can be framed, how technology can be used for taking measures to safeguard and protect our surroundings, how international climate mitigations could be resolved, and will definitely be a new addition to my knowledge.

The dissertation will definitely help me in getting the insights of the overall field and can help me to establish myself as an independent researcher in the future. It will also open up wide and new horizons of opportunities for me. My ambition is to further pursue a PhD and get hands-on experience with international exposure and become an independent environmentalist. I intend to return to my homeland after gaining experience and wish to serve with an optimistic approach towards the problems. By taking this opportunity through this program, I wish to have a positive approach with all the enthusiasm and hard work for better prospects of my future.