STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

“Not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some
humor, and some style.”
- Maya Angelou

Dear Admissions Committee,

With this letter, I would like to state my strong motivation and submit my application for M.Sc
in Forensic Psychology at the University of Roehampton. I am honored to apply to your
program.

As you may see in the application file, I have completed a bachelor’s degree in Psychology
Honors from Himachal Pradesh University with a 9.11 score out of a ten point scale.

As I begin to write this letter, I am instantly taken back to a period of uncertainty and despair.
My interest in psychology awoke 8 years ago when I found myself surfing on the web about
neurons and cognition in the lobby of a hospital. I was patiently waiting for my physiotherapy
session. I eagerly went through numerous articles which ignited my passion for learning. As
someone who was battling depression due to my illness, I found refuge in an inexplicable world.
After devouring numerous books, this inexplicable world started to make sense as the interesting
subject of psychology.

Just like every cloud has a silver lining, my gloomy days were behind me. Looking back, it is
safe to say that psychology played a huge role in my life. It opened a portal for me to help people
who were going through similar difficulties. With unwavering hope and the undeterred support
of my family, I switched schools to study Psychology further, such was my love for the subject.

In years to come, I developed a special affinity to Criminology and Forensic Psychology.

Perhaps, the fascination awoke after a particular true crime binge session but nonetheless, it was
not a fleeting interest. I was brought up in a difficult neighborhood which projected a high crime
and violence rate. While my kind and humble parents did everything in their power to provide
me with a sheltered upbringing, I was not indifferent to the unfortunate circumstances that
surrounded me. Drugs and violent crimes were ever present in my formative years. From a
tender age, I knew that many were victims of their own circumstances and their oppressions
manifested into horrendous crimes.
‘Why do people commit crimes?’ is a question that has haunted me for many years.

My goal is to delve into research and find answers to this question that my inner child ponders
over. My studies will be focused on criminal behavior, the role of institutional poverty and how
societal oppression and status in society dispose of an individual to criminal activity. It will be a
great honor to be given the opportunity to analyze jury and public perceptions and reactions
towards white collar crimes and violent crimes.

Your highly reputed and intensive program clearly aligns with my future academic goals. I
believe my research undertakings will enrich scholarly literature, improve decision making
process and aid new research.
I have volunteered enthusiastically at various NGOs, government undertakings and college
festivals. I have been working since the age of 16 owing to my financial limitations. I have
primarily worked with children specifically from disadvantaged backgrounds. After six hours of
college classes and five hours of work, I always make an effort to find time for independent
research.

During my Bachelor’s, I conducted an empirical study on the relationship between mental illness
in mothers and children. At present I am conducting research studies on: “An empirical analysis
on job and self satisfaction levels of public sector and private sector employees” and “Analyzing
the perception and utilization of law enforcement in collectivistic cultures: Why do we hesitate to
seek help?” which aims to understand public perception towards law enforcement in specific
cultures such as India to assess why individuals from collectivistic cultures are less likely to seek
help from the police.

With my analytical skills, my keen interest in statistics and probability, inquisitive and scholarly
approach, I believe I can carry research with promising results.
I expect that this Master program will provide me an opportunity to strengthen my theoretical
knowledge base, which I can later apply in a practical setting.

I would like to thank you for the time and effort you invested in consideration of my application.
I look forward to your positive response and I am fully prepared and keen to join the program
very soon.

Sincerely,
Sachin