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Outreach and Access

Access and Outreach

Magdalene is committed to encouraging young people with the academic potential and enthusiasm to succeed at university to apply regardless of school or background.

Both the University of Cambridge and the individual colleges run a number of initiatives to assist students from schools without extensive experience of sending applicants to research-intensive universities like Cambridge.

Useful Resources

The following resources have been prepared for students and teachers and we will keep this page updated as more resources are created. If you have any questions, please contact access@magd.cam.ac.uk.

  • The University of Cambridge YouTube Channel - including videos about many aspects of life at Cambridge, from the interview process to the first 48 hours of life at Cambridge.
  • Sidney Sussex YouTube Channel - Discover more about applying to university and the undergraduate admissions process with these four videos from our former SLO, Sandy Mill.
  • Teachers' and Advisers' Conference Webinar Series - To support Teachers and Advisers in their roles as they help prepare their students for applications to Cambridge. The University event will run again in July 2022.
  • Careers and HE online sessions from Peterhouse - prepared by our colleagues at Peterhouse, these resources are available on request to any UK state school, regardless of Link Area affiliation.
  • Resources made available due to COVID-19 - A collection of academic resources with open access currently. Mainly targeted at higher levels (A Level/University level).
  • www.applytocambridge.com - the University's Alternative Prospectus, written by the students. It contains a student perspective on each course and college.
  • Ask-A-Student -  run by CUSU (Cambridge University Students Union). You can send a message to the page and it will be passed on to a current Cambridge Student, who will respond to you.
  • InsideUni - A student-led project with application advice from Cambridge students.
  • HE+ is an access initiative run by the University. You’ll find online resources for a variety of subjects as well as useful additional reading and information for people interested in applying.
  • Oxford & Cambridge Collaborative Outreach Network - Events and resources from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford.
  • Super-curricular suggestions - Learn more about the subjects offered at the University of Cambridge: a selection of suggested reading lists and resources from departmental and College websites, other universities and sources on the internet.

Arts and Humanities Essay Competition

Magdalene College Arts and Humanities Essay Competition for students attending state-maintained schools in the UK, and who are in their penultimate year of education (Year 12 in England and Wales, S5 in Scotland, or Year 13 in Northern Ireland).

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Open Days

Magdalene holds Open Days to help prospective applicants get a feel for studying at Cambridge. Open Days include a tour of the College, a chance to meet some of the Fellows and teaching staff, and the opportunity to talk to current undergraduates.

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Online Events

Online events designed to support students in making a competitive application to university, with sessions ranging from choosing a course to interview support. The support and advice will be relevant to students applying to academically competitive universities across the UK.

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University-wide Programmes

University-wide Programmes are initiatives from the University of Cambridge to provide free complementary teaching and support to UK students at non-fee paying schools.

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Magdalene College Residentials

Magdalene College residentials are a fantastic opportunity for students who would like to find out more about studying at university. We offer sessions with leading academics, workshops on making a competitive application, and the chance to explore Cambridge and sample life as a student.

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Visits to schools

Magdalene's Schools Liaison Officer visits maintained schools in our Link Areas of Merseyside, North Wales, and the Isle of Man to run talks and workshops for Y10-13 students. Teachers can find out here how to arrange a visit.

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Visits to Cambridge

Magdalene frequently hosts visiting school groups, with priority going to schools in our Link Areas of Merseyside, North Wales, and the Isle of Man. Visits can be a general introduction to Cambridge or specific to a certain subject group.

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Student Outreach Initiatives

Magdalene’s undergraduate students (known as the JCR) play an active role in Outreach initiatives. Everyone who studies here is keen to encourage prospective applicants to visit and apply to Magdalene.

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