Applications for the 2025-26 Downing Scholars Programme have now closed. Thank you to everyone who sent in their applications. We will be in touch with all students to confirm receipt of submission by Tuesday 21 October.

 

This Widening Participation (WP) initiative is run by our School and College Liaison Officers, and we seek to encourage those from WP backgrounds to consider applying

Downing Scholars Programme

Launching this October, the Downing Scholars Programme (or DSP) is a 9-month online programme designed to inspire and challenge Year 10 through to Year 12 UK Home students with interests in the Arts and Humanities. The DSP will introduce students to the breadth and depth offered by the Arts and Humanities, supported by a study programme that reaches widely across the Undergraduate Subjects offered at the University of Cambridge.

Made up of taster lectures, engaging activities, and academic support, this programme will allow students to explore their academic interests beyond the school curriculum.

Learn more about the programme’s structure:

Taster lectures

Interested in the History of Art? Want to learn more about contemporary Japanese culture? Eager to delve into some Latin American literature? Our taster lecture series will delve into subjects both unfamiliar and familiar, released once a month. Filmed by our Downing Fellows, these pre-recorded lectures will provide a snapshot of Undergraduate Study at Cambridge. Scholars will be challenged with new ideas, concepts and theories to foster academic exploration beyond their school textbooks.

Study power-ups!

Following the release of each lecture, scholars will be tasked with completing a low-intensity activity to ‘power-up’ their learning. Activities will range from script-writing to poster-making, and intend to nurture skills in independent research, creativity and analytical writing. These tasks are not assessed, but are an opportunity for scholars to explore their interests and apply their knowledge to focused activities.

Academic support 

Watched a lecture and eager to learn more? Having some trouble with a Study Power-up activity? The Downing Scholars Programme will ensure that all participating scholars feel supported throughout the programme. This includes discussion boards to post queries and ‘resource packs’ with extra videos and podcasts to explore.

 

Take a look at our upcoming lecture series

Crowds, Colour and Sound: Art in modern Paris 

Dr Rachel Coombes: Graham Robertson Research Fellow and Director of Studies in History of Art 


Introduction to Latin American Literature: El eclipse by Augusto Monterroso 

Dr Elena Martinez-Acacio: Fellow in Spanish and Portuguese and Director of Studies in Modern and Medieval Languages 


Introduction to Asian and Middle Eastern Studies: An ethnographic study of cleanliness in Japan

Dr Brigitte Steger: Fellow and Director of Studies in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies


Socrates and the Examined Life: Introduction to Philosophy 

Dr Frisbee Sheffield: Fellow and Director of Studies in Classics


Football Sectarianism and People Watching in Glasgow: An introduction to Social Anthropology

Professor Joseph Webster: Fellow and Director of Studies in Social Anthropology


Find Your Voice: Building an argument 

Dr Sarah Kennedy: RJ Owens Fellow and College Associate Professor in English


FAQs

How much does the programme cost?

The programme is free, so there is no cost to participating students.

Is the programme online or in-person?

The programme will take place online. There is no in-person component to the programme this year.

How time-intensive is the programme?

Participation is flexible, and while we encourage students to stay engaged throughout, the level of commitment will ultimately be up to them. We have also taken into consideration the heavier workload that students face during certain periods of the academic year, and the programme timeline has been adjusted accordingly. The programme aims to work alongside students’ studies and to spark further enthusiasm in the Arts and Humanities beyond the classroom.

What are the eligibility criteria?

Applicants for the 2025-26 programme must be UK Home students in Years 10, 11 or 12. For this programme, Home status is defined as someone whose home postcode and school are in the UK. Whilst there are no academic eligibility criteria, applicants must have a strong interest in the Arts and Humanities.

There are 100 places available and, if we are oversubscribed, priority will be given to those from Widening Participation (WP) criteria. You can find the full list of WP criteria below:

- Currently or previously living under local authority care
- Eligible for free school meals (currently, or in the previous six years)
- Disability/extenuating circumstances which has affected study
- Students from underrepresented ethnic groups
- Young carer
- IMD deciles 1-4 (use this tool to check your area)
- No parental history of higher education
- Low school/college progression rates to higher education 

When is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is Monday 20 October at midday. Applications after this deadline will not be considered.

I haven't received a confirmation email. Is this a problem?

There is no confirmation email set up for once you have filled in the form. We will be in touch by Tuesday 21 October to confirm with all students who have applied.

 

Please note that all official information about the Downing Scholars Programme is provided directly by our team through our website and verified communication channels. Any details about the programme, including application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility, should be obtained from these official sources only. We advise students, parents, and schools not to rely on third-party websites or unofficial communications, as these may contain inaccurate or outdated information.

If you have any further questions about the programme, please email admissions@dow.cam.ac.uk.