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Languages, Power and Cultures Programme
Are you interested in the study of languages and culture? Have you thought about a degree in Modern Languages, Classics, or in related degree programmes? Trinity College, Cambridge, is excited to offer a free programme providing insight into the study of languages at university level, focusing on themes of power and culture. The programme will also provide tips for making a successful application to Cambridge.
The programme consists of academic taster sessions open to all who register, and mentoring groups led by Trinity undergraduates and a one-night residential visit at Trinity College open to selected students.
To access this programme, please register here, by 12pm Midday 10th February
We particularly encourage students interested in languages, classics, history, literature, or related fields to apply. Prior study of languages is not required. Students should:
- Be passionate about the theme and willing to do additional reading.
- Be in their penultimate school year: Year 12 (England and Wales), Year 13 (Northern Ireland), S5 (Scotland), or equivalent.
- Have strong academic performance, studying at least one relevant subject (languages, classics, history, or literature).
This is a widening access programme to support students exploring their interests outside of school, and to increase knowledge and experience of Cambridge University, especially for those who may not have a family or school history of going to competitive universities and who are underrepresented at Cambridge. You can read about the success of this programme here.
Programme Overview
Throughout the programme, you will engage with complex questions about power, and its expression through culture, through video-based taster sessions with Cambridge academics in languages, classics, and history. Pre-reading material will be provided to enrich your learning experience. Designed to reflect Cambridge’s teaching style, the programme offers an environment that encourages independent thinking.
Just by completing the registering for this programme, you will be able to access video-based academic taster sessions. If selected, you will also be offered :
- Mentoring sessions
- A one-night in-person taster residential at Trinity College for 50 selected students
- Opportunities to connect with admissions staff, academics, and current students at every session
By the end of the programme, participants will have developed enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills. After the programme finishes, you may want to consider writing for Trinity’s Languages and Cultures essay competition, which closes 5th August. We hope you keep an eye out for this and give it a go!
To register, complete the online application form, by 12pm Midday 10th February
Key Programme Dates
- Application deadline: 10th February (1pm)
- We will let you know if you have been selected: Week commencing 17th February
- Mentoring sessions: Mondays 4pm 3rd March, 17th March, 31st March
- Residential visit: 9th – 10th April
If you have questions, please reach out to our Schools Liaison Officers at schools.liaison@trin.cam.ac.uk. We look forward to receiving your applications.
FAQ
If you have a question which isn’t answered, please register for our newsletter in order to hear about our 2024 launch and direct any questions about the residential to our Schools Liaison Officer at schools.liaison@trin.cam.ac.uk
So you don’t have to spend extra money getting here, we will reimburse your travel to Cambridge, including train tickets or some fuel costs. Your food here will also be free and provided in our College. Our catering team are used to feeding students with different dietary requirements, so you should be able to enjoy the day at no cost.
Within our application form, you will need to:
- Tell us your GCSE or equivalent grades, and what you are currently studying. We realise predicted grades can vary across schools so we expect some variation, but you should have a good academic record and be studying academic subjects.
- Tell us a bit about your interests too, so we can work out if you would be a good fit for the series. Not being offered a place does not mean you wouldn’t be a good fit for studying at Cambridge, but a reflection that our webinars only cover limited topics.
We do also ask about whether you have a disability and any accessibility or dietary requirements. This is so we can teach you and meet any adjustments you may need. What you tell us here is not part of our selection process and will not influence whether you are offered a place.
In this programme, you will be exploring issues through both the Classical and contemporary worlds. You will examine how leaders, states and other forms of organised power use images and texts to convey their messages and how groups mobilise language and images in resistance to offer their own truths.
You don’t need to be studying a language to join this programme. We won’t require any language skills, but if you have them that’s great!
Within your application to the residential, you will need to tell us which subjects you are interested in studying and explain your interest. Telling us this now does not mean you have to apply for this subject at University, and we expect you may be still deciding. You might consider applying if you are interested in studying any of the following subjects:
- Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic
- Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
- Classics
- English
- History
- History and Modern Languages
- History and Politics
- History of Art
- Human Social and Political Sciences
- Linguistics
- Modern and Medieval Languages
- Philosophy
- Theology
This webinar series is open to students in Year 12 (England and Wales), Year 12 (Northern Ireland) or S5 (Scotland).
We will prioritise students, especially for our discussion group and visit, who attend non-fee paying schools, or those receiving a full bursary at their school, and students from backgrounds which are underrepresented at Cambridge.
Webinar Schedule
What’s the schedule?
Once our programme starts, we will update this area with topics from our webinars. Check back here if you are a teacher or KS4 student thinking about the future.