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Enter the 2025 Armstrong Arts and Humanities Essay Competition!

Magdalene College Launches 2025 Armstrong Arts and Humanities Essay Competition

We’re excited to announce the 2025 Armstrong Arts and Humanities Essay Competition, giving students from state-maintained schools across the UK the chance to explore fascinating topics and showcase their academic skills.

This competition is open to students in their penultimate year of education (Year 12 in England and Wales, S5 in Scotland, and Year 13 in Northern Ireland). Our essay questions cover a wide range of arts and humanities subjects, encouraging you to think critically, make connections between ideas, and develop a strong argument backed by relevant examples.

Why Enter?

  • Challenge yourself by exploring topics beyond the school curriculum.
  • Boost your university applications by demonstrating independent research and analytical thinking.
  • Win cash prizes! First prize: £300, Second prize: £200, Third prize: £100. Honourable mentions may also be awarded.
  • Come and visit us at Magdalene! Prize winners will be invited to a prize giving ceremony at the College in summer 2025.

How to Enter

  • Pick one of our multi-disciplinary essay questions covering different arts and humanities subjects.
  • Write a 2,000-word essay (excluding footnotes and bibliography) and submit it by 30 April 2025 at 23:59.
  • Make sure to reference your sources—while we recommend the Harvard system, you can use any recognised style.
  • The essay must be entirely your own work – AI-generated content won’t be accepted.

For full details and to submit your entry see the Armstrong Arts and Humanities Essay Competition page.

Need a Bit of Help?

We’ve put together webinars on research, writing, and refining essays to help you get started. These recorded sessions offer useful tips on structuring your argument and crafting a great essay.

If you have any questions, just drop us an email at access@magd.cam.ac.uk—Natalie and Tess from our Widening Participation and Schools Liaison Team will be happy to help.

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity—get involved and put your ideas to the test!

For full details, to watch the webinars, and to submit your entry see the Armstrong Arts and Humanities Essay Competition page.