2026 Armstrong Arts and Humanities Essay Competition Opens for Entries

Entries are now open for the 2026 Armstrong Arts and Humanities Essay Competition.

The competition welcomes students from state‑maintained schools across the UK and the Isle of Man who are in their penultimate year of study. It offers a chance to explore ideas across a broad mix of subjects taught in the arts and humanities at Cambridge.

This year’s questions encourage students to think across subject boundaries and build arguments supported by specific and relevant examples. The full set of questions, along with entry guidance such as word limits, referencing advice and submission rules, is available on the Armstrong Arts and Humanities Essay Competition page. Submissions close on 26 April 2026 at 23:59.

Three prizes will be awarded. First prize is £300, second prize is £200 and third prize is £100. Judges may also give honourable mentions. Prize winners will be invited to visit Magdalene College in Summer 2026.

Essay writing support is available through the recorded webinar series created by the Schools Liaison Officer, with each session offering simple steps for planning, research and refining ideas. The webinars, along with further details and the entry form, can be found on the Armstrong Arts and Humanities Essay Competition page.