Peter Peckard Memorial Prize

Magdalene College invites Cambridge undergraduates to enter the Peter Peckard Memorial Prize.

Peter Peckard was Master of Magdalene in the 18th century. In 1784, as Vice Chancellor, he set essay subjects for undergraduate prizes. He chose the topic 'Is it ever right to make slaves of others against their will?’. Thomas Clarkson, a student at St John’s College, won the prize for an essay on the horrifying realities of slavery. Clarkson was so moved by what he discovered that he dedicated his life to fighting for the abolition of slavery. Clarkson later recruited William Wilberforce to lead the battle in Parliament. The Peter Peckard Memorial Prize was created to mark these events.

Students may submit an essay or equivalent format such as a research paper, report, short film, podcast or blog post. Each entry must examine a serious example of exploitation today and outline the steps needed to end it.

The prize for the winning entry is £1,000. Work produced for undergraduate degrees and collective entries from societies are welcome. 

Full details and requirements are available on the Peckard Prize webpage. The closing date is 10 July 2026, and the winner will be announced on 22 July 2026. The winner will be invited, with a guest, to a prize-giving ceremony at Magdalene.
 

Find out more and enter The Peter Peckard Memorial Prize

Good luck!