Humanities Exploration Day - 4th Dec 2023

The School of Arts and Humanities is hosting a Humanities Exploration Day for high-performing Year 12 students on the 4th December 2023. The aim is to give students the opportunity to experience university-level teaching in a range of humanities subjects, to enrich their current studies and to help them decide which subject might be the best choice for them going forward. The event will run from 10 am to 3 pm.

Who is the day for?

The day is aimed at pupils considering applying for a humanities degree at university, particularly those who need help deciding the right subject for them, who would benefit from the enrichment activities on offer, or who may be considering applying to Cambridge specifically. The day is open to any pupils, irrespective of GCSE or A level subjects being studied.

There is no minimum or maximum group size for school groups, but places are limited and we cannot guarantee we will be able to accommodate all applicants. Each student will need to be registered separately.

Priority will be given to UK state schools or FE Colleges and those from under-represented geographical regions of the UK, as well as students who meet our widening participation criteria.

What will I see and do?

Attendees will enjoy taster sessions in three subjects, a tour of a Cambridge college, and sessions on applying to study a humanities degree and humanities-based careers.

Please note we reserve the right to alter the programme without notice.

How do I apply?

Places are free but you must register in advance.

When applying for the programme you must select a stream- Literature, Languages, or Culture. This will determine which subject sessions you will attend. Please choose based on what interests you the most in a potential degree. More information on each of the streams can be found here:

Literature- For students whose main attraction to a subject is rich and varied literature, reading is a strong component of these degrees.

Languages- For students who are looking for a university subject which involves language learning and where translation in explored in depth.

Culture- For students who have a broad range of interests, drawing on strands from history, philosophy, literature, and art all sounds appealing.

PLEASE NOTE: While we anticipate that we will be able to accommodate most people who apply, applying DOES NOT automatically mean you will be accepted. If we are oversubscribed we will choose students in line with the priority criteria listed above. Final confirmation will be sent to all applicants no later than Monday the 20th November. 

Important information - please read before booking:

Where is the event taking place?

The event is taking place on the Sidgwick Site.

In the morning you will register at the Lady Mitchell Hall. Please aim to arrive around 9.30 am to register.

There is no parking available onsite.

Minibuses and coaches can drop students on West Road, opposite the English Faculty. We have a small number of minibus spaces that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is on-street Pay & Display parking on West Road and Sidgwick Avenue. There is also unregulated on-street parking on some nearby street including Herschel, Adams and Cranmer Roads. Drivers should aim to collect attendees from West Road at 3pm unless arrangements have been made for your group to see more of Cambridge after the event.

What do I need to bring?

You may want to take notes from some of the lectures, so please bring paper and a pen, alongside a packed lunch and a water bottle. Do not bring any valuables, as we cannot guarantee their safety.

Is lunch provided?

Lunch is not provided, so please ensure you bring a packed lunch.

Do I need a guardian or teacher to stay with me?

As you are in Year 12, you are welcome to attend on your own.

How much does the event cost?

There is no charge for attending the day. You will, however, be responsible for arranging your own travel to and from the event.

Can I see more of Cambridge during the day?

All attendees must remain with the group for the full duration of the event, including during lunch, unless prior arrangement has been made to leave early. However, after the close of the event at 3 pm, you are welcome to use the rest of the afternoon to visit other colleges and the city. Guidance on how to get in to town and see other colleges can be provided on the day, if required.