Columnists have a unique opportunity to shed light on a particular topic of their choosing which is relevant to Cambridge readers. As a columnist, you’ll work closely with a dedicated section editor to write articles on a weekly basis. Throughout the term, you'll have the chance to examine an issue you're passionate about in depth, and have the freedom to create a column which reflects your own views, identity, and life experience.

We’re interested in columnist applications for all sections of the paper – don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

What do you think is missing in student writing and wider discourse in the community? What original viewpoint can you bring? You can discuss issues from finding your own space amidst Cambridge's hectic terms, to the direction for student activism in Cambridge, or 5 tricks to avoid an all-nighter in our sections.

Our magazine, Vulture, is the beating heart of life here at Cambridge. Articles that have featured in Vulture sections, whether humorous takes on bicycle riding, or serious reflections on the importance of self-care, are often hot topics of conversation. We want to continue this during Easter, as we look for bright new ideas to feature. For the Lifestyle section, we are looking to introduce a series along the lines of ‘Tackling the Taboo Topics of Cambridge’. This is a chance for students to really have their say on topics like mental health management, dealing with bereavement in the Cambridge climate, struggles with supervisors and how it’s a relatively common thing, struggling with the dichotomous decision of intermitting, etc. Lifestyle is the perfect section for a column exploring issues of sex and relationships in Cambridge. Let’s bring the students back into the Arts section by having a weekly showcase of up-and-coming artists in our university, breaking away from university-endorsed means of publication that often feel intimidating! We’d love someone to explore the nature of college art collections. For Fashion, a ‘Gurls’ Talk’ style forum of discussion would be an interesting addition for our students to voice their insecurities, feelings and opinions surrounding body image, dressing for gender fluidity and societal expectations. For Music, why not include a biweekly student platform to promote the music of students, or a weekly spotlighting of different countries/cultures and the music that they listen to/incorporate within their lives? And remember, columns don't have to be written – you could use photojournalism or visual art to spotlight student style, share your experiences at Cambridge or explore its dynamic creative scene.

We’re also seeking columnists who are open to writing about their experiences as a gender non-binary person at Cambridge, as well as writers interested in sharing their reflections on being a BME student.

In Science, we would welcome a column on the climate crisis that explores the personal impact of climate anxiety, or a column about how our use of technology shapes our relationships to ourselves, our daily interactions, and sex and dating. We’re also looking for satire about Cambridge culture for our blog Violet. Across all sections, we are keen to see a diverse range of identities, backgrounds and ideas, and will be happy to anonymise columns on sensitive topics if the writer prefers.

These are just some ideas, and we're open to completely original pitches!

Applicants should demonstrate a close engagement with their chosen focus and a passion for conveying their perspective to others, either through writing, visuals, or a combination of both.

To apply: Send a pitch, including the proposed number of articles, (300 words maximum), a sample column (800 words maximum) and ideas for three further columns.

The Varsity News team plays an essential role in Cambridge, providing timely, objective, and incisive reporting on stories relevant to its readers. Our coverage serves not only to inform Varsity readers, but to hold institutions in the city to account.

As a news correspondent, you will be at the heart of Varsity’s busiest section. This is a challenging time, and your reporting - of largely, but not entirely, COVID-19 related events - will prove extremely useful. You’ll learn how to write news articles, conduct interviews and fact-check information, and have the opportunity to cover some of the most exciting events of the term. You’ll explore the ins and outs of Cambridge life, joining a team of committed reporters and editors to work on in-depth investigations, breaking news coverage and more.

No experience is required – only a passion for, and commitment to, reporting on news in Cambridge.

To apply: Explain why you want to be involved in the News team and detail any relevant experience, though none is required (no more than 300 words). Please also provide a critique of one recent Varsity News article of your choice (no more than 300 words).

There’s a lot to discuss in Cambridge, and we’re committed to placing student perspectives at the centre of the conversation. This term, we’re keen to raise the bar with a strong team of staff opinion writers.

As a staff opinion writer at Varsity, you’ll write consistently on an array of issues dominating Cambridge. You’ll attend weekly (online) meetings, pitch ideas and join a team of dedicated editors and contributors committed to thinking critically about ongoing events. Unlike columnists, who may hone in on a specific topic, staff opinion writers should be open to writing on a diverse range of issues, and be able to respond dynamically to breaking news as it occurs.

Applicants should demonstrate close engagement with issues at the heart of life in Cambridge, as well as an interesting, considered perspective on them.

To apply: Tell us why you want to be a staff writer, and which areas and issues in Cambridge life you’re particularly interested in exploring and any relevant expertise. (200 words maximum). Please also send a sample piece (800 words maximum) and ideas for three further pieces, including the angle and the way you would argue it.

In Cambridge, we have a vast scientific community at our fingertips, teeming with new research and issues to explore.

In Lent, Varsity is keen to further push the Science section towards being a hub for conversation about science in Cambridge, with a team of staff science writers.

As a staff science writer at Varsity, you’ll get the chance to engage with researchers about their work, report on crucial scientific developments in Cambridge, and write features about the culture amongst Cambridge scientists. This is a COVID-19 dominated time, and this will play a key role in the section. You’ll attend weekly (online) meetings, pitch ideas and join a team of dedicated editors and contributors committed to exploring research in Cambridge.

Applicants should demonstrate a close interest in pushing conversations about research in Cambridge, and the social aspects of being a researcher in Cambridge, including issues such as being a woman in STEM.

No experience is required – only a passion for, and commitment to, science in Cambridge.

To apply: Tell us why you want to be a staff writer, and which areas and issues in research you’re particularly interested in exploring (400 words maximum). Please also send: a sample piece (800 words maximum); and ideas for three further pieces.

Sport reporters are a vital part of Varsity’s coverage of sporting events and news in and around Cambridge, as they attend matches and write up reports. This Easter is different, as sporting events are cancelled, which gives our writers a chance to take Sport reporting to a new level, and deliver articles that are forward-thinking as well as informative. A willingness to embrace all kinds of sport is needed, as well as strong writing skills which enable you to deliver entertaining and informative commentary on matches. As a member of the Sport team, you will also have the opportunity to go beyond reporting should you so wish, and work with our section editors to produce sport analyses, investigations, and comment pieces.

To apply: explain why you want to be involved in the Sport team and give details of any relevant experience (300 words maximum), and provide a critique of a recent article from the Sport section (300 words maximum). Please mention if you have any experience with photography, though this is by no means essential.

Theatre reviewers attend Cambridge’s shows and tell our readers all about them. With the huge array of talent frequenting the stages of Cambridge, there’s no better place to be a reviewer. This term, the Cambridge theatre scene will be online, with lots of shows readily available either visually or on the radio. This is a perfect time to put your reviewing skills to good use, and challenge yourself! If selected, you will be given the opportunity to sign up to review shows, and your name will be listed on our website as one of Varsity’s reviewers. We’re particularly looking for people with experience of being involved in or writing about theatre for this role, although this is not a necessity.

To apply: Explain why you want to write Theatre reviews and detail any relevant experience (none required) (300 words maximum), and provide a critique of a recent review (300 words maximum).

Violet is Varsity’s light-hearted and entertaining blog, a place to cover funny news stories, provide humorous takes on current affairs and tell personal stories. We’re looking to grow the Violet team this term, and need some talented people to take it forward.

If you're interested in writing comedic or satirical takes on student life, including responding to the latest news, apply to be a staff writer for Violet. You'll get the opportunity to cover commissions and develop your own content ideas. If you think you can write in a witty, lighthearted and engaging style, we would love to hear from you. We are also specifically looking to hire writers to act as Violet’s ‘agony aunt’.

To apply: Explain why you want to be involved in Violet (200 words maximum), provide a sample article for the section (600 words maximum), provide 3 content ideas, and send us a link to any of your previous writing (none required).

Varsity relies on a strong, dynamic visual presence. As a staff illustrator, you’ll have the chance to be at the forefront of that change, joining a creative space where you’ll be encouraged to experiment, and creating art that speaks to student perspectives. Whether you are an artist, graphic designer or cartoonist, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply: Please provide details of any skills and experience you have (including a link to your portfolio if possible).

Our photography team keeps the newspaper looking fresh and vibrant with new and original photographic content, particularly the News and Sport sections. As a staff photographer, you will work with the photography editor and receive training, and will also have the chance to pursue the creative projects you are interested in. We're also recruiting for a Photography Editor, who will be responsible for organising the team and managing content. Please specify in your application if you would like to be considered for this role.

To apply: Please send an informal email outlining any skills and experience you have (attaching images you have taken, or including a link to your portfolio if possible).

The video team will be responsible for creating and developing a range of exciting video features and series. We’re looking for people to shoot, edit and present Varsity’s video output. You are welcome to apply to any one or a selection of these roles, and Varsity will be able to provide opportunities to expand and develop your skills, and introduce you to a range of video equipment. Don't worry if you don't have any experience - our video team will be a space to try out new things, and learn more about video journalism and video production.

To apply, please provide:

● An explanation of the role you would like to have within the video team, and three suggestions for video content you’d like to see in Lent term, or ideas for a running series.

● An explanation of any experience you have of working with video, including a link to any examples (absolutely none required), and details of any equipment or software you have access to (again, none required).

Know your less from your fewer? Have an eye for commas, apostrophes, capital letters, always italicising Varsity, and spelling? Our team of sub-editors are key to ensuring that Varsity maintains its reputation for clear and professional journalism. They ensure that all pieces conform to Varsity’s house style. It’s also important for sub-editors to be aware of the content itself, and to flag up anything that may be unsuitable for publishing. This is a great way for freshers interested in student journalism to get to know the paper better, although students of all years are encouraged to apply.

● A critique of an article from any section from the past couple of terms, with particular attention to the detailed improvements which a sub-editor could make (300 words maximum).

● An explanation of any experience you have for the role, why you think you would be suitable, and why you want to do it.