News is the beating heart of the paper, unearthing the goings-on around Cambridge and holding the University to account. Varsity news stories are regularly “picked up” by national publications and, as a news correspondent, the next big scoop could be yours. You’ll be part of a dynamic and fast-paced team, pitching and discussing leads at the weekly news conference while learning from more seasoned student journalists. No experience is required: only a passion for, and commitment to, reporting on news in Cambridge. You'll learn everything from how to submit an FOI and send a right of reply to the basics of Media Law and news writing.

To apply for the role of news correspondent, please complete the following tasks:

1) Suggest two leads (a piece of gossip or idea) that could be developed into a story. (max 200 words)

2) Suggest an alternative headline and lead for this news piece: https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/25813

3) Pitch a long-form news investigation. (max 200 words)

From poetry to prose, architecture to art, from interviewing creatives to chatting crochet boobs, Arts is a beautifully dynamic and varied section. We’re looking for a team of writers to examine, and contribute to, the lively Arts world in Cambridge, as well as engage in broader cultural debates. Arts writing can involve interviews, reviews, or opinion pieces, or even putting together reading lists of poetry or novels throughout the term. If you’re passionate about the Art world, then we want you on board.

To write for Arts, please complete the following tasks:

1) Propose two article ideas. These can be features, opinion pieces, or reviews (200 words max). 2) What are the hidden gems of the Arts world in Cambridge? (200 words max) 3) How can we make the Cambridge Arts scene more accessible to the Varsity readership? (200 words max)

If your ideal Saturday night is in front of the TV catching up on your favourite show, or out, making sure you’re the first to see an exciting new release in cinemas, you belong in the Film & TV section. We’re looking for writers to discuss latest releases, reviewing the films and shows which students are interested in. The Film & TV section is also responsible for engaging with the Cambridge visual world, and writers will also need to be able to explore the film scene at University.

To write for Film & TV, please answer the following questions:

1) Which elements of the Cambridge Film & TV scene have Varsity missed reporting on this term? (200 words max) 2) What would be on your May Week watchlist? (150 words max) 3) Which three shows/films would you review and why? (300 words max)

Did your spotify wrapped make you feel superior? Maybe you were just slightly shocked by the number of hours you spent with headphones on last year (and wanted to show it off)? If you’re looking for a place to share your passion for music with like minded students, we’re looking for you to join our team. As a music writer, you will be able to discuss new album releases, interview student bands, examine the Cambridge music scene, and put together playlists.

To write for Music, please complete the following tasks:

1) What would be on your May Week playlist? (150 words max) 2) Which bands in Cambridge don’t get enough recognition? (200 words max) 3) Outline two article ideas for the section (200 words max).

Addicted to charity shopping and want to put your years of experience sifting through bins of ugly jumpers for the perfect find to good use? We’re looking for writers who are able to do just that — pick out trends, tap into what Cambridge fashionistas are discussing, and work on photoshoots which can reflect and inspire both. If you are passionate about slow fashion, or the speed of the trend cycle, or have an idea for a column, Fashion is the section for you.

To write for Fashion, please complete the following tasks:

1) Propose two article ideas (200 words max). 2) Provide us with two ideas for photoshoots for the Yearbook & Review. What would be the theme, and how would you execute it? (200 words max) 3) What will make up your summer wardrobe? (200 words max)

Theatre is an important part of Varsity, producing not just reviews, but also features, interviews, and opinion pieces. If you overstay your time limit at the ADC, have spent all your student loan on seeing shows, or speak in techie lingo your friends don’t understand, we want you on our team.

Writers will need to be creative in looking for leads, working with editors on long term projects. Reviewers need to be open-minded, thoughtful, and able to work to a 24-hour turnaround with the ADC (in exchange for comp tickets). As a reviewer, you will play an important role in the Cambridge Theatre scene, and you will need to write frankly, and with fluency.

To write for Theatre, please answer the following questions:

1) Which people would you interview for a ‘Behind the Curtain' feature? (200 words max) 2) Why is the Cambridge Theatre scene so renowned? Does it deserve its pedestal? (200 words max) 3) What are the strangest quirks of Cambridge Theatre? (200 words max)

To review for Theatre, please complete the following tasks:

1) Write a 100 word review about a production that you loved 2) Write a 100 word review about a production you disliked 3) Tell us what makes a good reviewer (150 words max)

Lifestyle is a vibrant and diverse section. From restaurant reviewers to Agony Aunts, from columnists writing about their crazy Cambridge lifestyle to trying out experiences so our readers won’t have to, we’re looking for a witty, creative, fun group of writers who can keep Lifestyle up to date with the unique, weird, and fast-paced Cambridge way of life.

To write for Lifestyle, please complete the following tasks:

1) Lifestyle is a unique section. Unlike the other sections in the Magazine, it doesn’t have an explicit focus. To you, what ties all Lifestyle articles together? (200 words max) 2) Propose two article ideas (200 words max). 3) What parts of your Lifestyle could spark a reader’s interest? (200 words max).

Photographers and videographers will play a crucial role in Varsity’s Easter term output. Without print editions, we will be publishing regular video journalistic content — so if you fancy yourself the next Max Fosh, or have a keen eye for video production, we want you on our team. Photographers are essential to maintaining the Varsity look. You’ll be working alongside others to document key moments in Cambridge, and will be able to work with writers to pursue your own projects. Photojournalism will be a cornerstone of the Magazine produced at the end of term, and your work could even feature on its front cover. To apply for the role of photographer, please complete the following tasks: Send us a portfolio of your previous work. How important is photojournalism to how students consume News? Suggest two articles from last term which would have benefitted from better photography. To apply for the role of videographer, please complete the following tasks: Send us a portfolio of your previous work, if possible. Suggest two articles from last term which would have benefitted from video content. Propose three ideas for video content next term.

No-one wants to read a wall of text, and Varsity relies on its illustrators to keep the publication vibrant and exciting, both in print and online. An illustrator’s job can range from drawing a cartoon for Comment to crafting a graphic for an Investigation, as well as keeping our Magazine animated and artistically driven. To illustrate for Varsity, please complete the following tasks: Send us a portfolio of your previous work. Suggest two articles from last term which would have benefitted from illustrations.