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)

Features are all about building a story. Whether that be delving into the history of Cambridge's most obscure secret societies or chasing leads to add colour to a controversial news story, an engaging feature is - at its heart - investigative: you will be exercising all your creativity, tying together information from different sources and interviews to create perspective and intrigue. In past terms, staff writers have explored MI6 recruitment in Cambridge, investigated the EAMC’s failures, and narrated the history of C-Sunday.

To apply as a staff writer on the Features desk, please complete the following tasks:

1) Pitch two potential features for next term. (max 200 words)

2) Re-write the opening and closing paragraphs to this MI6 feature: https://www.varsity.co.uk/features/25037 (max 200 words)

3) Pick a Features piece from the website and tell us how you would improve it. (max 200 words)

Student voices need to be heard - and we’re committed to placing student perspectives at the centre of the conversation. Not all students see things the same way, so we’re looking to platform a balanced and diverse range of opinions.

Staff writers will produce articles regularly on an array of topics commissioned by their editors or from their own pool of ideas. Unlike columnists who might focus on one issue or theme during the term, staff writers should be ready to respond to breaking news and have their finger on the pulse of local and wider news. To apply as a staff writer on the Comment desk, please complete the following tasks:

1) Pitch two article ideas. (300 words max)

2) In no more than 300 words, answer any one of the following prompts: Is Cambridge really the second-best university in the world? (QS World Rankings 2024) OR Should we abolish the English Tripos? OR Can student politics take another scandal? There’s no right answer, opinion, or angle – we’re just trying to get a feel for your style and interests.

Columnists will produce an article every two weeks around an overarching theme, topic or persona. To apply as a columnist on the Comment desk, please complete the following tasks:

1) Explain the overall theme or topic of your column, detailing the contents of the first two instalments. (400 words max)

2) What makes an engaging comment piece? (200 words max)

Interviews is one of our most diverse sections. Past writers on the Interviews desk have had conversations with Robert De Niro, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, the President of Armenia, and more. Interview writers will regularly reach out to important public figures and famous Cambridge alumni – and get the chance to meet fascinating people. It's also a great opportunity to explore the Cambridge community, allowing you to interview students and residents with interesting perspectives. This term, Interviews has published interviews with a Scudamore’s punter, the manager at Trockel, the SU Presidents, and more.

To apply as a staff writer on the Interviews desk, please complete the following tasks:

1) If you could interview any (living) Cambridge alumnus, who would it be and why? What would you ask them? (300 words max)

2) This is a quickfire interview with a Scudamore’s punt guide https://www.varsity.co.uk/features/25037. Please write a sample opening paragraph for a longer-form profile based on this interview. (max 200 words)

3) Nominate a current Cambridge student for a quickfire Q&A.

Whether reporting the latest scientific developments, investigating the trials and tribulations of scientific student societies, or interviewing underrepresented industry experts, the Science section aims to deliver interesting content that is accessible to all readers. In this role, you will report on new research and scientific exhibits in Cambridge, or write features that highlight student-relevant tidbits in an informative and engaging way.

To apply as a science writer, please answer the following questions:

1) Please detail two ideas for potential science articles. (max 300 words)

2) Describe a recent Cambridge-related ‘science’ news piece you’ve come across. (max 200 words)

Sport is a central component of life at Cambridge for many but this section is designed for everyone, not just those constantly sporting their Cambridge Blue gear. You can provide a variety of articles ranging from informative match reports to entertaining sports news events in or out of Cambridge. As a writer you’ll be responsible for covering key fixtures, but can also provide a varsity of articles ranging from interviews and profiles to commentary and behind-the-scenes features.

To apply as a Sports Writer, please answer the following questions:

1) Outline two ideas for potential articles. (max 300 words)

2) What do you like or dislike about the Cambridge sports scene? (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 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, interviews, opinion pieces, or reviews. (200 words max)

2) Write a mini review of any object in your room like it’s a piece of artwork on display in a gallery. (150 words max)

3) If you could write a feature on anyone in the Cambridge arts scene, who would you interview and why? (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) Propose two interviews/features on any aspect of the Cambridge student film scene. (200 words max)

2) What three comfort TV shows would you recommend Freshers binge to help them survive their first term at Cambridge? (150 words max)

3) Write a review of the last film that you watched (300 words max)

Did your Spotify Wrapped make you feel superior? Are you always dragging your friends along to the latest student gigs? 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) If you got to choose the playlist for Wednesday Revs which three songs would definitely be on there and why? (150 words max)

2) Which music societies or 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 - these can also include photo/video-journalism concepts. (200 words max)

2) Describe the best outfit you’ve ever seen gracing the streets of Cambridge. (200 words max)

3) What three fashion staples would you recommend to a fresher about to do some last-minute pre-uni shopping? (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 and 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) If you could interview anyone connected to the Cambridge theatre scene, who would it be and what would you ask? (200 words max)

2) What do you think is the most underappreciated aspect/role in the formation of student theatre? (200 words max)

3) What is the worst aspect of the Cambridge theatre scene? (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 reviews and Agony Aunts, to new experiences and personal reflection, 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) Propose two article ideas. (200 words max)

2) What are two experiences you would like to try out and review for the section? (200 words max)

3) Write a response to this hypothetical Agony Aunt submission: “There’s a person in my college who I think is really cool and I know we have a lot in common. But going into my third year I’ve never really spoken to them and I don’t know how to approach making friends when we’re in such different groups. How do you think I can reach out without it being weird?” (300 words max)