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 for the paper's print edition. 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. You could pitch a column in Arts, creating a work of art every week about a particular theme, or try your hand at photojournalism, producing weekly photo stories.

Think about issues that continue to affect Cambridge, especially ones which you think are underdeveloped or ignored in student writing and discussion. What do you want to see talked about here? Write about your encounters with body image; make better, active efforts for self-care during the term; analyse the culture of perfectionism; or discuss your struggles with identity. International students, open up conversations about your perspective on culture in Cambridge. Freshers, tell us in detail about the myriad of emotions you face stepping into the University.

You could take on a challenge and write about it; try the zero waste challenge, bake along with Bake-Off, or shop sustainably throughout the term. The possibilities are endless.

We’re also seeking columnists who are interested in writing specifically about their reflections on being a BME student in Cambridge, on the University's access efforts, or on climate change and what it might mean for our generation. 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.

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 (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, both in breaking news published online and in the weekly print edition's largest section, serves not only to inform Varsity readers, but to hold institutions in the city to account.

As senior news correspondent, you will be at the heart of Varsity’s busiest section. 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 (no more than 300 words). Please also provide a critique of both this article and one other recent Varsity News article of your choice (no more than 300 words for each).

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 upping the focus with a new 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 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 and politics 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 and politics you’re particularly well-versed in, providing evidence of this familiarity (500 words maximum). Also send: a pitch (300 words maximum); a sample piece (1,000 words maximum); and ideas for three further pieces, each on a different topic, including 1) the angle, 2) how you would argue it, and 3) the kinds of sources of information you would use in the article.

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

Next term, Varsity is making new efforts to push the Science section towards being a hub for conversation about science in Cambridge, with a new 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. You’ll attend weekly 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 well-versed in, providing evidence of this familiarity (500 words maximum). Also send: A pitch (300 words maximum); a sample piece (1,000 words maximum); and ideas for three further pieces, each on a different topic, including 1) the angle, 2) how you would argue it, and 3) the kinds of sources of information you would use in the article.

Sport reporters attend matches and write up reports. 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.

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. Theatre reviewers will continue to write for the paper anonymously in Michaelmas Term; 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.

To apply: Explain why you want to write Theatre reviews and any relevant experience you have (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.

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

Varsity is upping its visual presence this term. 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, graphics 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).

Know your less from your fewer? Have an eye for commas, apostrophes, capital letters, 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 is also important for sub-editors to be aware of the content itself, and to flag up anything that may be unsuitable for publishing. It’s an especially great way for freshers interested in student journalism to get to know the paper better.

To apply:

● Critique 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).

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