Get involved in Cambridge's premier newspaperVarsity

Tell your story with Varsity. 

We are looking for contributors to join many of the paper’s sections. Whether it’s through writing, drawing, photography or videography, there’s a place for you to put your curiosity and ideas into practice. Don't worry if you don't have any experience, as Varsity is a place to try out new things, and our team are more than happy to offer any support and guidance that you might need! 

Below is the list of roles for which we are recruiting, along with information on how to apply. Got any questions about the roles? Pop an email to Rich Bartlett at editor@varsity.co.uk. 

Applications should be submitted by 5pm, Sunday September 20th

News

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 and in the University 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, come up with content ideas 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 provide a critique of one recent Varsity News article of your choice (no more than 300 words).

Please also provide an alternative heading and subheading for three recent articles and send three content ideas for news articles.

This application should be sent to news@varsity.co.uk

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Features

The Features team welcomes applications for columnists. We are looking particularly for applicants who wish to write a series of linked articles focussed around insights from their own personal experiences.

To apply, explain why you want to be involved in the Features team and detail any relevant experience, though none is required (no more than 300 words).

Please also provide some ideas for your column (no more than 300 words)

The application should be sent to features@varsity.co.uk

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Opinion

Cambridge is a place fuelled by debate, and here at Varsity we are committed to providing students with a strong platform where they can express and amplify their views. Now more than ever, we are keen to deliver diverse opinion pieces, speaking on ideas and experiences from across the student body.

As a staff opinion writer at Varsity, you will regularly write on an array of issues within 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 will focus on a specific topic, staff opinion writers must be open to writing on a variety of issues, and be confident to respond uniquely to breaking news as it takes place.

Applicants should show close engagement with the issues shaping Cambridge, offering insight through a nuanced and sophisticated lens.

To apply, explain why you want to be involved in the Features team and detail any relevant experience, though none is required (no more than 300 words).

This application should be sent to opinion@varsity.co.uk

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Science

Whether reporting the latest developments in the race to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, evaluating cutting edge research or exploring some of the most intriguing concepts in scientific fields, the Varsity Science section aims to deliver interesting content that will appeal to a wide range of readers.

As a Staff Science Writer, you will delve deeper into fields you are interested in, whether they be highly technical or reflective of the current social issues in science, and have the opportunity to interview researchers at Cambridge. There will be biweekly meetings where you can pitch your own ideas or take on pitches from the editorial team.

Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in reviewing the latest developments in research, and the ability to reflect on the implications of science on wider society.

To apply, tell us why you want to be a Staff Science Writer, what you hope to contribute to the section, and give details of any relevant experience you have, although none is necessary (approximately 300 words).

Send us a sample article on any subject you choose (800-1000 words).

Provide ideas for three further articles (a title, and a short summary of approximately 100-200 words).

This application should be sent to science@varsity.co.uk

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Lifestyle

Varsity’s Lifestyle section is one of the most diverse – a space for the Cambridge community to ruminate on their experiences, and explore all aspects to do with navigating life as a student – ranging from mental health, relationships, to sharing recipes and collections of fun and accessible activities around Cambridge.

This term, as we are returning to a Cambridge more different than ever, Lifestyle is launching an advice column, Ask Vulture, where students can anonymously submit their issues for some advice. As a Staff Lifestyle Writer, you will be working in a team with the editors to shape this new column – crafting insightful and engaging responses to submissions from Cambridge students about everything from relationships, to managing workloads, to Cambridge street fashion.

No experience is required – if you are someone who likes giving advice, eager to share your own experiences, and impart some wisdom to your peers, we encourage you to apply.

To apply, explain why you want to be on the team, and what you would bring to the table. Detail any relevant experience, none is required (150-300 words).

Write a response to someone asking for advice on how to maintain a long distance relationship at Cambridge. (150-300 words)

This application should be sent to lifestyle@varsity.co.uk

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Arts

Arts is looking for a columnist for the coming Michaelmas Term! Over the term you would have the opportunity to develop your ideas through weekly or fortnightly articles on a particular theme in the art world - whether you want to focus on art in Cambridge, or go global, write on books images or architecture or all three through a specific lens is up to you!

To apply, write us a short paragraph (200-300 words) detailing the central idea of your column, as well as any relevant experience you may have (none is required, so don’t worry about that counting against you!) and your expected publishing schedule.

Please also provide a sample piece (around 800 words), as well as three further ideas for your column.

This application should be sent to arts@varsity.co.uk

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Fashion

The fashion section is looking for a columnist for Michaelmas Term! We’re seeking a ‘Cambridge fashion correspondent’ whose job it will be to report on fashion in Cambridge, cover fashion-related events and write about student style and trends in general. This would involve weekly or fortnightly pieces, each no longer than 700 words. They can take the form of an opinion piece, interview, reportage, personal essay, satire - your choice!

To apply, please write us a short paragraph (150-200 words) giving ideas for the first three pieces and any further details you think would make you particularly suitable for the role (previous experience is not required!).

We’d also love to see a sample piece of around 600 words, which you might envision as your first week’s article. And if you have suggestions for any other topics you’d want to cover in a column, let us know here!

This application should be sent to fashion@varsity.co.uk

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Music

The music section of the newspaper is looking to explore a vast range of genres, styles, and cultures this term. Whether you’re interested in Classical or Contemporary music, Bach or Beyoncé, we’re looking for a columnist who will write between 4-8 articles around a particular theme.

To apply, write us a short paragraph (approx. 200-300 words) detailing the central idea of your column, as well as any relevant experience you may have (although previous experience is not required!) and your expected publishing schedule.

Please also provide a sample piece (around 800 words), as well as three additional ideas for your column.

This application should be sent to music@varsity.co.uk

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Theatre

Theatre is looking for a columnist who would either watch and review Cambridge theatrical productions over Michaelmas term (ideally 4-8 productions over the 8 weeks) OR write a series of 4-8 articles around a particular theme relating to theatre, whether within Cambridge or without. Applicants should have a strong enthusiasm for the dramatic arts and be able to ‘keep their finger on the button’ of developments in the world of theatre.

To apply as a reviewer, provide a sample review (around 800 words) of anything you’ve watched recently, whether that’s TV, film, or live-streamed production. Be balanced, critical and evaluative – remember to give a star rating and back it up.

To apply for another column, write a paragraph (around 300 words) detailing your idea for the column, and two to three short pitches (150-200 words) for the individual articles that will form part of the column.

This application should be sent to theatre@varsity.co.uk

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Sports

The sports section is looking for another section editor.

To apply for this role, please explain why you want to be involved in this section and give details of any relevant experience (300 words maximum).

This application should be sent to editor@varsity.co.uk

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Violet

Violet is the section of the paper that allows you to be the most creative, out-of-the-box and comic! We are looking for columnists to discuss a wide range of Cambridge and non-Cambridge related topics, whether on “taboo” topics or those that provide some light-hearted relief. You may also want to release a satirical short story you’ve been working on in bi-weekly installments, or a series of poetry; whatever the case, we’d love to exhibit it!

To apply, tell us why you’d like to be involved with Violet, and explain your idea for a column etc (approximately 200 words).

Please include a sample column or piece of writing (600-800 words), and outline a further two-three ideas for follow up articles.

This application should be sent to violet@varsity.co.uk

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Video

Varsity’s Video Team is responsible for the end-to-end creation of Varsity’s video content across all its social platforms. Whether it be 30 second news videos, longer-form documentaries, or interviews with students, faculty, and prominent figures: the opportunities to create insightful, inspiring, and engaging content as part of the Video Team are endless.

As a member of the team you will pitch, produce, direct, film, and edit a range of video content to be released on Varsity’s various social platforms. Getting involved with the team provides a great opportunity to learn more about the video production process as well as improve your practical and technical skills on set and in editing.

To apply, tell us why you want to be a member of the Video Team and detail any relevant experience, though none is required - no more than 300 words.

Describe three ideas you have for videos or video series to be made this term – no more than 500 words total.

This application should be sent to digital@varsity.co.uk

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Social Media

As social media becomes an ever growing part of our lives, Varsity is keen to ensure that it is maximising its presence in the digital world with engaging and eye-catching online content. We are looking for students with any interest or experience in graphic design to help us produce a variety of image and video content which we can use across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Students in this role will be expected to draft and design a variety of visual media which will help make Varsity and Vulture more accessible to all.

To apply, tell us why you want to be a member of the social media design team and detail any relevant experience. Any examples of your work/ a portfolio would go a long way! Experience in one or all of the following is especially desirable: Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects and Canva.

Tell us about your vision for the Varsity ‘image’, thinking especially about how and in what ways you might improve the Varsity and Vulture Instagram pages. Applications shouldn’t be more than 500 words total.

This application should be sent to digital@varsity.co.uk

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Podcast

Maddy Fisher and Isabel Roberts are excited to be producing Switchboard (Varsity’s flagship podcast) next term. If interested in helping them with interviewing, content creation, production etc. just join their Facebook group: Varsity Switchboard Contributors and send them a Facebook message or email (switchboard@varsity.co.uk).This group page also includes more information about their vision, and what a typical episode entails. No prior experience is necessary. And, of course, if you have any questions just shoot them their our way.

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Keen to contribute to the paper without taking on an official role? To hear about upcoming opportunities, join the relevant Facebook groups for interested writers. 

Don't hesitate to apply! We’re excited to receive your application.