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 meeting 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) 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 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 feature: https://www.varsity.co.uk/features/30998 (max 200 words)

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

4) Select a ‘Feature’ of your choice from a national news outlet and outline what makes it so successful (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. Staff writers should be ready to respond to breaking Cambridge news and have their finger on the pulse of local and wider news, while always holding true to their own specific viewpoints and opinions. To apply as a staff writer on the Comment desk, please complete the following tasks:

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

2) Write a different 600-word Comment article responding to any news story we have published in the last term

3) Pitch a column which would feature fortnightly comment articles on a consistent theme, topic, or persona (150 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.

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) Choose one student in Cambridge you would like to spotlight in an interview and why this article would be interesting to our readership

3) Choose two interviewees, one for a long-form piece and one for a quick-fire interview. Pitch each idea, considering each subjects’ suitability to the different forms and their relevance to our readership. (max 300 words)

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 complete the following tasks:

1) Please write a 600-word piece exploring a recent discovery, phenomena, or scientific venture relevant to a Cambridge-based readership. Examples can be found in the Science section

2) Please pitch and outline two well thought out ideas for Science articles (100 words each)

3) How would you engage our readership in science through your articles? Consider interview subjects and areas of discussion that would interest a Cambridge student who does not study a STEM degree (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 will have the opportunity to write a variety of articles, ranging from informative match reports, to entertaining sports news coverage in or out of Cambridge. As a writer you’ll be responsible for covering key fixtures, but can also explore other features, including interviews, profiles, and commentary.

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

1) Outline three ideas for potential articles, including one interview-based article (max 400 words)

2) What underrepresented sports and societies do you think are worthy of featuring in Varsity? (max 100 words)

3) Choose one of your ideas and write the first 200 words of the article

Lifestyle is a vibrant and diverse section, and one of the broadest and most popular in the paper. 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, esoteric, and fast-paced Cambridge way of life.

To write for Lifestyle, please complete the following tasks:

1) Propose three article ideas (300 words max)

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

3) What was your weirdest ever experience at Cambridge? (200 words max)

From poetry to prose, architecture to art, from interviewing creatives to chatting about unconventional crafts, 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) What are some of your controversial opinions or ‘hot takes’ about art? Please briefly justify each (200 words)

2) Propose two article ideas. These can be features, interviews, opinion pieces, or reviews (200 words max)

3) Write a 600-word piece about any aspect of Cambridge’s artistic scene that is of particular value to you

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 in film and TV with particular personal relevance to both themselves and our readership. The Film & TV section is also responsible for engaging with the Cambridge visual world, so writers will need to be excited about exploring 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) Describe a time that a film or TV show has helped you in your time at Cambridge, which has relevance to our readership (200 words max)

3) Pitch an article which reflects on or reviews a past film or TV show through a specific angle which would make it relevant to our readership (examples can be found in our Retrospective column on the Film & TV page) (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) What was the last album that resonated with you and why? (300 words max)

2) Pick an artist that you think is overrated or underrated. Defend your opinion (200 words max)

3) Outline two article ideas for the section (200 words max).

4) Give a one-sentence review of the last live music performance you saw

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 three article ideas – please include one idea for a fashion shoot (400 words max)

2) What is one fashion staple for your Easter term wardrobe? (200 words max)

Theatre is an important part of Varsity, producing not just reviews, but also features, interviews, and opinion pieces. If you 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. You need to be open-minded, thoughtful, and reliable. 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? (300 words max)

2) What do you think is the most underappreciated aspect/role in the formation of student theatre? (300 words max)

3) Write a 300-word review of the best show you’ve seen in Cambridge

4) Write a 300-word review of the worst show you’ve seen in Cambridge