Applications must be submitted to applications@varsity.co.uk by 6pm on Sunday 5th JulyVarsity Archive

Applications to join Varsity’s editorial team in Michaelmas 2026 are now open. Apply to join our leadership team or edit a section and take your place at the beating heart of Cambridge’s student discourse and history.

Varsity is the oldest and only independent student newspaper in Cambridge, and one of only three in the UK. We hold institutions to account, representing the interests of students with integrity, ambition, and creative edge.

This tradition, which began with the paper’s creation in 1947, has seen Varsity break many historical and discourse-shaping stories. In 1953, we reported on Watson and Crick’s discovery of the structure of DNA. Our reporting often makes its way into national publications, and in the past year, Varsity journalists covered the University’s internal discussions over divestment and leaked Trinity Hall’s plans to target elite private schools as part of their admissions outreach strategy.

Varsity is much more than just news. We have space for your opinions, interviews, and investigations, and room for you to express your taste in fashion, music, or film and TV.

With contributions from Amol Rajan to King Charles III, Sylvia Plath to Jeremy Paxman, and Germaine Greer to J. G. Ballard, you have the opportunity to join an impressive lineage of journalists, writers, and creatives.

Most importantly, we are a training paper. We aim to nurture new talent, offering a working environment that can prepare you for the world of journalism beyond Cambridge; an environment that is primarily social, collaborative, and encouraging. Joining Varsity is a fantastic opportunity to hone invaluable skills in writing and communication.

In Michaelmas, the team’s primary responsibility will be the production of five newspaper editions to be read across the University and beyond. The team is also expected to produce regular high-quality online content throughout the term.

The Editors-in-Chief of Varsity in Michaelmas term will be Daisy Bates (db974) and Bibi Boyce (blbb2). Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about the application process or what it’s like to contribute to the paper.

Now is the ideal time to join Varsity.

How to apply

All applications must include:

  • Your full name, subject, year, and college
  • The role(s) for which you would like to apply
  • Whether you would be willing to consider other positions, if you are not offered your desired role(s)
  • Any other extracurricular commitments in Michaelmas term

Please see the information below for specific details on how to apply for each role. Applications must be submitted to applications@varsity.co.uk by 6pm on Sunday 5th July.

Please note that applications to be a writer, columnist, cartoonist, photographer, or illustrator will open in due course.

Leadership team

The deputy and Vulture editors each oversee a number of sections within the Varsity team.

If you wish to apply for these roles, please provide:

  • A critique and vision for your chosen side of the paper: what ideas do you have for next term? How will you ensure regular output on the website? What steps will you take to improve the paper? (reference to specific sections is encouraged, 500 words max)
  • How you would advise and support your section editors (200 words max)
  • An example of setting/page design you think is successful and why, from Varsity or elsewhere (300 words max)
  • An example of previous Varsity setting you think is unsuccessful and how you would improve it (300 words max)
  • Three ideas for print content across your side of the paper (300 words max)
  • Any experience you have for the role, especially in regard to journalism, leadership, and management (300 words max)

Digital copies of previous Varsity editions can be found here.

Feel free to include or link to any samples of your work.

Deputy Editor

Overseeing the day-to-day running of the newspaper sections, deputy editors will be responsible for managing the regular publication of content to our website throughout term. As a line manager to various section editors, it will be the deputy editors’ responsibility to ensure that a high volume of good quality content is produced, and fact-checked. Deputy editors will also be responsible for managing content for print, and for setting each print alongside the rest of the leadership team. Applicants should be committed individuals with excellent time management and organisational skills. Experience within Varsity and a working knowledge of Adobe InDesign are requirements for the role.

We are looking to recruit two deputy editors.

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Vulture Editor

Overseeing the day-to-day running of the Vulture sections, Vulture editors will be responsible for managing the regular publication of content to our website throughout term. As a line manager to various section editors, it will be the Vulture editors’ responsibility to ensure that a high volume of good quality content is produced, and fact-checked. Vulture editors will also be responsible for managing content for print, and for setting each print alongside the rest of the leadership team. Applicants should be committed individuals with excellent time management and organisational skills, and an interest in Cambridge’s creative scene. Experience within Varsity and a working knowledge of Adobe InDesign are requirements for the role.

We are looking to recruit two Vulture editors.

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The visual editors oversee the visual content of Varsity, managing the illustration or photography team as well as producing the highest quality content.

All applications for visual editor must include:

  • A critique of three articles (must include at least one example from a print edition) from this academic year which could have been improved by better visuals/page design (300 words max)
  • Any experience you have for the role, especially in regard to photography/videography or illustration (feel free to include a portfolio or any previous work you have had featured in Varsity), leadership, and management (300 words max)
  • How you will ensure that your photographers/illustrators remain active and well-trained throughout the term (200 words max)

Digital copies of previous Varsity editions can be found here.

Illustration Editor

The illustration editors will lead our teams of illustrators, working on both our online content, and visual content for the five fortnightly prints in Michaelmas. They will work alongside the whole editorial team, and our social media manager, in order to create cohesive and striking visual designs across the paper.

Alongside the above criteria, please also select a print edition from this academic year and suggest an alternative Vulture cover, centred on a salient article in the magazine.

We are looking to recruit two illustration editors.

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Photography Editor

The photography editors will lead our teams of photographers, working on both our online content, and visual content for the five fortnightly prints in Michaelmas. They will work alongside the whole editorial team, and our social media manager, in order to create cohesive and striking visual designs across the paper.

Alongside the above criteria, please also select a print edition from this academic year and suggest an alternative visual for the front page.

We are looking to recruit two photography editors.

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Section Editors

All applications for section editor must include:

  • Vision statement: Look through your chosen section’s output this last term. Explain what you think has been done well, and how you would improve the section next term. Please reference at least three articles you think encapsulate the section. You may make explicit proposals for change. (300 words max)
  • Critique one article from your chosen section: why didn’t it work and how would you have advised the writer to improve it? You may detail explicit edits you would make. (300 words max)
  • Provide three fresh article ideas for next term (300 words max)
  • What will you look for in writer applications? How will you effectively select the best talent? (100 words max)
  • Provide an example of setting/page design you think is successful and why, from Varsity or elsewhere (150 words max)
  • Provide an example of previous Varsity setting you think is unsuccessful and how you would improve it (150 words max)
  • Detail any experience you may have for the role, especially in regard to journalism, editing, leadership, and management (200 words max)

Digital copies of previous Varsity editions can be found here.

Some sections require additional elements to the application. Click the drop-boxes below to see what’s required.

Newspaper roles:

News Editor

News is central to Varsity’s role within Cambridge, and the paper’s biggest section. It’s dynamic and fast-paced, responsible for covering Cambridge, its institutions, and the wider city in a timely and accurate manner. News editors need to be dedicated, proactive, and have a good eye for a story. News editors will be expected to lead the weekly news meetings at the Varsity office in order to discuss stories and that week’s news agenda.

Senior News Editor: The Senior News editors will lead a team of four Deputy News editors and around 15 News correspondents. They are responsible for shaping the news agenda, deciding what should (and should not) be covered and, crucially, how it should be covered – it’s a big responsibility. Senior News editors must equally commit to training correspondents and Deputy News editors in news writing according to the in-house style. Senior News editors must have their ears and eyes open at all times as well as the ability to delegate to help our busiest section run as efficiently as possible.

We are looking to recruit two Senior News editors.

Deputy News Editor: The role of Deputy News editor is the perfect intermediary position for someone who wants to both write and edit. They will play an important mentoring role to their assigned news correspondents, but will also investigate their own leads to produce original and exciting copy.

We are looking to recruit four Deputy News editors.

Investigations Editor: The Investigations editor must have a nose for the untold story and a drive to work independently, tackling in-depth projects with the aim of uncovering important issues and holding Cambridge institutions to account. The Investigations editor will attend weekly news meetings but will focus solely on having at least two investigative stories ongoing throughout term to provide for the fortnightly print editions.

We are looking to recruit one Investigations editor.

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Comment Editor

Comment is one of Varsity’s most popular sections. We want a Comment team who are passionate about discussing Cambridge’s key issues and understand the importance of seeking new perspectives and the development of clear, opinion-led tone. Comment editors will lead a team of columnists and staff writers and will be responsible for generating ideas, commissioning articles, and editing copy. Not all students see things the same way, so editors need to lead a balanced and diverse range of opinions, as well as decisive leadership skills to ensure a lack of libel.

In addition to the application questions, please write a comment article on a topic which you feel would be pertinent to our Cambridge audience (600-800 words max). Please also give two potential topics for head-to-head articles.

We are looking to recruit three Comment editors.

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Features Editor

The Features section of Varsity investigates Cambridge’s current state, and its history, with fresh eyes. Features should contain perspectives that readers wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere. We’re looking for editors with a clear understanding of what makes Cambridge unique, and what is worthy of further interrogation. Features editors must be motivated individuals who can communicate clearly with a team of writers to help them build on their leads. They will be instrumental in the production of long-form features for the print editions, so must work well with deadlines.

Within the three article pitches, please include both long- (1200+ words) and short-form (800 words) pitches.

We are looking to recruit two Features editors.

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Interviews Editor

Our Interviews editors hold a really exciting position within the paper, taking a key role in controlling the discourses in Cambridge. They often meet with and get the chance to talk to a diverse range of Cambridge alumni, as well as figures in the news, and those involved in the Cambridge landscape more broadly. Interviews editors should be able to discover new voices within our community, often working independently to organise and carry out interviews. We want someone who understands how to draw out an interesting story from a person or transcript, and can efficiently manage a team of writers sending off a high volume of interview requests.

Please ensure that one of your article ideas is for a quickfire interview.

We are looking to recruit two Interviews editors.

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Science Editor

Science editors should seek to bring students closer to Cambridge’s vibrant scientific community, reporting on new research and scientific exhibits in Cambridge, as well as features that offer interesting perspectives on issues in the student discourse. Editing the section provides a welcome creative escape, relating new stories or complicated problems in an accessible and engaging way.

In addition to the application questions, please write a science article on a topic which you feel would be pertinent to our Cambridge audience (600-800 words max).

We are looking to recruit two Science editors.

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Sport Editor

Sport is one of our busiest and most active sections, so editors are in a prime position to shape discussions around sport in Cambridge. Sport editors must be prepared to provide quick coverage on match reports, covering a wide and varied range of sports at different levels across the University. They also have the opportunity to interview the sporting stars of Cambridge, present and past. They will lead a team of correspondents and staff writers, pushing for diversified and exciting content for the section.

In addition to the application questions, please write a sport article on a topic which you feel would be pertinent to our Cambridge audience (600-800 words max).

We are looking to recruit two Sport editors.

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Magazine roles:

Lifestyle Editor

The Lifestyle section should mix fun, down-to-earth, and relatable content with the personal and introspective, ensuring appeal to all students at Cambridge, and our broader readership. Editors must be quick, up-to-date with Cambridge events, and have a knack for sparking amusing conversations with our readership. From Agony Aunts to reviews, satire to personal columns, how-tos to please don’ts, Lifestyle is a diverse and engaging section.

In addition to the application questions, please write a lifestyle article on a topic which you feel would be pertinent to our Cambridge audience (600-800 words max).

We are looking to recruit two Lifestyle editors.

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Art Editor

Arts editors have the luxury – and the responsibility – of engaging directly with the vibrant Cambridge arts scene. Whether reviewing the newest Cambridge exhibits or zines, interviewing up-and-coming creatives, or debating the best and worst of Cambridge architecture, the editors of this section must be able to write about Cambridge’s arts scene in an accessible and down-to-earth manner that can be enjoyed by all. Arts editors must be willing to immerse themselves in Cambridge’s artistic spaces, and be thoughtful about how Varsity can build upon our examination and support of them.

In addition to the application questions, please write an arts article on a topic which you feel would be pertinent to our Cambridge audience (600-800 words max).

We are looking to recruit two Arts editors.

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Fashion Editor

An eye for style is a necessity for our Fashion editors. The Fashion section must aim to be accessible, personal, and relevant to both the student body and our broader readership. We're looking for individuals who are compelled by the vast range of fashion visible within Cambridge and have ideas about how we can translate that for online content. Beyond writing and editing creative and topical articles, Fashion editors will be responsible for liaising with the Fashion Shoot Co-Ordinator to organise a photoshoot for each print edition. From style guides to creative investigations, this role lets you set the standard for the Cambridge fashion scene.

In addition to the application questions, please write a fashion article on a topic which you feel would be pertinent to our Cambridge audience (600-800 words max).

We are looking to recruit two Fashion editors.

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Film & TV Editor

Film & TV editors must be compelled by both the Cambridge film and television scene and the broader cultural moment. The section will be expected to produce interviews and features on the Cambridge film scene, which provide new insights into these spaces. Editors will also be responsible for producing timely reviews of new films and TV, whether that means the latest student film screening or the newest Netflix show. Editors must be strict with the content that is reviewed in the section, able to discern which films will and will not garner the interest of the average Cambridge student, and to ensure that these reviews are written in direct relation to our readership.

In addition to the application questions, please write a film & TV article on a topic which you feel would be pertinent to our Cambridge audience (600-800 words max).

We are looking to recruit two Film & TV editors.

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Music Editor

Music editors need to be not only passionate about music, but engaged in the rich and exciting Cambridge music scene. They will be responsible for producing regular reviews of student bands, music nights, and concerts. They must also interview and feature prominent players in the Cambridge music scene, engaging with bands and societies in creative and innovative ways. Beyond this, they will need to produce content which explores music more generally, in the form of features and playlists, platforming and discussing all genres.

Please ensure that one of your article ideas is for an interview with a relevant figure/band in the Cambridge music scene. In addition to the application questions, please write a music article on a topic which you feel would be pertinent to our Cambridge audience (600-800 words max).

We are looking to recruit two Music editors.

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Theatre Editor

Theatre is the most fast-paced section in Vulture. Theatre editors must ensure that all reviews are published promptly, meaning the role requires a lot of organisation and foresight. The Theatre editors will commission reviews as well as behind-the-scenes features and commentary exploring Cambridge's rich theatre scene. You must also seek to highlight the creative work students undertake to bring productions to life. This is a demanding role due to the large output of the section and the time-critical nature of reviews. We are especially looking for individuals who are extremely organised and able to take great initiative in reaching out to shows.

In addition to the application questions, please write a theatre feature on a topic which you feel would be pertinent to our Cambridge audience (600-800 words max).

We are looking to recruit two Theatre editors.

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Sub-editing team

We are looking to recruit a Head sub-editor alongside a team of sub-editors.

Head Sub-Editor

Known as the pedant of your friend group, and have an eye for cohesive page design? As Head sub-editor, you will act as a second opinion before send-off, catching more than just grammar mistakes by ensuring that entire pages are clean and ready for printing. You will also manage the team of sub-editors, organising subbing slots and delegating tasks.

Past experience in Varsity is crucial and applications for Head sub-editor must include a critique of at least five pages from a previous print edition. Please detail any relevant experience you have for the role, especially in regard to Varsity and management.

We are looking to recruit one Head sub-editor.

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Sub-Editor

Know your less from your fewer? Have an eye for commas, apostrophes, capital letters, and spelling? Our team of sub-editors are the key to ensuring that Varsity maintains its reputation for clear and professional journalism. They ensure that all pieces conform to Varsity’s in-house style and flag up any content that may be unsuitable for publishing. Sub-editors will come into the office to sub the print editions – it’s a great chance to get involved with the heart of the paper.

Applications for sub-editor must include a critique of an article from any section from the past couple of terms, with particular attention to the detailed improvements which a sub-editor could make with reference to the Varsity style guide (300 words maximum).

We are looking to recruit a number of sub-editors who will ensure content is reviewed in a timely fashion.

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The Varsity style guide can be found here.

Other roles

We are also looking to recruit a Fashion Shoot Co-Ordinator and a Blind Date Co-Ordinator. Click the drop-boxes below to see what’s required of each role, and what we need from you in your application.

Blind Date Co-Ordinator

This role requires a good knowledge of the Cambridge dating scene, and the organisational and creative matchmaking skills to facilitate the smooth running of the Blind Date section of Varsity in Michaelmas term. We aim to publish one Blind Date article in every edition of print, as well as a back log to publish over the vacation. The Blind Date Co-Ordinator is responsible for handling confidential information from applications, matching couples, organising dates, and being a line of communication between each pair, as well as interviewing couples and writing up the articles. As Blind Date Co-Ordinator you can help people forge new connections throughout Cambridge, curating Varsity’s most popular column.

As part of your application, please provide:

– A critique of Blind Date's output so far (250 words)

– A personal statement stating why you are suitable for the role (250 words)

We are looking to appoint one Blind Date Co-Ordinator.

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Fashion Shoot Co-Ordinator

This role requires a strong creative vision, with ideas for fashion shoots and strong organisational skills. Applicants should have an understanding of photography and must be able to work actively with and co-ordinate photographers during the shoot. We are aiming for three fashion shoots in Michaelmas, all of which must be professional and creative, and based around inventive and topical themes. Ideas for these shoots can be developed in co-ordination with the Fashion editors, who will be responsible for commissioning an article to accompany the shoot. We must emphasise that this role is not an editorial one, and you will not be managing Fashion’s article output. The Fashion Shoot Co-Ordinator must work alongside the Fashion editors to devise each shoot’s concept, find locations and models, and direct the shoots. For this, we are looking for a highly-organised individual who will be able to liaise closely with photographers, models, and our Fashion editors. As Fashion Shoot Co-Ordinator, you will be able to express your creative vision, setting the standard for the Cambridge fashion scene.

To apply for this role, please submit:

– Three ideas for fashion shoots for next term (300 words max)

– A portfolio of any fashion or photographic work you have done in the past

– Details of any organisational experience (300 words max)

We are looking to appoint one Fashion Shoot Co-Ordinator.

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Please note that applications to join our writer and visual teams will open soon after editorial applications close.

If you have any questions about any role, or about how Varsity works in Michaelmas Term, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Best of luck with your applications!