Applications for the 2025-26 Downing Scholars Programme have now closed. Thank you to everyone who sent in their applications. We have contacted all students with the outcome of their application. For anyone who missed the deadline and would like to find out about upcoming events and resources, please sign up to our Mailing List. 

Downing Scholars Programme

Launching in January 2026, the Downing Scholars Programme (DSP) is a pilot online programme designed to inspire and challenge Years 10 to 12 across the UK who have a passion in the Arts and Humanities.

Rooted in the intellectual spirit of Downing College, DSP introduces the Downing Scholars (students on the Programme) to the breadth of subjects that make up undergraduate study at the University of Cambridge. In this pilot year, Scholars will be introduced subjects through taster lectures, engaging activities, and academic support, allowing students to explore interests beyond the school curriculum.

A Programme of Discovery:

Taster lectures

Interested in the History of Art? Want to learn more about contemporary Japanese culture? Eager to delve into some Latin American literature? Our taster lecture series will delve into subjects both unfamiliar and familiar, released once a month and filmed by Downing academics. Scholars will be challenged with new ideas, concepts and theories to foster academic exploration beyond their school textbooks.

 

Study power-ups!

Curiosity doesn’t stop at the lecture. Scholars develop their curiosity further by completing an activity to ‘power-up’ their learning. Activities range from script-writing to poster-making, and intend to nurture skills in independent research, creativity and analytical writing. These tasks are not assessed but are an opportunity for scholars to explore their interests and apply their knowledge to focused activities. Self-reflection is a cornerstone to the Downing Scholars Programme, to support scholars in honing their critical thinking, metacognitive skills and pursuing their academic interests at a deeper level.

Academic support 

Watched a lecture and eager to learn more?

For Scholars who wish to delve further and develop independent study skills, optional resource packs featuring podcasts, articles, and videos will be available based on the topic explored in the module.

Need additional support for understanding the module?

Support is provided via moderated discussion and occasional webinars relating to some of the modules on offer. Further details will be provided during the programme.

Admissions Support for Year 12s

Students in Year 12 who are considering applying to Cambridge have the additional opportunity to join the Scholar’s Programme three enhanced webinars on the application process.

Who Can Apply?

The Downing Scholars Programme is open to UK Home students in Years 10 to 12 with an interest in the Arts and Humanities. The Programme is an outreach initiative, modelled on the College’s commitment to encouraging bright students from all backgrounds to explore their academic potential and consider university study. If the Programme is oversubscribed, the College will prioritise students from a Widening Participation Background. For further information about eligibility, please see the FAQs below.

 

Take a look at our upcoming lecture series

Crowds, Colour and Sound: Art in modern Paris 

Dr Rachel Coombes: Graham Robertson Research Fellow and Director of Studies in History of Art 


Introduction to Latin American Literature: El eclipse by Augusto Monterroso 

Dr Elena Martinez-Acacio: Fellow in Spanish and Portuguese and Director of Studies in Modern and Medieval Languages 


Introduction to Asian and Middle Eastern Studies: An ethnographic study of cleanliness in Japan

Dr Brigitte Steger: Fellow and Director of Studies in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies


Socrates and the Examined Life: Introduction to Philosophy 

Dr Frisbee Sheffield: Fellow and Director of Studies in Classics


Football Sectarianism and People Watching in Glasgow: An introduction to Social Anthropology

Professor Joseph Webster: Fellow and Director of Studies in Social Anthropology


Find Your Voice: Building an argument 

Dr Sarah Kennedy: RJ Owens Fellow and College Associate Professor in English


FAQs

How much does the programme cost?

The programme is free, so there is no cost to participating students.

Is the programme online or in-person?

The programme will take place online. There is no in-person component to the programme this year.

How time-intensive is the programme?

We anticipate that Scholars will spend on average 3 hours per month on a module. Each module contains one recorded lecture (lasting 45 minutes), a Study Power-Up! (60 minutes), an occasional webinar (60 mins), and further resource for those that are looking for deeper study (optional independent study or further engagement on the Study Power-Up! determined by the Scholar). DSP aims to work alongside students’ studies and to spark further enthusiasm in the Arts and Humanities beyond the classroom without disrupting schoolwork.

What are the eligibility criteria?

UK Home Students: Applicants for the 2025-26 Programme must be UK Home students in Years 10, 11 or 12. For this Programme, Home status is defined as someone whose home postcode and school are in the UK. Whilst there are no academic eligibility criteria, applicants must have a strong interest in the Arts and Humanities.

Widening Participation Students: If the Programme is oversubscribed, priority will be given to those from Widening Participation (WP) criteria. WP refers to the College’s efforts to support students who may face social, economic, or educational barriers to higher education, or who come from backgrounds that are less represented at universities like Oxford and Cambridge. Downing College’s outreach initiatives include WP criteria to help ensure that students who might benefit most from additional support are prioritised when places are allocated.

 You can find the full list of WP criteria below:

- Currently or previously living under local authority care
- Eligible for free school meals (currently, or in the previous six years)
- Disability/extenuating circumstances which has affected study
- Students from underrepresented ethnic groups
- Young carer
- IMD deciles 1-4 (use this tool to check your area)
- No parental history of higher education
- Low school/college progression rates to higher education 

When is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is Monday 20 October at midday. Applications after this deadline will not be considered.

I haven't received a confirmation email. Is this a problem?

There is no confirmation email set up for once you have filled in the form. We will be in touch by Tuesday 21 October to confirm with all students who have applied.

 

Please note that all official information about the Downing Scholars Programme is provided directly by our team through our website and verified communication channels. Any details about the programme, including application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility, should be obtained from these official sources only. We advise students, parents, and schools not to rely on third-party websites or unofficial communications, as these may contain inaccurate or outdated information.

If you would like to hear about future events, please consider joining our Mailing List.