Aspiring Researchers: Arts and Humanities is an annual programme for undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds. It is a paid research experience programme with Cambridge academics.
Boost your potential to become the future of research in the arts and humanities.
Benefits of taking part
Our programme is designed to increase your confidence, skills and experience.
By taking part, you will:
- conduct your own summer research project
- develop your research and presentation skills
- improve your ability to apply for competitive postgraduate courses and funding
- experience life as a postgraduate researcher at the University of Cambridge
- connect with arts and humanities research staff and students
- live in college accommodation and socialise with the university community
- learn about research careers in arts and humanities
Research areas
Applicants choose a research topic from a wide range of advertised areas then submit a proposal according to their own interests.
Successful candidates work with a Cambridge academic who will be their supervisor for the duration of the programme.
In previous years of the programme, research topics included:
- artificial intelligence (AI), data ethics and governance
- the design of dating apps and the moral norms
- creative computing, coding and digital humanities
- architecture, climate actions and sustainable design
- comparative literature, from Chaucer to Shakespeare, circa 1350 to 1600
- theatre and performance; acting theory, celebrity culture and cross-dressing
- literature and culture; history of empire and colonialism, nationhood and politics
- history of the book and the novel
- new materialist theory
Upcoming programmes
Applications for 2025 are closed.
Register your interest in future application rounds for the Aspiring Researchers: Arts and Humanities summer research experience.
If you have questions or you want to opt out of being contacted by the University of Cambridge's Postgraduate Widening Participation Team, email experience@postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk