This innovative residential programme for Year 12 (or equivalent) students is an opportunity like no other to immerse yourself in life as a Cambridge student.
Cambridge Future Museum Voices is an innovative and interdisciplinary outreach initiative from Clare College, Cambridge, and the University Museum of Zoology for students at state schools/colleges across the UK in Year 12 or equivalent.
The 2023 programme is now underway and applications are closed. This page will be updated in due course with details on the future of the programme.
What is Cambridge Future Museum Voices?
Students take part in a residential in Cambridge in April 2023, during which they co-curate an exhibition at the University Museum of Zoology. Students use some of the wealth of specimens housed in the Museum to explore biological, social and historical stories on the effects of environmental change on the natural world and people.
The Museum exhibition is interdisciplinary in nature and the items chosen explore the effects of environmental change in the broadest sense, across time, species, and human societies. There are no A Level (or equivalent) subject requirements for this programme and we encourage students with all subject profiles to apply.
Programme Outline
February and March 2023
The programme begins with three introductory sessions on making a competitive university application, the latest research on innovative approaches to environmental change, and the network of museums and resources a Cambridge student can access.
These take place virtually across February and March. Students are able to ask questions and speak to Museum and College researchers and staff.
11th to 15th April 2023
The cornerstone of the programme is a week-long residential at Clare College, Cambridge.
Students stay in Clare College undergraduate accommodation and enjoy College meals, including a ‘formal hall’ dinner. In the daytime, students are based at the University Museum of Zoology to co-curate the exhibition. Students also visit a range of museums and collections across the city.
September 2023
The programme will conclude with a private VIP launch event of the co-curated exhibition at the Museum for students and their guests. Students' travel to and from Cambridge is fully funded by the programme.
How do I apply?
Applications for the 2023 programme are now closed and the programme is underway.
Why should I take part?
As well as gaining skills in analytical thinking, storytelling and teamwork, you will have access to:
- Ongoing support for your university application from admissions staff
- The chance to speak to and learn from Cambridge researchers and academics across a range of disciplines
- Immersion in the Cambridge undergraduate experience
- The unique chance to co-curate an exhibition on climate and environmental change at a University Museum
- A network of other bright and engaged young people from across the UK
Participation in a programme such as Cambridge Future Museum Voices can be an excellent topic of discussion in a UCAS Personal Statement and can help to demonstrate your commitment to, and interest in, your chosen university course.
How much does the programme cost?
The programme is completely free to participate in. Accommodation, activities and meals for the residential are fully covered. We reimburse reasonable travel expenses to and from Cambridge for the residential in April and the exhibition launch event in September.
Cambridge Future Museum Voices has been launched with generous funding from the Isaac Newton Trust Widening Participation and Induction Fund. We express our thanks to the Isaac Newton Trust for their support of this initiative.
