Queens’ Languages Discovery Day

Monday January 11th 2027, 10:00-16:15

Discover the Academic World of Languages…..

Languages are about much more than speaking and translation. At Queens’ Languages Discovery Day, you’ll explore how the study of languages opens doors to understanding diverse cultures, societies and perspectives across the world. Take part in university-style workshops, engage with authentic cultural materials, and discover how students investigate contemporary global issues, history, linguistics, literature and film through the lens of language. You’ll meet academics and current students, gain an insight into university study, and learn how language graduates develop analytical, communication and intercultural skills that are highly valued across a wide range of careers.

The Languages Discovery day is relevant to students interested in studying: Modern & Medieval Languages; Asian & Middle Eastern Studies; Classics; Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic; Linguistics & Modern Languages.

A total of 30 places are available for students in Y12 (England & Wales) /S5 (Scotland /Y13 (Northern Ireland only).

A small number of guest rooms are available to book in Queens’ for the night of Sunday January 10th.

A number of bursaries are available to cover transport and/or accommodation costs for students eligible for FSM/16-19 bursary.

To apply for a place, please read the details below and then click here: Application Form

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A PLACE?

To be eligible, you must:

• be in Y12 (in England and Wales),  Y13 (in Northern Ireland) or S5 (in Scotland) in the academic year 2026/27
• have achieved Grade 7 or above in at least 5 GCSEs (or National 5s in Scotland)
• be studying at least one language at A-level or equivalent (e.g. Scottish Highers, I.B.)

HOW WILL YOU ALLOCATE PLACES?

Should we have more eligible applications than places, we will prioritise students in line with the priorities of the University of Cambridge Access and Participation Plan. Priority will be given to students who meet any of the following (alongside strong academic achievement and relevant subject interests):

• Students who are care-experienced (i.e. have spent time/are currently in local authority care or kinship care), refugees, asylum seekers or those under humanitarian protection
• Students who are currently or previously eligible for government-funded free school meals, who receive the 16-19 bursary (England) or Education Maintenance Allowance (Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland).
• Students with a home postcode in the bottom 40% of postcodes in the Indices of Multiple Deprivation measure (IMD deciles 1-4/quintiles 1 and 2).
• Students from our Link Areas of Bradford, Kent, Medway and Havering.
• Students attending schools with low progression/little tradition of sending students to Cambridge. 
• Students who would be the first generation in their family to progress to higher education (i.e. parents/carers have not attended university).
• Others students who have not yet had the opportunity to participate in an in-person event at the University of Cambridge.

Please note we do not typically accept more than two students from any single school or college (of applications received – there is no limit on the number of applications from a single school or college).

WHEN WILL I HEAR WHETHER I HAVE A PLACE?

Places will be allocated in by Friday 4th December 2026. We will contact you by email to let you know if you have been allocated a place. We will then contact your parent/guardian to confirm their permission for you to take part.

CAN I STAY OVERNIGHT?

• A small number of guest rooms are available to book in Queens’ for the night of Sunday January 10th. Accommodation charges of £57.60 for one night bed and breakfast will apply. Bursary support is available to cover accommodation costs for students eligible for FSM/16-19 bursary. Priority booking will be given to students who would be travelling over 3 hours to attend, and who meeting Widening Participation criteria as detailed above.