Sustainable Urban Futures Residential
21-25th August 2023
Applications are now open for the Sustainable Urban Futures Residential at Churchill College, University of Cambridge. You can apply if you are in Year 12, attend a state-maintained school in the UK or the Isle of Man, and meet one of the additional criteria detailed under “Eligibility”.
If you are a high achieving student but you don’t necessarily know what subject you want to do, Sustainable Urban Futures is perfect for you! It is a fantastic way to learn how studying a whole variety of university degrees could empower you to make a difference to Sustainable Development, and find out more about studying at a top university.
Apply if you are interested in finding out more about Architecture, STEM, Design, Humanities and Social Sciences and more!
The Programme
On this residential you will come together as part of a team, designing and building a temporary “home” based on informal settlement shelters.
You will learn about different cultures and work within budgets, designing and innovating to make the shelter a comfortable, practical space to live and work. On the final day you will take part in a mini-conference, sharing your work, and hearing inspiring talks from design, making and sustainable development role models.
The residential is entirely free of charge, including accommodation, food, and all activities. If needed, we are able to fully fund public transport costs for all participants for travel by bus or rail from your home to Churchill College.
On this residential you will:
- Stay at Churchill College for 4 nights
- Do hands-on practical activities at colleges and departments, learning about lots of subjects
- Attend taster lectures & mini-conference
- Meet current Cambridge University students
- Learn about the university application process
- Gain an insight into living and studying in Cambridge
Eligibility Criteria
You can apply if you:
- Are in Year 12 (England, Wales, and Isle of Man); S5 (Scotland); or Year 13 (Northern Ireland) and aged 16 or over by the time of the residential.
- Attend a state-maintained school in the UK or the Isle of Man
- Have the potential to achieve at least A*AA at A Level or at least 40 points in the IB (with 776 in Higher Level subjects).
- Have achieved a minimum of 5 A or A* grades at GCSE
- Are interested in studying at university.
And also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Self-identify as belonging to an under-represented ethnic group, including but not limited to Black African and Caribbean, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Arab, Chinese or other Asian background, mixed heritage, Gypsy, Roma or Irish Traveller.
- Be eligible for FSM or Pupil Premium (currently or at any point in the last 6 years)
- Be a Young Carer; Care Leaver/Care Experienced; Asylum Seeker or Refugee;
- Have a long-term health condition or disability
- Attend a school in Cambridgeshire, Surrey, Sussex, Merton, Croydon, Sutton, South Wales which is on this PDF list.
- Attend a school elsewhere in the UK that meets these equality and diversity criteria. Ask your teachers or email suf@chu.cam.ac.uk if you are not sure.
Apply Now
To apply for a place on the Sustainable Urban Futures Residential, please:
- Complete the application form by the deadline of 23:59 on 18th June 2023. The form asks for:
- Details about you and your school
- Why you think you would benefit from this residential (250 words)
- A short reference from a current teacher (200 words max). The deadline for teacher reference is 23:59 on 20th June 2023.
We welcome individual or multiple applications from each school.
If you are applying with a friend, write their name in the space on the application form. If you are the only person from your school, don’t worry, we will help you make friends here!
We anticipate that the residential will be over-subscribed and regret that we will not be able to offer a place to every applicant.
The outcome of applications for this residential will have no influence on any future application to Churchill College or the University of Cambridge as a whole.
We will assess applications based on applicants’ academic ability and potential, alongside factors including any educational disadvantage they have experienced.
We will review all applications after the deadline has passed, and inform all applicants of the outcome of their application as soon as possible.
If you have any questions regarding Sustainable Urban Futures Residential, please contact SUF@chu.cam.ac.uk
Sustainable Urban Futures is funded thanks to the Isaac Newton Trust.
