Prospective Lower Sixth Cambridge Theologians embarked on an trip to explore studying the highly-competitive Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion degree. Student Alicia Edwards reports.
Importance of studying Theology
Our morning started with an interactive talk by the faculty’s Outreach Officer, Ciara Clogger-Rodrigues, who explained to us the importance of studying Theology in a world so driven by religion, in order to inform our understanding of geopolitics, culture within the media, and significant historical events. Afterwards, we attended a fascinating taster lecture on ‘the Baptism of Jesus and the origins of Jesus’ Ministry’ by James Carleton-Paget. He was a very charismatic speaker who impressively encapsulated the intellectual rigour and rewarding experience many anticipate from studying at Cambridge.
Highlight of the trip
After saying goodbye to the Faculty, we made our way to Trinity College to which OE Max McKinlay (Head of School 2021-22, third year theologian) belongs. This was undoubtedly the highlight of our trip; many speak of the romantic grandeur of Cambridge’s architecture, but experiencing it first-hand through the perspective of a student at one of the oldest and most beautiful colleges was an entirely different escapade. After our tour, we enjoyed lunch in “hall” (and, evidently, became novices in Cantabrigian slang). Here, we had a first-hand experience of the vibrancy of college life not so dissimilar to that of our own cafeteria.
To finish the day, we had some free time to explore the city centre. I, for one, took the opportunity to visit – in my humble opinion – the best fudge shop in the country: Fudge Kitchen. If the prospect of studying at one of the most prestigious universities in the world isn’t enough to convince you to apply to Cambridge, their fudge certainly will be. (10/10, would highly recommend.)
More importantly, the trip was an invaluable opportunity to experience Cambridge and see what it was like to study at one of the world’s leading universities. The day was not only immensely enjoyable, but also left us with a more attainable vision of our academic aspirations and the exciting possibilities that may lie ahead.
Visit to Churchill College and Murray Edwards
Zoie Li reports on their group’s visit to two Cambridge Colleges: Churchill College and Murray Edwards.
Churchill College
We began the day with a brief introduction of college life at Cambridge, and were quickly put at ease by the welcoming community. Afterwards, we toured Churchill College with a student, who answered all our questions whilst giving us a insight into her experience at Cambridge. We were fascinated by the large range of facilities and available societies, as well as the surrounding green spaces within the campus.
Later, we received an informative lecture on creating a winning university application, which was incredibly helpful, not only for Oxbridge entry – we will definitely be using the tips in our own applications. After this, we were served a delicious lunch, before experiencing a taster lecture of our choice. These lectures helped us to embrace the experience of university and new teaching styles.
Murray Edwards
Fortunately, we were also able to fit in a visit to a second college: Murray Edwards. This is an all-girls college, and after spending time with some of the students, quickly found it was a very welcoming place. The college is also home to over 600 artworks created solely by female artists, and we were lucky enough to have guided tour.
We were grateful for this experience and will definitely use the knowledge we gained on this trip in the future.
