Woolf Essay Prize 2023 by the University of Cambridge
Eligibility
- Open to all women students currently in Year 12 (or equivalent)
- From any country or school
- Opportunity to explore women in literature, history, society, and culture
- Develop independent study and writing skills
Prizes
- Book tokens: £300 for first prize, £200 for second prize, £100 for third prize
- Highly commended and commended certificates awarded
Submission
- Choose one of the provided questions
- Word count: 1,500 to 2,500 words (including footnotes and captions)
- Appropriate acknowledgment and citation of sources
- Include a bibliography (websites consulted excluded from word count)
About the Woolf Essay Prize
The Woolf Essay Prize is a prestigious competition organized by the University of Cambridge. It provides a platform for Year 12 women students worldwide to engage in critical thinking and writing about women's writing, history, studies, and the pursuit of gender equality. The competition aims to foster a deeper understanding of the role of women in literature, society, and culture while honing students' independent study and writing skills.
The Woolf Essay Prize draws inspiration from Virginia Woolf, a prominent figure in women's literature. In her seminal work, A Room of One's Own, Woolf raised essential questions about women's place in society, culture, and education. By participating in this competition, students have the opportunity to delve into these themes and ideas, following in the footsteps of a pioneering feminist writer.
Open to students studying English Literature, History, Politics, Philosophy, Sociology, or any other subject, the Woolf Essay Prize encourages a diverse range of perspectives and areas of interest. It provides aspiring scholars with a chance to showcase their analytical and writing abilities while engaging with important issues related to gender equality and women's studies.
Winners of the Woolf Essay Prize are awarded book tokens, with first prize receiving £300, second prize £200, and third prize £100. In addition to the top prizes, a select number of highly commended and commended certificates are also awarded to recognize outstanding submissions.
As the Woolf Essay Prize operates independently from the Essay Writing Masterclass Programme offered by the University, it is an exclusive opportunity for students to focus specifically on women's writing and history. By participating in this competition, high-achieving students gain exposure to the rigorous academic work expected at Cambridge University, inspiring them to consider further studies in higher education.
To participate, students must submit their essay by the specified deadline of 12pm GMT on Friday, 14th July 2023. Entries should be well-researched and thoughtfully written, addressing one of the provided essay questions. Sources must be properly acknowledged and cited, with a bibliography attached (excluded from the word count). The competition welcomes submissions from students of various backgrounds and academic interests.
For more information, including the list of essay questions, word limits, and submission details, please refer to the official Woolf Essay Prize 2023 Information and Questions document. If you have any queries or require further assistance, you can reach out to the organizers via email at essayprizes@newn.cam.ac.uk.
