DOME Languages Summer School

Are you a keen GCSE linguist interested in learning about how to continue your studies?

Would you like to explore your interest in history, culture and languages in depth?

Do you want to know more about how a language could benefit your future career?

The DOME Languages Summer School 2026 is a 2-day residential summer camp specifically aimed at giving 16-year-old women and non-binary students the opportunity to discover many of the different language-based degree programmes that are offered at the University of Cambridge.

The aim of the programme is to help attendees to gain knowledge of various degree programmes; experience of student life at Cambridge University; insight into what you can do with a language qualification; and new friendships with like-minded students.

The DOME Languages Summer School will take place from Monday 3rd until Tuesday 4th August 2026 and 50 places are available.

The summer school is completely free: the meals and accommodation are provided by the College.

Thank you to all who have submitted an application. Your academic referee will now be contacted and your application will be reviewed.

As well as meaning Discover Opportunities at Murray Edwards, the Dome is the name of Murray Edwards College's beautiful concrete dining hall.

The architects of the College were Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, who would go on to design the Barbican and Golden Lane Estates in London. They were inspired by the grandeur of Renaissance cathedrals, which can be clearly seen in the Dome's vaulted structure.

You will have the chance to explore the following degree programmes:

The DOME Languages Summer School will give you the chance to explore 3-4 degree programmes through lectures delivered by academics, small group study sessions and workshops.

Alongside these sessions, other activities will include -

A careers discussion
An admissions talk that will focus on super-curricular activities and how to prepare for university
A visit to one of Cambridge University’s teaching and library facilities
A tour of a Murray Edwards College delivered by current university students

Applications are welcomed from women and non-binary students who meet all of the following criteria:

Are 16 years old by the first day of the summer school;
Are studying a language at GCSE or equivalent in the UK (this includes Latin or ancient Greek);
Are intending to start A Levels or equivalent next year and are considering taking a language;
Are strongly considering studying a degree with a language component at a selective university;

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact outreach@murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk

To apply to attend the DOME Languages Summer School, you must submit an online application by 9am on Monday 18th May 2026. Then, the Murray Edwards College Access and Student Recruitment Team will contact the teacher you have listed in your application for a reference, your predicted grades and some further information.

The deadline for academic references is the 9th June. This is a necessary part of your application.

In an application, we are looking for your academic potential, and we will assess this by examining your interests and motivations; your predicted grades; and a teacher reference.

As there are only 50 places available on the summer school, we unfortunately cannot accept all applicants. In the case two students have indistinguishable academic profiles and there is not space to admit both of them, we will prioritise students from groups that are underrepresented at the University of Cambridge.

For students with particular widening participation criteria, travel support is available. These criteria include -

Free School Meals
Pupil Premium
Care-experienced
In receipt of the 16-19 Bursary

If you are think you may be eligible for travel support or face other financial barriers to participation, please contact outreach@murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk

A group of 6 women talking on the Murray Edwards Walkway