The Murray Edwards Sixth Form Lecture Series
Hosted at Murray Edward College, the Sixth Form Lecture Series will dive into English Literature, French, Spanish, Classics and many more literature and language-based subjects by exploring many commonly studied A Level texts and topics in new and interesting ways.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with Fellows from the University of Cambridge; gain an insight into Cambridge University’s teaching approach; improve their critical thinking and analytical skills; and prepare to make applications to selective universities with the support of the Murray Edwards College Director of Admissions.
Join us at Murray Edwards College (Murray Edwards College, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DF) from 17:30 for refreshments and informal conversations with current students. The lectures themselves will begin at 18:00 and be an hour in duration.
You do not need to fill out a form to attend the lectures: it is free and open to anyone. However, if you would like to be kept up to date regarding the sessions and receive any post-lecture resources, please complete this form.
If you require parking, please email outreach@murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk
The Murray Edwards Sixth Form Lecture Series is free and open to anyone who is interested in languages and literature: you do not need to fill out a form to attend.
Spring 2026 Programme
Chaucer: The Merchant's Tale and The Wife of Bath
Wednesday 4th February 2026
17:30 for food and refreshments and 18:00-19:00 (GMT) for the lecture itself.
Buckingham House, Murray Edwards College, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DF
The lecture will focus on two works by English poet and writer, Geoffrey Chaucer.
This lecture will be delivered by Rachael Hodgson, whose primary focus is on works of the Middle Ages. Her broader interest are in the theorisation of figurative modes including metaphor, ekphrasis (a vivid description of a visual work of art) and personification in medieval texts.
If you would like to be kept up to date on the series and receive any post-lecture resources, please complete this form.
Using Art Sources to Understand the Restoration
Wednesday 25th February 2026
17:30 for food and refreshments and 18:00-19:00 (GMT) for the lecture itself.
Paula Browne House, Murray Edwards College, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DF
After 11 years as a republic, the Stuart Monarchy was restored in England, Scotland and Ireland under the reign of Charles II. Upon regaining the throne, Charles reinstated a number of the cultural, political and religious institutions that had been suppressed during Cromwell's reign.
In this lecture, Teaching Professor of Early Modern Visual Culture at Professional & Continuing Education (PACE), Professor Lydia Hamlett, will discuss what we can learn about this period and its monarch using visual media from the time.
Professor Hamlett's research centres on mural painting in Britain in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. She is currently writing her second monograph, on early modern murals and the senses, and co-editing a book on the Women’s Art Collection. Before coming back to Cambridge, Professor Hamlett worked in research and curating at the Tate and National Trust.
If you would like to be kept up to date on the series and receive any post-lecture resources, please complete this form.
Postcolonial Tragedy: Brian Friel's Translations and Lorraine Hansberry's Les Blancs
Wednesday 11th March 2026
17:30 for food and refreshments and 18:00-19:00 (GMT) for the lecture itself.
Buckingham House, Murray Edwards College, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DF
In this lecture, Dr Sean McEvoy will discuss two postcolonial tragedies: Translations (1980) and Les Blancs (1970).
Dr McEvoy's work focusses primarily on Shakespeare and early modern drama, and on twentieth-century English and Irish theatre. He has a particular interest in tragedy.
If you would like to be kept up to date on the series and receive any post-lecture resources, please complete this form.