Our research experience placements programme

Applications for the 2026 programme (6 - 31 July 2026) are now open!  

Watch our SHARE 2026 information webinars

Watch our general information webinar and Q&A to find out more about the SHARE programme for 2026:

Watch our research projects webinar to find out more about the project options for this year's SHARE programme:

What the programme is 

Our Social Sciences and Humanities Access to Research Experience (SHARE) programme is a four-week paid placement that gives undergraduate students the opportunity to experience postgraduate research in the social sciences and humanities in Cambridge.  

The University of Cambridge delivers this programme in partnership through the CAM-DTP consortium comprising Anglia Ruskin University, University of Bedfordshire and University of Cambridge, and in collaboration with Gonville & Caius College.   We particularly encourage applications from students at CAM-DTP partner universities.  

You will work on a dedicated project supervised by researchers in a home department in the city of Cambridge, take part in research skills workshops and training sessions, have access to a mentor (a current postgraduate student) and experience life as a postgraduate in a University of Cambridge college.   

The programme is designed to: 

• Enhance your research skills;  
• Inform you about opportunities for postgraduate study and research careers in the social sciences and humanities;
• Give you the opportunity to engage with inspiring social science and humanities research staff and students at leading regional universities;
• Enhance your ability to make a competitive application for postgraduate courses and funding.   

Who the programme is for 

The programme is offered for mid-course undergraduate students from backgrounds currently under-represented in Higher Education, whose undergraduate programme may not have provided significant research experience.  

There are specific criteria you must meet to be eligible for the programme. In addition, SHARE uses positive action under the Equality Act 2010 to address the underrepresentation of, and overcome the disadvantage experienced by, certain groups.  

Applicants will be offered a place based on their academic achievement and potential in the context of their education and circumstances to date.

Our sponsors 

The SHARE programme is supported by: 

• The School of the Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Cambridge

• CAM-Doctoral Training Partnership comprising Anglia Ruskin University, University of Bedfordshire and University of Cambridge

• Gonville & Caius College

Please join our mailing list to be kept up-to-date about the programme and related activities we may offer.

For more information about about postgraduate study at Cambridge please visit our Discover Cambridge website.