Trinity Hall Prize in Student Journalism

The Trinity Hall Prize in Student Journalism recognises excellence in journalism among students at the University of Cambridge. It is open to all Cambridge undergraduates and postgraduates in all fields of study.

Submissions for the 2024/5 Prize are open from 1 November to 13 December 2024.

The Prize

A prize of £500 will be awarded to one winner in the News category and to one winner in the Features category.

Criteria

You can submit:

  • up to 2,000 words for the News category,
  • up to 5,000 words for the Feature category,
  • a video or audio piece no more than 5 minutes in length for either category.

Entries must have been previously published on or after 1 October 2023 with evidence of engagement and reaching an audience. No minimum reach is required but the entry must have reasonably been in the public domain.

There is the option for applicants to submit a few sample pages of investigatory notes alongside the final submission (noting anything confidential should be redacted).

Eligibility

Open to both undergraduates and postgraduates studying at the University of Cambridge at the time the entry was published and at the time the entry is submitted.

Timeline

Friday 1 November 2024
Submissions open

Friday 13 December 2024
Submissions close

Friday 20 December 2024
Judging begins

Friday 14 February 2025
Winners announced

Monday 17 March 2025
Prize-giving event, panel discussion and dinner

Judging

The judging panel is formed of eminent journalists, including Trinity Hall alumni, who are experienced in a range of media formats. Longlisting will be carried out by the Master in consultation with the Judges. Shortlisting and Selection will be done by the Panel of Judges.

Entries will be judged on whether they:

  • are well-researched and accurate
  • show evidence of rigour and craft skills
  • are balanced and fair (in the case of the News category)
  • are compelling and relevant to the intended audience
  • show care and consideration for those whose stories are being told
  • show evidence of engagement and/or impact

 

Judges

  • Andrew Baker – Writer and Editor at The Telegraph
  • James Coomarasamy – Presenter of The World Tonight and Newshour on the BBC and former BBC Russia Correspondent
  • James Helm – Director of Communications and External Affairs, University of Cambridge
  • Mary Hockaday – Master, Trinity Hall; formerly Controller, BBC World Service English and Head of the BBC News Room
  • Datshiane Navanayagam – Investigative reporter and broadcaster, reporting and presenting for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4
  • Vicky Ward – Investigative journalist and author based in New York

Contact

If you have any questions about the Trinity Hall Prize in Student Journalism, please contact Heather Kilpatrick, Master’s EA.

With thanks

to Beth Sufian and Jim Passamano for supporting the Trinity Hall Prize in Student Journalism.