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Christ Church is pleased to announce an essay competition on the subject of 'The Age of Humans', for pupils interested in studying Geography at university. 

What does the competition involve?

Students are invited to write a reflective essay of up to 800 words on the theme of ‘The Age of Humans', in relation to whichever aspect of Geography they choose. Entrants are welcome to approach the subject in whatever way is most meaningful to them, as long as provide a written essay-style response and demonstrate thinking geographically. 

What is 'The Age of Humans'?

It’s been said that now is the Age of Humans, a new era where human activity has become the dominant influence on the Earth's climate and environment. Some call this period of Earth history the Anthropocene, others aren’t so sure it exists. 

We’d like you to consider this and to write a short, reflective essay that draws upon your experience of the world today. What do you as a geographer think? What about other people you know? Your family and friends? Your pets? Local wildlife even? 

 What does the Age of Humans mean to you? 

What are we offering?

Selected entrants will be invited to attend a Geography Study Day at Christ Church on Wednesday 27 May 2026 to celebrate their achievement and learn more about undergraduate study at Oxford. This day will include: 

  • An introduction to Geography at Oxford 
  • A taster lecture 
  • Lunch in Hall 
  • Geography Skills Workshop 
  • Tour of Christ Church 
  • Q&A with current students 
  • Essay commendations 

 The event will be free of charge and lunch will be provided. We would not want the cost of travelling to Oxford to prevent students from participating and are able to offer support with travel costs by public transport (e.g. buses and trains) to UK students who have been in care, are young carers, have been eligible for free school meals, or who would otherwise be unable to attend. 

Terrestrial globe in a library

Who is it for?

The competition is for UK students in Years 12 or equivalent, currently in state-maintained education, who are studying an A-Level in Geography (if the subject is offered by the school). We warmly invite entries from students who:  

  • would be the first in their immediate family to go to university 
  • are or have been eligible for Free School Meals or the 16-19 Bursary 
  • are young carers 
  • have been in care 
  • are from areas of socio-economic disadvantage (ACORN groups 5 or 6 – this can be checked here) 
  • are from areas with low index of multiple deprivation (IMD quintiles 1 or 2 – further information can be found on the UK Government website.) 
  • any student currently attending a state-maintained school regardless of meeting the extra contextual criteria above 

How to take part?

To apply, please complete this form and submit your essay by 17 April 2026.

 If you have any questions about the day, please do not hesitate to get in touch: access@chch.ox.ac.uk