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Murray Edwards College
University of Cambridge

The Gateway Programme

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    A Gateway session.
    A Gateway session.

    What is the Gateway Programme? 

    The Gateway Programme is an academic and career-focused development programme for our students and is unique to Murray Edwards College.  

    The Programme’s vision centres on ensuring young women from all backgrounds are able to make the most of the opportunities available to them at the University of Cambridge through skills workshops, internships, early career planning, and funding. 

    What does it involve? 

    The Gateway Programme has three strands:  

    • academic skills 
    • personal development 
    • career preparation

    First year undergraduates are offered sessions which focus on academic progress, complemented by personal development and groundwork for career preparation. 

    Examples of sessions include: 

    • How to make the most of supervisions and what constitutes ‘good’ work. 
    • What is effective revision and good practice in exams. 
    • Discipline specific skills e.g. scientific computing and writing, presenting quantitative solutions, and academic principles in essay writing. 
    • How to manage competing priorities as a student. 
    • Guidance on accessing College-negotiated internships and support during the application process. 

    "The student mentors in each subject [gave] tailored advice about what is expected in supervisions, essays and exams. It was invaluable to talk to someone who had recently been through the same process.” – First year student. 

    Postgraduates, finalists and second year undergraduates focus on personal development skills to support their successful transition into work or further study. Sessions also offer insight into careers and help with the process of getting a job. 

    Postgraduate students are also offered academic sessions as part of their introduction to Cambridge. 

    Examples of sessions include: 

    • Personal development plan designed to cover academic performance and attributes sought by employers. 
    • Online networking evening. 
    • ‘Into employment Saturday’ – Mock interviews, a group assessment exercise and Q&A with senior-level experts. 
    • One day work-shadowing and College-negotiated internships. 
    • Introduction to academic expectations, intellectual property, and the supervision system. 

    “There was a full day on CV writing and mock interview practice. I found that excellent.” 

    “I appreciated the empowerment to speak about my experience and to have a valid voice in group discussion.” 

    Workshop sessions are led by experienced academic fellows, alumnae, professional consultants, and our highly regarded student peer advisors. 

    More information 

    The Gateway Programme opens doors for our students, such as with professional work placements, internships, and funding to support personal or career development. Find out more about the opportunities Gateway creates. 

    Hear from our alumnae about how Gateway has helped them in our Gateway Women Alumnae Interviews

    In the video below, Rachel, a second year Economics student and a student advisor in the Gateway Programme, introduces Gateway, explains her role as a student advisor, and shows you a bit of the session on effective exam revision.