Competitions

Every year, we invite students across the UK to tackle one of our academics’ ‘big’ questions. These are designed to challenge you beyond the school curriculum and get you thinking ‘big’ about your subject and what it might be like to study it at university. Simply record a video of 5 minutes or less presenting your arguments, research, evidence and opinions. 

To enter you must: live in the UK, attend a state school, be in Year 11, 12, or 13. Winners will be invited to visit Oxford where they will have the opportunity to discuss their entries with subject tutors, take a tour of the college, and enjoy lunch in the dining hall.

First Prize: £100   -   Second Prize: £50    -   Subject Awards: £35

How to enter:

• Send us a video of no more than 5 minutes in length.

• There’s no need for any fancy equipment, you can film on your phone if you like – we will be judging entries based on your engagement with the question.

• Your video doesn’t have to include your face - feel free to get creative! You could narrate a PowerPoint, record yourself drawing or even apply your TikTok-making skills…

• Submit your video as an unlisted YouTube video or via WeTransfer.

This was the question for 2025 - entries are now closed but visit the website to get updates for the next competition!

The Minds Underground™ Essay Competition is aimed at students in Year 12 (though we welcome younger applicants).  The competition provides students with an opportunity to attempt university-level research, hone their writing & argumentative skills and prepare for university interviews. Entrants must choose 1 question to answer from their category.

The 2025 Minds Underground Essay Competition results are now live — view the full results on our Results Page. 2026 questions will be released in November 2025.

2025 English Essay Questions: 

1. How does literature shape our understanding of cultural identity?

Discuss how authors from different backgrounds use literature to explore national, ethnic, and personal identities.

2. Is it possible to fully separate the author from their work?

Consider debates around authorial intent, the "death of the author" theory, and biographical criticism

3. What is the role of dystopian fiction in reflecting and influencing societal change?

Analyse the ways in which dystopian literature critiques contemporary issues and envisions alternative futures.