The Sociology department is now accepting entries to their yearly photography competition. This year the theme will be Real Utopias. The term 'real utopias' was coined by Sociologist Erik Olin Wright to describe existing utopian projects and practices that have potential to transform society.
The competition is meant as a documentary style of photography. For those who would like to see examples of previous winning entries, check out our main competition page here. If you are confused or unclear about what exactly is documentary photography, please check out this website for further information.
Applicants are encouraged use the theme to capture photographs depicting their own personal interpretations of what Real Utopias means.
The prizes for winners are as follows: £100 for the student winner, £100 for the school and an invitation to visit the University of Cambridge, or an online visit if your school is not in the UK. The winning photos will be displayed on the Sociology department's website. This competition is open to all GSCE and A-Level (or equivalent) students in the UK and abroad.
Rules: The university holds the right to dismiss any entries that violates the competition's rules set out below. These rules apply to applicants and must be follow.
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Entry is limited to one photograph per person. The photo must be high resolution suitable for printing (no less than 300 PPI/DPI)
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Students must include an e-mail address for their teacher, or parent or guardian if they are home educated, when entering their photograph to the competition.
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Photographs must be the original work of the entrant
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Entrants agree to its public display (referencing the student) within the Department, use on the Department’s website, and other University of Cambridge websites and promotional materials.
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Photographs sent in after 6th May 2024 will not be considered by the Department for this competition.
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The judge’s decision is final. If there is more than one top ranked photo, the prize will be split equally.
All entries will be judged by a panel from the University of Cambridge and results will be announced early June. The judges will assess he photos as well as the accompanying text on their interpretation of the theme, creativity, and originality
If you are interested in entering, please fill out this form detailing your submission title and a short paragraph (max 250 words) explaining the ideas it represents and how it relates to the theme by 6th May. Please email a copy your photograph communications@sociology.cam.ac.uk to have it considered with the subject "Photo Competition submission 2025". Make sure to include the subject line or we may miss your submission and it will not be considered.
If you are having problems submitting your application or have any questions about submitting, please email us at enquries@sociology.cam.ac.uk
