Minds Underground Competitions

The 2024 essay competition questions have been released! Click each image below to view full details for the relevant competition.

Submission Deadline: 3rd April 2024.

To see 2023 competition results and example winning entries, please visit the Results Page.

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Young Minds Prize

A chance for our younger students (aged 14 & under) to explore beyond the curriculum in answer to contemporary questions and debates. One winner will be selected from each of the 8-11 and 12-14 age categories.

Year 12 Essay Competition

Senior Prizes

Hone writing skills and an ability to construct effective arguments, explore your interests beyond the school curriculum and gain a great talking-point on your university application. Competitions are aimed at Year 12, but open to younger applicants and those re-applying for university.

View Junior & Senior Competition Guidelines N.B. Students are permitted to enter in more than 1 subject category.

Student Creative Writing Competition

Young Minds (14 & Under) Competition

For enquiring students looking to engage with cross-cutting topics

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Address pressing issues including environmental change and migration

Geography Essay Competition

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Design a Wearable!

Engineering Innovation Challenge

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An exploration of history and historical approaches

History Essay Competition

Politics Essay Competition

Engage with the state of contemporary debate

Politics Essay Competition

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Challenge your

ability to make logical arguments and reason your opinions

Law Essay Competition

Economics Essay Competition

Can you think like an economist?

Economics Essay Competition

Classics Essay Competition

Explore the literature, history and languages of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds

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Modern Languages

A chance to research literature and thought written in European languages

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Develop an interest in scientific research

Medicine Essay Competition

Veterinary Essay Competition Year 12

Is it easier for animals to live on land or in the sea?

Veterinary Essay Competition

Architecture Essay Competition

Art History Essay Competition

Should more artwork be shredded?

Architecture Essay Competition

Delve into the history and philosophy of architecture and design

Architecture Essay Competition

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Engage in the experimental side of psychology

Psychology Essay Competition

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Philosophy Essay Competition

Probe into your reasoning process

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English Competition

Explore periods and styles of English literature & the origins of language

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STEM Essay Competition

Scientific exploration across Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, and Computer Science

Dentistry Essay Competition

Shaping the Future of Dentistry