Whether your ambition is to influence government policy, address global inequalities or explore the frontiers of technology, the Cambridge Better Futures Programme will help you define your vision and prepare to put it into action.
During your academic year (or six months) at Cambridge, you’ll benefit from:
Build a tailored course of study with your academic host drawing on courses across the collegiate University alongside a dynamic core programme
Join an intergenerational community of scholars with dining rights at your host college alongside University programmes and facilities
Connect with leading academics, experts from within Cambridge and beyond, and a peer cohort of accomplished leaders
…or more of a difference over the next stage of your life. Perhaps you’re looking for a pivot from a life focused on commercial success towards a life of greater significance.
Or maybe you have a potentially life changing idea to forge a better future for society and yourself, and you value structure and partnership to make it real.
We’ll help you identify significant issues facing society, possible solutions, and pathways to making a real difference. If selected, you will have the chance to:
REFLECT DEEPLY ON YOUR PERSONAL PURPOSE
BUILD A PERSONALISED LEARNING PATHWAY, DRAWING ON THE UNIVERSITY’S RESOURCES
ENGAGE WITH GLOBAL EXPERTS ACROSS DISCIPLINES
BUILD A DIVERSE AND SUPPORTIVE NETWORK OF PEERS
DEVELOP ACTIONABLE IDEAS TO SHAPE A BETTER FUTURE
As a Better Futures Programme participant you will be part of a select cohort with the flexibility to choose between a 12-month and 6-month pathway. Your journey will be unique, based around your specific interests, and arena of exploration. Alongside a core programme, we will help you construct a truly personalised programme of study with guidance from your academic departmental host and the Better Futures team. During your time in Cambridge, you will be able to draw upon:
*With lecturer permission
TAUGHT COURSES*, OPEN LECTURES/SEMINARS
DEPARTMENTS, INSTITUTES, RESEARCH CENTRES, NETWORKSBUILD A PERSONALISED LEARNING PATHWAY, DRAWING ON THE UNIVERSITY’S RESOURCES
PAST AND ONGOING RESEARCH PROGRAMMES
ACADEMIC EXPERTS AND RESEARCHERS TO SERVE AS ADVISERS AND RESOURCES
PARTNERSHIP OF EXTERNAL EXPERT PRACTITIONERS IN THE BETTER FUTURES MENTOR NETWORK
THE WIDER CAMBRIDGE ECOSYSTEM AND NETWORK OF ALUMNI
TERMLY SYMPOSIA/DINNERS THAT BRING TOGETHER THOUGHT LEADERS AND PROMINENT ACTORS IN DISCUSSION AROUND KEY ISSUES BY PROGRAMME THEME
You’re invited to connect the foundational awareness of your world view and experiences to cutting-edge knowledge, and using that combination to craft paths for change that are meaningful, impactful and sustainable.
These strands weave together across a weekly core programme of seminars, your personalised learning and research, and the broader intellectual and cultural communities of Cambridge.
Re-assess your skills, capabilities, motivation, and personal health, and refine how you relate to society and the world around you.
Explore major societal issues and opportunities with Cambridge academics and develop a personalised learning plan.
Craft future impact pathways to follow in the coming years.
You may already have achieved great things in society or in your career and have a desire to contribute to a better world. You might simply have delivered as much as you want in your career and are asking yourself what’s next.
Whatever your motivation, you must demonstrate achievement and leadership in your field and have a proven track record of impact and expertise. You will show an aptitude for system transformation and self-development, and you’ll be passionate about enhancing your skills and pivoting to a new focus on social impact.
PARTICIPANTS WILL COME FROM FROM A DIVERSE RANGE OF SECTORS SUCH AS:
Both pathways immerse you in Cambridge’s vibrant community, providing the space, structure, and connections to shape your next chapter.
Immerse yourself in Cambridge’s dynamic ecosystem over a full academic year. This pathway provides the time and structure to reflect on your life arc and ambitions, deepen your knowledge, and craft your 10-year vision while building meaningful connections across the University and wider Cambridge community.
Alongside weekly seminars, discussions, and research projects, you’ll experience the rhythm of Cambridge life—whether exploring markets and galleries, attending choral evensong, or taking part in sporting traditions.
The programme culminates in the Better Futures Conference in September, where you’ll present your work to advisors, mentors, and potential collaborators.
Engage deeply with the Cambridge community during Michaelmas and Lent terms, following the same core programme and vibrant Cambridge lifestyle as the 12-month programme. Over 6- months, you’ll develop foundational knowledge, forge meaningful connections, and gain clarity on your 10-year vision.
Before leaving Cambridge, you’ll take part in an accelerated Wayfinding workshop designed to equip you with the strategic tools and frameworks to craft your impact plan independently. As a Better Futures Programme alumnus, continued support is available to you as you refine your plan.
This pathway is ideal for those with visa or personal considerations, offering structured engagement in Cambridge with the flexibility to take your impact forward in a way that works for you. Like the 12-month programme, it culminates in the Better Futures Conference in September, where you’ll present your progress to advisors, mentors, and peers.
Your programme will be devised by our academic team, including leaders of the Cambridge Better Futures Programme. No two years will be the same because we see every cohort as unique. You will have support and guidance at department and college level.
PACE represents a pinnacle of accessible, high-quality lifelong learning. It has a history dating back to 1873 and offers a wide range of opportunities designed to transform lives and careers.
Receive the full details of the programme
Ask a question or register your interest
Get Started on Your Application
Spouses and partners are welcome to participate in the programme together. If both applicants are accepted, each receives a 25% reduction in course fees. Applications are submitted individually and follow the standard interview process.
Please visit the University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education website for more on the admissions process.
Stay informed about the programme and upcoming opportunities to connect
@Centre for Better Futures 2024
Want to learn more about the Cambridge Better Futures Programme? Fill out the form below to get your brochure.
Interested in applying, collaborating, or just exploring? Register your interest or start a conversation below.
Want to learn more about the Cambridge Better Futures Programme? Fill out the form below to get your brochure.
Interested in the Better Futures Programme and eager to learn more?
Fill out the form below to register your interest and stay connected, or drop us a message to start a conversation.
We’re always happy to connect with potential applicants and explore how the programme could be a fit for you.
