The Economist is a brilliant source to increase general awareness of subject-specific current affairs for personal statement writing and university interviews. The magazine (and Economist podcasts) are not only fantastic for aspiring economists, but students preparing for a whole array of STEM and Humanities courses. In this Curious Minds digest, we explore five of the Economist’s top 10 trends for the world ahead in 2022, posing a range of Oxbridge interview-style questions and offering reading suggestions for students looking beyond the syllabus in their degree preparation.

Since the 18th century we have seen ourselves as separate from nature. But as human activity threatens the very climate system we need to survive, is it time to reconsider? In this Curious Minds digest, 1st Class Cambridge Human, Social and Political Sciences graduate, Keira, traces the development of the human-nature relationship from its encapsulation in Enlightenment thinking, to today’s warming world. This digest is particularly relevant to students thinking of Social Sciences degrees.

It can be difficult to fully realise the functional significance of what you are studying. Yet, looking beyond the syllabus into the world that awaits post-school not only instills excitement and enthusiasm for the subjects you are learning, but is crucial when approaching entrance to top universities such as Oxbridge. The strongest students will show an awareness of the wider implications of their subject, make connections between topics, and be able to demonstrate their own knowledge and application of ideas. Find out how!