Cambridge University tries to soft soap elitist image

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — Cambridge University is trying to shake off its elitist image by courting the scriptwriters of Britain's favourite soap operas, a spokesman confirmed Tuesday.

The university's PR department has suggested appropriate plotlines to story editors at "EastEnders", which chronicles life in a modest east London square, and at Manchester-based "Coronation Street" in a bid to show the university in a more accessible light.

The aim is to encourage a broader, more socially diverse range of students to apply for the prestigious university ahead of its 800th anniversary next year.

"Cambridge's reputation is of being stuck in the past and we wanted to try and address these myths," a university spokesman told AFP.

"Not all young people read...