Imagine you’re inspiring the next generation of students to study your subject at university. Now bottle that enthusiasm and distil it into a winning formula…

Students with a passion for their subject can win £3,000 by entering the annual UCAS/The Times Love Learning competition.

Today’s undergraduates must explain why their subject has captured their heart and mind – and why others should follow them into higher education.

Students can write a 500 word essay or, new for this year, create a 30 second video clip. But the challenge is the same in both categories – inspire the next generation armed with the knowledge of what higher level learning is really about.

Mary Curnock Cook, Chief Executive of UCAS said: “Higher education is about much more than three years’ study to gain a qualification. It’s a journey of personal discovery, a peeling of the onion that reveals layers of talent, confidence and the sheer exuberance that comes with engagement in learning.

“The video category brings a new dimension to the competition and I know that we’ll receive some very creative pieces showing the next generation how university broadens the mind, and is more than just a smart career move.”

Two winners (one essay writer and one video producer) will each receive £3,000 plus have the opportunity to spend a day at The Times offices in London. Three runners up in each category will each win £1,000.

The competition is open now, and closes at midnight on 30 June 2014.

The Love Learning competition is launching during Universities Week 2014 which runs from 9 -15 June 2014, Universities across the UK are inviting everyone to be inspired, get involved and discover the work that they are doing to improve the way we live our lives.

More information can be found at www.ucas.com/lovelearning and on The Times website.