What are ‘Tasters’?
Reach Cambridge Taster courses, previously called ‘Add-Ons’, are just that: mini-courses that you Add On to your Reach Cambridge application! Taster courses are designed to supplement and augment your education during your time with us in Cambridge. You can choose to learn more about an already-existing passion, or perhaps venture into learning something completely new! You may also choose to broaden and hone your leadership or project management skills by joining our Community Outreach or Young Leaders Taster courses. Whatever you’re craving, Reach Cambridge Taster courses can offer you an enriching addition to your extra-curricular program.
What courses are available?
Community Outreach
Creative Writing
Cybersecurity & AI
History & Politics
Introduction to Architecture
Introduction to Coding
Introduction to Economics
Introduction to Engineering
Explore the fundamentals of problem-solving, innovation, and design that are at the heart of engineering. Ideal for those curious about how things work, this course highlights the exciting role of engineering in transforming the world around us.
Introduction to Law
Explore key legal principles, learn how the justice system operates, and dive into real-life case studies. Perfect for anyone who has a passion or curiosity for law or considering it as a future degree or career. This course will help you develop critical thinking and argumentation skills while giving you a glimpse into the role of law in society.
Introduction to Neuroscience
Delve into the study of the brain and its complexities, gaining insights into how it influences behaviour and thought. Perfect for those interested in the workings of the mind, this course will develop your understanding of one of the most dynamic areas of science today.
Introduction to Psychology
Philosophy & Ethics
Do you ever wonder about the big questions like what it means to be alive, or how to be good in a world as complicated as ours? Philosophers have been asking these questions for centuries and some of their suggestions may surprise you. This taster asks students to dig in deep and bring their thinking caps with them for sessions all about reality and our place in it. Based on lively, respectful debate and deep contemplation, this taster is perfect for anyone looking to challenge their assumptions and expand their mind.
Pre-Hospital & Emergency Medicine
Study Skills
Young Leaders
Pre-Hospital & Emergency Medicine (please note no students were harmed in the making of this Taster Course!!)
When will Tasters be held?
Taster courses are held during all Summer programs, both two-week and four-week programs. Taster courses consist of six hours of classes spread across weekday afternoons (after classes in the mornings). This means you can maximise your learning potential while still being able to enjoy the excursions, activities and other non-academic sides of the Reach Cambridge experience.
How much does a Taster course cost?
Most Taster courses cost £395, with the exception of Community Outreach (£150) and University Visits (£250). This covers six hours of teaching, plus excursions outside of the classroom (where relevant) and any materials you may need.
All our courses feature hands-on learning, from Robotics to Architecture and everything in between
Why should I do a Taster? Do I have to?
There is absolutely no obligation to add a Taster course onto your Reach Cambridge application. However, we would recommend doing at least one to make the most of the amazing teaching available through the Reach Cambridge program. Taster courses will also give you chance to interact with the city of Cambridge in a different way, as well as the opportunity to meet even more likeminded students from all over the world.
In addition, all courses will culminate in a certificate of participation, and some may constitute the basis of experience to put on your CV or resumé, to show that you have demonstrated an interest in your Taster subject and have started to pursue it with greater determination. For example, at the end of the Community Outreach course, you will be able to mention to schools and potential employers that you completed six hours of community outreach in the summer of your own volition. This is also great if you are passionate about something which your current school cannot offer. For example, if you dream of becoming a leading Robotics engineer but your school offers nothing of the kind, by taking Introduction to Robotics, you will be able to show you are committed to learning about this subject and have made steps to take this curiosity to the next level.
Extra-curricular courses show potential future employers and higher education that you have tenacity, curiosity and are unafraid to try new things; that you are committed to self-improvement and broadening your knowledge and skillset. Who doesn’t want to give that impression?!
Plus – they’re all guaranteed to be lots of fun!
Can I do more than one Taster?
Yes you can! Add up to one taster per week of summer program… that means up to four taster courses if you’re doing a four-week course (i.e. 24 hours of extra knowledge – a full day’s worth! – all without missing out on class or other fun activities). You can choose a different taster every week to make the most of your time at Reach and explore all of the areas that you are interested in.
Can I do Tasters instead of Courses?
Tasters are designed to be added on to your Reach Cambridge application, meaning that you must choose at least one subject to study as your ‘Major’, as it were. These will make up your morning classes. Reach Cambridge offers a wide variety of subjects, and you can choose a Taster which complements your main course or which goes in a completely different direction – the choice is yours!
How do I add a Taster course to my Reach Cambridge application?
You can add a Taster course on at the initial stage of submitting an application. If you’ve already submitted an application, simply email info@reachcambridge.com and we can make the necessary changes to your online account.
Music composition is more fun with friends!
