What are ‘Tasters’?
Reach Cambridge Taster courses are designed to supplement and augment your education during your time with us in Cambridge. Taster courses allow you to try a ‘taste’ of another academic subject that will sit alongside your main academic course. We also have tasters that can 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 Reach experience!
When will Tasters be held?
Taster courses are held during all Summer programs. Taster courses consist of five hours of classes spread across weekday afternoons (after subject 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. Please note, each taster course involves missing two afternoons of activities and free time.
How much does a Taster course cost?
Most Taster courses cost £395. This covers five hours of teaching, plus excursions outside of the classroom (where relevant) and any materials you may need.
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 five 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 the summer program… that means up to four taster courses if you’re doing a four-week course (i.e. 20 hours of extra knowledge – a full day’s worth!) and six taster courses if you’re taking a six-week course. 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. Please note, each taster course involves missing two afternoons of activities and free time.
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.
What courses are available?
Community Outreach
Creative Writing
Cybersecurity & AI
History & Politics
Introduction to Architecture
Introduction to Coding
Introduction to Economics
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Robotics
Fancy becoming the next Elon Musk? Start with our Introduction to Robotics taster where you will learn the basics of electronic circuits by building them with your own hands. You will design and construct your own device, and emerge with knowledge and skills needed to begin your journey towards building your own self-driving car!
Music Composition
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
Let your curiosity run free! What will you choose?
Click here to choose your program and make your application today!