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    In-person Programme

    Architecture Taster Course

    by Reach Cambridge

    A five-hour architecture add-on in Cambridge combining design thinking, drawing, modelling and career exploration alongside a main summer course.

    Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Architecture Taster Course

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    Architecture Taster Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    Main summer course required

    Age range / Year group

    14-18

    Location / Region

    Cambridge, UK

    Cost

    £595 add-on

    Duration

    5 hours over two afternoons

    Format

    In-person taster course

    Latest deadline

    3 August 2026

    Get next-cycle reminder
    ArchitectureDesign

    Accommodation: Cambridge college residence

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of attendance

    Sessions / cadence: Two weekday afternoon classes

    Main output: Basic architectural designs

    Accreditation: BAC short-course provider

    Architecture Taster Course summary

    The Architecture Taster Course is an optional introduction to architectural thinking and design, taken alongside a main Reach Cambridge summer subject.

    Students examine how creativity, technical precision, usefulness and context shape buildings, then apply those ideas through drawing, modelling and basic design work.

    It suits students who want a compact test of architecture before committing to deeper study, while still participating in the wider residential summer experience.

    What is Architecture Taster Course?

    The Architecture Taster Course is an optional Reach Cambridge add-on that introduces architecture as both a theoretical and practical discipline. It sits alongside a student's main morning subject during the residential summer programme.

    Cambridge's historic and modern buildings provide context for exploring how architects balance beauty, usefulness, environment and technical demands. Students develop their own basic designs while practising drawing, modelling and visual communication.

    Why Succeed highlights Architecture Taster Course

    • It combines creative exploration with the technical precision involved in architectural design.

    • Students produce their own basic designs instead of only listening to introductory lectures.

    • The Cambridge setting gives students direct context for discussing historic and modern architecture.

    • The course introduces career directions including urban design, sustainability, conservation and interior design.

    • A certificate of attendance records participation in the taster.

    Who is Architecture Taster Course for?

    Best for

    Students curious about architecture who want a short, practical introduction to design thinking, drawing and modelling.

    Not ideal if

    You want a standalone architecture course, formal academic credit or to keep every afternoon free for the main programme's activities.

    Is Architecture Taster Course worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who wants to test architecture without replacing their main academic subject. The practical design work and career overview give the short course more substance than a purely observational introduction.

    The limitation is value for money: the taster adds £595 to an already paid residential programme and occupies two activity afternoons. Students already certain about architecture may gain more depth from a full subject course.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    £595 add-on; includes Five hours of architecture teaching, Required course materials, Relevant excursions outside the classroom.

    Accommodation

    Cambridge college residence

    Provider details

    Review the Reach Cambridge provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    5 hours over two afternoons; Cambridge, UK.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does Architecture Taster Course need?

    Effort level

    Moderate.

    Best started

    Begin the main application at least two to three weeks before the closing date.

    Main challenge

    Turning creative ideas into clear, workable designs.

    Typical preparation

    • Review a few buildings you admire and note what makes them useful or distinctive.

    • Practise sketching a simple room, façade or public space from observation.

    • Prepare to explain how a design responds to its users and environment.

    Useful if

    You enjoy drawing, design or analysing buildings.

    What do students do on Architecture Taster Course?

    Students explore how architects approach creative and technical problems, then use drawing, modelling and visual communication to develop basic designs.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Examine architecture as a practical and theoretical discipline.

    2. 2

      Discuss how context, climate, beauty and usefulness affect design.

    3. 3

      Explore how architects respond to creative and technical challenges.

    4. 4

      Create basic architectural designs through drawing and modelling.

    5. 5

      Consider career pathways across different areas of architecture.

    Architecture Taster Course dates and deadlines

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 14-18 as standard

    • Open to students of all nationalities

    • Main Reach Cambridge course booking required

    • Academic English ability; B2 recommended

    • Student personal statement required

    • Transcript may be requested

    How much does Architecture Taster Course cost?

    Architecture taster fee

    £595 — Optional add-on to a main course.

    Funding or discounts

    • Two taster courses: £995 — Published combined taster price.
    • Required summer programme: £6,295-£18,495 — Published 2026 fees for two to six weeks.
    • Scholarship route: Highly selective — Separate annual essay competition.

    What's included

    Five hours of architecture teaching, Required course materials, Relevant excursions outside the classroom

    How to apply to Architecture Taster Course

    1. 1

      Open the Reach Cambridge online application form.

    2. 2

      Choose a summer programme date and mandatory main academic course.

    3. 3

      Select Architecture from the optional taster-course choices.

    4. 4

      Submit the application and pay the deposit to confirm enrolment.

    5. 5

      Upload the student's 500-1,000-word personal statement within 30 days.

    6. 6

      Complete the remaining online-account information and payments.

    7. 7

      If already applied, email the provider to request the taster addition.

    What does Architecture Taster Course cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Architectural thinking

    Explore how architects balance creative expression with technical precision.

    Design and context

    Consider how climate, purpose and place influence successful buildings.

    Visual communication

    Develop architectural ideas through drawing, modelling and visual presentation.

    Architecture careers

    Explore pathways including urban design, sustainability and conservation.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Architecture Taster Course?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Main subject classes

    Students attend their mandatory academic subject before the taster.

    Taster classes

    Architecture teaching totals five hours across the two sessions.

    Who teaches on Architecture Taster Course?

    Reach Cambridge's wider academic team includes professors, researchers, postgraduates and practising professionals, many connected with leading institutions. Teachers have autonomy to shape courses around their subject expertise.

    Named Architecture Taster Course tutors are not listed.

    Where do students stay on Architecture Taster Course?

    Residential plan

    • College accommodation: Students stay in Cambridge University college accommodation.
    • Room setup: Same-sex single or twin rooms use shared bathrooms as standard.
    • Meals: Half board is provided, with breakfast only on excursion days.
    • Student welfare: Resident staff and dedicated welfare personnel provide 24-hour support.

    Single-room guarantees and ensuite upgrades are optional and subject to availability.

    What happens after Architecture Taster Course?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use basic designs as evidence of early architectural exploration.

    Build drawing, modelling and visual communication skills.

    Explore architecture careers before choosing further study.

    Receive a certificate of attendance with a course overview.

    Use curated further reading to continue learning after summer.

    The taster does not award formal academic credit or a qualification.

    Where does Architecture Taster Course take place?

    The course runs in Cambridge, where medieval university buildings sit alongside modern structures and provide a relevant setting for architectural study. Students on the associated programme live in centrally located Cambridge college accommodation.

    Reach Cambridge is independent of the University of Cambridge and hires college accommodation and facilities.

    Architecture Taster Course FAQs

    No. It must be added to a Reach Cambridge summer programme alongside a mandatory main academic subject.

    The course provides five hours of teaching across two weekday afternoons.

    You will explore architectural thinking, respond to design questions and create basic designs using drawing, modelling and visual communication.

    Yes. The £595 taster fee covers five hours of teaching, necessary materials and relevant excursions outside the classroom.

    Yes. Each taster occupies two afternoons that would otherwise include activities and free time.

    Yes. Students may add up to one taster per week, and the application advertises up to two tasters per two-week programme.

    Yes. Reach Cambridge provides a certificate of attendance for academic and taster courses, including a course overview and further reading.

    All teaching is in English. Students are advised to have English suitable for academic study, with an upper-intermediate or B2 level recommended.

    Alternatives to Architecture Taster Course

    Compare these architecture and design programmes if you want more teaching time, an online option or a broader engineering focus.

    Alternatives to Architecture Taster Course

    Architecture Summer Camp in Oxford
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    Architecture, design and history in Oxford

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    21 Jul 2026
    From £2695
    13-17
    D'Overbroeck's, Oxford
    In-person

    Best for

    Students wanting a fuller architecture-focused residential experience.

    View details
    Engineering Course in Cambridge
    Recently closed

    Engineering design and problem-solving in Cambridge

    Design
    21 Jul 2026
    From £3195
    15-17
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    In-person

    Best for

    Students more interested in technical systems than buildings.

    View details

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • FAQ - Reach Cambridge
    • Terms & Conditions (Updated 2026) - Reach Cambridge
    • Useful Info - Reach Cambridge
    • Summer Programs - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Reach Cambridge Program Overview – Summer 2026
    • Tasters - Reach Cambridge

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 3 Aug 2026)

    • Course description checked

    • Fee verified

    • Duration verified

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Programme dates reviewed

    • Accommodation details checked

    • Terms reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.