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    In-person Programme

    Biotechnology

    by Reach Cambridge

    A residential Cambridge biotechnology summer course combining expert-led lectures, practical sessions and a research project focused on real-world scientific applications.

    Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Biotechnology

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    Cambridge Biotechnology Programme at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    Personal statement required

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Cambridge, England

    Cost

    £6,295; £12,395; £18,495

    Duration

    2, 4 or 6 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Latest deadline

    3 August 2026

    Get next-cycle reminder
    BiologyResearch MethodsTechnology

    Accommodation: Cambridge college residence

    Meals: Half board

    Outcome: Research project and certificate

    Tuition: 20 hours per week

    Accreditation: BAC short-course provider

    Cambridge Biotechnology Programme summary

    A residential academic course exploring biotechnology's role in food, disease treatment and medicine development.

    Students study genetics, drug resistance, pharmaceutical science, biotechnology devices and drug design through lectures and practical sessions.

    The course suits students considering biological science, biotechnology or related university pathways who want structured academic challenge and a final research project.

    What is Biotechnology?

    The Biotechnology programme is a Reach Cambridge residential summer course exploring the academic foundations and real-world applications of a fast-developing scientific field. It examines how biotechnology affects food production, disease treatment and medicine development.

    Students learn through expert lectures, small classes and practical sessions in a university-style environment. Course topics include genetics, drug resistance, pharmaceutical science, biotechnological devices and drug design, culminating in a research project based on a real-world challenge.

    Why Succeed highlights Cambridge Biotechnology Programme

    • The course connects molecular science with practical questions in healthcare, food production and medicine development.

    • Expert lectures are paired with hands-on sessions, giving students more than classroom-only exposure.

    • A final research project asks students to apply their learning to a real-world challenge.

    • The residential structure combines substantial academic tuition with Cambridge activities, lectures and UK excursions.

    • Reach Cambridge is accredited as a short-course provider by the British Accreditation Council.

    Who is Cambridge Biotechnology Programme for?

    Best for

    Students interested in biology, medicines or biotechnology who want practical learning and a university-style residential experience.

    Not ideal if

    You want a low-cost day course, a formal qualification or a programme focused entirely on laboratory work.

    Is Cambridge Biotechnology Programme worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who wants to test biotechnology before committing to further study. The mix of lectures, practical sessions and a research project offers useful academic depth, while residential life provides experience of independence and an international learning community.

    The main limitation is price: fees begin at £6,295, and travel plus some meals remain additional costs. The certificate is evidence of attendance rather than a formal qualification, so the strongest value comes from the learning, project and informed subject choice.

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

    Cost and what is included

    £6,295; £12,395; £18,495; includes Cambridge University college accommodation, 20 hours of academic tuition per week, Guest lectures and practical workshops, Half board, with breakfast only on excursion days, Afternoon and evening activities, Two coach excursions per two-week period, 24-hour onsite supervision, Course certificate and report, International student travel insurance for eligible individuals.

    Accommodation

    Cambridge college residence

    Meals

    Half board

    Provider details

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

    Dates and logistics

    2, 4 or 6 weeks; Cambridge, England.

    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 Cambridge Biotechnology Programme need?

    Effort level

    High academic and residential commitment.

    Best started

    Begin at least four weeks before applying to prepare the personal statement and plan travel, funding and visa requirements.

    Main challenge

    Moving between complex science, practical application and independent project work.

    Typical preparation

    • Review the biotechnology topics and identify the applications that interest you most.

    • Draft the personal statement in your own words, explaining your motivation and academic goals.

    • Plan travel documents, spending money and any dietary or accessibility arrangements early.

    • Bring a laptop or tablet if possible for notes, research and presentations.

    Useful if

    You already enjoy biology or chemistry and can study in academic English.

    What do students do on Cambridge Biotechnology Programme?

    Students combine subject teaching with practical exploration and research, then take part in the wider residential programme of lectures, activities and excursions.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore how biology, chemistry and technology combine in biotechnology.

    2. 2

      Study genetics, drug resistance, pharmaceutical science, devices and drug design.

    3. 3

      Take part in expert-led lectures and hands-on practical sessions.

    4. 4

      Discuss biotechnology's effects on society, healthcare and the environment.

    5. 5

      Complete a research project addressing a real-world challenge.

    6. 6

      Join afternoon activities, evening lectures and supervised excursions.

    Cambridge Biotechnology Programme dates and deadlines

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Students aged 14-18 in the programme year.

    • Open to students of all nationalities.

    • Academic English required; B2 is recommended.

    • Student-written personal statement required.

    • School transcript may be requested.

    • English-language test may be requested.

    How much does Cambridge Biotechnology Programme cost?

    Two-week programme

    £6,295 — Main residential programme fee.

    Funding or discounts

    • Four-week programme: £12,395 — Combined programme option.
    • Six-week programme: £18,495 — Combined programme option.
    • Deposit: £500 per two weeks — Payable with the application and separate from tuition.
    • Refer a friend: £100 discount — Published terms and referral code requirements apply.
    • Sibling discount: £300 discount — Available under the published sibling terms.
    • Scholarship route: Essay competition — Highly selective support for academically excellent students in financial need.

    What's included

    Cambridge University college accommodation, 20 hours of academic tuition per week, Guest lectures and practical workshops, Half board, with breakfast only on excursion days, Afternoon and evening activities, Two coach excursions per two-week period, 24-hour onsite supervision, Course certificate and report, International student travel insurance for eligible individuals

    How to apply to Cambridge Biotechnology Programme

    1. 1

      Choose the programme dates and select Biotechnology on the official application form.

    2. 2

      Complete the online parent and student information.

    3. 3

      Pay the required deposit to confirm enrolment, subject to completing all requirements.

    4. 4

      Upload a 500-1000-word student-written personal statement within 30 days.

    5. 5

      Complete the remaining online-account sections and pay the balance.

    6. 6

      Provide a school transcript or English-language test if requested.

    What does Cambridge Biotechnology Programme cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Genetics and resistance

    Explore genetics and the scientific problem of drug resistance.

    Pharmaceutical science

    Examine how biotechnology contributes to medicines and disease treatment.

    Devices and drug design

    Study biotechnological devices and approaches to designing drugs.

    Practical biotechnology

    Build practical understanding through hands-on scientific sessions.

    Research project

    Apply course knowledge to a self-directed real-world challenge.

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

    What is a typical day on Cambridge Biotechnology Programme?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Academic tuition

    Subject classes normally run from 9am to 1pm.

    Activities and tasters

    Students join supervised activities or optional taster courses.

    Lectures and socials

    Dinner is followed by a guest lecture and organised activities.

    Excursion days

    Supervised UK excursions replace the usual weekday pattern.

    Who teaches on Cambridge Biotechnology Programme?

    Teaching is delivered by subject specialists, including professors, researchers, postgraduates and practising professionals. Many teachers work or study at leading institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford or London universities.

    Classes are generally kept small so teachers can tailor support to students' age, background and experience.

    Where do students stay on Cambridge Biotechnology Programme?

    Residential plan

    • College accommodation: Students live in a Cambridge University college in the city centre.
    • Room arrangement: Same-sex single or twin rooms are grouped by similar age.
    • Meals: Half board is included, with breakfast only on excursion days.
    • Pastoral support: Resident supervisors and dedicated welfare staff provide 24-hour support.
    • Campus life: Afternoon activities, evening events and lectures complement academic study.
    • Excursions: Each two-week period includes two supervised coach excursions.

    Standard rooms may be single or twin with shared bathrooms; guaranteed single and ensuite options cost extra and depend on availability.

    What happens after Cambridge Biotechnology Programme?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use the research project to demonstrate sustained biotechnology interest.

    Receive a certificate of attendance with a course overview.

    Use the course report and reading list to continue independent study.

    Compare biotechnology, biological science and pharmaceutical pathways.

    Reflect on university-style study before choosing future subjects.

    The programme does not itself award academic credit or a formal qualification.

    Where does Cambridge Biotechnology Programme take place?

    Students live and study in central Cambridge, using college accommodation and university-style teaching spaces such as lecture halls or laboratories. The compact city provides access to historic colleges, museums, the River Cam and supervised free time in the city centre.

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

    Cambridge Biotechnology Programme FAQs

    Students explore genetics, drug resistance, pharmaceutical science, biotechnological devices and drug design. The course also considers biotechnology's effects on food, healthcare, society and the environment.

    Yes. Expert-led lectures are combined with hands-on practical sessions, and students complete a research project based on a real-world challenge.

    The residential summer programme includes 20 hours of academic tuition per week, plus guest lectures and practical workshops.

    Students stay in Cambridge University college accommodation. Standard provision is a same-sex single or twin room with shared bathroom facilities; paid single-room and ensuite options may be available.

    Half board is included, generally breakfast and dinner. On excursion days, only breakfast is provided, so families should budget for other meals.

    Teaching staff include subject specialists such as professors, researchers, postgraduates and practising professionals. Many work or study at leading universities.

    Students receive a certificate of attendance and course report, but the course does not award formal academic credit or a Cambridge University qualification.

    Yes. The programme is open to students from all nationalities. Families are responsible for visas or ETAs, and the provider can supply eligible visa applicants with a supporting letter.

    Alternatives to Cambridge Biotechnology Programme

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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

    • Summer Programs - Reach Cambridge
    • FAQ - Reach Cambridge
    • Terms & Conditions (Updated 2026) - Reach Cambridge
    • Useful Info - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Reach Cambridge Summer 2026 Brochure
    • Reach Cambridge Program Overview - Summer 2026
    • Biotechnology Courses - 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 identity checked

    • Curriculum reviewed

    • Dates cross-checked

    • Fees verified

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Accommodation reviewed

    • Safeguarding information checked

    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.