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    In-person Programme

    Economics Taster Course

    by Reach Cambridge

    An introductory economics add-on exploring money, banks, markets and global economic change through accessible, real-world questions.

    Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
    Economics Taster Course

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

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    Main programme enrolment required

    Age range / Year group

    14-18

    Location / Region

    Cambridge, UK

    Cost

    £595; two for £995

    Duration

    5 hours

    Format

    In-person add-on

    Latest deadline

    3 August 2026

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Business & Economics

    Language: English

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of attendance

    Sessions / cadence: Two weekday afternoons

    Tutors / faculty: Academics and subject specialists

    Accreditation: BAC-accredited provider

    Economics Taster Course summary

    An introductory add-on that uses questions about money, banks, markets and economic power to make foundational economics accessible.

    It runs alongside a main Reach Cambridge academic course, with classes placed in the afternoon programme.

    It suits students curious about economics who want to test the subject before choosing it for deeper study.

    What is Economics Taster Course?

    The Economics Taster Course is an introductory academic add-on delivered by Reach Cambridge alongside its main summer programmes. It explores foundational principles through questions about money, banking, markets and the forces that shape global economies.

    Students attend focused afternoon classes after their morning subject course. The experience is designed for beginners and gives students a compact way to test their interest in economics without replacing their main academic programme.

    Why Succeed highlights Economics Taster Course

    • It provides a beginner-friendly introduction with no previous economics knowledge required.

    • The course connects foundational ideas to practical questions about money, banks and markets.

    • Its compact structure lets students explore economics without changing their main summer subject.

    • The fee includes teaching, relevant excursions and required materials.

    • Students receive a certificate covering their taster-course participation.

    Who is Economics Taster Course for?

    Best for

    Students who want a low-commitment introduction to economics while studying another main subject.

    Not ideal if

    You want a standalone course, formal credit or to keep every afternoon free for activities.

    Is Economics Taster Course worth it?

    The taster is a useful choice for students who are genuinely undecided about economics or want to connect current affairs with foundational economic thinking. Its beginner-friendly approach makes it accessible without prior study.

    The limitation is that five hours can only provide an introduction, not the depth of a full economics course. It also adds a separate fee and replaces two afternoons of activities, so students should weigh academic curiosity against time and overall programme cost.

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

    Cost and what is included

    £595; two for £995; includes Five hours of economics teaching, Relevant excursions outside the classroom, Required course materials, Certificate of attendance.

    Provider details

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

    Dates and logistics

    5 hours; 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 Economics Taster Course need?

    Effort level

    Low to moderate.

    Best started

    Begin the main application three to four weeks before the 3 August deadline.

    Main challenge

    Fitting two afternoon classes around the wider activity programme.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose the main summer subject you want to study in the mornings.

    • Prepare a 500-1,000-word personal statement explaining your motivation and academic interests.

    • Review introductory news about money, banking or markets to identify questions you would like to explore.

    • Decide whether losing two activity afternoons is worthwhile for your goals.

    Useful if

    You want to test economics before committing to deeper study.

    What do students do on Economics Taster Course?

    Students explore foundational economics through engaging questions about money, banks, markets and changing global economic power. Classes are scheduled alongside the main summer academic programme.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Attend your chosen main academic course in the mornings.

    2. 2

      Join economics classes across two weekday afternoons.

    3. 3

      Examine how money, banks and markets operate.

    4. 4

      Discuss the forces shaping national and global economic trends.

    5. 5

      Complete the taster and receive a certificate of attendance.

    Economics Taster Course dates and deadlines

    Application deadline

    3 August 2026

    The current application round closes on this date.

    Reference date
    Get next-cycle reminder

    Summer programme 2

    19 July-1 August 2026

    Tasters run during the main summer programme.

    Reference date
    Get next-cycle reminder

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Enrol in a main Reach Cambridge academic course.

    • Be aged 14-18 as standard.

    • Students of all nationalities may apply.

    • Use English confidently for academic learning.

    • Submit a student-written personal statement.

    • Provide a school transcript if requested.

    • No previous economics knowledge is required.

    How much does Economics Taster Course cost?

    Economics taster

    £595 — One five-hour taster course.

    Funding or discounts

    • Two tasters: £995 — Combined price for two taster choices.
    • Refer a friend: £100 discount — Available under the provider's referral terms.
    • Sibling discount: £300 discount — Available for eligible sibling bookings.

    What's included

    Five hours of economics teaching, Relevant excursions outside the classroom, Required course materials, Certificate of attendance

    How to apply to Economics Taster Course

    1. 1

      Choose a Reach Cambridge summer programme and mandatory main academic course.

    2. 2

      Complete the online application with parent and student information.

    3. 3

      Select Economics from the optional taster-course list.

    4. 4

      Pay the deposit to confirm enrolment, subject to availability.

    5. 5

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

    6. 6

      Complete the remaining online-account sections and provide any requested transcript.

    7. 7

      If already enrolled, email Reach Cambridge to add the taster.

    What does Economics Taster Course cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Foundations of economics

    Explore the principles used to understand economic choices and systems.

    Money and banking

    Consider what money is and how banks operate.

    Markets

    Develop critical thinking about how markets shape economic activity.

    Global economic change

    Examine trends that influence the world's financial future.

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

    What is a typical day on Economics Taster Course?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Morning course

    Students attend their mandatory main academic subject classes.

    Taster classes

    Five hours of economics teaching are spread across weekday afternoons.

    Evening programme

    Students rejoin lectures, activities and the residential schedule.

    Who teaches on Economics Taster Course?

    Reach Cambridge's teaching body includes professors, researchers, postgraduates and practising professionals, many connected with high-level institutions in Cambridge, Oxford or London. Teachers have autonomy to shape courses around their subject expertise.

    Economics-specific tutor names are not published.

    Where do students stay on Economics Taster Course?

    Residential plan

    • College accommodation: Students stay in Cambridge University college accommodation.
    • Room setup: Standard rooms are same-sex single or twin rooms with shared bathrooms.
    • Meals: Half board is provided, with breakfast only on excursion days.
    • Pastoral support: Supervisors live onsite and staff support is available 24 hours.
    • Activities and excursions: The main programme includes supervised activities and cultural excursions.

    Accommodation and meals belong to the required main summer programme, not the separate taster fee.

    What happens after Economics Taster Course?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use the experience to decide whether economics merits deeper study.

    Build foundational understanding of money, banks and markets.

    Develop critical thinking about global economic trends.

    Receive a certificate documenting taster-course attendance.

    Use the course overview and further reading to continue learning.

    The taster does not award formal academic credit.

    Where does Economics Taster Course take place?

    The taster runs in Cambridge alongside Reach Cambridge's residential summer programmes. Students live and study in central Cambridge college settings while joining the wider programme of classes, activities and excursions.

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

    Economics Taster Course FAQs

    No. It is an optional add-on to a Reach Cambridge summer programme, so students must also choose a main academic subject.

    No previous knowledge is required. The course introduces foundational principles through accessible questions about money, banks, markets and global economic trends.

    The taster includes five hours of teaching spread across two weekday afternoons.

    Yes. Students may add up to two tasters per two-week programme, with longer programmes allowing further weekly choices.

    The published fee covers five hours of teaching, relevant excursions outside the classroom and required materials.

    Yes. Each taster requires students to miss two afternoons of activities and free time.

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

    Students can select it during the initial application. Those who have already applied can contact Reach Cambridge to request the change to their online account.

    Alternatives to Economics Taster Course

    Compare these economics-focused programmes if you want a longer or more intensive academic experience.

    Alternatives to Economics Taster Course

    Academic Insights – Economics
    Closing soon

    Residential economics programme with greater academic depth.

    Business & Economics
    1 Aug 2026
    From £4495
    13-18
    Boston
    In-person

    Best for

    Students ready to make economics their main summer subject.

    View details

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, programme quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Terms & Conditions (Updated 2026) - Reach Cambridge
    • FAQ - Reach Cambridge
    • Useful Info - Reach Cambridge
    • Summer Programs - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Reach Cambridge Summer 2026 Brochure
    • 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

    • Current fee checked

    • Schedule reviewed

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Accommodation details reviewed

    • Safeguarding information 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.