In-person Programme

    Engineering

    by Reach Cambridge

    A residential Cambridge summer programme combining engineering theory with practical design projects, workshops and university-style learning.

    Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Engineering
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    Cambridge Engineering Programme at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    International students

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Cambridge, England

    Cost

    From £6,295

    Duration

    2, 4 or 6 weeks

    Format

    Residential, in-person

    Latest deadline

    3 August 2026

    Get next-cycle reminder
    EngineeringDesignScience

    Accommodation: Cambridge college residence

    Meals: Half board

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate and course report

    Tuition: 20 hours per week

    Accreditation: BAC short-course provider

    Cambridge Engineering Programme summary

    A residential engineering summer course that combines core theory with hands-on design, construction and electronics challenges.

    Students study mechanics, thermodynamics, materials and emerging technologies while experiencing university-style classes, lectures, activities and excursions.

    It suits curious students who want to test engineering before university and enjoy practical, collaborative learning.

    What is Engineering?

    Engineering is a residential academic summer programme delivered by Reach Cambridge. It introduces mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, aerodynamics and fluid mechanics through university-style teaching.

    Students connect theory with practice through design projects and challenges such as bridge building and electronic circuits. The broader residential experience adds guest lectures, workshops, activities, excursions and supervised college living.

    Why Succeed highlights Cambridge Engineering Programme

    • Theory is reinforced through practical design projects and real-world engineering challenges.

    • The curriculum spans foundational mechanics, materials and thermodynamics alongside robotics, sustainability and renewable energy.

    • Twenty hours of weekly tuition gives the academic strand meaningful depth.

    • Cambridge college living, lectures, activities and excursions create a rounded residential experience.

    • BAC accreditation provides independent quality assurance for the provider.

    Who is Cambridge Engineering Programme for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy understanding how systems work and want practical exposure to engineering before choosing a degree.

    Not ideal if

    You want a low-cost day course, formal academic credit or a programme focused entirely on independent project work.

    Is Cambridge Engineering Programme worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who wants a structured test of engineering alongside practical projects and a full residential experience. The combination of technical study, teamwork and university-style living offers more than classroom tuition alone.

    The limitation is value for money: the fee is high, and the standard course does not award formal credit. Families should judge the academic fit, residential benefits and included support against less expensive local or online options.

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

    Cost and what is included

    From £6,295; includes Cambridge University college accommodation, 20 hours of academic tuition per week, Guest lectures and practical workshops, Two meals daily, with breakfast only on excursions, Afternoon and evening activities, Two coach excursions per two-week period, Graduation celebration, certificate and course report, International student travel insurance for individual bookings.

    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 Engineering Programme need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high academic and residential commitment.

    Best started

    Begin at least four weeks before applying, or immediately for the current closing round.

    Main challenge

    Balancing technical classes with a busy residential timetable.

    Typical preparation

    • Review the engineering topics and note which areas interest you most.

    • Draft the student-written personal statement and connect it to academic goals.

    • Check passport, visa or ETA requirements early if travelling internationally.

    • Plan for meals, travel and optional costs not covered by the programme fee.

    Useful if

    You are ready to explain your engineering motivation in a personal statement.

    What do students do on Cambridge Engineering Programme?

    Students study engineering principles in morning classes and apply them through practical projects, workshops and group challenges. The rest of the programme combines lectures, activities, excursions and supervised residential life.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore mechanics, thermodynamics, materials and structural concepts.

    2. 2

      Investigate force, pressure, stress, aerodynamics and fluid mechanics.

    3. 3

      Design and build responses to practical engineering problems.

    4. 4

      Complete challenges involving structures and electronic circuits.

    5. 5

      Discuss sustainable engineering, robotics and renewable energy.

    6. 6

      Join guest lectures, workshops, activities and UK excursions.

    Cambridge Engineering Programme dates and deadlines

    Second two weeks

    19 July-1 August 2026

    Two-week programme in progress at review.

    Reference date
    Get next-cycle reminder

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 14-18 during the programme year

    • Open to students of all nationalities

    • Upper-intermediate or B2 English recommended

    • Student must write the personal statement

    • Academic transcript may be requested

    • Admission subject to eligibility and availability

    How much does Cambridge Engineering Programme cost?

    Two-week programme

    £6,295 — Standard 2026 programme fee.

    Funding or discounts

    • Four-week programme: £12,395 — Standard 2026 programme fee.
    • Six-week programme: £18,495 — Standard 2026 programme fee.
    • Application deposit: £500 per two weeks — Payable with the application; separate from tuition.
    • Refer a friend: £100 discount — Conditions apply.
    • Sibling discount: £300 discount — Conditions apply.
    • Scholarship: Essay competition — A very small number of awards are offered.

    What's included

    Cambridge University college accommodation, 20 hours of academic tuition per week, Guest lectures and practical workshops, Two meals daily, with breakfast only on excursions, Afternoon and evening activities, Two coach excursions per two-week period, Graduation celebration, certificate and course report, International student travel insurance for individual bookings

    How to apply to Cambridge Engineering Programme

    1. 1

      Complete the official online application form.

    2. 2

      Pay the required deposit to confirm enrolment.

    3. 3

      Create and complete the student online account.

    4. 4

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

    5. 5

      Provide a school transcript or English test if requested.

    6. 6

      Complete all remaining information and payments by the stated account deadlines.

    What does Cambridge Engineering Programme cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Core engineering principles

    Study mechanics, thermodynamics and materials science fundamentals.

    Structures and forces

    Examine force, pressure, strength, stress and structural behaviour.

    Design projects

    Design and build practical responses to real-world problems.

    Aerodynamics and fluids

    Explore aerodynamics and fluid mechanics through applied engineering.

    Emerging technologies

    Consider sustainable engineering, robotics and renewable energy.

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

    What is a typical day on Cambridge Engineering Programme?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Academic tuition

    Morning classes and workshops focus on the chosen subject.

    Activities or tasters

    Students join organised activities or optional taster courses.

    Lectures and socials

    Guest lectures are followed by supervised social activities.

    Excursion days

    Supervised cultural trips replace the usual weekday pattern.

    Who teaches on Cambridge Engineering Programme?

    Teaching staff include professors, researchers, postgraduates and subject specialists, many working or studying at leading institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford or London universities. Practising professionals also contribute expertise and career insight.

    Classes are generally kept small to support participation and tailored teaching.

    Where do students stay on Cambridge Engineering Programme?

    Residential plan

    • College accommodation: Students live on-site in a Cambridge University college.
    • Room arrangements: Same-sex single or twin rooms are grouped by similar age.
    • Meals: Half board is provided, with breakfast only on excursion days.
    • Pastoral support: Resident supervisors and welfare staff provide 24-hour support.
    • Campus life: Students use college dining, teaching and common spaces.
    • Activities and trips: Afternoon events, evening socials and coach excursions are included.

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

    What happens after Cambridge Engineering Programme?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use the experience to test interest in an engineering degree.

    Build practical examples for future academic reflection.

    Develop transferable problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills.

    Receive a certificate of attendance and course report.

    Continue learning through the suggested academic reading list.

    The standard course does not award formal credit or guarantee university admission.

    Where does Cambridge Engineering Programme take place?

    Students live and study in central Cambridge, using University of Cambridge college accommodation and, for some sessions, authentic lecture halls or laboratories. The programme also uses the city for supervised free time and activities, with excursions to other UK destinations.

    Reach Cambridge is an independent provider and is not part of the University of Cambridge.

    Cambridge Engineering Programme FAQs

    Students explore mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, force, pressure, stress, aerodynamics and fluid mechanics, with additional exposure to sustainable engineering, robotics and renewable energy.

    It combines both. Students receive a theoretical foundation and apply it through design projects and challenges, including bridge building and electronic circuits.

    The programme includes 20 hours of academic tuition per week, normally with subject classes from 9am to 1pm.

    Students live in Cambridge University college accommodation. Standard arrangements are same-sex single or twin rooms with shared bathrooms.

    Half board is included, normally breakfast plus lunch or dinner. On excursion days, breakfast is provided and students arrange the other meals.

    Teachers include professors, researchers, postgraduates and specialists, many associated with leading UK academic institutions. Practising professionals may also contribute.

    The standard course does not award formal credit or a qualification. Students receive a certificate of attendance and course report.

    Teaching is in English, and the provider recommends upper-intermediate or B2 ability so students can follow academic language and participate fully.

    Alternatives to Cambridge Engineering Programme

    Compare these engineering and technology programmes by location, age range, course emphasis and total residential cost.

    Alternatives to Cambridge Engineering Programme

    University-style engineering study in Cambridge

    Engineering
    2 Aug 2026
    From £4495
    13-18
    Cambridge
    In-person

    Best for

    Students seeking another Cambridge-based engineering programme.

    View details

    Engineering, design and problem-solving in Cambridge

    Engineering
    21 Jul 2026
    From £3195
    15-17
    St Catharine's College, Cambridge, UK
    In-person

    Best for

    Older teens wanting a focused Cambridge preparation course.

    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.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • International Student Travel Insurance - 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
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Reach Cambridge Programme Overview – Summer 2026
    • Reach Cambridge Summer 2026 Brochure
    • Engineering 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 content checked

    • Dates and fees checked

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Accommodation details reviewed

    • Safeguarding information checked

    • Terms and policies 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.