Programme two
19 July-1 August 2026
Taster afternoons fall within the selected main programme.
In-person Programme
Engineering Taster Course
A five-hour engineering introduction exploring problem-solving, innovation and design through afternoon classes alongside a main summer course in Cambridge.
Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
In-person Programme
Engineering Taster Course
A five-hour engineering introduction exploring problem-solving, innovation and design through afternoon classes alongside a main summer course in Cambridge.
Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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Engineering Taster Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Recently closed
Eligibility
Main course required
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Cambridge, UK
Cost
£595
Duration
5 hours
Format
In-person taster
Engineering
Accommodation: University college residence
Meals: Half board
Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of attendance
Sessions / cadence: Two weekday afternoons
Accreditation: BAC short-course provider
Engineering Taster Course summary
A compact introduction to engineering problem-solving, innovation and design, taken alongside a main Reach Cambridge academic course.
Five hours of teaching are spread over two weekday afternoons, giving students a focused way to test their interest without replacing their main subject.
It suits curious students who want to understand how creativity and technical thinking combine to solve real-world problems.
What is Engineering Taster Course?
The Engineering Taster Course is a short Reach Cambridge add-on that introduces the problem-solving, innovation and design at the heart of engineering. It runs during the provider's residential summer programmes in Cambridge and sits alongside a student's main morning subject.
Across two weekday afternoons, students explore how engineering combines creativity with technical thinking to address real-world problems. The format offers a concentrated subject test while preserving most of the wider activities, excursions and social programme.
Why Succeed highlights Engineering Taster Course
It gives students a focused way to test engineering before committing to deeper study.
The course connects creative design with technical problem-solving rather than presenting engineering as calculation alone.
Its five-hour format is compact enough to complement a different main academic subject.
Students receive a certificate of attendance with a course overview and further reading.
The provider is accredited by the British Accreditation Council as a short-course provider.
Who is Engineering Taster Course for?
Best for
Students curious about how engineering uses creativity, technical thinking and design to solve practical problems.
Not ideal if
You want a standalone engineering course or do not want to miss two afternoons of the wider activity programme.
Is Engineering Taster Course worth it?
It can be worthwhile for a student who wants a low-commitment test of engineering alongside another main subject. The compact format gives a structured introduction to engineering thinking and a clear basis for deciding whether to pursue the subject further.
The limitation is depth: five hours cannot match a full engineering course, and participation requires booking the broader residential programme. Students should also weigh the extra fee and the loss of two afternoons of activities against how strongly they want to explore engineering.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
£595; includes Five hours of engineering teaching, Relevant classroom excursions where applicable, Required course materials, Certificate of attendance.
Accommodation
University college residence
Meals
Half board
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 programmesHow much preparation does Engineering Taster Course need?
Effort level
Low to moderate.
Best started
Begin the application and personal statement at least two to three weeks before 3 August.
Main challenge
Switching from the main morning subject into concentrated engineering sessions.
Typical preparation
Choose a main summer course before adding the taster.
Draft the required personal statement in the student's own words.
Review the two-afternoon commitment against planned activities.
Bring a laptop or tablet if advised in pre-arrival information.
Useful if
You want to test engineering without making it your main course.
What do students do on Engineering Taster Course?
Students explore the fundamentals of engineering through classes focused on problem-solving, innovation and design. The course examines how creative and technical skills work together to address real-world challenges.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Attend five hours of classes across two weekday afternoons.
- 2
Explore how engineers approach real-world problems.
- 3
Examine the relationship between creativity and technical skills.
- 4
Develop an understanding of innovation and design principles.
- 5
Consider how engineering can help shape a better future.
Engineering Taster Course dates and deadlines
Reference date
Programme three
2-15 August 2026
The next published main programme offering Engineering.
Application deadline
3 August 2026
Current application round; places are limited.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Programme two | 19 July-1 August 2026 | Local | Reference date | Get next-cycle reminder |
Programme three | 2-15 August 2026 | Local | Reference date | Get next-cycle reminder |
Application deadline | 3 August 2026 | Local | Reference date | Get next-cycle reminder |
Eligibility and requirements
Ages 14-18 as standard
Students of all nationalities
Main academic course must also be chosen
Personal statement required
Academic English recommended at B2 level
Transcript may be requested
How much does Engineering Taster Course cost?
Engineering Taster fee
£595 — Covers teaching, relevant excursions and materials.
Funding or discounts
- Two-taster bundle: £995 — Optional price for two taster courses.
- Refer-a-friend discount: £100 each — Requires the referral code during application.
- Sibling discount: £300 — Applies under the provider's published conditions.
What's included
Five hours of engineering teaching, Relevant classroom excursions where applicable, Required course materials, Certificate of attendance
How to apply to Engineering Taster Course
- 1
Complete the official online application form with parent and student details.
- 2
Choose summer dates and a mandatory main academic course.
- 3
Select Engineering from the optional taster-course list.
- 4
Pay the deposit to confirm enrolment, subject to availability.
- 5
Upload a 500-1,000-word student-written personal statement within 30 days.
- 6
Complete the remaining online-account sections and payments by their stated deadlines.
What does Engineering Taster Course cover?
The programme covers the following focus areas.
Engineering problem-solving
Explore how engineers frame and address real-world challenges.
Innovation
Consider how new ideas can transform the world around us.
Design principles
Examine the relationship between creative design and technical knowledge.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Engineering Taster Course?
A typical day during the programme.
Main subject classes
Students attend their mandatory academic course before the taster.
Engineering Taster
Five teaching hours are spread across weekday afternoons.
Lecture and activities
The wider programme continues with a lecture and organised activities.
Who teaches on Engineering Taster Course?
Reach Cambridge courses are taught by specialists who may include academics, lecturers, researchers, postgraduate students and practising professionals. Many work or study at institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford or London universities.
The provider does not name the Engineering Taster teacher on the programme page.
Where do students stay on Engineering Taster Course?
Residential plan
- College accommodation: Students stay in Cambridge University college accommodation.
- Room setup: Single or twin same-sex rooms have shared bathrooms as standard.
- Meals: Half board is provided, with breakfast only on excursion days.
- Pastoral support: Resident supervisors and welfare staff provide 24-hour onsite support.
- Activities and excursions: Afternoon and evening activities accompany supervised UK excursions.
Single-room guarantees and ensuite upgrades are optional and subject to availability.
What happens after Engineering Taster Course?
After completing this programme, participants often pursue:
Use the experience to test interest in engineering study.
Build vocabulary around engineering design and innovation.
Receive a certificate documenting attendance and course content.
Follow the curated further-reading suggestions after the programme.
Compare a full engineering course with other subject pathways.
The certificate is not a formal qualification or guaranteed academic credit.
Where does Engineering Taster Course take place?
The course takes place in Cambridge during Reach Cambridge's residential summer programmes. Students live in central college accommodation and experience the historic university city through classes, activities and supervised excursions.
Reach Cambridge is independent of the University of Cambridge and hires college accommodation and facilities.
Engineering Taster Course FAQs
No. It must be added to a Reach Cambridge summer application that includes a main academic course.
Its five teaching hours are spread over two weekday afternoons after main subject classes.
Students explore engineering problem-solving, innovation and design, including how creative and technical skills combine to address real-world challenges.
Yes. Students can choose up to two tasters per two-week programme, with one taster permitted per week on longer programmes.
The taster fee covers teaching, required materials and relevant excursions outside the classroom where applicable.
Yes. Taster students receive a certificate of attendance containing a course overview and curated further reading.
All courses are taught in English, and the provider recommends upper-intermediate or B2 English for its academic programmes.
Reach Cambridge's wider teaching team includes academics, lecturers, researchers, postgraduate students and practising professionals, although the specific Engineering Taster teacher is not named.
Alternatives to Engineering Taster Course
Compare longer engineering and STEM programmes if you want more depth, teaching time or a broader scientific focus.
Alternatives to Engineering Taster Course
Academic Insights – Engineering
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Engineering
2 Aug 2026
From £4495
13-18
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Best for
Students seeking greater engineering depth
Engineering Course in Cambridge
Recently closed
Engineering, design and science in Cambridge
Engineering
21 Jul 2026
From £3195
15-17
St Catharine's College, Cambridge, UK
In-person
Best for
Students wanting broader applied engineering study
Canford Future Scientists (STEM)
Recently closed
Modern science methods and questions
Science
29 Jun 2026
Check official page
11-16
Wimborne
In-person
Best for
Students still choosing between STEM subjects
Save this programme in Succeed to compare it with similar programmes, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programmesContent 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.
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 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
Schedule reviewed
Eligibility confirmed
Application process checked
Residential details reviewed
Terms reviewed
Accreditation checked
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