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    In-person Programme

    History & Politics Taster Course

    by Reach Cambridge

    A five-hour Cambridge add-on exploring how history shapes politics through classroom study and learning in the city.

    Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    History & Politics Taster Course

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    History and Politics Taster at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    Main programme students

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Cambridge, UK

    Cost

    £595

    Duration

    5 hours

    Format

    In-person

    Latest deadline

    3 August 2026

    Get next-cycle reminder
    HistoryPolitics

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of attendance

    Sessions / cadence: Two weekday afternoons

    Accreditation: BAC short-course provider

    History and Politics Taster summary

    A compact introduction to history and politics that links events such as war, monarchy and discovery with contemporary political life.

    Students combine theoretical study with place-based learning in Cambridge, using the city’s historic environment to consider how the past shapes the present.

    It suits curious students who want to sample another humanities or social-science subject alongside their main summer course.

    What is History & Politics Taster Course?

    The History & Politics Taster Course is an optional Reach Cambridge add-on that supplements a student’s main summer subject. It introduces historical and political thinking through five hours of focused teaching.

    Students examine how war, monarchy, discovery and other historical forces continue to influence society. Learning extends beyond theory by using Cambridge’s historic surroundings as a setting for real-world observation and discussion.

    Why Succeed highlights History and Politics Taster

    • Cambridge’s historic setting gives students a tangible way to connect political ideas with the past.

    • The course links historical events with present political landscapes and future developments.

    • Five hours offer a manageable way to test a subject without changing the main summer course.

    • The programme ends with a certificate of attendance and a course overview.

    Who is History and Politics Taster for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy connecting historical events with current political questions and want a short introduction alongside another subject.

    Not ideal if

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

    Is History and Politics Taster worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who wants to test history and politics without committing to a full subject course. The Cambridge setting and place-based approach make the short format more distinctive than classroom study alone.

    The limitation is depth: five hours can introduce questions and analytical approaches but cannot provide a comprehensive survey. It also replaces two afternoons of activities, so students should weigh academic curiosity against the wider summer timetable.

    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 teaching, Relevant classroom materials, Relevant out-of-class excursions, 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 History and Politics Taster need?

    Effort level

    Low to moderate.

    Best started

    Begin the main application two to three weeks before 3 August.

    Main challenge

    Linking broad historical themes to modern politics quickly.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose a main summer course before adding the taster.

    • Prepare one historical event you would like to discuss.

    • Read a reliable summary of a current political issue.

    • Plan for two missed afternoons of activities and free time.

    Useful if

    You are considering history, politics or related university subjects.

    What do students do on History and Politics Taster?

    Students explore historical and political themes through classroom discussion and on-the-ground learning in Cambridge.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Examine examples involving war, politics, monarchy and discovery.

    2. 2

      Connect historical developments with current political landscapes.

    3. 3

      Use Cambridge’s historic environment to consider history in person.

    4. 4

      Analyse how past events continue to influence society and the future.

    History and Politics Taster dates and deadlines

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 14-18 during the programme year

    • Open to students of all nationalities

    • Enrolled on a Reach Cambridge summer programme

    • Main academic course selected

    • Academic English proficiency advised

    • Personal statement submitted within 30 days

    How much does History and Politics Taster cost?

    Taster course fee

    £595 — Covers this named taster course.

    Funding or discounts

    • Two-taster package: £995 — For two taster courses.

    What's included

    Five hours of teaching, Relevant classroom materials, Relevant out-of-class excursions, Certificate of attendance

    How to apply to History and Politics Taster

    1. 1

      Complete the official online application for a Reach Cambridge summer programme.

    2. 2

      Choose the dates and mandatory main academic course.

    3. 3

      Select History & Politics from the optional taster list.

    4. 4

      Submit the application and pay the deposit to confirm enrolment.

    5. 5

      Complete the online account and submit the personal statement within 30 days.

    6. 6

      Provide a transcript or English test later if requested.

    What does History and Politics Taster cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    History in place

    Use Cambridge’s surroundings to connect physical places with historical study.

    Past and present

    Examine how historical events shape contemporary political landscapes.

    Power and change

    Consider war, monarchy, politics and discovery as forces in society.

    Political futures

    Use historical context to think critically about future developments.

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

    What is a typical day on History and Politics Taster?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Main subject classes

    Students attend their mandatory academic course before lunch.

    Taster classes

    Five hours are divided across two weekday afternoons.

    Lecture and activities

    The wider programme includes lectures, workshops and organised entertainment.

    Who teaches on History and Politics Taster?

    Reach Cambridge’s teaching body includes professors, researchers, postgraduates and subject specialists, many connected with leading universities. Practising professionals may also contribute their expertise.

    Teachers have autonomy to shape courses around their subject expertise.

    Where do students stay on History and Politics Taster?

    Residential plan

    • College accommodation: Students stay in a Cambridge University college in the city centre.
    • Room setup: Standard accommodation uses same-sex single or twin rooms with shared bathrooms.
    • Meals: Half board is provided, with breakfast only on excursion days.
    • Pastoral support: Resident supervisors and senior staff are available 24 hours a day.

    The residential arrangements belong to the required main programme, not the £595 taster fee.

    What happens after History and Politics Taster?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use the taster to test interest in history or politics.

    Develop critical analysis of historical and political change.

    Receive a certificate with a course overview.

    Use curated further reading to continue learning.

    Consider a longer humanities or social-science course next.

    The course does not award formal academic credit.

    Where does History and Politics Taster take place?

    The course runs in Cambridge, where medieval buildings, museums and a long academic history support place-based study. Students on the main programme live and learn in central Cambridge college accommodation.

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

    History and Politics Taster FAQs

    No. Students must enrol on a Reach Cambridge summer programme and select a main academic subject before adding the taster.

    The five teaching hours are spread across weekday afternoons after morning subject classes. Each taster uses two afternoons.

    The course uses themes including war, politics, monarchy and discovery to examine how historical events influence present and future societies.

    Yes. The course includes place-based learning that uses Cambridge’s historic environment alongside theoretical study.

    Students may select up to two tasters for each two-week summer programme, with longer programmes allowing further weekly choices.

    All Reach Cambridge courses are taught in English. Students are advised to have enough English to understand academic language and communicate with peers and staff.

    No formal credit or qualification is awarded. Students receive a certificate of attendance with a course overview and further-reading section.

    Students taking this taster miss two afternoons of activities and free time because the classes occupy those periods.

    Alternatives to History and Politics Taster

    Compare these related politics and humanities programmes if you want greater depth, a longer residential experience or a broader international focus.

    Alternatives to History and Politics Taster

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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 Summer 2026 Brochure
    • 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 verified

    • Schedule reviewed

    • Eligibility confirmed

    • Application process checked

    • Residential details reviewed

    • Terms 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.