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    In-person Programme

    Introduction to Coding Taster Course

    by Reach Cambridge

    A beginner-friendly coding add-on in Cambridge where students learn programming basics and create algorithms through five hours of afternoon teaching.

    Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
    Introduction to Coding Taster Course

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

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    Reach summer students

    Age range / Year group

    14-18

    Location / Region

    Cambridge, UK

    Cost

    £595

    Duration

    5 hours

    Format

    In-person add-on

    Latest deadline

    3 August 2026

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Coding & AIComputer Science

    Language: English

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of attendance

    Sessions / cadence: Two weekday afternoons, 5 hours

    Main output: Student-created algorithms

    Accreditation: BAC-accredited provider

    Coding Taster Course summary

    This beginner coding taster introduces programming fundamentals and shows students how algorithms sit behind familiar technology such as computers, phones and websites.

    Students create their own algorithms during five hours of classes spread across two weekday afternoons.

    It suits curious beginners who want to test coding alongside their main Reach Cambridge academic course.

    What is Introduction to Coding Taster Course?

    The Introduction to Coding Taster Course is an optional Reach Cambridge add-on that gives beginners a compact introduction to programming. It runs alongside a student’s main academic course during the Cambridge summer programme.

    Students explore programming basics and create algorithms similar to those behind computers, phones and websites. The course uses afternoon teaching to help students test their interest before pursuing coding in greater depth.

    Why Succeed highlights Coding Taster Course

    • It is explicitly designed for beginners with no previous programming experience.

    • Students move beyond explanation by creating their own algorithms.

    • The five-hour format offers a focused subject trial without replacing the main academic course.

    • Materials and relevant out-of-class excursions are covered by the taster fee.

    • Students receive a certificate of attendance with a course overview.

    Who is Coding Taster Course for?

    Best for

    Complete beginners who want a short, practical introduction to programming while attending a Reach Cambridge summer programme.

    Not ideal if

    You want a standalone coding course, advanced programming tuition or to keep every afternoon free for the main activity programme.

    Is Coding Taster Course worth it?

    The course can be worthwhile for a beginner who wants to test whether coding holds their interest before committing to a longer programme. Creating algorithms gives the experience more substance than a purely observational introduction.

    The limitation is its scale: five hours can establish basic concepts but cannot deliver deep programming fluency. It also costs extra and replaces two afternoons of activities, so students should weigh subject exploration against the wider summer experience.

    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, Required course 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 Coding Taster Course need?

    Effort level

    Low to moderate.

    Best started

    Begin the application two to three weeks before the application round closes.

    Main challenge

    Understanding how to turn a problem into a clear algorithm.

    Typical preparation

    • Read a short explanation of algorithms and programming before arriving.

    • Practise breaking an everyday task into ordered steps.

    • Bring the laptop required for computer science students.

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

    Useful if

    You are curious about coding but have not studied it before.

    What do students do on Coding Taster Course?

    Students attend two afternoon classes that introduce programming and algorithmic thinking through practical work.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Learn the basic ideas used in programming.

    2. 2

      Explore how algorithms power computers, phones and websites.

    3. 3

      Break problems into logical, ordered steps.

    4. 4

      Create your own algorithms during class.

    5. 5

      Use the experience to identify possible next steps in coding.

    Coding Taster Course dates and deadlines

    First host programme

    5-18 July 2026

    The taster runs over two afternoons during the programme.

    Reference date
    Get next-cycle reminder

    Second host programme

    19 July-1 August 2026

    The taster runs over two afternoons during the programme.

    Reference date
    Get next-cycle reminder

    Final host programme

    2-15 August 2026

    The final published 2026 summer programme.

    Reference date
    Get next-cycle reminder

    Application round closes

    3 August 2026

    The provider states that places are limited.

    Reference date
    Get next-cycle reminder

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Reach Cambridge summer programme students

    • Ages 14-18 as standard

    • Students from all nationalities

    • Academic English ability recommended

    • No prior programming experience required

    • Main academic course selection required

    How much does Coding Taster Course cost?

    Coding taster fee

    £595 — Covers one five-hour taster course.

    Funding or discounts

    • Two-taster option: £995 — Combined price for two taster courses.
    • Refer-a-friend discount: £100 — Available under the provider’s published conditions.
    • Sibling discount: £300 — Applies to the wider summer programme under published conditions.

    What's included

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

    How to apply to Coding Taster Course

    1. 1

      Complete the online Reach Cambridge summer programme application.

    2. 2

      Choose a mandatory main academic course and programme dates.

    3. 3

      Select Introduction to Coding from the optional taster list.

    4. 4

      Pay the deposit to confirm enrolment.

    5. 5

      Upload the 500-1000 word personal statement within 30 days.

    6. 6

      Complete the remaining online-account requirements by the stated dates.

    7. 7

      If already applied, email the provider to request the taster addition.

    What does Coding Taster Course cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Programming foundations

    Learn the basic ideas used to give computers instructions.

    Algorithmic thinking

    Turn problems and processes into clear ordered steps.

    Technology applications

    Connect algorithms with computers, phones and websites.

    Practical creation

    Create original algorithms during the taster classes.

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

    What is a typical day on Coding Taster Course?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Main subject classes

    Students attend their mandatory academic subject before the taster.

    Coding taster

    Five hours of coding teaching are spread across weekday afternoons.

    Schedule trade off

    Each taster replaces two afternoons of activities and free time.

    Who teaches on Coding Taster Course?

    Reach Cambridge’s teaching body includes fellows, professors, researchers, postgraduates and subject specialists, with many working or studying at leading universities. Teachers have scope to shape courses around their expertise.

    A named tutor for the Introduction to Coding taster is not published.

    Where do students stay on Coding Taster Course?

    Residential plan

    • College accommodation: Students stay in central Cambridge University college accommodation.
    • Room arrangement: Standard rooms are single or twin with shared bathrooms.
    • Meals: Half board provides two meals daily, with breakfast on excursion days.
    • Welfare support: Resident supervisors and welfare staff are available around the clock.

    Single-room guarantees and en-suite upgrades are optional and subject to availability.

    What happens after Coding Taster Course?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use the experience to judge whether further coding study suits you.

    Build a foundation for a longer computer science course.

    Keep student-created algorithms as evidence of practical exploration.

    Receive a certificate of attendance with a course overview.

    Use the curated further-reading section to continue learning.

    The certificate is not a formal qualification or guaranteed academic credit.

    Where does Coding Taster Course take place?

    The taster takes place during Reach Cambridge’s residential summer programmes in Cambridge, a historic university city with colleges, museums and cultural venues. Students live and study in central college accommodation while accessing the wider city under the programme’s supervision arrangements.

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

    Coding Taster Course FAQs

    No. The coding taster is specifically presented as suitable for students with no prior programming experience.

    You will learn basic programming concepts and create algorithms similar to those used behind computers, phones and websites.

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

    No. It must be added to a Reach Cambridge summer programme application alongside a mandatory main academic course.

    Yes. Taking a taster means missing two afternoons of activities and free time.

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

    Yes. Students receive a certificate of attendance for their academic and taster courses, including a course overview and further-reading section.

    Yes. Reach Cambridge says all computer science students must bring a laptop, and laptops are highly recommended across its summer courses.

    Alternatives to Coding Taster Course

    Compare these longer coding and technology programmes if you want more depth than a five-hour beginner taster.

    Alternatives to Coding Taster Course

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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

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

    • Fee verified

    • Duration confirmed

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Programme dates reviewed

    • Accommodation details checked

    • Safeguarding information 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.