First programme
5-18 July 2026
The taster takes place on two afternoons within this programme.
In-person Programme
Neuroscience Taster Course
An in-person Cambridge add-on introducing how the brain shapes behaviour and thought through focused afternoon teaching.
Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
In-person Programme
Neuroscience Taster Course
An in-person Cambridge add-on introducing how the brain shapes behaviour and thought through focused afternoon teaching.
Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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We review public programme details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.
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Neuroscience Taster Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Recently closed
Eligibility
Main summer programme required
Age range / Year group
14-18
Location / Region
Cambridge
Cost
£595
Duration
5 hours
Format
In-person add-on
Neuroscience
Language: English
Accommodation: Residential parent programme
Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of attendance
Sessions / cadence: Two weekday afternoons
Accreditation: BAC-accredited provider
Neuroscience Taster Course summary
The Neuroscience Taster Course is a focused introduction to the brain and the links between neural processes, behaviour and thought.
It supplements a main Reach Cambridge academic course, with teaching scheduled across two weekday afternoons during the residential summer experience.
It suits students who are curious about the workings of the mind and want to test neuroscience before choosing deeper study.
What is Neuroscience Taster Course?
The Neuroscience Taster Course is an optional Reach Cambridge add-on exploring the brain and its complexities. It introduces how the brain influences behaviour, thought processes and human experience.
The course sits alongside a student’s main morning subject during a residential summer programme in Cambridge. Its classes take place in the afternoon, giving students a compact way to try another academic field without replacing their core course.
Why Succeed highlights Neuroscience Taster Course
It offers a focused way to test neuroscience without committing to it as a main summer subject.
The course connects brain science with accessible questions about behaviour and thought.
Five hours across two afternoons makes the academic commitment compact and clearly defined.
Students receive a certificate of attendance with a course overview and further reading.
It can broaden a student’s main course in a genuinely different academic direction.
Who is Neuroscience Taster Course for?
Best for
Students curious about the brain, behaviour and thought who want to sample neuroscience alongside another main subject.
Not ideal if
You want neuroscience as your full core course or do not want to miss two afternoons of the wider activity programme.
Is Neuroscience Taster Course worth it?
The taster can be worthwhile if you want a structured first encounter with neuroscience while studying another subject in depth. Its clear focus on the brain, behaviour and thought should help you judge whether the field deserves further exploration.
The limitation is that five hours can provide only an introduction, not sustained subject mastery. It also uses two afternoons that would otherwise be available for activities and free time, while adding a separate fee to the main programme cost.
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, Course materials, Relevant excursions outside the classroom, Certificate of attendance.
Accommodation
Residential parent programme
Provider details
Review the Reach Cambridge provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
5 hours; Cambridge.
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 Neuroscience Taster Course need?
Effort level
Moderate and concentrated.
Best started
Begin the application at least two to three weeks before the 3 August closing date, allowing time for the main form, deposit and personal statement.
Main challenge
Balancing extra academic sessions with the residential programme schedule.
Typical preparation
Read a short introduction to brain structure and neural communication.
Write down two questions about how the brain affects behaviour or thought.
Plan around the two afternoons of activities the taster replaces.
Prepare the parent programme application and personal statement together.
Useful if
You want to test neuroscience before choosing longer study.
What do students do on Neuroscience Taster Course?
Students attend focused afternoon teaching that introduces the brain and examines its influence on behaviour, thought and human experience.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Choose a main Reach Cambridge academic course and programme window.
- 2
Add Neuroscience as an optional taster during the application.
- 3
Attend five hours of classes across two weekday afternoons.
- 4
Explore how the brain connects with behaviour and thought.
- 5
Complete the taster and receive a certificate of attendance.
Neuroscience Taster Course dates and deadlines
Reference date
Second programme
19 July-1 August 2026
The taster takes place on two afternoons within this programme.
Third programme
2-15 August 2026
The taster takes place on two afternoons within this programme.
Application closes
3 August 2026
The current application round is advertised as places limited.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
First programme | 5-18 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | Get next-cycle reminder |
Second programme | 19 July-1 August 2026 | Local | Reference date | Get next-cycle reminder |
Third programme | 2-15 August 2026 | Local | Reference date | Get next-cycle reminder |
Application closes | 3 August 2026 | Local | Reference date | Get next-cycle reminder |
Eligibility and requirements
Ages 14-18 as standard
Open to students of all nationalities
Enrolment on a main summer programme required
Main academic subject must be selected
Academic English recommended at B2 level
Student personal statement required
Transcript or English test may be requested
How much does Neuroscience Taster Course cost?
Neuroscience taster fee
£595 — Covers one five-hour taster course.
Funding or discounts
- Two-taster option: £995 — Available when two tasters are selected.
What's included
Five hours of teaching, Course materials, Relevant excursions outside the classroom, Certificate of attendance
How to apply to Neuroscience Taster Course
- 1
Open the Reach Cambridge online application form.
- 2
Select a summer programme, dates and mandatory main academic course.
- 3
Choose Neuroscience from the optional taster list.
- 4
Complete the parent and student application information.
- 5
Submit the form and pay the deposit to confirm enrolment.
- 6
Upload the student’s 500-1,000-word personal statement within 30 days.
- 7
Complete the remaining online-account requirements by the stated deadlines.
What does Neuroscience Taster Course cover?
The programme covers the following focus areas.
Brain complexity
Explore the brain as a complex biological system.
Behaviour and thought
Examine how brain processes influence behaviour and thinking.
The human mind
Develop a deeper understanding of the mind and experience.
Modern neuroscience
Consider neuroscience as a dynamic field of contemporary science.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Neuroscience Taster Course?
A typical day during the programme.
Main subject classes
Students attend their mandatory academic subject before the taster.
Taster session one
Part of the five-hour neuroscience course.
Taster session two
Completes the five-hour neuroscience course.
Lecture and activities
Students rejoin the wider residential programme schedule.
Who teaches on Neuroscience Taster Course?
Reach Cambridge courses are taught by subject specialists, including academics, lecturers, researchers, postgraduates and practising professionals. Many work or study at institutions such as the universities of Cambridge, Oxford or London.
Teacher assignments for the Neuroscience Taster Course are not named publicly.
Where do students stay on Neuroscience Taster Course?
Residential plan
- College accommodation: Students stay in central Cambridge University college accommodation.
- Room setup: Standard accommodation uses same-sex single or twin rooms with shared bathrooms.
- Meals: Half board normally provides breakfast and one additional meal.
- Pastoral support: Resident supervisors and welfare staff provide 24-hour onsite support.
- Activities and excursions: The wider programme includes supervised activities, lectures and UK excursions.
Accommodation and meals belong to the required parent summer programme, not the £595 taster fee.
What happens after Neuroscience Taster Course?
After completing this programme, participants often pursue:
Use the taster to decide whether neuroscience merits deeper study.
Build foundational understanding of links between brain and behaviour.
Explore related future study in neuroscience, psychology or medicine.
Receive a certificate documenting participation and course content.
Continue learning through the certificate’s curated reading section.
The course does not award formal academic credit or a qualification.
Where does Neuroscience Taster Course take place?
The course runs within Reach Cambridge’s residential summer programmes in central Cambridge. Students live and study in Cambridge college settings while taking part in the wider programme’s lectures, activities and excursions.
Reach Cambridge is an independent organisation and is not part of the University of Cambridge.
Neuroscience Taster Course FAQs
You will explore the brain and its complexities, including how it influences behaviour, thought processes and human experience.
No. It is an optional taster taken alongside a mandatory main academic subject.
The taster provides five hours of teaching across two weekday afternoons during your chosen summer programme.
Yes. Each taster requires students to miss two afternoons of activities and free time.
Yes. The application permits up to two tasters per two-week programme, and students may take up to one taster per week.
Yes. The taster fee covers teaching, required materials and relevant excursions outside the classroom.
Reach Cambridge does not normally award formal credit for its courses. Students receive a certificate of attendance with a course overview and further reading.
No neuroscience prerequisite is stated. The course is presented as an introduction for students interested in how the mind works.
Alternatives to Neuroscience Taster Course
Compare these related psychology, medicine and science programmes if you want a longer or more specialised route into the brain and human behaviour.
Alternatives to Neuroscience Taster Course
Faculty of Psychology
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University-style study of mind and behaviour
Psychology
29 Jun 2026
Check official page
14-17
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students wanting broader psychology rather than a short neuroscience add-on.
Psychology Summer Camp in Oxford
Recently closed
Psychology study with statistics and communication
Psychology
21 Jul 2026
From £2695
13-17
D'Overbroeck's, Oxford
In-person
Best for
Students seeking a longer residential psychology course in Oxford.
Future Doctors
Recently closed
Medical science through practical clinical activities
Medicine
6 Jul 2026
Check official page
12-16
Oxford
In-person
Best for
Students more interested in medicine and healthcare applications.
Independent medicine research with academic support
Medicine
Check official page
From £2995
13-18
Online
Online
Best for
Students wanting online research rather than residential taster classes.
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)
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