Succeed
    In-person Programme

    Robotics Taster Course

    by Reach Cambridge

    A hands-on robotics add-on where students build and program a device while exploring electronic circuits and introductory coding.

    Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
    Robotics Taster Course

    • What Succeed checks

      We review public programme details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.

    • What Last verified means

      Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Programme dates, prices and availability can still change.

    • How official sources are used

      Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.

    • Why some dates are reference dates

      If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.

    • Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.

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

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    Main summer course required

    Age range / Year group

    14-18

    Location / Region

    Cambridge, UK

    Cost

    £595

    Duration

    5 hours over two afternoons

    Format

    In-person taster course

    Latest deadline

    3 August 2026

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Coding & AIEngineeringTechnology

    Language: English

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of attendance

    Sessions / cadence: Two weekday afternoons, 5 hours total

    Main output: Programmed robotic device

    Accreditation: BAC-accredited provider

    Robotics Taster Course summary

    This practical taster introduces robotics through electronic circuits and introductory coding. Students design, construct and program their own device.

    It supplements a main Reach Cambridge academic course and occupies two weekday afternoons, so students trade two activity periods for extra subject learning.

    It suits curious beginners who want a compact test of robotics before committing to a longer engineering, coding or technology course.

    What is Robotics Taster Course?

    The Robotics Taster Course is an optional Reach Cambridge add-on that supplements a student's main summer academic subject. It provides a compact, practical introduction to robotics during the residential programme in Cambridge.

    Students work with electronic circuits and introductory coding before designing, constructing and programming their own device. The emphasis is on hands-on exploration and foundational technical skills rather than a formal qualification.

    Why Succeed highlights Robotics Taster Course

    • Students make a working device rather than only hearing about robotics in theory.

    • The course combines circuits, coding, design and construction in one compact experience.

    • Five teaching hours offer a manageable way to test interest in robotics.

    • A certificate records participation and includes an overview of the course.

    • The taster can add subject breadth alongside a different main academic course.

    Who is Robotics Taster Course for?

    Best for

    Students who want a beginner-friendly, practical test of robotics alongside a broader summer programme.

    Not ideal if

    You want a standalone robotics programme, extensive project time or every scheduled afternoon activity.

    Is Robotics Taster Course worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who wants to test robotics through making, coding and circuit work without committing to a full-length specialist course. Producing a programmed device gives the experience a concrete focus.

    The limitation is depth: five hours is enough for an introduction, not sustained mastery. It also adds a separate fee and replaces two afternoons of activities, so families should weigh the academic value 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 excursions outside the classroom.

    Provider details

    Review the Reach Cambridge provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    5 hours over two afternoons; 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 Robotics Taster Course need?

    Effort level

    Moderate.

    Best started

    Begin the main programme application a few weeks before 3 August.

    Main challenge

    Turning code and circuit work into a functioning device.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose the main academic summer course before adding the taster.

    • Write the required personal statement in the student's own words.

    • Review the timetable because the taster replaces two activity afternoons.

    • Bring a laptop if Reach Cambridge confirms it is required.

    Useful if

    You enjoy learning by building and testing.

    What do students do on Robotics Taster Course?

    Students move from introductory circuit and coding work to creating a device of their own. The process combines technical exploration with practical design and construction.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore how electronic circuits support a robotic device.

    2. 2

      Learn introductory coding concepts used to control the device.

    3. 3

      Design a device using the ideas introduced in class.

    4. 4

      Construct the device during the practical sessions.

    5. 5

      Program and test the completed device.

    Robotics Taster Course dates and deadlines

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Students must join a main Reach Cambridge summer course.

    • Standard programme age range is 14-18.

    • Students of all nationalities may apply.

    • Academic English proficiency is advised.

    • A student-written personal statement is required.

    • A transcript may be requested.

    How much does Robotics Taster Course cost?

    Robotics taster fee

    £595 — One optional taster course.

    Funding or discounts

    • Two-taster option: £995 — Choose two different taster courses.
    • Refer a friend: £100 saving each — Conditions apply to the main programme.
    • Sibling discount: £300 — Applies to the main programme total.

    What's included

    Five hours of teaching, Required course materials, Relevant excursions outside the classroom

    How to apply to Robotics Taster Course

    1. 1

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

    2. 2

      Choose the main academic course and programme dates.

    3. 3

      Select Robotics from the optional taster-course list.

    4. 4

      Pay the deposit to confirm enrolment, subject to the application conditions.

    5. 5

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

    6. 6

      Complete the remaining online-account information by the stated deadlines.

    7. 7

      Existing applicants can email Reach Cambridge to request the taster.

    What does Robotics Taster Course cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Electronic Circuits

    Explore circuit fundamentals through practical robotics work.

    Introductory Coding

    Use basic code to control a self-built device.

    Device Design

    Plan how the robotic device will be constructed.

    Construction and Programming

    Build, program and test the student's own device.

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

    What is a typical day on Robotics Taster Course?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Taster sessions

    Five teaching hours are divided across two afternoons after morning subject classes.

    Morning study

    Students attend their separately selected main academic course.

    Evening programme

    The wider programme includes a lecture followed by activities.

    Who teaches on Robotics Taster Course?

    Reach Cambridge's wider academic team includes fellows, professors, researchers, postgraduates and subject specialists, many connected with leading UK universities. The Robotics taster page does not name an individual teacher.

    The provider is accredited by the British Accreditation Council as a short-course provider.

    Where do students stay on Robotics Taster Course?

    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 provides two meals daily, with breakfast only on excursion days.
    • Welfare support: Resident supervisors and dedicated welfare staff provide 24-hour onsite support.

    Accommodation and meals belong to the separately priced main summer programme, not the £595 taster fee.

    What happens after Robotics Taster Course?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use the programmed device as evidence of practical subject exploration.

    Build foundations for longer robotics, engineering or coding study.

    Receive a certificate recording taster-course attendance.

    Use the course overview and further reading to continue learning.

    Reflect on the experience in future academic applications.

    The certificate is evidence of attendance, not a formal qualification or guaranteed academic credit.

    Where does Robotics Taster Course take place?

    The taster runs during Reach Cambridge's residential summer programmes in Cambridge, with students living and studying in central university-college accommodation. Afternoon teaching follows the main morning academic classes, while the wider experience includes city activities and UK excursions.

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

    Robotics Taster Course FAQs

    Students gain hands-on experience with electronic circuits and introductory coding. They also practise designing, constructing and programming a device.

    No prerequisite is published. The course is described as providing introductory coding and foundational robotics skills.

    No. It is an optional addition to a Reach Cambridge summer application, so students must select a main academic course.

    The five teaching hours are spread across two weekday afternoons after the main morning subject classes.

    Each student designs, constructs and programs their own device during the taster.

    Yes. Reach Cambridge provides a certificate of attendance for academic and taster courses, with a course overview and further-reading section.

    All Reach Cambridge courses are taught in English. Students are advised to have English suitable for sophisticated academic language, with B2 recommended.

    Yes. Each taster requires students to miss two afternoons of scheduled activities and free time.

    Alternatives to Robotics Taster Course

    Compare these longer technology and computing programmes if five hours of robotics is not enough depth.

    Alternatives to Robotics Taster Course

    Academic Insights – Coding
    Closing soon

    Longer Cambridge coding-focused academic study

    Coding & AI
    1 Aug 2026
    From £5995
    16-18
    Cambridge
    In-person

    Best for

    Students wanting coding as their main summer subject.

    View details

    Save this programme in Succeed to compare it with similar programmes, dates, costs and formats in one place.

    Compare with other programmes
    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

    • 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

    • Schedule reviewed

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Terms 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.