In-person Programme

    Study Skills Taster Course

    by Reach Cambridge

    A five-hour Cambridge add-on course covering revision, exam preparation, essay writing, interview skills and academic wellbeing.

    Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:Succeed Editorial
    Study Skills Taster Course
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    Study Skills Taster 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 add-on course

    Latest deadline

    3 August 2026

    Get next-cycle reminder
    GeneralWriting

    Language: English

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of attendance

    Sessions / cadence: Two weekday afternoons, 5 hours

    Accreditation: BAC-accredited provider

    Study Skills Taster summary

    Study Skills is a short add-on to a Reach Cambridge summer programme, focused on practical habits for academic success and university preparation.

    Students work on revision, exam preparation, essay writing and interview skills while considering how emotional and psychological wellbeing affects performance.

    It suits students who want structured strategies they can take back to school, but it cannot replace the required main academic course.

    What is Study Skills Taster Course?

    The Study Skills Taster Course is an optional Reach Cambridge add-on that supplements a student's main summer academic subject. It focuses on practical methods for studying effectively and preparing for university-style demands.

    Across five teaching hours, students explore revision techniques, exam preparation, essay writing, interview skills and approaches to academic wellbeing. Sessions take place over two weekday afternoons in Cambridge, alongside the wider residential programme.

    Why Succeed highlights Study Skills Taster

    • The course connects concrete study techniques with the wellbeing needed to sustain academic performance.

    • Its five-hour format offers a focused introduction without replacing a student's main academic subject.

    • Revision, exam preparation, essay writing and interview practice are directly useful across several stages of education.

    • Every participant receives a certificate of attendance with a course overview and further reading.

    Who is Study Skills Taster for?

    Best for

    Students who want practical help with revision, exams, essays, interviews and managing academic pressure.

    Not ideal if

    You want a standalone course or do not want to miss two afternoons of the main programme's activities.

    Is Study Skills Taster worth it?

    The taster can be worthwhile for students who will actively reuse the techniques at school. Its strength is breadth: it links revision, written work, interviews and wellbeing in one compact course.

    The limitation is that five hours cannot provide sustained coaching in every area, and attendance replaces two afternoons of activities. At £595, families should weigh the practical value against the wider residential programme's already substantial 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, Relevant out-of-class excursions, Required taster materials, Certificate of attendance.

    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 Study Skills Taster need?

    Effort level

    Moderate.

    Best started

    Review current study habits one to two weeks before the summer programme.

    Main challenge

    Turning broad advice into consistent personal routines.

    Typical preparation

    • List the study tasks that currently take the most time.

    • Bring examples of revision plans or essay feedback if available.

    • Choose one technique to test immediately after each session.

    • Write a simple routine for using the strongest techniques after returning home.

    Useful if

    You can identify a real revision, writing or interview goal.

    What do students do on Study Skills Taster?

    Students take part in practical sessions designed to strengthen academic performance and personal readiness for university-style study.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore revision techniques and ways to organise preparation.

    2. 2

      Practise approaches to exam preparation and academic pressure.

    3. 3

      Develop clearer strategies for effective essay writing.

    4. 4

      Build confidence with interview skills and future-facing preparation.

    5. 5

      Consider how emotional and psychological wellbeing supports achievement.

    Study Skills Taster dates and deadlines

    First summer programme

    5-18 July 2026

    Reference programme containing optional taster afternoons.

    Reference date
    Get next-cycle reminder

    Second summer programme

    19 July-1 August 2026

    Taster afternoons occur within the selected programme.

    Reference date
    Get next-cycle reminder

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Ages 14-18 as standard

    • Students of all nationalities

    • Main academic course must also be booked

    • Suitable English for academic study advised

    • Personal statement required for main application

    • Transcript or English test may be requested

    How much does Study Skills Taster cost?

    Taster course fee

    £595 — Covers one Study Skills taster.

    Funding or discounts

    • Two-taster bundle: £995 — Available when choosing two taster courses.
    • Refer-a-friend discount: £100 each — Applies under the provider's published conditions.
    • Sibling discount: £300 — Applies to the wider summer programme.

    What's included

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

    How to apply to Study Skills Taster

    1. 1

      Complete the online application for a Reach Cambridge summer programme.

    2. 2

      Choose a mandatory main academic course and programme dates.

    3. 3

      Select Study Skills as an optional taster during the application.

    4. 4

      Pay the deposit to confirm enrolment, subject to availability.

    5. 5

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

    6. 6

      Complete the remaining online-account information and payments.

    7. 7

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

    What does Study Skills Taster cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Revision techniques

    Students explore practical ways to revise more effectively.

    Exam preparation

    Sessions consider how to prepare for assessments with greater structure.

    Essay writing

    Students develop approaches to clearer and more effective academic writing.

    Interview skills

    The course introduces practical preparation for future interviews.

    Academic wellbeing

    Students consider how to balance achievement with emotional wellbeing.

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

    What is a typical day on Study Skills Taster?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Main subject classes

    Students attend their required academic course before the taster.

    Taster sessions

    Five total teaching hours are spread across two afternoons.

    Evening programme

    Lectures, activities and residential programming continue after dinner.

    Who teaches on Study Skills Taster?

    Reach Cambridge's wider teaching body includes professors, researchers, postgraduates and subject specialists, many connected with leading UK academic institutions. Teachers have autonomy to shape engaging courses around their expertise.

    Individual Study Skills tutors are not named on the published course listing.

    Where do students stay on Study Skills Taster?

    Residential plan

    • College accommodation: Students stay in a Cambridge University college.
    • Room setup: Standard accommodation uses same-sex single or twin rooms with shared bathrooms.
    • Meals: Half board normally includes breakfast and either lunch or dinner.
    • Welfare support: Resident staff and supervisors are available around the clock.

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

    What happens after Study Skills Taster?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Apply stronger revision methods to future school assessments.

    Use essay-writing strategies in academic assignments.

    Build confidence before school or university interviews.

    Receive a certificate with a detailed course overview.

    Continue learning through the curated further-reading list.

    The course does not award formal academic credit or a qualification.

    Where does Study Skills Taster take place?

    The taster takes place during a residential summer programme in Cambridge, with students living in central college accommodation. Cambridge's academic setting, museums, architecture and compact city centre form part of the wider experience.

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

    Study Skills Taster FAQs

    No. It is an optional taster taken alongside a mandatory main academic course during a Reach Cambridge summer programme.

    It includes five hours of teaching across two weekday afternoons.

    Topics include revision techniques, exam preparation, essay writing, interview skills and strategies for balancing wellbeing with academic demands.

    Yes. Students may add up to two tasters per two-week programme, with longer programmes allowing further choices across their two-week blocks.

    The fee covers five hours of teaching, relevant excursions and any required materials.

    Yes. Students receive a certificate of attendance with a detailed course overview and curated further reading.

    Yes. Existing applicants can email Reach Cambridge so the provider can update their online account.

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

    Alternatives to Study Skills Taster

    Compare these broader programmes if you want more sustained academic preparation or subject-focused study.

    Alternatives to Study Skills Taster

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    Check official page
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    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 description checked

    • Fee verified

    • Duration verified

    • Application route checked

    • Age range reviewed

    • Programme dates checked

    • Certificate confirmed

    • 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.