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Subject tasters

Subject taster days give you the opportunity to discover what it would be like to study your chosen subject at degree level.

On these free of charge days, you will sample lectures and practical sessions, work alongside other students interested in your subject, visit our beautiful award-winning campus, meet our enthusiastic staff and students, and get a real feel for student life at the University of Reading.

The majority of subject tasters are full-day events and run approximately 09:30-15:00, allowing you time to really immerse yourself in the subject and relevant department.

However, we do occasionally also offer shorter taster sessions which may run for just a morning or afternoon. These sessions are often linked to a particular aspect of A level study and relate directly to certain skills or areas of the curriculum to support you in your studies.

Find out more

Year 12 students showing the work they produced on a Art taster day

Apply for a subject taster

To request your place on a subject taster, please complete the application form.

We try to accommodate as many students as possible in our outreach provision and in most cases are able to offer places to all. However, in the case of oversubscription on events, priority will be given to students from groups currently under-represented in Higher Education, and to young people with little or no experience of Higher Education in their family.

Travel bursaries

To enable all students access to our subject tasters we offer travel bursaries to those who meet certain qualifying criteria. We can provide advance return train and bus tickets to the University from a named UK station, or reimburse mileage costs after the event for qualifying students.

To apply for a travel bursary, please complete the travel bursary section of the application form.

Students chatting and getting to know one another on a subject taster day at the University of Reading

Year 12 students drawing University buildings

Two students taking part in a practical session in a laboratory on a subject taster day

Students taking part in a Film, Theatre and Television subject taster day

Subjects on offer

We offer a wide range of subject-specific tasters, from Accounting to Zoology.

Subjects available

Get in touch

Want to be the first to know about events and activities in your subject area of interest?

Please email us at outreach@reading.ac.uk

For teachers and advisors

Keep up to date with what is happening at the University and join our events mailing list. Please visit our teachers and advisors website.

The mini lecture was very interesting and she spoke very well. Loved the day - really helpful to get an idea about what studying psychology would be like

Taster day: Architecture Masterclass

Tuesday 30 October

The Architecture Masterclass is for year 12/13 students who are interested in learning more about studying Architecture at university.

During the day you will be able to attend lectures and practical rotating workshops where you will get a taste of what studying Architecture at university and most particularly the University of Reading consists of. You will also get an opportunity to tour the University, meet current students and experience campus life for the day.

To apply for this event, please complete the online subject taster application form. The deadline for applications is Friday 19th October.

Find out more

English Literature Taster Afternoon

Wednesday 31 October, 13:00-15:00

During this taster afternoon current students will guide you through a workshop on what to do when you see a poem for the first time, present their favourite modules in the department and answer any questions you may have about the course and student life. There will also be time for a campus tour.

Taster: BA Accounting & Business (PwC Flying Start Programme)

Wednesday 7 November 2018

We are delighted to announce the Business & Accounting taster day on Wednesday 7 November 2018, to be held at the Henley Business School on our main Whiteknights campus. This exciting degree programme is suitable for students studying A levels or the equivalent and who are interested in the PwC Flying Start Programme - BA Accounting & Business.

On the day, a series of interactive workshops will introduce you to the principles of tax and accounting. Your sessions will be delivered by academic staff from the accounting and business subject team. PwC staff will be available throughout the day to answer your questions on the degree programme and how to apply. You will also have the opportunity to meet students already studying the course.

To apply

We welcome applications from all students who are studying for A-level (or equivalent) qualifications. Students must be predicted AAB –ABB at A Level and hold GCSE Maths at grade B (6) and GCSE English at grade B (6).

The taster day is free of charge but you are expected to fund your own travel to and from the University. To ensure our outreach programmes are accessible for all, the University of Reading offers a Travel Bursary which prospective students may apply for, and if successful would cover the entire cost of their travel. Please complete the Travel Bursary form and submit it with your application.

Deadline for application is Wednesday 31st October.

Find out more

German and Spanish Taster Day

Thursday 8 November, 10:00-15:00

During this taster day academics from German and Spanish will provide taster sessions so that you can see what learning is like with us. Current students will also be on hand to answer your questions about the course and student life. Campus tours will also be on offer.

The Reading Scholars Programme

The Reading Scholars Programme gives Year 12 students a real taste of life as a university undergraduate, providing practical support as participants begin their higher education application process. Featuring input from leading academics and current undergraduate e-mentors, the programme aims to challenge participants academically and enhance their current studies.

The programme is currently offered in the following subject areas: Art and Design, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Food Science and Pharmacy, English Literature, History, Classics and Archaeology, Languages, Mathematics, Psychology, and Physical Geography and Environmental Science.

Applications for the Reading Scholars programme 2019 are now open. Visit the website for the programme brochure and online application form.

As part of our commitment to widening participation, the programme is for students who meet our widening participation criteria.

Free online courses

Together with universities and cultural institutions from around the world, the University of Reading has developed a wide range of free online courses.

Providing you are 13 years or older you can explore a diverse and exciting range of topics in your own time and on any device. Courses include Begin Robotics, Our Changing Climate, and A Beginner's Guide to Writing in English for University Study. Find out more about our free online courses

Disclaimer

In unforeseen circumstances, we may have to cancel or amend the events. Participants will be notified of any changes as far in advance as possible.

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

Subjects F-G

Subjects H-M

Subjects N-T

Subjects U-Z

Subjects A-C

Subjects D-G

Subjects H-P

Subjects Q-Z

Subject tasters