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.

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.

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

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.

Date TBC

The Alternatives to Medicine Day (AToM) is for year 12/13 students currently studying science based, or related, A levels and who are interested in learning more about studying chemistry, biology, pharmacy or food and nutritional science at University. Likewise, it is suitable for students who are considering medicine, but who may also wish to consider alterative options.

During the day you will be able to attend lectures and practical rotating workshops where you will get a taste of any two of the following: chemistry, biology, pharmacy or food science and get a feel of what studying these courses will consist of. You will also get an opportunity to tour the University of Reading, meet current students and experience campus life for the day.

To apply for this event, simply complete the online subject taster application form. If you are a teacher looking to book a school group for the day, please email c.stylianou@reading.ac.uk

Friday 11 October

The University of Reading is delighted to announce that we shall we be taking part in the nationwide 2019 Physiology Friday.

We as a University are looking to welcome schools to campus to take part in our version of the day with the Pre 16 part in the morning and Post 16 in the afternoon. This will give students the opportunity to learn about Physiology in detail, meet academics who are experts in this field, ask them questions and enhance their own knowledge through an interactive workshop.

To take part as a school group please email C.Stylianou@reading.ac,uk and to take part as a individual post 16 student just simply complete the booking form at the top right-hand corner.

Wednesday 23 October

Reading about our courses online or watching our student videos is a good way to find out about our course, but it’s even better to talk directly with our current students on the ‘English Literature Taster Day the Student Way’.

This taster afternoon is designed and run by our current students to give you a true indication of what life is like in the Department. Hear about our favourite modules, experience a taster session, attend our optional supercharge your personal statement session run by our English Literature Admissions Tutor and go on a tour of our campus.

This event is suitable for anyone thinking about studying English literature at university for 2020 entry.

Fill in the form.

Friday 25 October

Would you like to hear more about studying languages with us? This taster afternoon gives you the opportunity to sample our teaching in French, German, Italian or Spanish.

You will be able to choose your own sessions, allowing you to experience the study of two languages and discover more about our degree programmes. Current students will be on hand to answer your questions about modern languages at university and give you a tour of our beautiful campus.

This event is suitable for anyone thinking about studying languages at university, from beginner's to advanced level. 

Fill in the form.

Tuesday 29 October

The University of Reading’s Department of Meterology are offering prospective students the opportunity to experience a day-in-the-life of a meteorology student at the University of Reading.

The day shall consist of lectures, workshops, an insight into the meteorology facilities, a campus tour and not to mention a free lunch as well! The day will be of great use in any University applications and is also suitable for any students interested in Maths, Physics or Geography who wish to keep their University options open.

Individuals can book via the booking form at the top right-hand side of this page and school groups can email C.Stylianou@reading.ac.uk to secure their place.

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.

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

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.