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.

Every Wednesday morning from 2 November to 18 December 2019

Our microscopy workshops are designed for sixth form Biology students and offer the opportunity to tour the University of Reading’s microscopy facilities, take part in a practical workshop and listen to a Student Life talk by a student ambassador. Please contact outreach@reading.ac.uk or c.stylianou@reading.ac.uk  for further details.

Bookings are taken on a group to group basis. Please note that we shall ask for a deposit prior to attendance.

29 November 2019

The University of Reading’s Architecture department are offering prospective students in Years 12 and 13 the opportunity to experience what studying Architecture at University is like. Attending students will experience Architecture workshops, lectures, a tour of facilities - not to mention a free lunch. If you are interested in taking part please apply using the subject taster form below.

Apply now

Wednesday 4 December 2019, 12:30 to 16:00

If you missed an Open Day or were not able to come on a campus tour, this event is an excellent way to find out more about the Department of Languages and Cultures at Reading. Our staff and current students will be on hand to talk about their experiences, explain the module and language choices available to you, and take you on a tour of the department and campus.

To book a place, please email Katy Green at k.e.s.green@reading.ac.uk by Wednesday 27 November 2019.

Wednesday 4 December 2019, 12:30 to 15:30

If you missed an Open Day or were not able to come on a campus tour, this event is an excellent way to find out more about studying English Literature and English Language and Linguistics at Reading. Through talks and taster sessions, our staff and current students will be on hand to talk about their experiences, explain the many module choices available to you, and take you on a tour of the department and campus.

To book a place, please email Katy Green at k.e.s.green@reading.ac.uk by Wednesday 27 November 2019.

2 April 2020

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

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 and culture, 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.