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Taster courseBalliol College, University of Oxford

Balliol Insight Into Science talks: engineering sessions (online, Nov to Dec 2026)

A free series of online sessions in which Oxford graduates introduce topics linked to their own research. The engineering-themed talks this autumn cover aerospace engineering, wind turbines, modern mining robotics and construction in space. Each is a one-hour workshop-style session with time for questions.

By the Born to Engineer editorial team Checked

At a glance

Run by
Balliol College, University of Oxford[1]
Who it’s for
Aimed at Year 12 and interested Year 11 students; free and open to any interested applicants.[2]
Entry
Students apply themselves
Worth
Super-curricular sessions led by Oxford graduates, useful evidence of wider reading for a university application.
Cost
Free[3]
Year groups
Year 11, Year 12
Where
UK-wide (UK-wide (online))
Format
Online
Dates
to

Sources

3 sources

  1. Balliol College

    Outreach Talks and Events

    Our Insight Talk Series consists of online academic sessions in which Oxford University Graduates introduce topics that link to their own research. Sessions take the form of workshops, and students will have the opportunity to ask questions.

    Checked 23 October 2026

  2. Balliol College

    Outreach Talks and Events

    The programmes are aimed towards students in Year 12 , and interested Year 11 s. These events are free, and open to any interested applicants. There is no limit to the number of talks that students can attend.

    Checked 23 October 2026

  3. Balliol College

    Outreach Talks and Events

    These events are free, and open to any interested applicants.

    Checked 23 October 2026

Details checked by the Born to Engineer editorial team. Always confirm dates on the provider’s site before applying.

More taster course opportunities

All opportunities

Pathways to Engineering at the University of Liverpool

Closes in 9 days

Taster courseUniversity of Liverpool (with the Sutton Trust)

A two-year Year 12 programme run by the University of Liverpool School of Engineering and the Sutton Trust. Students attend taster sessions on campus, industry insight events and a 3-day residential at the University of Warwick, with UCAS guidance and A-Level tutoring in Year 13.

Worth
Campus taster sessions, industry insight events, UCAS and student finance guidance, a 3-day residential at Warwick and A-Level tutoring in Year 13.
Who
Current Year 12 students at state-funded, non-fee-paying schools or colleges, studying A-Level Maths, able to commute to the University of Liverpool and meeting at least one widening participation criterion.
Entry
Students apply themselves
Deadline
Two-year project for current Year 12 students. Applications close 2 November 2026.

Visit liverpool.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)Details: Pathways to Engineering at the University of Liverpool

Sutton Trust Pathways to Engineering (two-year programme)

Closes in 9 days

Taster courseThe Sutton Trust

A free two-year Sutton Trust programme for state-school Year 12 students studying A Level Maths who want to explore engineering. It combines university taster sessions, mentoring, a work placement and an optional residential conference at Warwick.

Worth
A two-year programme with university taster sessions, mentoring, a work placement with a leading employer and an optional residential conference.
Who
Year 12 students in England or Wales (Year 13 in Northern Ireland, S5 in Scotland) at state-funded schools or colleges, studying A Level Maths and meeting the widening-participation criteria.
Entry
Students apply themselves
Deadline
Applications close 2 November 2026. The programme runs over two academic years from Year 12, with an optional residential conference at the University of Warwick.

Visit pathwaysprogrammes.suttontrust.com (opens in a new tab)Details: Sutton Trust Pathways to Engineering (two-year programme)

Oxford Physics Year 12 Taster Morning (November 2026)

Closes in 16 days

Taster courseUniversity of Oxford, Department of Physics

An online morning for Year 12 physics and maths students to find out what studying physics at Oxford involves. Registration is through a short online form.

Worth
Insight into studying physics at Oxford.
Who
Year 12 (or equivalent) students studying Maths and Physics at A level or equivalent.
Entry
Students apply themselves
Deadline
Saturday 14 November 2026, 10.00am to 12.45pm, online. Register by 5pm on Monday 9 November 2026.

Visit physics.ox.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)Details: Oxford Physics Year 12 Taster Morning (November 2026)