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Taster courseUniversity of Cambridge (with Isaac Science)

STEM SMART (University of Cambridge widening participation programme, Year 12 to 13)

A free 16-month programme for state school students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, with weekly STEM work, online tutorials and mentoring from a current Cambridge student. Some students also get a 4-day residential in Cambridge in August 2027. It aims to build confidence to apply for engineering, computer science and science degrees.

By the Born to Engineer editorial team Checked

At a glance

Run by
University of Cambridge (with Isaac Science)[1]
Who it’s for
Year 12 to 13 (or equivalent) state school students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in the UK and NI, studying A Levels (or equivalent) in maths and sciences and considering engineering, computer science or science degrees. Must meet the academic and non-academic eligibility criteria.[2]
Entry
Students apply themselves
Worth
Weekly assignments and tutorials in maths and science subjects, fortnightly mentoring from a current Cambridge student, advice on describing the programme in a UCAS personal statement, and a certificate. A 4-day Cambridge residential (22 to 28 August 2027 week) is offered to the most engaged students.[3]
Cost
STEM SMART is a free programme. There is no cost to take part in the residential (travel costs are reimbursed).[4]
Year groups
Year 12, Year 13
Where
UK-wide (Online, with a residential in Cambridge)
Format
Hybrid
Dates
to
Funding
Bursaries or funding available

Sources

5 sources

  1. University of Cambridge

    STEM SMART: raising attainment in STEM subjects

    STEM SMART is a free programme supporting Year 12 to 13 (or equivalent) state school students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in the UK and NI to raise their attainment in STEM subjects.

    Checked 24 October 2026

  2. University of Cambridge

    STEM SMART: raising attainment in STEM subjects

    We also aim to develop their confidence to apply to engineering, computer science, or physical, biological or behavioural sciences subjects at top universities.

    Checked 24 October 2026

  3. University of Cambridge

    STEM SMART: raising attainment in STEM subjects

    This will take place in the week from 22 –28 August 2027.

    Checked 24 October 2026

  4. University of Cambridge

    STEM SMART: raising attainment in STEM subjects

    There is no cost to take part in the residential (travel costs are reimbursed).

    Checked 24 October 2026

  5. University of Cambridge

    STEM SMART: raising attainment in STEM subjects

    Complete the online registration form by 31 October

    Checked 24 October 2026

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

Apply by

Closes in 6 days

Registration closes 31 October 2026; programme runs 11 January 2027 to 6 May 2028[5]

Apply on undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)

More taster course opportunities

All opportunities

Pathways to Engineering at the University of Liverpool

Closes in 8 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 8 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 15 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)