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Taster courseUniversity of Leeds STEM Outreach

Discover STEM at Leeds (Pre-16): school workshop and campus visit for Years 9 and 10 (December 2026 to March 2027)

A pilot two-part programme for Year 9 and 10 school groups: an in-school workshop delivered by a current Leeds student between October and March, then a day on campus in specialist STEM laboratories. Teachers apply using the teacher application form and choose a campus day. Students receive a certificate of achievement.

By the Born to Engineer editorial team Checked

At a glance

Run by
University of Leeds STEM Outreach[1]
Who it’s for
Year 9 and 10 students, applied for by their school (teacher application form). Schools and students must commit to the in-school workshop and one campus visit.[2]
Entry
A teacher or school enters
Worth
A university student-led workshop in school, a day in Leeds STEM laboratories with a department tour, and a certificate of achievement. The 8 March 2027 day prioritises girls.[3]
Cost
Not stated
Year groups
Year 9, Year 10
Where
England (Leeds, West Yorkshire (in school and on campus))
Format
In person
Dates
to

Sources

4 sources

  1. University of Leeds

    Discover STEM at Leeds (Pre-16)

    This pre-16 programme consists of two parts, with an in-school workshop delivered by a current student, followed by a visit to the University of Leeds campus.

    Checked 24 October 2026

  2. University of Leeds

    Discover STEM at Leeds (Pre-16)

    Participants must be in Year 9 & 10.

    Checked 24 October 2026

  3. University of Leeds

    Discover STEM at Leeds (Pre-16)

    Students will receive a certificate of achievement at the end of the programme.

    Checked 24 October 2026

  4. University of Leeds

    Discover STEM at Leeds (Pre-16)

    Wed 27 January 2027, 9:30 – 2:40pm

    Checked 24 October 2026

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

Open now

In-school workshops October to March; campus days on 15 December 2026, 27 January 2027 and 8 March 2027[4]

Apply on accessandoutreach.leeds.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)

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

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Taster courseUniversity of Cambridge (with Isaac Science)

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.

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.
Who
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.
Entry
Students apply themselves
Deadline
Registration closes 31 October 2026; programme runs 11 January 2027 to 6 May 2028

Visit undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)Details: STEM SMART (University of Cambridge widening participation programme, Year 12 to 13)

Pathways to Engineering at the University of Liverpool

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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

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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)