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Taster courseUK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF), with Aston University

Insight Into Electronics (free Arduino kit and self-paced course)

A self-paced, hands-on introduction to microcontrollers, electronics and programming. UK-based students aged 14 to 18 can register interest for a free Arduino kit, supplied while stock lasts, and work through the guide and videos in their own time.

By the Born to Engineer editorial team Checked

At a glance

Run by
UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF), with Aston University[1]
Who it’s for
Individual UK-based students aged 14 to 18, designed for sixth formers and KS4/S4 pupils interested in engineering, electronics and computer science.[2]
Entry
Students apply themselves
Worth
A free Arduino-based microcontroller kit and guided activities to keep.
Cost
Free; no need to return the board[3]
Year groups
Year 10, Year 11, Year 12, Year 13
Where
UK-wide (UK-wide (home, self-paced))
Format
Online

Sources

3 sources

  1. UK Electronics Skills Foundation

    Insight into Electronics

    The Insight into Electronics initiative provides self-paced, interactive activities to young people with a hands-on introduction to microcontrollers, Electronics and programming.

    Checked 23 October 2026

  2. UK Electronics Skills Foundation

    Insight into Electronics

    If you’re an individual UK based student, aged 14-18, we have a limited supply of free Arduino (Microcontroller) kits available.

    Checked 23 October 2026

  3. UK Electronics Skills Foundation

    Insight into Electronics

    It’s really free and there’s no catch! Complete the course in your own time and there’s no need to return the board.

    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)