On-campus subject tasters
Our on-campus subject tasters help students to experience what it's like to study at the University of Sheffield.
Is this session right for me?
If you would like to visit us in person to get a flavour for what it’s like studying a particular subject at university, our on-campus subject tasters are right for you. You'll visit campus and join a session in one of our learning and teaching spaces.
We continually release new taster sessions. Register your interest and we will notify you of new sessions as they become available.
Help with travel costs
The Access+ Travel Bursary is available to eligible students who are travelling to attend an on-campus subject taster.
Book your place
View and book our current taster sessions.
We continually release new taster sessions. Register your interest and we will notify you of new sessions as they become available.
Browse our past sessions
See which subjects take part by browsing our past on-campus sessions.
- Previous on-campus subject taster sessions
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Automatic Control and Systems Engineering
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What is an on-campus subject taster?
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Our on-campus subject tasters provide students with a fantastic opportunity to come and visit the University of Sheffield and participate in a full day's subject specific activity delivered by current academic and students.
- Who are on-campus subject tasters aimed at?
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The project is open to applications from all Y12 & Y13 students from all areas of the UK. We welcome applications from any interested students. It should be noted that as most of our courses have A Level entry requirements of no lower than BBB (or equivalent), we will be targeting students who have the potential to achieve these grades, or higher - based on predicted/expected grades.
Any pupil from any region of the UK is considered suitable based on their academic profile.
- What is the application process?
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For each on-campus subject taster we require students to complete our application form which asks for (amongst other details):
- Year group
- school names
- Level of study
- Predicted grades
- Chosen (or likely) subject choice at university
- Statement of no more than 250 words about why you would like to attend
We do not accept group bookings as each place is decided on merit and desire to attend (based on the 250-word statement).
The University of Sheffield will contact each student, usually 3 weeks before the event, to let them know if they have been successful in their application and then again with further details of the event (meeting point, itinerary, etc).
- Are pupils guaranteed a place if they apply early enough?
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Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee places for all applicants as each pupil must meet the minimum academic criteria in order to be eligible to participate in the day.
- What happens if there are more applications than there are places available on the subject taster?
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In the event that there are more applications than there are available spaces, the taster day team will assess all application forms and make decisions on the most suitable candidates based on pre-determined scoring criteria.
- Will you contact the pupil's school/teacher to let them know who will be attending the subject taster?
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We will not contact schools with details of any students who have been successful in gaining a place on the subject taster. This would be the responsibility of the individual attending.
However, some schools may already be aware of the subject tasters if they have subscribed to receive promotional communications and e-newsletters from the University of Sheffield
- How long is an on-campus subject taster?
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Duration can vary depending on the department and the nature of the activity. However, timings usually mirror a school day - with a slightly later start to allow pupils from further afield to get to Sheffield in good time. A good example of an itinerary is below:
10 to 10.30am Arrivals and registration 10.30 to 10.45am Welcome and Introduction to Geography at Sheffield 10.45am to 12pm Changing Places workshop: Kelham Island - whose regeneration? 12 to 1pm Lunch with Sheffield geography students
1 to 2pm Our living laboratory: Sheffield and the Peak District tour 2 to 3pm Laboratory practical: water from where? 3 to 3.30pm Conclusions, question and answer session and departure - What happens if an on-campus Subject taster is cancelled on the day (due to bad weather etc)?
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When your place is confirmed we will ask you to confirm your attendance and to also provide further details, for example (mobile number, emergency contact details, dietary requirements etc). If an event is cancelled we will contact students directly to let them know - either by email, or if an event is cancelled within 48 hours contact will be by phone.
- Will lunch be provided?
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Some departments may provide lunch, others may ask you to bring something with you, or purchase something whilst you are on campus. Either way, you will be given all the appropriate details in your confirmation and follow emails prior to the event.
- Can pupils book onto more than one on-campus subject taster?
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Yes. Pupils can register for as many subject tasters as they like. However, in order to be selected they must meet minimum academic criteria. We would also expect that pupils would have a genuine interest in studying (or potentially studying) the subject at University. For example, we would not prioritise applications from pupils applying to come on a Chemistry taster day who wish to study Medicine at university. In this instance the stronger applications would be from those who state their subject choice at university to be Chemistry, or a Chemistry related subject.
- What if I don’t know what I want to study at university?
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We fully appreciate that not all students will know exactly what they want to study yet. However, pupils should be able to demonstrate fully in the 250 word statement why they are interested in attending a specific on-campus subject taster. Which will then help us understand their reasoning for wanting to attend.
- Can school groups book on to on-campus subject tasters?
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We take bookings from individuals as opposed to school groups and we would expect that each application form is completed by the pupil and not their teacher. It is often the case that there may be several pupils from the same school at the same on-campus subject taster, but each would have completed the application form separately.
- Can I contact someone to find out more about on-campus subject tasters more generally?
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Of course. Please feel free to contact the team via email tasterdays@sheffield.ac.uk or by phone 0114 2222 9872.
- What do I need to bring on the day?
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We will contact you by email closer to the time, to let you know what you need to bring on the day for your particular session.
- How do I get to Sheffield?
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Maps and travel information can be found here. Sheffield and the University have excellent public transport links, and we encourage visitors to take advantage of these wherever possible. The University has a tram stop, is a twenty-minute walk from Sheffield train station, and is well served by the local bus network.
- Where can I park?
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We recommend that visitors use the Q Park at Durham Road. The Students' Union building is visible to your right as you exit the car park. Explore details of other car parking options.
- I am a blue badge holder and will be travelling to the University by car. Where can I park?
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We recommend using one of the 32 blue-badge parking spaces available in the Q Park at Durham Road. An additional 20 blue-badge parking spaces are available in the Q park at Rockingham Street. Alternatively, you can park in any of the blue badge bays available on campus.
- Do you have disabled access?
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All our venues have disabled access. If you have any accessibility or additional support requirements to facilitate your full participation in the event, please detail these on the booking form. If you require any assistance on the day, our staff and student ambassadors are there to help. Our Disability and Dyslexia Support Service can also offer further advice on the support that will be available during your studies at Sheffield.
- Are quiet spaces and prayer rooms available?
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Dedicated quiet spaces and prayer room facilities are available in several key buildings across campus. If you require further information or directions on the day of the event, please ask a member of event staff.
- I am travelling to Sheffield by train. How do I get to the University from the station?
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Sheffield Railway Station is situated approximately a mile and a half away from the University of Sheffield. It is advisable to catch either a tram or a bus to the campus.
Trams run directly from the station to the University every 12 minutes. You need to catch the blue line heading towards Malin Bridge and get off at the University of Sheffield tram stop. The journey time is approximately nine minutes.
The main University of Sheffield campus is easily accessible by public transport. From the transport Interchange (opposite the station), a range of buses go to and from this area, including the 30, 120, 123, 51 and 52 and all pass by the University.
- What is the University doing to keep the community safe from Covid-19?
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You can read more information about this on our Covid-19 web pages.
International Merit Scholarships
We offer a generous package of financial support for international students including 75 undergraduate scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee and 125 postgraduate taught scholarships worth £5,000 towards the tuition fee. Applications are now open for existing offer holders.