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Online STEM Research Project

applying STEM in the real world

Each student will complete a online STEM project which addresses a real-world issue over a 12-week course. All students will be guided through the key stages of their project via online sessions including picking a topic, gathering sources, formulating an argument, and structuring and formatting. 

Dates: 23 Sep - 13 Dec 2024 

Students will gain...

01. Research

skills

The project-based approach ensures that students develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication. These skills are essential for both academic and professional success​.

02. Presentation experience

Each student will complete a STEM project which addresses a real-world issue of their own choice. At the end of the course, students will present their solution to their tutors in the form of either a presentation or an essay

03. Graded certificate

Upon successful completion of the course and their project, students receive a Certificate of Achivement. This certificate not only recognises their achievement but also serves as a valuable addition to their academic portfolio.

Past students say...

"I like my supervisor's teaching style. He explained everything in detail and I can follow him very easily. I learned a lot in each single class"

Leah completed a Life Science research essay project in spring 2021. She is now studying at Imperial College London.​

"The Physics and Engineering courses I took were extremely well-taught. Our tutor explained everything clearly and logically"​

David studied two online courses with the Academy in autumn 2020. He has since been studying Engineering at the University of Oxford

Choosing your topic

If you aren't sure which exact area of STEM you would like to focus on, don't worry. During the first two weeks of the course, you will be guided to narrow down to a more specific area of interest.

 

You will also be supported in how to choose and review a range of academic and professional journals and decide upon the topic you want to research.​​​

How it's assessed

Assessment objectives

  • Attendance & engagement:10%

  • Assignments: 20%

  • Final Presentation / Essay: 70%

 

Grades

  • Distinction

  • Highly Commended

  • Merit

  • Pass​

Hours

​Learning

Hours and points are listed in your certificate

  • Presentation: 60 hours (5 hours per week)

  • Essay: 80 hours (6-7 hours per week)

Teaching

  • Interactive seminar lectures: 20 hours

      (max 10 students)

  • Presentation: 10 hours (max 3 students)

  • Essay:10 hours (one-to-one)

All packages

  • Step-by-step guidance across 12 weeks

  • Live online sessions and recordings

  • Access to learning material and research journals

  • Graded certificate of completion 

Essay

Price: £3,200 per student
contact us for school rates

Teaching: 1-1 tutoring

Final project: 2,000-word university level essay
see examples

Presentation

Price: £2,500 per student
contact us for school rates

Teaching: Seminars of 3 students

Final project: Presentation
(either individually or as a group)

Recordings of past live sessions

Aiyanna’s Psychology Journey
02:40

Aiyanna’s Psychology Journey

Meet Aiyanna - a Canadian Olympian with a passion for psychology and a drive to explore user experience design. In this interview, Aiyanna shares her unique journey through the Psychology course at the University Taster Programme and how it’s shaping her future career in UX/UI. Why Psychology: For Aiyanna, psychology isn’t just about the human mind; it’s also a crucial component in understanding user behaviour, which is key to her interest in UX/UI design. She dives into how the course connects psychology to real-world applications, like marketing and product design, making it an essential step in her career pivot. Learning in an Intimate Setting: Aiyanna reflects on the close-knit learning environment, where smaller class sizes allow for personalised feedback and deeper discussions. The hands-on teaching style has helped her reconnect with the subject and build confidence in ways she hadn’t anticipated. Expanding Knowledge: From exploring mental health to understanding the biological underpinnings of behaviour, Aiyanna discusses how the course delves into complex topics that reshapes her view of psychology and its relevance today. Inspired by Cambridge: Aiyanna talks about the "magic" of studying at a historic institution like Cambridge and how her time here has reignited her love of learning. She’s now considering applying for a master's degree, inspired by the academic environment and the vibrant community. Discover how Aiyanna’s experience has fueled her passion for psychology and design, and why she believes this summer school is more than just a learning experience - it’s a place where you can rediscover yourself.
Engineering Unlocked
02:15

Engineering Unlocked

Join Luke from Cambridge as he shares his experience of the Engineering course at our University Taster Programme. Hear how this hands-on course deepened his understanding of engineering, boosted his confidence, and inspired his future academic ambitions. Diving Deep into Engineering: Luke talks about exploring various engineering disciplines—mechanical, civil, biomedical, and more. This in-depth approach has given him a clearer view of the entire industry, revealing the many paths available within the field. Building Skills and Confidence: Luke reflects on how the collaborative environment and small class size have helped him bond with peers, step out of his comfort zone, and tackle real-world challenges like building a bridge to support a car. With one-on-one time with a Cambridge academic, he’s gained insights that have enhanced his problem-solving skills and overall understanding of complex concepts like Thermodynamics. Cool Moments: One highlight? Learning the mechanics behind a Formula One car! This experience has solidified Luke’s passion for engineering and motivated him to pursue it at top universities like Cambridge. Advice for Future Students: Luke encourages prospective students to dive in with an open mind. From learning and making lifelong friends, these stories and experiences will stay with you forever. Discover how the University Taster Programme helped Luke find his path in engineering and why he recommends it to anyone looking to explore this exciting field! 🚀
Navigating International Relations
02:33
Mastering Debate
03:12

Mastering Debate

Join Rain Chen from Beijing, China, as he shares his transformative experience of our British Parliamentary Debating course at the University Taster Programme. Rain delves into what makes this debating class stand out and how it has shaped his academic and career ambitions. Enhanced Debating Skills - Rain valued the need to debate in either the proposition or opposition team for a position he might not personally agree with. This deepened his understanding of complex topics, enhanced his persuasive skills and helped build friendships along the way. Favourite Activity: Rain’s top highlight was the dynamic ‘where do you stand’ activity, where every student actively participates by standing in a position, sparking lively discussions and equal opportunities to improve their debating skills. Most Interesting Topic – Should We Keep the British Monarchy?: Rain recounts a memorable debate on the future of the British monarchy, a topic that resonated deeply given the Cambridge setting and the mix of British and international perspectives in the room. Academic and Career Aspirations: Aspiring to work in international relations or at the United Nations, Rain emphasises how these debating experiences have sharpened his communication skills, preparing him for a future in diplomacy. Watch Rain’s inspiring review of the British Parliamentary Debating course and see how debating is not just about winning arguments - it’s about broadening horizons, building confidence, and preparing for the future!
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