Academic Taster Days

Our Academic Taster Days are a fantastic opportunity for Year 12 students to explore a specific subject area, meet tutors and current students, experience a taste of academic teaching at Oxford, and find out more about studying at university. All events are free to attend, and places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We prioritise students from UK state schools. In 2025, 144 students joined us for English, Modern Languages and Linguistics, Women and non-Binary People in STEM, and Music Academic Taster Days in May half term.

Online ‘Bright Matter’ Sessions – January / February 2026

In collaboration with St Anne’s, St Hilda’s, Magdalen, Mansfield, Oriel and University Colleges, we are pleased to be part of the Bright Matter programme for women and non-binary students in Years 11 and 12 who are interested in STEM subjects. These sessions are held online (16:30–17:30) and include subject insights, a short academic taster and a live Q&A with current students and tutors.

Online session dates (details of how to register will appear here soon):

  • Tue 13 Jan 2026 – Biology
  • Tue 27 Jan 2026 – Human Sciences
  • Tue 3 Feb 2026 – Medicine

Students who attend one or more Bright Matter sessions are invited to express interest in attending an in-person Academic Taster Day later in the year as part of the programme.

In-Person Academic Taster Days – May 2026

Our in-person days provide the chance to spend a full day at St Catherine’s College, explore a subject in depth, enjoy lunch in our hall and get a feel for college life.

2026 dates & subjects (details of how to register will appear here soon):

  • Tuesday 26 May – English
  • Wednesday 27 May – Modern Languages & Linguistics
  • Thursday 28 May – Bright Matter – Medicine
  • Friday 29 May – tbc (e.g. Music / History of Art)

Who can apply?

These events are aimed at Year 12 students (or equivalent) who are considering applying to the University of Oxford. We give priority to students from UK state schools for both online and in-person events.

What to expect

On a typical Academic Taster Day you will:

  • Attend academic sessions in your chosen subject
  • Meet current Oxford undergraduates
  • Hear from a recent graduate talk about what they are doing after Oxford
  • Participate in academic activities, Q&A or demo interview sessions
  • Enjoy lunch in St Catherine’s College
  • Learn more about university applications and student life

If you have any questions about booking or accessibility requirements, please contact:
The Outreach Team – outreach@stcatz.ox.ac.uk