Taster days

Life at the University of Worcester Taster Days

Gatsby: 3,7 

University Life Taster Days are designed to inform, inspire and help students make decisions about their next steps. Our recent graduates and student ambassadors will share their experiences of student life through workshops and activities.  

 University Life Taster Days can be organised for groups of up to 150 students. 

 Year groups: 7-13

Method of delivery: On campus 

Duration: Varies depending on the session 

Subject Specific Taster Days

Gatsby: 4,5,6,7

Subject specific taster days provide an insight into what it’s really like to study at university. 

Students will have the opportunity to take part in subject specific taster sessions led by an academic expert, explore specialist facilities relevant to the course on a tour and hear from current students and graduates.  

Subject specific taster days are ideal for groups of 15 students or more. 

Year groups: 12,13 

Method of delivery: On campus 

Duration: Varies depending on the session

Inspire Days

Gatsby: 4,5,6,7 

Our Inspire Days offer Year 12 and 13 students the chance to engage with university-level teaching across a broad range of subject areas. Through immersive workshops and interactions with our student ambassadors, students gain a deeper understanding of higher education, develop their career aspirations, and explore the opportunities available to them after college or sixth form. 

Year groups: 12,13 

Method of delivery: On campus 

Duration: 4 hours 

Art and Design

Crate Expectations: Game Art Asset Creation 

A workshop exploring environmental storytelling, pipelines and techniques using the ubiquitous game world crate! 

Game Art Careers 

Game Art academic team will discuss the range of careers within Game Art and related disciplines.   

Journalism

Breaking the News 

It’s a time of some of the biggest news headlines in recent history and unprecedented social and political events. And yet interest in news is in decline, as is trust in news media thanks in part to fake news and bad news fatigue.

At the same time audiences are changing how and when they consume news, wanting and expecting to find out what’s happening immediately via their phones rather than relying on traditional media platforms.

In this session, students will explore some of the issues affecting news journalism today and how reporters and editors are reacting. 

Media and Dance

The Digital Choreographer: Dance on Screen 

Swap the traditional stage for the lens and explore the rapidly expanding world of screendance. Using only smartphones, students will learn how movement changes when viewed through a camera. 

Students will experiment with framing, shot composition, editing rhythm and site-specific performance to create original dance films.

Bridging the gap between professional screendance, commercial practice and social media content creation, this highly practical workshop introduces students to new creative possibilities while developing valuable digital and creative industry skills. 

Deconstructing Choreography 

Students develop choreographic work and receive structured, university-level feedback from an experienced dance academic and professional choreographer.

Through facilitated discussion and practical exploration, students will analyse and articulate their creative decisions, interrogate their choreographic intentions, and identify clear strategies for further development.

This workshop helps students move beyond simply creating movement to thinking critically about process, artistic choice, audience impact and choreographic structure. 

Law

An introduction to the English and Welsh legal system 

This session offers an introduction to the English and Welsh Legal system, the rule of Law, sources of Law and the Courts and Tribunals structure. This session also includes an interactive law-making exercise. 

Tort Law and an Introduction to Occupier’s Liability 

This session looks at what the Law of Torts involves and introduces the area of occupier’s liability. The session considers the two core pieces of relevant legislation and utilises problem-based scenarios to apply knowledge. 

Policing

Professional Policing Career Pathway workshop 

This informative workshop will explain how to get a career in policing and provides students with key information in relation to the available entry routes, application process and eligibility criteria for the role of a police officer within the Home Office Police Forces in England and Wales.

This one-hour workshop will also explore alternative roles within the police service and the role and function of wider law enforcement agencies in the UK, with signposting to some useful websites to support their career research. 

Professional Policing - Use of Force 

Knowledge of police use of force tactics and associated lawful decision-making is essential in policing.

In this workshop, students will start to learn the basics of the underpinning legislation governing a police officer’s use of force as well as participating in an interactive session on appropriate tactics for conflict management and the application of various force to achieve policing outcomes and public protection.

Education

The Power of Play - it's everything 

Through the lens of contemporary theory, neuroscience, and current social policy, we will uncover the profound power of play to heal and restore. This workshop will demonstrate how play can support children's development and wellbeing.

Participants will gain insights into the latest research and practical applications of play therapy, storytelling, and play-based interventions, creating secure foundations for young children's growth. 

Scroll Smarter: Busting Myths About Social Media and Screen Time 

Think you know everything about social media and screen time? Think again! This myth-busting workshop tackles some of the common negative misconceptions about social media use and its impact on your wellbeing.

Rooted in research this workshop will help you understand arguments related to screen time and well-being, and you will discover evidence-based insights to help you navigate the digital world with confidence, balance, and purpose. 

Routes into Primary Teaching 

This masterclass explores the various pathways available for those interested in pursuing a career in primary teaching through the University of Worcester.

The session provides an overview of the course options, including programme details and tailored advice on the application process. Participants will gain valuable insights into the qualifications and steps required to embark on this rewarding profession. 

Additionally, the session delves into the intrinsic and professional motivations for becoming a primary teacher, highlighting the impactful and fulfilling nature of the role. It is an informative guide for anyone considering primary teaching as their career. 

If you're already considering a career in primary teaching, this masterclass is a must-attend.

Allied Health

Health Care Professions Taster Day 

Students will experience the professions within ‘Allied Health’ through the University of Worcester’s immersive scenario day.

They’ll witness a patient experience an acute medical condition and delve into the collective expertise of professionals working to support the treatment, management and recovery of patients; within a scenario which reflects contemporary healthcare.

This enriching day unites diverse perspectives, showcasing the integral contributions of healthcare professionals.  

Courses include: Paramedic Science, Diagnostic Radiography, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Operating Department Practitioner and Social Work. 

Each of these courses can deliver separate taster sessions upon request.

Psychology

Psychology Careers  

Studying psychology can lead to a wide range of exciting and rewarding careers, many of which students may never have considered before.

This session explores the diverse opportunities available to psychology graduates, from healthcare and education to business, research, technology, and beyond.

It will highlight the roles psychologists play in modern society, how they make a positive impact on individuals and communities, and what psychologists of the future might be doing. 

The Psychology of Gift Giving 

Why do we give gifts? For some, finding the perfect present is a source of great pleasure, while for others it can be a stressful challenge.

This session explores the psychology behind this ritual, examining why this universal behaviour has evolved and the important social functions it serves.

Drawing on the work of influential figures such as Charles Darwin and Niko Tinbergen, it will investigate psychological and evolutionary explanations for gift giving from historical, developmental, biological, and functional perspectives.

Along the way, they will gain a deeper understanding of the complex motivations that underpin one of our most familiar traditions. 

Myths in Psychology  

Psychology is a subject that captures everyone's interest, but its popularity has also led to many misconceptions and myths. In this interactive session, participants will be presented with a series of well-known (and not so well-known) psychological "facts" and asked to decide whether they are genuinely supported by evidence or simply popular myths.

As a result, this session will explore what psychology really is, why misconceptions arise, and how psychologists evaluate evidence. They may even find that the truth is more surprising and fascinating than the myths themselves!

Criminology

Media Representations of the Criminal Justice System 

A contemporary investigation of the relationship between the media and criminal justice agencies. Students will explore how the media interacts with and represents agencies such as the police, courts and prisons and consider how this shapes public opinion and understanding. 

Criminology and the Environment (Introduction to Green Criminology) 

An introductory session exploring key theories and concepts relating to crimes and harms against the natural environment. Students will consider accountability, responsibility and regulation through a range of case studies, including marine plastic pollution. 

Analysis of Current Criminal Issues in Society Analysis of Current Criminal Issues in Society  

This session examines recent criminological news stories, analysing them from a criminological perspective and considering their impact on different audiences.  

Structural Inequalities: How austerity kills 

This session explores how influential figures and policies have affected those most impacted by austerity. It reflects on the neo-liberal economy that emerged in the late 1970s and assesses its role in shaping millions of lives, often without accountability for those responsible.  

Analysis of Miscarriages of Justice. Causes and impacts 

This session introduces the concept of miscarriages of justice and examines how they occur. Key cases will be analysed to explore their causes, impacts and the reforms that followed.  

A world full of hate? Making sense of hate crime locally and globally 

This session explores what is meant by ‘hate’ in today’s political and social climate. Drawing on criminological theory and contemporary local and global events, it challenges myths and stereotypes shaped by influential figures, motivations and media narratives.  

Understanding Punishment – What does imprisonment look like in contemporary England and Wales? 

This session explores what serving a custodial sentence looks like in prisons across England and Wales. It challenges common prison myths by examining living conditions, purposeful activity, and differences between public and private prisons, before asking whether imprisonment supports rehabilitation.  

'Reactionary Politics and the Rise of the Far-Right'  

This lecture examines the roots of far-right reactionism and its role in fuelling violence and discrimination against marginalised communities. It considers the role of symbolism and how social justice can challenge political polarisation.  

'A Fascination with Crime: Public Interest in the Gruesome and Macabre aspects of Punishment Through History' 

Is the multi-million pound true crime industry a phenomenon, or is human obsession with violence, punishment and gory detail something we simply can't help? This session explores the history of our obsession with crime and how this shapes public understanding of justice into the present and beyond. 

Nursing

This one-and-a-half-hour interactive workshop is run by the University’s Adult, Children’s & Mental Health Nursing team. The purpose is to inform prospective students of the University of Worcester. 

Biological Sciences

Biological Science Careers 

Biological Sciences graduates are highly sought after by employers for their strong analytical skills, laboratory expertise, critical thinking, and the ability to interpret and communicate complex data. Join us to explore diverse opportunities available for life science graduates in both the laboratory and beyond. 

Bloodstream Superheroes: The Role of Red Blood Cells 

Red blood cells are the superheroes of the circulatory system. In this engaging session, students will begin by exploring the structure and function of red blood cells and how their adaptations support their role in the body.

They will then examine a range of animal blood samples under the microscope to discover the diversity of blood cell types across species.

Finally, students will investigate examples of parasitised blood, learning how infections can alter blood composition and impact health.  

This session supports A Level topics including cell structure, transport systems in animals, microscopy and practical skills, adaptation and evolution, and disease and immunity. 

Solve an Immunology Case Study 

Biomedical Scientists contribute to 95% of patient journeys by analysing samples to diagnose disease and guide treatment. In this session, students will take on the role of an immunologist, performing an ELISA test and examining blood cells under a microscope. Using their findings alongside results from other laboratory departments, they will diagnose a patient case. 

The Science of Christmas 

Unwrap the festive season through the lens of science! This light-hearted and informative talk explores the biology, chemistry and physics behind the Christmas traditions - from the aerodynamics of flying reindeer to the crystalline beauty of snowflakes. Students will engage with a range of scientific concepts in a seasonal context.  

Available in person or virtually during the festive period. 

Personalised Medicine – Genetic Analysis of Leukaemia 

This on-campus practical session explores how genetic differences influence disease and treatment. Students will use PCR and gel electrophoresis to analyse genes from leukaemia patients, investigate prognosis and treatment options, and examine blood cells under the microscope to identify changes associated with leukaemia.   

This taster session will incorporate the A Level topics of PCR, gel electrophoresis and blood cells. 

Careers in Forensic Science 

This is a short talk delivered by one of our lecturers, who has extensive experience working on a range of forensic cases. They will cover what types of roles are available within this field and discuss the skills and qualities that are needed. 

CSI Worcester 

This is a practical taster, run by Forensic Scientists, allows for hands on experience of crime scenes in our bespoke crime scene house and facilities. Alongside laboratory experience and analysing evidence students will work on a mock crime case. This is a great opportunity to learn how science can, and is, used in real life crime investigations. 

Geography and the Environment

Geography and Environmental Science Careers  

Geography and Environmental Science graduates are highly sought after because they possess a wide range of skills and qualities greatly valued by employers. This talk details the fantastic career opportunities for both Geography and Environmental Management and Sustainability graduates. 

Coastal Management in the UK 

Coastal areas are environmentally sensitive and economically valuable. The need to develop holistic and sustainable risk management approaches to coastal areas has been recognised.

This talk reviews different approaches and investigates solutions for a sustainable management of the coastal zone.

The talk is followed by a practical session based on conflict and collaboration of stakeholders using the case study of managed retreat.  

Global management of the carbon cycle with Earth Observation and GIS 

Human activities, such as deforestation and farming, have an impact on the Carbon Cycle, by changing carbon flows and soil and nutrient stores. The best tools to measure and manage these impacts on a global scale are Earth Observation and GIS.

Students will use satellite images to map changes in forest cover, look at areas of afforestation and deforestation and calculate rates of change over time. 

The Science and Politics of the Climate Crisis 

This session relates directly to UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) and first looks at the physical basis of global warming and then explores some of the political challenges and barriers to an integrated response in the UK and globally. Sessions only covering the science of the politics of climate change can be arranged. 

Understanding Rural Places  

This session is about how we can ‘do geography’ in rural places of the developed world. It provides some facts and myths about rural towns and villages using music, art, literature and film.

It covers what to investigate when out in the field, such as social inequality, community, globalisation, economic change and sustainability. Regeneration, rebranding and diversification of rural places can also be discussed. 

Habitat conservation and biodiversity sustainability 

This session explores what habitat conservation actually involves and why much of conservation, especially in the UK, requires active management. The link between the conservation of habitats and individual species within habitats will be discussed.

It also explores traditional site-based management for conservation, the concept of landscape-scale conservation and links to ecosystem services and sustainability of biodiversity. 

Social constructions of nature 

Phrases such as ‘mother nature’, ‘closer to nature’, ‘human nature’, ‘call of nature’ and ‘natural products’ are common in everyday life. Yet these phrases do not refer to nature in the same way. ‘Nature’ is one of the most complex concepts in human geography.

Its complexity stems from its multiple meanings, which depend on the different values, cultures, experiences, and purposes of those using the term. Nature can be seen as a provider of resources, the essence of something, the entire living world, or a place untouched by human activity.

Because the meaning of nature depends on the context, social scientists understand nature as a ‘social construction’. But why is it important for human geographers to understand nature as a social construction? Because it helps us identify the political, social, and economic factors behind the term ‘nature’ (or ‘natural’).

Using national and international examples, this session explores the usefulness of understanding nature as a social construction and examines the multiple discourses on nature that frame our everyday lives. 

Planning Sustainable Cities  

We live in an increasingly urban world and a key global challenge is how cities are planned to develop in ways that are sustainable, equitable and resilient. This talk explores how planning addresses these key challenges of urban development in British cities.

It examines what a sustainable urban future means in practice and whether current planning approaches support this goal. The talk provides opportunities for discussion of current planning issues and can be extended with a practical planning exercise. 

Sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa 

Africa is not a country, and a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to development has largely failed to improve the living standards of the rural poor throughout the continent.

Drawing on recent field research experiences in Ethiopia and Malawi, this talk explores what makes a development intervention sustainable, and in particular what it takes to create long lasting win-win outcomes for both people and the environment.

This activity is available as a lecture (40 mins) or a lecture plus practical, which uses VR (1 hr 20 mins).

Geography and the Environment VR sessions

Choose from: 

Walk on a Glacier in VR 

This immersive virtual field trip takes students to the Moiry glacier in SW Switzerland. Here, they will walk from the car park upvalley and onto the glacier. On the route, they will see impressive moraines from the Little Ice Age, ice-smoothed bedrock (and some excellent striations!), talus (scree) and slope failures.

There is also evidence for human modification of the landscape.  

Explore Cwm Idwal in VR 

Cwm Idwal is a classic cirque situated within the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park in North Wales. This immersive virtual field trip explores the range of glacial and periglacial landforms present. Other than the cirque itself, students will see ice-smoothed bedrock, a glacial trough (U-shaped valley), moraines, rockfall, the summit-blockfield and tors.

This activity can also be used to support and extend in person fieldwork at this popular site.

Sport Management, Therapy and Exercise

Applied Anatomy and Physiology 

An option of two sessions that cover factors that affect participation in physical activity and sports performance. The sessions will cover more complex aspects of each topic. 

1. A session on the body’s systems that includes coverage of the cardio-respiratory system, the neuro-muscular system, the musculo-skeletal system and energy systems. 

2. A functional anatomy session to include identification, palpation, and functional understanding of the musculoskeletal system to better understand the movement capabilities of the body. Content will include a review of the major bones, joints, and muscles of the body and will consider a range of movement, flexibility, and strength capabilities of the participants. 

Biomechanical Principles 

In this session, students will be involved in developing their knowledge of biomechanical principles that affect sporting performance using the biomechanics lab at the University of Worcester. 

Sessions can cover; Biomechanical principles, Levers, Linear motion, Angular motion, Projectile motion and Fluid mechanics. 

Strength and Conditioning 

In this workshop, students will experience and develop their knowledge of different areas of Strength and Conditioning that are used to monitor and enhance athletic performance across different levels of sport.

These sessions can cover areas such as fitness testing, injury prevention strength work such as balance, deceleration and eccentric exercises, core training for athletes, training load monitoring, and Olympic lifting. 

Sports Therapy 

Workshop areas include Ankle or Hand and Wrist masterclass; Sports trauma and spinal injuries; Concussion in Sport; Sports Massage; First Aid in Sport. 

Sport Business Management -Branding in Sports 

This masterclass explores how sports organizations, athletes, and events create and maintain strong brands. Analysing key business concepts such as marketing strategy, stakeholder engagement, and corporate social responsibility, using real-world examples to illustrate branding’s role in business growth and competitive advantage.

PE and Sports Coaching

Analysing Elite Sports Performance 

This session will cover the fundamental principles of sports performance analysis, exploring practical techniques and accessible technologies that can be used in school-based settings. Participants will also gain insights into the technology and methods used by performance analysts in elite sports, with real-world examples to illustrate their application. 

Game Based Learning 

A practical session exploring the delivery of games through a model-based practice, such as Teaching Games for Understanding.

The practical session allows students to experience alternative way of teaching games, which forms part of the teaching and learning content on our Physical Education, Sports Coaching and PE and Sports Coaching courses. Preparing our students for careers in teaching and coaching. 

Para Sports Experience 

The session will enable visitors to engage with and trial a range of adapted specialist sports equipment. The session will support inclusion, safety and fun on the court and the individuals will learn how to lead, manage and coach people in para sports.

Sports on offer can be chosen from: wheelchair basketball, boccia, seated volleyball and blind and visually impaired football. 

Full range of Sport workshops can be found here.

Business

Are influencers the new celebrities?  

This session will look at the rise of the social media influencer and the role they play within public relations. Some influencers have built up followings in the many millions, making them a powerful tool for getting PR messages out to key audiences.  

Conducting Business Responsibly 

In this session, we will explore how organisations can achieve a sustainable competitive edge through responsible business practices, with a special emphasis on environmental stewardship. We’ll discuss the strategic advantages of conducting business responsibly and contributing to a better future for the planet. 

Building Resilience and Overcoming Adversity 

Resilience is both the ability to recover from setbacks and adapt to challenging situations, as well as the ability to maintain focus on your goals and avoid being side-tracked by your environment. This masterclass focuses on building mental and emotional strength to withstand stress and adversity.

Participants will explore techniques for developing resilience, including mindfulness, stress management, and self-understanding. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with tools to navigate life’s challenges more effectively and focus their attention more productively.  

The role of motivation in behaviour and performance 

This session will provide a clear understanding of how both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation influence behaviour and performance. We will explore strategies to harness the value of both personal and organisational outcomes through deploying motivational techniques in various contexts. 

Management Accountants: Climate Heroes? 

It may surprise many people to know that accountants can be influential in supporting organisations to achieve their net zero goals. This session looks at how accountants can influence management decision making and the impact businesses have on the environment, through the power of performance measures and targets. 

Instagram design challenge  

This interactive session will let students take on the challenge of designing an Instagram campaign for a fictitious company. By utilising the computers on campus, students will get a hands-on experience and a real taste of what it’s like to study marketing at the University. 

Computing

Preparing for a career in Computing 

In this informative talk, students will delve into various career opportunities and learn about the pathways to enter these dynamic professions. 

Exploring Energies  

This on-campus session explores ‘carbon zero’ power sources through running interactive simulations we have created using the Unreal-5 video game engine.

The session uncovers the most important factors in designing a power source and obtaining estimates of the power available, by answering questions like:

“How many University buildings can be powered by a turbine located in the River Severn in Worcester?” or “How many homes could be powered by a turbine retrofitted into Diglis Weir in Worcester?” 

Text Mining with Social Media Data 

It is estimated that nearly 330 million terabytes of data is being generated daily online. Much of this is in social media platforms, such as Facebook, X (Twitter).

This interactive session explores how to apply text mining methods to data taken from popular social media websites (X, Reddit, etc.) to gain an understanding of what is being said and the sentiment behind it. 

Mobile Application Design Challenge 

In this interactive session, participants will take on the challenge of designing a mobile application, which helps support students new to a university.

Engaging in brainstorming, meticulous designing and persuasive pitching, students will design an app with carefully considered features, functionality and user-friendly navigation.