University of Reading

Institution Profile

About the University of Reading

The University of Reading is among the top 30 UK universities in the world* and is home to over 27,000 students from over 160 countries. Our award-winning green campuses are at the heart of our university community, providing world-class facilities alongside a sustainably-conscious backdrop of nature. In 2024, our Whiteknights campus received its 14th Green Flag Award in a row, and we are considered one of Britain's top green spaces.

Recently awarded the Sustainable University of the Year 2025 in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, the University is proudly committed to climate change and environmental sustainability.

Our programmes range from the pure and applied sciences to languages, humanities, social sciences, business and arts, and we offer Taster sessions and a range of experiences across our subjects.

*The University of Reading has maintained its position at 26 in the UK, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, [9 October 2024]

The types of provision include:

Subject Days and Theme Days - hands-on activities for students based on or around a particular A Level (or equivalent) subject. Days include practical tasters which support their studies or highlight the Higher Education options available to students studying in these areas. Aside from collaborating with the central Global Recruitment Team (UK and Outreach) on the development of outreach activities focused around particular subjects, some academic departments also run their own events for schools and colleges.

University of Reading lab image

Masterclasses and Technique Sessions – these events focus on a specific area, technique or skill within a subject, allowing students the chance to see 'close-up' some of the techniques used in that subject areas.

Conferences and Debates – these events are designed to challenge the way students think about real world issues and developments in technology and to encourage independent learning and the development of transferable skills, such as evidence analysis, research and communication skills.

Lectures - as well as our public lecture series which are free and open to all schools, we also have a number of other lecture events throughout the year to engage your students with the latest research and advancements in all academic discipline.

University of Reading campus image


4 Upcoming events

The University of Reading offers an ever-expanding programme of free outreach events across all subject areas from Year 7 - 12. All events are intended to enthuse students whilst offering curriculum enhancement and enrichment.