Subject Sessions

The Faculty of Health offers sessions exploring degrees in Pharmacy, Orthoptics, Medicine and more! Discover the University of Sheffield’s suite of healthcare courses, and the fulfilling careers that await you. If there's a specific subject you're passionate about, let us know in advance.

Why should I study Medicine at Sheffield?

Y11+ | Session duration: 1hr-1hr30

How do I get into Medicine? What happens once I graduate? Discover the answers to these questions and more with our interactive session covering all aspects of the MBchB Medicine degree. Hear about the course content, student experience and specialist facilities, and try out some clinical skills if attending on campus.

Studying Dentistry at Sheffield

Y11+  | Session duration: 1hr-1hr30

What should I expect from a degree in Dental Surgery at Sheffield? Explore our course content, specialist facilities, and how to stand out when applying for a competitive course like dentistry.

Discover Nursing

Y11+ | Session duration: 1hr-1hr30

Discover what makes Sheffield 1st in the UK for Nursing at this interactive session! Explore our patient-led course content and diverse clinical placements, try your hand at a variety of clinical skills, and hear from current students about what they love about nursing.

Why should you choose a degree in Orthoptics?

Y11+ | Session duration: 1hr-1hr30

Who are orthoptists and what do they do? This session introduces you to a fascinating career, diagnosing and treating a range of eye movement disorders. Explore our course content, entry requirements, and unique placements that will take you to clinics across the UK.

Discover a degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Y11+  | Session duration: 1hr

Where do speech and language therapists work, and how do they help? This session explores all this and more, with an overview of our course content, in-house speech clinic and placements, as well as guidance on the application process. Find out what the future holds as a qualified speech and language therapist.

Discover Pharmacy

Y11+ | Session duration: 45min-1hr

Our new Pharmacy degree offers a varied programme of placements, simulated learning and patient-led learning, setting you up for a rewarding career as a registered pharmacist. Discover how pharmacists see beyond the prescription to the patient, and the specialist facilities and unique placements you can expect at Sheffield.

It’s not just Doctors and Dentists: Alternatives to Medicine

Y11+  / Session duration: 1hr-1hr30

It’s not just doctors and dentists - there are a range of rewarding, healthcare careers where you can directly support patients. From Nursing to Orthoptics, healthcare degrees at Sheffield offer patient-led teaching, alongside simulated study and diverse, hands-on placements, and this interactive session covers our entire range of courses.

Discover what it’s like to study a science or maths degree at the University of Sheffield. From taster lectures to inspirational talks about where a science degree can lead, we offer an exciting range of online sessions for year 11, 12, and 13 students to help shape their next steps.

Biosciences taster lectures - Solving global challenges

Y12-13 | 45 minutes including Q&A (online)

Experience an undergraduate lecture from our Sheffield bioscientists, informed by current research that’s tackling global challenges.

Choose a theme and topic to suit you:

Biomedicine: topics include disease, cancer, antimicrobial resistance, stem cells and ageing. Ecosystems and global change: topics include climate change, biodiversity, sustainability, ecosystems, and food security.

What can I do with A-Level Chemistry?

Y11-13 | 40 minutes (online)

A-Level Chemistry can lead you to a range of exciting fields across Science, Engineering, and Health. Discover how Chemistry could help address some of the biggest global challenges we’re facing and hear from current students at the University of Sheffield.

Maths and Statistics Taster Lecture - Modelling epidemics

Y12-13 | 45 minutes including Q&A (online)

Experience an undergraduate lecture, informed by current research from a Sheffield mathematician. The Covid-19 pandemic showed us how important it is to understand and predict epidemics - but how can maths help? In this taster lecture, you’ll learn how we can use mathematical modelling to address real-life problems, like understanding the spread of infectious diseases.

Maths and Statistics Taster Lecture - The mathematics of Monopoly

Y12-13 |  45 minutes including Q&A (online)

Experience an undergraduate lecture, informed by current research from a Sheffield mathematician. When playing Monopoly, are you more likely to land on Park Lane or Trafalgar Square? In this taster lecture, we’ll share ideas from probability to investigate the game and answer questions like this. You’ll also learn about the mathematics behind the original Google PageRank algorithm.

Physics Taster Lectures

Y12-13 | 30 minutes (online)

Experience an undergraduate lecture, informed by current research from Sheffield physicists. Choose from nine exciting topics spanning the breadth of physics and astronomy including ‘Planets and Aliens’, ‘Particle Physics and CERN’, and ‘Physics for Changing the World’.

Psychology Taster Lecture - Addiction

Y12-13 | 20 minutes plus Q&A (online)

Experience an undergraduate lecture on addiction, informed by current research from a Sheffield psychologist. What is addiction and how can we help people who suffer from it? We’ll introduce you to psychological explanations of addictions, and share some exciting new treatments that are based on “dual-process” theories.

Psychology Taster Lecture - Expertise

Y12-13 | 20 minutes (online)

Experience an undergraduate lecture on expertise, informed by current research from a Sheffield psychologist. What is ‘expertise’ and how do people achieve these feats of excellence? What are the underlying cognitive mechanisms that we all have that support the development of expertise? We’ll explore answers to these questions and discuss ways that we can achieve extraordinary levels of performance.

The Faculty of Engineering has a fantastic range of sessions available to deliver either online or at the University of Sheffield campus, ranging from the Flight Simulator Experience, Machine Learning and Data Science through to Hover Crafts and ‘What is Engineering?’. Please see some examples below and contact your regional officer for a full list of sessions available!

What is Engineering

Year 12-13 | 60-mins

Discover the exciting opportunities in Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Sheffield. You’ll learn about our diverse range of programs and discover how you can customise your studies to match your own interests, including options for industry placements and study abroad. You’ll get a glimpse of our modern, state-of-the-art facilities, understand more about our strong industry links, and find out how our programs prepare you for a successful career.

Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering

Year 12-13 | Timing Flexible

Curious about how engineering is shaping the future? Discover how materials engineers create aircraft components and sustainable energy solutions, how chemical engineers develop life-saving pharmaceuticals, and how biomedical engineers innovate healthcare with advanced prosthetics. Join us for a hands-on experience that could be the start of your next adventure!

• From Engines to Atoms (Materials) 
• Stirred, not shaken – how chemical engineers control mixing at scales from the tiniest nanodroplet to the largest biogas reactors
• Using engineering to help the patient and the surgeon

Computer Science

Year 12-13 | Timing Flexible

Technology is everywhere, and Computer Scientists are at the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in our ever-changing digital world. Join our interactive sessions and explore how the exciting fields of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are used to enhance and protect people’s lives. You’ll gain hands-on experience with Large Language Models and machine learning, plus our current students will be on hand to share their experiences with you. Dive into the world of Computer Science and see if it’s the right path for you!

• Machine Learning and Data Science
• Computer Science: ChatGPT for Large Scale Data Analysis

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Year 12-13 | Timing Flexible

How will robots affect our future? What engineering disciplines will boost the development of electric vehicles? How do electrical and electronic engineers solve real-word problems with advanced technology? Our taster sessions offer a unique opportunity to discover the exciting field of electrical and electronic engineering.

• Virtual Arduino Lab - an introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE)
• Robotics: How can we control and shape our future with robots?
• Engineering in General and General Engineering at the University of Sheffield with an Electrical Flavour

Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering

Year 12-13 | Timing Flexible

Dive into the exciting world of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Civil Engineering and find out if engineering is your next big adventure! Discover how engineers are using sound to enhance our senses and  explore cutting-edge innovations that help buildings withstand earthquakes. Get hands-on and experiment with flight, designing gliders and experiencing our flight simulators. Join our sessions for a chance to explore real-world skills and see how these fields are shaping the future.

• Sensing Sight with sound
• Innovations in Structural Engineering: Strengthening against earthquakes
• Flight Simulator Experience

The Arts and Social Sciences offer exciting sessions to help you explore your passion, get a taste of what it’s like to study at university while also providing you with valuable insights into future careers. Join our sessions below or contact your regional officer for a full list of sessions available!

Why Study an Arts and Humanities Degree?

Year 12-13 | 45-60 mins

Explore the endless possibilities of an Arts & Humanities degree! Discover the benefits, bust the myths, and see where your passion can lead you. Join our interactive session and learn why studying Arts & Humanities is the perfect choice for your future career.

The Rise of Game Survival Narratives in East Asian Cinema and Television

Year 12-13 | 45-60 mins

From 'Battle Royale' to 'Squid Game,' discover the cultural significance and growing popularity of this unique genre while you learn about the captivating world of East Asian game survival narratives. Join us to learn how these dystopian stories reflect the social and political landscapes of contemporary East Asian societies while we dive into the thrilling world of game survival narratives.

Visions of Havana on Instagram

Year 12-13 | Timings Flexible

Explore the Instagram-filtered vision of Havana! Discover how the platform creates a nostalgic and exotic image of the city. Learn about the limitations and biases of this outsider perspective. Join our lecture and gain a deeper understanding of Havana's complex identity.

Source Analysis: Reading Like a Historian

Year 12-13 | Timings Flexible

Unlock the secrets of history with our interactive source analysis session. Learn to read like a historian as you explore historical extracts and develop critical thinking skills. These sessions are perfect for students interested in history and looking to gain valuable insights of what it is like to study an Arts and Humanities subject at university level.

Decolonising History: Combining the Old and the New

Year 12-13 | Timings Flexible

Explore history from multiple perspectives! Join our sessions to discover how historians can engage with traditional approaches while incorporating decolonizing perspectives. Learn how to include marginalised voices and topics in your own historical research. Expand your understanding of history and become a more informed historian.

How to get away with murder

Year 12-13 | Timings Flexible

Join our interactive session to investigate a murder mystery! Learn key concepts of Criminal Law and Justice as you defend your client and explore possible defences for murder by defending/advocating for a client! No prior legal knowledge required.

The art of negotiation

Year 12-13 | Timings Flexible

Negotiation skills are vital for any practising Lawyer when resolving a dispute. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to apply the key tools and techniques that are used in a successful negotiation. Working in groups, you’ll take part in negotiation roleplay and develop your strategy to take on the other team. Can you secure the best deal for your client?

Beyond the books

Year 12-13 | Timings Flexible

Our English Literature session can cover a wide range of texts and subject matters - from Othello to Jane Austen and the emergence of gothic writing all the way through to The Handmaid’s Tale. We can also explore approaches fundamental to contemporary literary theory and delve into the formal, literary and cultural functions of genre.

Understanding language

Year 12-13 | Timings Flexible

In English Language and Linguistics sessions students can discover how children learn one (or more) languages with ease, or how accent and dialect shape the way we produce and use language. We can also touch on the scientific and mathematical side of linguistics, giving students the chance to explore a different side of English.

The Faculty of Social Sciences offers a diverse range of creative and ambitious courses, and these taster sessions provide an excellent introduction to how each subject uniquely addresses some of society's most pressing challenges. Through engaging discussions and activities, discover how each discipline is inspiring change and fostering a better society. We can work with you to tailor the session to your specific needs - or deliver a single subject session if more appropriate.

Fostering inclusive societies

Year 12-13 | 60 mins

We will delve into the concept of an "inclusive society" and examine the vital role that Social Sciences subjects play in driving positive change. Leading academics from various disciplines will discuss how their fields are addressing the barriers faced by marginalised and minority groups. We will consider how social, cultural, and political factors contribute to divisions in society and explore effective strategies for fostering inclusivity.

This session presents the opportunity to explore:

• Economic, political and organisational theories of how social divisions form and operate
• Global contemporary questions around gender and sexuality
• The role of education and policy to overcome inequalities

Specific subjects included could range from: Economics, Education, Geography, Journalism, Management, Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE), Politics, Sociology, Urban Studies and Planning

Ensuring a sustainable future for all

Year 12-13 | 60 mins

Exploring the critical question: “What does ‘sustainability’ mean in the context of our cities, and how are Social Sciences subjects ensuring a sustainable future?” As the world faces the urgent challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable global development, understanding the interplay between urban environments and sustainability is more important than ever. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how Social Science subjects can drive solutions towards more sustainable future cities.

This session presents the opportunity to explore:

• The causes, consequences, and solutions to global environmental issues
• How we're building our cities in the era of the climate emergency
• How the landscapes around us are designed to be socially, ecologically and economically sustainable
• The political drivers transforming our planet and the importance of both individual and collective action

Specific subjects included could range from: Architecture, Education, Environmental Science, Geography, Global Sustainable Development, Journalism, Landscape, Politics, Sociology, Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE), Urban Studies and Planning

Understanding and improving health and wellbeing

Year 12-13 | 60 mins

In this, we’ll explore how Social Science subjects are contributing to our understanding of health and wellbeing, particularly in relation to care systems and the role of information and digital technologies. Through informative discussion and real-world examples we will address the question: “How can we better understand and impact people’s health and wellbeing?” We’ll consider how social scientists can apply this knowledge to drive positive change in societies around the world.

This session presents the opportunity to explore:

• How societies allocate their often scarce healthcare resources
• Ideas around child development and the impact of immersion in digital technology
• Wellbeing concerns within the workplace and designing organisational interventions
• Sociology of the body and medicine

Specific subjects included could range from: Digital Media and Society, Data Science, Economics, Education, Management, Sociology, Urban Studies and Planning