Research-Based Curricula coursebooks or 'RBCs' are short digital subject coursebooks for Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 students, each written by a PhD researcher and expert in that topic.

Practice university-style study whilst learning new and fascinating things about a subject of your choice! Completing an RBC is great preparation for university, can be mentioned in UCAS applications and shows interest in your subject.

Access the RBC coursebook library - download for free!

Arts and Humanities Library

  

Social Sciences Library

  

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Library

 

What are RBC coursebooks?

• Subject tutorial packs (PDF) - students complete either with teacher guidance or on their own  
• Six 1-hour modules and a final reflection activity in each 
• Supports attainment and subject understanding 
• Develops critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis and writing skills, and more!

Why is it great for students to complete an RBC coursebook?

• Demonstrate your subject interest and dedication for university applications 
• Talk about completing a unique RBC coursebook in your UCAS applications 
• Similar to the work required for a university course or module - practice uni-style learning
• Gain 'stretch' experience and build independent research and learning skills
• Find out which subjects you do and don't like at a university level!

Who are they for?

• Key Stage 3, 4 or 5 students depending on the pack
• Teachers can take lesson and activity ideas from these, or use as extracurricular assignments
• Years 10 & 11 in gaining stretch and prepare for A-level style learning 
• Years 12 & 13 to build expertise and unique subject experience universities will be looking for 
• Inspiration or precursor for any students completing an EPQ (extended-project qualification)

Please note that many of the tutorial packs cover more than one school subject, for example, geography and statistics together. This is called interdisciplinary study and it is very common at university. Being able to demonstrate that you have engaged with 'interdisciplinary' study is likely to strengthen your UCAS application.

COVID-19 UPDATE: 

The RBC course library linked below is an *open and free* series of courses designed for self-guided learning that students can take advantage of.

Each course book, with data resources and activities, can also provide a great series of ready-made mini-lessons and actvities for teachers to use in their remote learning. 

We hope teachers will feel free to use these packs where possible and share them with students and parents. 

Support for Teachers

Click here for an overview of RBCs

Your school is eligible for free access to the RBC coursebooks as part of partnerships with UK universities and local National Collaborative Outreach Programmes (NCOPs). Please click on the following links to see the tutorial packs:

University Of Reading

Cumbria (HelloFutures)- Uni Connect

East Midlands  (Dancop)- Uni Connect

South Yorkshire (HeppSY+)- Uni Connect

Essex and East of England (Make Happen)- Uni Connect

Teachers at schools in Cumbria, the East Midlands and South Yorkshire may have opportunities for additional support, such as training and webinars.

>>> Need help or want to explore how your university can be a part of the Research-Based Curricula programme?
Contact us at [email protected].