Career Pathways
Deciding which A Level courses to study can be challenging – there is a wide range of subjects to choose from, some of which will be new to you.
Our Career Pathways can help you decide your A Level subjects, showcasing your opportunities for future progression to university and employment.
In addition to your chosen subjects, you will also benefit from our outstanding enrichment opportunities and work experience, helping to broaden your knowledge, understanding and skills within your field of interest.
Our pathways have been built using the extensive skills and experience of our teaching team, universities and partners – we encourage you to also check websites such as Informed Choices for more information.
There are many degrees in the business sector; most universities do not specify particular A Level options, but certain A Levels will make you more competitive, such as Business and Economics.
Maths may also be essential for some Economics and Management courses. One of these three A Levels is essential for this pathway.
For Marketing pathways, English and Media Studies can be useful. Some competitive universities will look for breadth rather than subjects which might have overlapping curricula, such as Business and Economics – it is essential to check your chosen university’s requirements.
Our recommendations for other subjects in this pathway include Computer Science, Electronics, English Language and Literature, English Literature, Further Maths, Geography, Graphic Communication, History, Media, a foreign language, Music Technology, Photography, Physical Education, Politics, Psychology, Sociology and Textiles.
There are many degrees in the creative industries, such as those within Art and Design and Media and Communications.
Many applicants to Art and Design degrees will have completed a one-year art foundation course after their A Levels.
Some competitive universities look for a balance of Art and Science subjects for Architecture – it is essential to check your chosen university’s requirements.
There are also an increasing number of Creative, Media and Arts apprenticeships for students wishing to pursue this option after their A Levels.
You will need to pick at least one subject from the following: Art: Critical and Contextual Studies, Dance, Drama, Film, Fine Art, Graphic Communication, History, Media Studies, Music, Music Technology, Photography and Textiles.
Our recommendations for other subjects in this pathway include Biology, Computer Science, English Language and Literature, English Literature, Geography, Maths, a foreign language and Physics.
Studying Maths and Physics is essential to this pathway. Some competitive university courses will also look for Further Maths or an alternative linked to Engineering – it is essential to check your chosen university’s requirements.
Our recommendations for your third subject in this pathway include Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Electronics, Further Maths, Geography, Graphic Communication, Maths, Music Technology and Physics.
This pathway can lead to a range of humanities degrees, as well as those wishing to specialise in areas such as Law.
Entry requirements will vary depending on the course and university – it is essential to check your chosen university’s requirements.
You must choose one of the following for this pathway: Economics, English Language and Literature, English Literature, Geography, History, Philosophy, Politics, Religious Studies and Sociology.
Our recommendations for other subjects in this pathway include Art: Critical and Contextual Studies, Business, Film, Fine Art, Maths and a foreign language.
Studying Biology and Chemistry is essential to this pathway, meeting the requirements of most medical schools.
Universities differ on requirements for the third A Level subject. Studying Maths or Physics, in addition, can keep options open to you, as some require a third science; however, others may like an Arts or Humanities subject as evidence of your breadth – it is essential to check.
Our recommendations for other subjects in this pathway include English Literature, English Language and Literature, Geography, History, Maths, a foreign language, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies and Sociology.
This pathway can lead to a range of courses at both universities and conservatoires.
Your subject choices will depend on your specialism – it is essential to check your chosen university’s requirements. Normally essay-based/humanities subjects in the pathway will be looked on favourably.
Some students explore apprenticeship options in the creative and cultural industries.
You will need to pick at least one subject from the following: Dance, Drama, Film, Music and Music Technology.
Our recommendations for other subjects in this pathway include Art: Critical and Contextual Studies, English Language and Literature, English Literature, Film, Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Media, a foreign language, Photography and Textiles.
This pathway can lead to degrees in subjects such as Pure Science or Allied Health Profession courses (e.g. Physiotherapy, Radiography, Speech Therapy and Nursing). These courses usually require at least one science A Level, either Biology or Chemistry.
Your second and third subject choices will depend on the course/allied health profession you are interested in pursuing – it is essential to check your chosen university’s requirements.
Our recommendations for other subjects in this pathway include Computer Science, Dance, Drama, Electronics, Fine Art, Further Maths, Geography, Maths, Music, Philosophy, Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies and Sociology.
This pathway can lead to a range of social sciences degrees, as well as those wishing to specialise in areas such as Law.
At university level, students often combine Social Sciences or specialise in an area of interest, e.g. criminology, social policy, cultural studies. Some competitive universities prefer students to study Science alongside Psychology – it is essential to check your chosen university’s requirements.
You must choose one of the following for this pathway: Criminology, Geography, Psychology, Politics, Religious Studies and Sociology.
Our recommendations for other subjects in this pathway include Art: Critical and Contextual Studies, Biology, Business, Economics, English Language and Literature, English Literature, Film, History, Media Studies, a foreign language, Philosophy and Photography.
This pathway can lead to degrees in sports-related subjects, usually requiring either Biology or Physical Education.
Sports courses with a more practical focus may expect experience in coaching or a certain standard in a sport. Degrees with less science content will be more flexible in terms of subjects – it is essential to check your chosen university’s requirements.
Our recommendations for other subjects in this pathway include Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Dance, Economics, Electronics, English Language and Literature, English Literature, Maths, Media, Physics, Psychology and Sociology.
This pathway can lead to a broad range of degrees including International Relations/Development, European Studies and American Studies. You may wish to consider courses with further study abroad.
Many universities will look for a business-related subject in this area or a modern foreign language. You will need to choose one of the following for this pathway, but it is essential to check your chosen university’s requirements: Business, Economics, Geography, History, a foreign language, Philosophy, Politics, Religious Studies or Sociology.
Our recommendations for other subjects in this pathway include Art: Critical and Contextual Studies, Dance, Drama, Film, Fine Art, Media, Music, Photography and Textiles.
Enrichment Activities
In addition to specialist enrichment activities for each pathway, all students can participate in activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, UCAS Fair, LGBTQ+ network, Jack Petchey, First Aid, university and employment schemes, apprenticeship fairs, sports, and the option to become a Mental Health and Wellbeing Ambassador.
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