Pathways to the Professions (Year 12 entry only)

Our innovative Pathways to the Professions programmes have been designed to expand knowledge, develop skills, and give an insight into what university life is really like for those students with ambitions to study Medicine, Healthcare or Engineering and Technology (STEM) for university.

Alongside their Year 12/13 studies, successful applicants will join a unique programme of enrichment activities designed to support every stage of their journey into Higher Education and career development.

Students will:

• Discover subject-specific taster days led by Aston University academics
• Engage in our revision bootcamp delivered by local teachers
• Explore campus life at an immersive Summer School
• Work through flexible online modules covering study skills, Higher Education knowledge, personal statement writing as well as university interview and work experience preparation.
• Celebrate their achievements at the finale event - with guidance on student finance, top tips for results day, settling in at university, and a certificate presentation.

The programme is designed to raise aspirations, build confidence, and equip students with the knowledge, skills and experiences to make informed choices about Higher Education and different career paths.

Who are the Pathways for?

Places on our Pathways to the Professions programmes are open to students entering Year 12 in September, who have the potential to enter Higher Education, and are considering a degree in either Medicine, Healthcare or Engineering and Technology (STEM). Students who are interested in applying must meet the academic and widening participation criteria for their stream as below and the entry requirements for their subject(s) of interest on our website.

Please note, places on the programmes are limited. If oversubscribed, places will be offered firstly to those who meet the highest number of criteria will be offered places first.

If places are still available, we will then consider applicants who meet slightly fewer criteria, continuing in this way until all places are filled. If there are more applicants that places for those who meet the same we will allocate the remaining places by randomly selecting from those applicants.

Apply here

Students must have support from their teachers or careers advisers to apply to the Pathways to the Professions programmes, including approval for time off school/college where necessary to attend events. Learners will be expected to complete all compulsory programme elements to be eligible for a Pathway Contextual Offer and the chance to apply for an Aston Forward Scholarship worth £5,000 if applying to Aston University.

Applications for our next cohort on the Pathways to the Professions programme close at 5pm on Friday 17th October 2025. Any applications made after this time and date will not be considered.

Apply here

Please note, students who enter the Pathways to the Professions programmes are not guaranteed a place on Aston University degree programmes, or an Aston Forward Scholarship. On successful completion of the programme, students who fulfil our admissions entry criteria, apply to Aston University, and are successful with their application, will be eligible for a Pathway Contextual Offer and the chance to apply for an Aston Forward Scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Aston's Pathway Programmes.

You can apply for more than one Pathway, but please make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for each Pathway you apply to as listed on our website. Please note, you can only take part in one Pathway stream. We would encourage you to research which programme would suit you best as they all offer different experiences and often focus on different subjects and topics. Whichever programme you choose carries the same benefits for you in terms of being eligible for a reduced offer of study if you make a successful application to Aston University.

Can I apply for more than one Pathway?

You can apply for more than one Pathway, but please make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for each Pathway you apply to as listed on our website. Please note, you can only take part in one Pathway stream. We would encourage you to research which programme would suit you best as they all offer different experiences and often focus on different subjects and topics. Whichever programme you choose carries the same benefits for you in terms of being eligible for a reduced offer of study if you make a successful application to Aston University.

Does being on Pathways programme mean I am guaranteed a contextual offer?

Being on a Pathways programme does not guarantee you a contextual offer as you must still meet our admissions and entry criteria to gain a place on one of our degree courses. In addition to this, we may not be able to offer a reduction in entry requirements for students studying BTECs or other A Level equivalents. To find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer, please get in touch with the Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Does being on Pathways programme mean I am guaranteed an interview if the course I want to study requires one?

Being on a Pathways programme does not guarantee you will be invited for interview at Aston University. This is because you must still meet our admissions and entry criteria to gain a place on one of our degree courses and courses which require interviews are very competitive.

Do I have to attend all events?

• Maintain at least 80% participation across compulsory programme events. Completion of all online modules, which include learning activities and reflections, counts as one event toward this requirement.
• Attend at least one Subject Spotlight session (or the Medicine Taster Day for Pathway to Medicine students).
• Submit all milestone surveys by the published deadlines.

NB: Authorised absences (e.g. illness, school commitments, caring responsibilities) will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but students are expected to provide evidence for absences and prioritise attendance wherever possible.

Do I have to apply through my school?

Applications for all of our Pathway programmes are made by the student. However, students will be asked to provide the name and contact details of a member of staff from their school/college to verify their application. Students must also have the support of their school or college to attend any Pathway events that occur during term time. These dates will be shared with you and your teachers well in advance.