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Career Pathways

Do You Know What Career You’d Like to Pursue?

When choosing A-Level subjects, some students follow their passions and pick the subjects they enjoy most. Others make their choices based on a future career or industry they’re aiming for. 

That’s why we’ve developed our specialist subject pathways – to help you make informed choices that align with your goals. 

These pathways are designed to equip you with both the academic knowledge and key skills needed for success in your chosen field. You’ll also have opportunities to meet a wide range of employers, allowing you to explore the many job roles within each sector and understand the qualifications and experience they require. 

Here are some of the specialist pathways available at St Wilfrid’s Sixth Form College in 2025: 

In the UK, careers in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science begin with a five to six-year undergraduate degree, followed by professional training and specialisation. 

  • Medicine: MBBS or MBChB degree, followed by foundation and specialist training. 
  • Dentistry: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), with options to specialise via postgraduate routes. 
  • Veterinary Medicine: Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVetMed), plus further specialist qualifications. 

This pathway also supports students interested in pharmacy. 

Recommended A-Level subjects: 
  • Chemistry (required) 
  • Plus at least two from: 
    • Biology 
    • Mathematics 
    • Psychology 
    • Physics 

All students on this pathway join MedSoc, where you’ll receive specialist preparation for university applications, including interview practice, admissions test support and skills development. 

Careers in healthcare – including nursing, midwifery and radiography – usually begin with a degree in a relevant subject, followed by professional registration and the option to specialise. 

  • Nursing: BSc in Nursing and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). 
  • Midwifery: BSc in Midwifery and NMC registration. 
  • Radiography: Degree in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography, followed by HCPC registration. 

These careers are vital in hospital and community care and offer rich opportunities for progression and specialisation. 

Recommended A-Level subjects (choose one or more): 
  • Biology or Human Biology 
  • Health and Social Care 
  • Psychology 

A career in law typically starts with an LLB law degree or a non-law degree followed by a conversion course such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). Further steps include the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) for solicitors or the Bar Training Course and pupillage for barristers. 

Law is a competitive field that rewards critical thinking, logical reasoning, and confident communication. 

Recommended A-Level subjects: 
  • Law 
  • Plus one or more subjects that develop argument and analysis skills, such as: 
    • English Literature 
    • Sociology 
    • History 
    • Geography 
    • Psychology 

This pathway leads to careers in finance, accounting, management, and marketing. Most roles require a related degree, followed by professional qualifications such as: 

  • Accounting: ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW 
  • Finance: CFA or postgraduate study 
  • Marketing: CIM qualifications and industry experience 
  • Business: Degrees in management or entrepreneurship, with options to pursue MBAs or consultancy roles 
Recommended A-Level subjects: 
  • Business Studies 
  • Plus at least one from: 
    • Mathematics 
    • Law 
    • English Language or Media Studies 
    • AAQ Data Analytics 
    • Geography 

These pathways are not restrictive – they are here to guide and support you in choosing subjects that open doors to your future. If you're unsure, speak with a member of our Sixth Form team who can help match your interests and strengths to the right pathway.