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At the University of º£½ÇÉçÇø we run Pathways to Banking & Finance, Pathways to Engineering and Pathways to Law. These are three separate programmes, with some shared events and other events tailored to each sector.

The programme will include a blended approach, with some virtual events and face to face events on campus.

A typical programme includes:

• Opportunities to apply for work experience in the sector

• Hear from professionals in the sector during talks, networking, placements and site visits.

• Attend taster lectures to see what university study involves

• Tailored support with UCAS applications and personal statements

• Expert support with preparing your CV for work experience

• Experience a residential during Easter or Summer, at the annual National conferences

• Optional external trips, for example:

• Banking & Finance - Barclays, CBS and º£½ÇÉçÇø Economic Summit.
• Law - The Inner Temple and Birmingham Civil Justice Centre.
• Engineering examples: Mercedes AMG F1, JLR and Tilbury Douglas.

External trips are subject to change annually.

Eligibility criteria can be found .

Generally, students applying to a Pathways programme must meet the following criteria:

• Attend, and have always attended, a state funded, non-fee paying school/college
• Be in Year 12 at the start of the programme
• Live within a reasonable commuting distance of the University of º£½ÇÉçÇø

In addition, preference will be given to students: who meet one or more of the following:

• Have achieved in the region of 5 A*-B (9-6) grades at GCSE (with a minimum of 2 A* or A grades), including grades 9 – 6 in Mathematics and English
• Would be the first generation in their family to attend university
• Have been in receipt of Free School Meals whilst at secondary school
• Have attended schools with a lower than average progression to Higher Education, or a higher than average proportion of students who qualify for Free School Meal
• Live in a neighbourhood with a low rate of progression to higher education or a high level of socio-economic deprivation
• Have been looked after, in care or a young carer

There may be subject specific requirements based on each Pathways subject stream.

The more criteria you meet, the more likely you are to be offered a place on the programme.

Year 12 Example Programme

Autumn Term

• Programme Launch
• Opportunities to apply for work experience placements taking place during February half-term

Spring Term

• CV Support
• Sector Day - Networking workshop and practice with professionals
• Opportunities to apply for work experience taking place during Easter, May half-term and over the summer holidays
• Academic Taster Day
• Student Life Event
• Pathways to Engineering National Conference (Easter Holidays)

Summer Term

• UCAS and Personal Statement (and LNAT for Law) Events
• Pathways to Banking & Finance and Law National Law Conferences (Summer Holidays)
• Off-Campus trips(Summer Holidays)

Year 13 Example Programme

Autumn Term

• Programme Relaunch - Mock Assessment Centres (Hosted on campus or by employer partners)

Spring Term

• A-Level revision support (TBC)
• Programme Graduation

"The Pathways to Engineering program has been extremely beneficial to me in many ways. Through the opportunities it provided, I realised that I want to pursue a career in civil engineering, which has given me a clear direction for my future. I was also able to gain valuable work experience through the programme, allowing me to see what the profession is really like in practice. Networking events and activities helped me build my confidence by encouraging me to connect with professionals and share my interests. Along the way, I have met like-minded people who share the same passion for engineering, which has motivated me even more. These experiences have not only strengthened my academic goals but also developed my personal growth. Overall, Pathways to Engineering has shaped both my aspirations and my belief in myself." - Pathways to Engineering student (2026)

"Being on Pathways to Law has been instrumental in solidifying my ambition to pursue a legal career. The insights and experiences gained have not only helped me gain essential knowledge but have also fuelled my passion for law, making my dream career feel both achievable and exciting." - Pathways to Law Student (2026)

"Pathways has made my eyes open to my future career. I am certain about what I want to do and how to do it. And I now know that I can. I hope to be studying economics and management at the university of º£½ÇÉçÇø." - Pathways to Banking & Finance Student (2026)

How much does the programme cost?

Nothing, the programme is completely free including the residential. At events, food and refreshments are provided and the Pathways team are able to support with transport costs if needed.

How many places are available on the Pathways Programmes?

There are hundreds of places nationally. At the University of º£½ÇÉçÇø, we have space for 40 students per subject/ programme.

Can I apply for a place on the programme at any of the participating universities?

You need to live close enough to campus to be able to attend sessions regularly therefore you should apply to a Pathways university that is closest to you, and should be within a reasonable commuting distance.

How much does it cost?

The programme is free. Your travel expenses to and from Pathways events are paid (subject to you submitting receipts) and transport costs may be reimbursed.

How many sessions do I have to attend?

We expect participants to attend the majority of events, and attendance at online events is encouraged. To pass the programme, and be eligible for a reduced offer, participants must have a high attendance rate.

Will I miss time from school?

Some events take place during term time, so it is very important that you share the details of the programme dates with your tutor/head of sixth form as soon as these are available.

I am studying at an independent school. Why can't I apply for Pathways?

The programme is designed to offer opportunities to students from under-represented backgrounds. There has been much research published regarding widening participation which has concluded that these students are mostly found in state schools.

If I complete a Pathways programme will I receive reduced offers to attend university?

Some universities who run the Pathways to Law programme offer reduced offers to those who complete the programme, or who meet certain widening participation eligibility criteria. At º£½ÇÉçÇø, for example, students who complete Pathways at any university are eligible for a reduced offer and have the opportunity to join º£½ÇÉçÇø Scholars as an undergraduate when they enrol at the university after completing the Pathways programme. More information about the º£½ÇÉçÇø Scholars undergraduate programme can be found here

º£½ÇÉçÇø Scholars Undergraduate Programme

Can I apply for more than one WP programme?

Not in Year 12. In Year 13 you may apply for mA*ths Online or º£½ÇÉçÇø Scholars as well as being on Pathways. These students may be eligible to apply for our º£½ÇÉçÇø Scholars access programme and if offered a place will be expected to complete their existing post-16 programme alongside participating in º£½ÇÉçÇø Scholars. Further details about º£½ÇÉçÇø Scholars can be found here

º£½ÇÉçÇø Scholars

When will I hear whether I have been accepted on to a Pathways programme?

We hope to have an outcome by mid-November - as soon as we have reviewed applications we will let you know the outcome.