Providing a Pathway

The intent behind Aston’s Pathways to the Professions programmes is to improve access to higher education in the most underrepresented parts of Birmingham.

Targeted at school pupils in these areas, Pathways expands knowledge, develops skills, and gives 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.

Students complete an 18 month programme alongside studying for their A Levels and level 3 qualifications. Successful applicants to join a Pathway are given the opportunity to take part in enrichment activities to help support their journeys into Higher Education. Activities vary from stream to stream, but can include subject specific taster days, academic tutoring delivered by current Aston University undergraduates, UCAS Application support and a Summer School Residential.

Making a Difference

These sustained programmes of activity aim to raise students' aspirations, improve their motivation to progress onto Higher Education and provide them with the knowledge, skills and experiences that will enhance their UCAS applications. 

From our most recent cohorts, 92% of those who completed a programme went on to apply to a university, with 78.5% being accepted onto a course at their first attempt. 30% of them selected Aston and commenced studies here.

The Pathways programmes offer beneficial outcomes for our city and our local community. Which university the participants ultimately choose to study at matters less than the barriers which they break through by taking this step. 

Alumni and Friends

Each programme we run requires £25,000 of funding. Of the four Pathways currently available, three are funded solely by philanthropic contributions from Aston’s alumni and friends. Can you join us to inspire more young minds to aim higher?