Routes to the Professions
Routes to the Professions (R2P) is for Year 12 students looking to get a real insight into university study.
The programme gives you tailored support throughout the university application process. It focuses on courses and careers in Dentistry, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Social Work.
Applying to R2P
Applications for Routes to the Professions 2025 are closed. The 2026 programme applications will open in Autumn 2025.
You must meet specific criteria to be eligible for this programme, so please read the information below before submitting an application.
Eligibility criteria
R2P is suitable for Year 12 students who have a strong commitment to study at the University of Birmingham and who are studying relevant qualifications for accessing degree programmes here.
To take part in the R2P programme in 2026 you must:
- Be currently in Year 12 (and have not taken a gap year)
- Be attending a Pathways to Birmingham partner school in the wider West Midlands area
- Meet the Pathways to Birmingham criteria and the academic criteria for your stream
Academic criteria
In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, you must also have academic potential for studies and careers for your relevant R2P stream. The academic criteria, as currently used by the University of Birmingham admissions team, are set out below.
Dentistry
Dentistry
- A minimum of seven GCSEs including English Language, Maths, Chemistry, and Biology (or Double Award Science) at grades 7755 in any order
- Must be currently studying three A levels: Biology, Chemistry and one more
Engineering
Engineering
- A minimum of seven GCSEs required at grade 4 or above - including English, Maths, and Physics/Double Science
- If currently studying three A levels, you must be studying Maths
- Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma qualification is acceptable if there is sufficient Maths content
- Level 3 BTEC Diploma qualification is acceptable as long as there is sufficient Maths content alongside an A Level
- Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma is acceptable as long as there is sufficient Maths content alongside two A Levels
Law
Law
- A minimum of grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English
- If currently studying three A levels, ideally students would have at least two from: Accounting, Ancient History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Computing, Drama and Theatre Studies, Economics, English Language, English Language and Literature, English Literature, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Human Biology, Law, Mathematics, Medieval History, Modern or Classical Languages, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Statistics, World Development.
- Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma is acceptable in Business and Law
- Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Business or Law is acceptable if combined with two A levels
Medicine
Medicine
- A minimum of seven GCSEs including English Language, Maths, Chemistry, and Biology (or Double Award Science) at grades 7755 in any order
- Must be currently studying three A levels: Biology, Chemistry and one more
Nursing
Nursing
- A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English, Maths, and a science subject
- Three A levels including one from Biology, Psychology, and/or Sociology
- Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or Applied Science is acceptable if offered alongside an A level
- Level 3 BTEC Diploma is acceptable if combined with two A levels
- Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma is accepted on a case-by-case basis when combined with one A level
- Level 3 T Levels in Health, Healthcare Science or Science are acceptable
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy
- A minimum of seven GCSEs including English Language, Maths, Chemistry, and Biology (or Double Award Science) at 6655 in any order
- If studying three A levels this must include one from the following subjects: Biology, Human Biology or PE
- Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma is accepted in Sport & Exercise Science, Health Science, Health & Social Care and Applied Science
- Level 3 BTEC Diploma is accepted in Sport and Exercise Science, Health Science, Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Sport Science, and Sport when offered in combination with A level in Biology or PE
- Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma is accepted when combined with two A levels to include Biology or PE
Pharmacy
Pharmacy
- GCSE Maths at grade 6 or above and GCSE English Language at grade 4 required
- Three A levels including Chemistry and at least one further science at A level from Biology, Mathematics or Physics
- Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in relevant subject will be considered if studying Chemistry A level alongside this
- Level 3 BTEC Diploma in a science-related subject will be considered if studying two A levels including Chemistry alongside this
Social Work
Social Work
- A minimum of five GCSEs including Maths and English at grade 4
- Three A levels
- Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care/Childcare and Education
- Level 3 BTEC Diploma is acceptable if combined with two A levels
- Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma is accepted when combined with one A level
If you complete the programme and apply to the University of Birmingham, you will:
- Receive a Pathways to Birmingham offer which is typically a reduction of up to two A level grades (e.g. BBB rather than AAB)
- Become a Birmingham Scholar and attend a special induction event before you start university
- Receive a guaranteed interview invitation for many interviewing subjects if you complete R2P and meet the academic criteria for the subject you are applying to. These subjects currently include Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy and Social Work.
By taking part in R2P, you’ll also benefit from:
- Insight into university study and professional careers
- Support to help you prepare for university applications
- Transferable skills
- Mentoring from an undergraduate student currently studying your desired degree pathway and an invitation to shadow them during one of their university lectures/seminars
Interview preparation session
If you complete R2P, you will be invited to participate in an interview preparation session before your actual interview for the course. In this session, you’ll learn more about university interviews and get tips on how to prepare and be successful. This opportunity is only offered to students applying for degree subjects at the University of Birmingham that interview candidates as part of the selection process.
UKWPMED (Medicine only)
If you complete R2P Medicine, you will have access to the UKWPMED pathway. This collaborative partnership between seven university medical schools provides an exciting opportunity for you to gain special consideration from admissions tutors at alternative medical schools. More information will be shared with you during the programme.
R2P has made university so much more accessible for me and people in similar situations, and the chances you get to make friends along the way mean you get to grow your network even more.
