From GCSEs to your first job.

1. Years 10–11GCSEs

   Grades 9 to 4 are the same as the old A* to C.

   NCS

   Software developer — job profileNational Careers Service (GOV.UK)

   Checked

   9 Oct 2026

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2. Years 12–13A levels, or an apprenticeship

   Most degrees ask for 2 to 3 A levels. Apprenticeships go from Level 2 up to Level 7.

   NCS

   Software developer — job profileNational Careers Service (GOV.UK)

   Checked

   9 Oct 2026

   View source

3. ApplyUCAS

   You apply to university through UCAS.

   UCAS

   The new UCAS Tariff: ten things applicants need to knowUCAS

   Checked

   9 Oct 2026

   An A* at A level is worth 56 Tariff points. Only about a third of courses use Tariff points in their entry requirements; most ask for grades.

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4. UniversityDegree or degree apprenticeship

   For example a BSc in computer science, or an LLB in law. Some careers take any subject.

   SRA

   Qualifying as a solicitor through the SQESolicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

   Checked

   9 Oct 2026

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5. QualifyProfessional exams + work

   Some careers need them: SQE for solicitors, ACA or ACCA for chartered accountants.

   SRA

   Qualifying as a solicitor through the SQESolicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

   Checked

   9 Oct 2026

   View source

   ACCA

   ACCA Qualification structure and requirementsACCA

   Checked

   9 Oct 2026

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• Chartered accountant: ACA or ACCA

  Median £50,062 / year

  Two big UK routes. ACA from ICAEW is usually done while working at an accountancy firm. ACCA is flexible: you can start straight after A levels. Both take years of exams + paid work together.

• Architect

  Median £47,143 / year

  To call yourself an architect in the UK you must be registered with the ARB. That takes accredited study plus practical experience, with a final qualifying exam.

• Civil engineer

  Median £51,366 / year

  You design and build roads, bridges, railways and water systems. Get in with a degree or a degree apprenticeship. Chartered Engineer (CEng) is a legally protected title you can earn later.

• Investment banking and investment analysis

  Median £50,330 / year

  You can start as a graduate trainee at an investment bank or stockbroking firm, usually after a 2:1 degree. Trainees must pass an exam recognised by the FCA, which regulates the firms and holds their staff to account.

• Law: solicitor or barrister

  Median £56,977 / year

  Two different jobs. Solicitors advise clients and run cases. Barristers argue cases in court. Both start the same way: GCSEs, A levels, then a degree.

• Mechanical engineer

  Median £51,110 / year

  You design machines, engines and products. Get in with a degree, a college course or an apprenticeship. Chartered Engineer (CEng) is a legally protected title you can earn later.

• Doctor: hospital doctor or GP

  Median £55,494 / year

  A 5-year medicine degree, then 2 years of foundation training, then specialist training. To work as a doctor you must be on the GMC register with a licence to practise.

• Nurse (adult nursing)

  Median £42,300 / year

  A 3-year nursing degree approved by the NMC, or a nursing degree apprenticeship. Then you join the NMC register.

• Paramedic

  Median £53,818 / year

  A paramedic science degree, a degree apprenticeship, or a student paramedic job with an ambulance service. "Paramedic" is a protected title: you must be on the HCPC register.

• Pharmacist

  Median £53,772 / year

  A 4-year MPharm degree, a foundation training year, then the GPhC's registration assessment. At least 5 years in all.

• Physiotherapist

  Median £43,532 / year

  A physiotherapy degree or a degree apprenticeship. "Physiotherapist" is a protected title: you must be on the HCPC register to use it.

• Social worker

  Median £44,550 / year

  A social work degree approved by Social Work England, a master's after another degree, or a degree apprenticeship. Then you register with Social Work England.

• Software engineer

  Median £56,914 / year

  You build apps, websites and systems. You can get in with a degree or an apprenticeship.

• Secondary school teacher

  Median £47,632 / year

  You need qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in most state schools in England. Get it with a degree with QTS, or any degree + a PGCE or school-based training.

• Vet (veterinary surgeon)

  Median £51,058 / year

  A veterinary degree approved by the RCVS takes 5 to 6 years. UK law says you must join the RCVS Register before you can practise.

Median: ONS ASHE 2025 (provisional), full-time employees (2025).

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