Your journey
Make the right subject choices
Know how your school subjects relate to your dream career, before you choose them.
Subject selector
Choose your dream career to see the school subjects that keep it open.
Plus one of these
Subjects
32 subjects, one global structure
Every subject is linked to the field of study it leads into (UNESCO ISCED-F 2013) and to how much each occupation relies on its knowledge (O*NET), so the same structure works for any country's exams.
Mathematics
- MathematicsThe most widely required subject: engineering, technology, finance, science and many trades build on it.35 guided careers84 occupations rely on it
- StatisticsCollecting, analysing and interpreting data: the base for data science, economics, research and public health.84 occupations rely on it
Sciences
- PhysicsOpens engineering, aviation, technology and the physical sciences.23 guided careers23 occupations rely on it
- BiologyThe foundation for health, agriculture, veterinary and life-science careers.17 guided careers59 occupations rely on it
- ChemistryCentral to health, pharmacy, engineering, agriculture and laboratory careers.16 guided careers21 occupations rely on it
- Environmental ScienceHow natural systems work and how people affect them: leads to conservation, environmental health and planning.2 occupations rely on it
Languages and literature
- EnglishReading, writing and speaking well: every career relies on it, and many university programmes require it.17 guided careers303 occupations rely on it
- Literature in EnglishBuilds reading, argument and writing for law, media and teaching.4 guided careers303 occupations rely on it
- Foreign LanguageValuable in tourism, diplomacy and international business.1 guided career3 occupations rely on it
Humanities and social sciences
- HistoryBuilds research and argument for law, policy, journalism and teaching.7 guided careers7 occupations rely on it
- GeographyUseful for environment, planning, logistics, tourism and public health.5 guided careers14 occupations rely on it
- DivinitySupports social work, counselling, teaching and community roles.1 guided career3 occupations rely on it
- PsychologyHow people think, feel and behave: leads to counselling, health, education, management and marketing.60 occupations rely on it
- Government and PoliticsHow states, laws and public institutions work: leads to law, public administration and international affairs.43 occupations rely on it
- SociologyHow societies, groups and institutions work: leads to social work, policy, research and development work.10 occupations rely on it
- PhilosophyClear reasoning, argument and ethics: useful for law, policy, teaching and research.3 occupations rely on it
Business and economics
- EconomicsSupports business, finance, policy and data careers.16 guided careers16 occupations rely on it
- EntrepreneurshipUseful for business, marketing and starting your own enterprise.5 guided careers63 occupations rely on it
- AccountingA direct start for accounting, auditing and finance.1 guided career16 occupations rely on it
- Business StudiesHow organisations are run, marketed and financed: a base for management, marketing and starting a business.63 occupations rely on it
Technology and computing
- Computer StudiesA head start for software, networks, IT support and data careers.4 guided careers95 occupations rely on it
- Technical DrawingSupports architecture, engineering, carpentry and construction.2 guided careers44 occupations rely on it
- Design and TechnologyDesigning and making products, from idea to prototype: leads to engineering, product and industrial design.47 occupations rely on it
Arts
- Fine ArtLeads to design, architecture, media and creative industries.6 guided careers14 occupations rely on it
- Media StudiesHow media is made and how it shapes audiences: leads to journalism, film, communications and marketing.24 occupations rely on it
- Drama and TheatrePerformance, storytelling and production: leads to acting, directing, media and teaching.14 occupations rely on it
- MusicPerformance, composition and theory: leads to performance, production, teaching and sound engineering.14 occupations rely on it
Technical and vocational
- AgricultureLeads to farming, agronomy, extension work and agribusiness.3 guided careers6 occupations rely on it
- MetalworkHands-on preparation for welding, fabrication and mechanical trades.1 guided career74 occupations rely on it
- WoodworkHands-on preparation for carpentry and construction trades.1 guided career42 occupations rely on it
- Foods and NutritionLeads to cooking, catering and hospitality careers.1 guided career6 occupations rely on it
Physical education
Standards: ISCED Fields of Education and Training 2013 (ISCED-F 2013) (UNESCO Institute for Statistics); O*NET Knowledge domains (U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET 31.0, CC BY 4.0)). "Rely on it" means O*NET rates the subject's knowledge very important (4 or more out of 5) for the occupation.