As a student in the final year of A Levels, you have numerous decisions to make if you want to enrol at university. This includes selecting the ideal course and the preferred university. Making these decisions requires understanding the UCAS points system so you know which qualifications will improve your chances of university admission.
This article will find out what UCAS points are, how tariff points work and why a solid grasp will benefit your application process. Understanding UCAS tariff points is particularly important for admission to top universities, including Oxbridge. You can explore a list of Oxbridge tutors on TeachTutti to help maximise your A-Level results and resultant UCAS points.
What are UCAS tariff points?
UCAS points are what universities and colleges use to work out the value of post-16 qualifications when considering the eligibility of applicants. They are also known as the Tariff points system.
Bear in mind that not all universities use UCAS points for admissions: the article by Leverage EDU lists universities that accept direct applications. However, it's fair to say the vast amount does, so understanding this system should influence your approach to applications.
How to get UCAS points
You receive tariff points or UCAS points for a wide range of qualifications. These include A-Levels, international baccalaureate, BTEC diplomas and extracurricular subjects including grades 6-8 on a musical instrument. The higher the grade marking, the greater the number of points. For example, an A at A-Level is normally worth 48 points while a B grade is 40 and so on. The ucas tariff points system sets a total certain number for exam grades instead so universities can compare a wide range of possible qualifications.
Importance in university and college applications
Your total points on the ucas tariff system can impact whether you meet the entry requirements for the course you have chosen at a specific university. You may receive a conditional offer: this means you will be accepted at the university if you receive the required number of UCAS points by the admissions deadline. This allows flexibility as it depends on a numerical total rather than specific grades per subject.
For a detailed breakdown of how different qualifications translate to UCAS points, you can refer to the comprehensive UCAS Tariff tables.
University entry requirements
When you're preparing the ucas application, it’s a good idea to always check how UCAS points impact entry requirements and what this means for your preferred course and institution. In other words, you should know how many ucas points you need.
Role of UCAS Points
Universities use UCAS points in admissions to work out the qualifications and suitability of applicants. The points are a standardised method across most universities to compare the academic achievements of students from different backgrounds. Some universities list their entry requirements exclusively in UCAS points, while others may need certain grades in particular subjects.
How universities apply UCAS points
- Flexible entry requirements: Some universities and courses use a flexible approach and will have a range of UCAS points as their entry requirement. For example, a course may accept applicants with 110 to 130 points, allowing variations in the grades that achieve this threshold.
- Specific course requirements: Universities may require specific grades for certain subjects at A Level. This is more common when the course is specialised, along with an overall UCAS point score
Research and meet tariff entry requirements
- University prospectus and website: The prospectus and website of a university are invaluable resources for discovering the entry requirements. The requirements can vary significantly for each university and course so make sure to gather accurate information.
- Open days and admissions tutors: It goes without saying that open days are a great way to learn more about how a university uses UCAS points. Admissions tutors are also very helpful for learning about a university admissions process, giving you the opportunity to ask specific questions.
Consider what qualifications are worth
To meet university entry requirements effectively, plan your qualifications around both your interests and the demands of your intended university courses:
- Targeting higher UCAS points: If your desired course has high entry requirements, aim for qualifications that offer higher UCAS points to enhance your application.
- Balancing course load and performance: High-value qualifications are tempting but make sure to balance this with your ability to achieve the highest grades, maximising your UCAS points.
Tips to increase your number of UCAS Points
Understandably, you'll be aiming to achieve the highest grade possible in your A-Levels or comparative exams. In reality, successful university applications largely come down to having a high tally of UCAS points, regardless of whether these are two ways of approaching the same outcome.
Here are some suggestions to help you maximise your UCAS points through your qualifications.
Choose your A-Levels wisely
It's important to choose subjects you are passionate about and will enjoy studying. That said, you also need to think about the potential UCAS points for a subject and its relevance to your preferred university course. For example, subjects like Maths, English and the Sciences are preferred by top universities as they can be applied to a broad range of courses.
Consider additional qualifications
There may be additional qualifications you can undertake that carry UCAS points. One of these is the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which also shows your ability to carry out independent research, a highly valued skill by universities.
Extracurricular activities
Certain extracurricular activities provide UCAS points at higher standards. Examples include diploma courses and grades 6-8 for music exams, such as piano examinations. These activities also show you are a well-rounded individual, often displaying leadership qualities and commitment, which admissions officers look on favourably.
To learn more about how different activities and qualifications can carry UCAS points, have a look at the official UCAS website.
Case Study: A-Level student's experience
Let’s run through a case study. Jamie is a final year A Level student who wants to study for a degree in Psychology. He has considered his universities and is aiming for institutions at the highest level.
Background
Jamie is studying three A Levels: Psychology, Biology and Sociology. Jamie understands how the UCAS points system works and has undertaken an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to boost his application.
Calculate how many UCAS points
- Psychology A-Level: Jamie is predicted grade A - 48 points
- Biology A-Level: Jamie is predicted grade B - 40 points
- Sociology A-Level: Jamie is predicted grade A - 48 points
- EPQ: Jamie has received grade A - 28 points
Total number of points = 164 points
Uni choices
Jamie has met the entry requirements for his first-choice university with 164 UCAS points. The university wants 144 points in their entry requirements to study Psychology. Jamie’s points make him a strong candidate and it gives him options if he decides to change university or course.
Strategy and outcome
Jamie has chosen his A-Levels based on interest and the UCAS points they offer. He has improved his application by adding the EPQ, which shows his ability to manage independent projects and is a qualification included in the tariff.
Conclusion: How to use the tariff
Finding out how to use the ucas tariff to find out how many points your qualifications are worth can be daunting, but it becomes much more manageable for your application process with planning.
Here are a few final suggestions:
- Understand the UCAS points system: If you have a solid understanding of how different qualifications are valued, it will help you plan your educational path.
- Strategise Your Qualifications: Consider the ucas points your qualifications will result in when choosing A-Levels and additional qualifications, as well as those that fit your interests and career goals
- Utilise Resources: There are plenty of online resources, such as the UCAS website. Consulting with experienced tutors can provide invaluable help. For students aiming for Oxbridge, reaching out to specialised Oxbridge tutors on TeachTutti can give you an edge in admissions.
This post was updated on 30 Nov, -0001.
