17 July 2026

If you are aiming to study at a UK university, you have likely come across the term “UCAS points.” Many university offers are based on achieving a specific number of points rather than just straight grades. But if you find yourself falling short of your target, you might be asking: how can I get UCAS points to secure my place? Whether you need a slight boost to reach your firm choice or you are looking to strengthen your overall application, there are numerous ways to accumulate UCAS Tariff points. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of both standard and alternative methods to maximize your score. What Are UCAS Points? The UCAS Tariff is a system that translates your academic qualifications and grades into a numerical value. Universities use these points to assess whether you meet their entry requirements. Not all qualifications are on the UCAS Tariff, but most standard UK and international equivalent exams are. 1. The Traditional Route: Core Academic Qualifications The most common way to get UCAS points is through standard secondary education qualifications. The higher your grade, the more points you earn. 2. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) If you have the capacity to take on an independent research project alongside your A-Levels, the EPQ is a fantastic way to earn extra UCAS points. An EPQ is worth half an A-Level in terms of UCAS points (an A* gives you 28 points). More importantly, many universities look highly upon the independent research and time management skills an EPQ demonstrates, sometimes even lowering their grade offers if you achieve a high EPQ grade. 3. Music, Speech, and Drama Exams Did you know your extracurricular hobbies can directly contribute to your university application? If you play an instrument, sing, or take drama classes, you can earn points through graded exams (such as ABRSM, Trinity College London, or LCM). 4. Volunteering and Leadership Programs Certain structured extracurricular programs are officially recognized by UCAS. 5. AS-Levels If you dropped a subject after your first year of college (Year 12), your AS-Level grade still counts toward your total UCAS points, provided you didn’t continue that exact subject to full A-Level. An A grade at AS-Level is worth 20 points. How Active Care Education Can Support Your Journey Navigating university entry requirements can be overwhelming. At Active Care Education, we specialize in helping students map out their educational pathways. Whether you are figuring out which qualifications will maximize your UCAS tariff or need guidance on alternative entry routes, our advisory team is here to help you build a winning application. Contact our admissions team today to discuss your university roadmap! FAQ