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.
- A-Levels: The gold standard for UK university entry. An A* is worth 56 points, an A is 48, a B is 40, a C is 32, a D is 24, and an E is 16.
- BTEC Nationals: BTECs are highly valued vocational qualifications. A Distinction* (D*) in a BTEC Extended Diploma is worth 56 points, matching an A* at A-Level.
- T-Levels: A newer technical qualification. A Distinction* in a T-Level is worth an impressive 168 UCAS points (equivalent to three A*s at A-Level).
- Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: An A in an Advanced Higher is worth 56 points, while an A in a standard Higher is worth 33 points.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): The IB Higher Level certificates are also heavily weighted on the tariff scale.
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).
- Grade 6, 7, and 8: Only these higher grades carry UCAS points.
- Points Available: A Distinction at Grade 8 can earn you up to 30 UCAS points, which is nearly equivalent to a C at A-Level!
4. Volunteering and Leadership Programs
Certain structured extracurricular programs are officially recognized by UCAS.
- The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE): While the Bronze and Silver awards look great on a personal statement, they do not carry UCAS points. However, some universities accept alternative leadership qualifications often run alongside DofE, like the ASDAN Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE), which is worth 16 UCAS points.
- Speech and Drama: LAMDA exams at Grade 6 and above also contribute to your tariff.
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
Do GCSEs count towards UCAS points?
No, GCSEs do not carry UCAS Tariff points. However, universities still look at them closely, and most degree programs require a minimum of a grade 4/C in English and Maths.
Can I combine points from the same subject?
No. If you take an AS-Level in History and then complete the full A-Level in History, you only get the points for the highest qualification (the A-Level). You cannot add the AS and A-Level points together.
Do all universities use the UCAS Tariff?
No. While many modern universities use the points system, more traditional institutions (like the Russell Group) often give offers based on specific grades (e.g., AAB) rather than a total point score. Always check the specific entry requirements for your chosen course.
