What Are UCAS Points?: Grades, Entry Requirements, and How to Calculate

What Are UCAS Points Used For?

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) developed a points-based system to convert various qualifications, like A-levels, BTECs, and the IB Diploma, into a standard “tariff.”

UCAS points provide a common scale to evaluate a wide range of qualifications for university entry. Universities in the UK often use UCAS points to determine if a student meets their entry requirements. Instead of just requiring specific grades, some programs set a UCAS points threshold to qualify. For example, a university course might require a minimum of 112 UCAS points, meaning students need to achieve that score through their academic qualifications to apply.

How Do UCAS Points Work?

The UCAS Tariff system converts grades from various qualifications into points. Higher grades receive more points, while lower grades receive fewer. UCAS points help universities compare applicants who may have completed different types of qualifications. While not every university course specifies UCAS points (some have specific grade or subject requirements instead), many courses still rely on this standardised approach.

Using the UCAS Tariff Calculator on the UCAS website can help students see exactly how many points they have based on their qualifications.

Common Qualifications and UCAS Points

Below is a table of common qualifications and how they convert into UCAS points for a few selected grades. This includes A-levels, BTECs, the IB Diploma, and Advanced Highers, with grades that commonly appear on university entry requirements.

Qualification	Grade	UCAS Tariff Points
A-Level	A*	56
	A	48
	B	40
	C	32
	D	24
	E	16
AS-Level	A	20
	B	16
	C	12
	D	10
	E	6
Extended Diploma (BTEC)	D*D*D*	168
	D*D*D	160
	D*DD	152
	DDD	144
	DDM	128
Diploma (BTEC)	D*D*	112
	D*D	104
Scottish Advanced Higher	A	56
	B	48
	C	40
	D	32

Note: The exact UCAS points for the IB Diploma can vary, as the system sometimes accounts for additional factors such as Higher Level and Standard Level subjects. Always check with specific university programs for precise requirements.

What Grades Are 112 UCAS Points?

For students aiming to achieve 112 UCAS points, this could mean different combinations of grades and qualifications. For instance:

• A-levels: Achieving a BBC grade combination (e.g., B, B, and C) equals 112 UCAS points.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: Grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) equal 112 UCAS points.
• IB Diploma: A score close to 30 points in the IB Diploma generally aligns with around 112 UCAS points, although it’s recommended to check with individual institutions.

What Grades Are 120 UCAS Points?

To reach 120 UCAS points, you might need:

• A-levels: Achieving grades BBB equals 120 UCAS points.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: Grades DDM equal 120 UCAS points.
• IB Diploma: A score around 32 points in the IB Diploma can approximate 120 UCAS points, though specific calculations may vary.

UCAS Points Entry Requirements

University courses may have different entry requirements based on UCAS points. For example:

• Undergraduate Programs: Some undergraduate courses require 96 to 128 UCAS points, depending on competitiveness and subject area. For instance, many arts or humanities degrees have a range of 96 to 112 UCAS points, while STEM courses often ask for 120 or more.
• Average UCAS Tariff Points for a Degree: UCAS points required for a degree typically vary by subject and institution. According to UCAS, students applying for competitive programs like medicine or law often need above 144 UCAS points, while other subjects may have lower requirements, around 96 to 128 UCAS points.
• Conditional Offers: Many university offers are conditional on achieving a specified number of UCAS points. A student may receive an offer conditional on reaching 128 points, allowing flexibility in achieving specific grades across A-levels or other qualifications.

Calculating Your UCAS Tariff Points

To calculate your UCAS points, you can:

1. Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator on the UCAS website. This tool lets you enter each qualification and grade to see how many points you have.
2. Refer to the UCAS Tariff Tables. Each qualification type has a set of grades and associated points, so check the relevant table to match your qualifications.

UCAS points give students flexibility to apply for courses based on a combination of achievements across different types of qualifications.

Conclusion: Making the Most of UCAS Points

Understanding UCAS points can simplify the application process and help you meet your academic goals. Different qualifications, from A-levels to BTECs, contribute unique points based on your grades. If you’re planning to apply for university, calculate your points early to see if you meet the course entry requirements, and remember that specific point values for each qualification can impact your options.

The UCAS points system provides a straightforward way to track your academic achievements, making it easier to align your qualifications with your preferred university programs.