The UCAS Tariff (formerly called UCAS Points System) is used to allocate points to post-16 qualifications (Level 3 qualifications on the Regulated Qualifications Framework). Universities and colleges may use it when making offers to applicants. A points total is achieved by converting qualifications, such as A-Levels (Scottish Highers, BTECs, etc.), into points, making it simpler for course providers to compare applicants. It is used as a means of giving students from the United Kingdom places at UK universities.
While UCAS Tariff Points are often based on A-Levels, AS-Levels, Scottish Highers, etc., they can also be increased through other means, including taking extra-curricular activities, such as doing an EPQ[1] or passing a Grade 6 in an instrument.[2] Though this must remain cautionary as many universities will still have other entry requirements or expectations that they have for a student that may not be met with additional UCAS Points.
Common ways for UCAS points to be calculated are through the UCAS Tariff Calculator,[3] official tariff tables, or through third-party software and websites.
The UCAS Tariff was first introduced in 2001. Since then, however, both the range of qualifications held by applicants, and the variety of progression routes into higher education have increased. Therefore a new Tariff was introduced. The new UCAS Tariff points are based on a different methodology. The change to new UCAS Tariff will not in itself change entry requirements for university or college courses. Universities and colleges are independent organisations and each year they decide how to set their entry requirements. Those universities and colleges that use UCAS Tariff points to express their entry requirements will simply set their requirements using the new number system.[4]
Points system
The following qualifications can count towards the tariff:
GCE qualifications
New tariff
This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (December 2019)
These Tariff points have been used for applications submitted since the 2017 admissions cycle (i.e. for students making applications from September 2016 for full-time courses starting from September 2017). AVCE grades have the same points system, but AVCEs are no longer awarded.
These Tariff points are used for applications submitted for the 2017 admissions cycle onwards (i.e. for students making applications from September 2016 for full-time courses starting from September 2017).
AS level UCAS points table
Grade
UCAS points
A
20
B
16
C
12
D
10
E
6
GCE A Level (Double Award)
A level (Double Award) UCAS points table
Grade
UCAS points
A*A*
112
A*A
104
AA
96
AB
88
BB
80
BC
72
CC
64
CD
56
DD
48
DE
40
EE
32
GCE AS Level (Double Award)
AS level (Double Award) UCAS points table
Grade
UCAS points
AA
40
AB
36
BB
32
BC
28
CC
24
CD
22
DD
20
DE
16
EE
12
GCE A Level with additional AS Level
These are only offered by AQA and Edexcel.
A Level with additional AS Level UCAS points table
Grade
UCAS points
A*A
76
AA
68
AB
64
BB
56
BC
52
CC
44
CD
42
DD
34
DE
30
EE
22
Original 2001 UCAS Points Tariff
UCAS initially introduced a university points tariff which created a points system to cover the GCE A-Level and AS-Level qualification for students starting higher education in September 2001. (GCE A and AS Levels awarded before 2001 do not attract UCAS points).
A level UCAS points table (Original 2001 Tariff)[1]
Grade
UCAS Points
A
10
B
8
C
6
D
4
E
2
AS level UCAS points table (Original 2001 Tariff)
Grade
UCAS points
A
5
B
4
C
3
D
2
E
1
Old tariff (2002-2016)
UCAS revamped the original tariff to a single points system which included the majority of post-16 academic qualifications (including the allocation of points to Advanced GNVQS and Key Skills). This change applied to students starting courses in 2002. Additional post-16 qualifications were allocated points after this date.
Ranging from 8 points (Grade 1 Pass) to 30 (Grade 8 Distinction)
Individuals who complete the LAMDA Certificate in Performance Studies with merit or distinction can earn more points than are available for graded exams (8 for a pass, 16 for merit, 24 for distinction)