UCAS Points Calculator: Understanding the Tariff System

Planning Your University Application

So, you're thinking about going to university? One of the first steps is deciding what subject you want to study and where you’d like to study it. Once you have an idea, it's time to consider the A-Level (or equivalent) grades you’re likely to achieve and how they align with the entry requirements of your chosen courses.

Universities set minimum entry requirements for each course, and the UCAS Tariff converts your qualifications into a points system that helps institutions compare applicants fairly. The higher your predicted grades, the more options you’ll have. While many universities make offers based on specific grades (e.g., ABB at A-Level), some use the UCAS points system instead, allowing for more flexibility.

How the UCAS Tariff Works

Different qualifications carry different UCAS points, with higher grades earning more points. Below is a breakdown of the most common qualifications and their respective UCAS Tariff points.

A-Levels

• A* – 56 points
• A – 48 points
• B – 40 points
• C – 32 points
• D – 24 points
• E – 16 points

AS-Levels (40% of the full A-Level Tariff)

(Universities typically only count AS grades if you don’t complete the full A-Level in the same subject.)

• A – 20 points
• B – 16 points
• C – 12 points
• D – 10 points
• E – 6 points

Scottish Highers

• A – 33 points
• B – 27 points
• C – 21 points
• D – 15 points

Scottish Advanced Highers

• A – 56 points
• B – 48 points
• C – 40 points
• D – 32 points

BTEC National Diploma (Extended Diploma)

• DDD* – 168 points
• DDD – 160 points
• D*DD – 152 points
• DDD – 144 points
• DDM – 128 points
• DMM – 112 points
• MMM – 96 points
• MMP – 80 points
• MPP – 64 points
• PPP – 48 points

T-Levels (Technical Qualifications)

• Distinction (A-Level equivalent: A)** – 168 points
• Distinction (A-Level equivalent: A) – 144 points
• Merit (A-Level equivalent: B) – 120 points
• Pass (C or above at A-Level equivalent) – 96 points
• Pass (D or E at A-Level equivalent) – 72 points

Calculating Your UCAS Points

To determine your total UCAS points, simply add up the points for each of your predicted or achieved grades.

For example, if you're expecting ABC at A-Level:

• A (48 points)
• B (40 points)
• C (32 points)
  Total: 120 UCAS points

Choosing Your Five University Courses Wisely

When selecting your five university choices, consider a range of options:

1. One or two aspirational choices – Courses with higher entry requirements than your predicted grades (you might exceed expectations or receive an offer based on other strengths).
2. Two or three realistic choices – Courses with entry requirements that match your predicted grades.
3. One safety choice – A course with slightly lower entry requirements as a backup option.

Universities sometimes accept students who just miss their grades, especially if fewer people apply than expected. So, don’t be afraid to aim high!