The UCAS Tariff Table 2024 Entry

The UCAS Tariff table may sound confusing but it is nothing to be put off by. You may have heard of UCAS points for A-Levels – the Tariff points table is essentially a way for turning qualifications such as A-Levels or BTEC into numbers, like a point system. This point system is then used by some, not all, universities, and colleges to measure applications equally, especially now students can take a range of qualifications including A-Levels, BTECs, and Access to Higher Education Diplomas. The numerical value of a qualification depends on what type it is, and what grade you got.  Many of the qualifications you study between the ages of 16 and 18 are awarded Tariff points, although some courses may not accept certain subjects. Always check the entry requirements of your course carefully!

What is the UCAS Tariff table?

UCAS Tariff points can be used to collect information which is then used by government organisations to analyse data on the UK’s higher education system. But when it comes to your application, you only need to bear in mind that some universities and colleges may include UCAS points, as part of their entry requirements. In the table, you can see how many points each qualification is worth.

The general rule for working out your total score is ‘the higher the grade, the higher the score’. Have a look further down this page to see how to calculate your total score or go to the UCAS point calculator to work out what alternative qualifications are worth.

So what does this look like? If you use the UCAS Search Tool and click on a course, you will then find the entry requirements specified by that university. Some will require certain grades to be accepted onto the programme, whilst others offer so many points instead of grades. For example, one course for Anthropology at one university may have a grade boundary of ABB, but another course at another university may ask for 120 UCAS points, and not specify what grades they want you to achieve. Some will even use a combination of both – so make sure you check what a university wants to see in your application!

Whilst most qualifications such as A-Levels and BTECs are included on the Tariff, not all of them are. Don’t worry if you can’t find one on the calculator – just because it isn’t on the UCAS page this does not mean that a university will not consider it. It may just be that your qualification is relatively new, and has not been updated to the table within the last year.

It is worth knowing that only around one-third of UK universities actually use the table, with the other two thirds only using grades in their entry requirements, so don’t get too stressed about the table.

The UCAS Tariff table was introduced back in 2001 to note the differences between different qualifications as courses other than A-Levels began to appear such as BTECs and gain more traction. Over time, as the number of higher-level qualifications has increased, as have the breadth of subjects.  There has been an increasing amount of vocational qualifications, for example, which need to be considered. To help admission tutors understand the value of these certificates, the Tariff is constantly reviewed and updated to reflect the changes in education.

Although some universities do use the system in their entry requirements, you shouldn’t be concerned about UCAS points when considering what subjects to study at school or college – they should not have an impact on what you want to study.

Before submitting your application, check whether your qualifications are actually worth any UCAS points. If you’re an international student, it is unlikely yours will be included in the table so make sure you research beforehand if the course you are applying to uses the table. Remember, only one-third of UK higher education institutions use the Tariff in their entry requirements, whilst most accept a wide range of certificates and some not currently on the list.

If you can’t find something on the official calculator, do not worry. Exams, courses, and qualifications change over the years, and whilst UCAS work hard to keep their list updated, sometimes they may have missed one or two. If in doubt, talk to your teacher or get in contact with UCAS. Some of the ones that are not on Tariff may still be considered by a university or college, so ask!

You do not have to work and prepare for your exams with the tariff in mind. Some will not even require any – check what is required from the course you are applying to.

UCAS points A-Level

If you have taken the same subject for AS and A-Level, universities and colleges will tend to only count the A-Level – the more advanced qualification is the one that is counted.

AS levels still count! But they are now only worth as close to 40% as possible of the full A level. For example, if you achieved an A at AS, then this will be counted as a B grade for A level, if you got a B in an AS subject, then this will be considered as a C for A-Level.  So, if you took an AS subject but didn’t continue through A-Level it will still be counted, but if you did, then only the full A Level tends to be counted.

Taking BTECs? The Tariff calculator lists many BTECs, but if yours is not listed, talk to your teacher. Not all have a D* grade, so double-check exactly which BTEC you are taking,

Access to Higher Education Diplomas are also counted in the Tariff point system. Some courses require specific diplomas to have been taken, such as Midwifery, so check what your course’s entry requirements are.

There are some subjects and qualifications that universities and colleges do not accept as part of any entry requirements. Whilst a subject like General Studies may well indeed carry some UCAS Tariff points, this does not mean that it will be counted as part of your application. If you’re unsure about what subjects are accepted, check the entry requirements of the course – they will clearly explain what subjects the expect applicants to have, and what subjects they will not accept.

Table for A-Level Tariff Points

To calculate your total A-Level Tariff score, use the calculator UCAS has created. Here we have provided a simple table of what A-Levels are currently worth so you can get a rough idea of your total point score if you are applying to a course that requires a certain number of UCAS points for entry.

You can see from this table that the higher the grade, and the more advanced the qualification, the more awarded. You can also see here that AS levels are roughly 40% of the A-Level value.

Remember, not all institutions for higher education use the Tariff system. It is more common for universities and colleges to state grades as part of their entry requirements instead – two-thirds do not use the system. Some also place limits on the number of qualifications that will be accepted, perhaps only accepting the Tariff points of your three best scoring A levels.

As the table above shows, each grade has a fixed number of points – it is a finite scale. This means that there is a maximum number you can receive.

Make sure you check the course specifications to see whether Tariff points are actually required as part of the entry requirements.

It is also worth noting that how a university or college uses UCAS points is not regulated – it can vary across institutions. Some will rely solely on your score when considering your application, others will combine it with grade requirements, whilst some only use your grades.

Although the new system allows for more non-traditional subjects to be included in an applicant’s total UCAS points, this does not make it any easier or more difficult for students to get into their chosen course. Remember, it is simply a way of measuring qualifications and translating them into a numerical scale, so it is easier for admission tutors to consider applicants who took a wide range of subjects. Student’s who apply with Diplomas, BTECs, and A-Levels can be considered on an equal, numerical scale.

Under the old system, an A* at A-Level, for example, would get 140 points. Under the new system, and the one that will apply to you, the same grade gets 56 – this doesn’t mean an A* is worth any less, but the number of points available has been changed. In the old system, 3 As at A-Level would be worth 360, now they would equate to 144. But do not worry – 3 As are still 3 As!

How does this affect you?

Whilst it may be helpful to know how your UCAS points are calculated, you do not need to worry too much about the Tariff table. In fact, it should not impact any of the decisions you make about what to study at school.

If a course has an entry requirement of AAA, for example, you will still need to get three As in your exams. The same is said for any other qualifications such as Scottish Advanced Highers or BTECs. You still need to meet the entry requirements of your chosen course.

The main difference is that under the new system AS level results do not get as many UCAS points as they used to.

If you have any concerns check out the UCAS website. The best place to go to for advice is your teachers – they can help you work out what subjects you should take and explain how the new system works. Remember, when considering what to study in your final years of school or college, you should use the subjects that you enjoy and will best support your academic and professional careers.

Do not worry if you cannot see anything about UCAS points in the course requirements – not all universities or colleges consider the table in applications.

If in doubt, ask the university.