What are UCAS Tariff Points?
The UCAS Tariff is a points system used by universities and colleges across the UK to make broad comparisons between different qualifications and grades. It converts your qualifications (such as A-Levels, BTECs, or Scottish Highers) into a single numerical score.
A-Level UCAS Points Table
Here is how standard A-Level grades translate into UCAS Tariff points:
| Grade | UCAS Points |
|---|---|
| A* | 56 |
| A | 48 |
| B | 40 |
| C | 32 |
| D | 24 |
| E | 16 |
Do Universities Want Points or Grades?
Not all universities use the UCAS Tariff system to make offers. Around a third of university courses make offers based solely on grades rather than points.
- Grade-based offers: Usually used by highly selective universities (like Oxford, Cambridge, and the Russell Group). They will explicitly ask for grades like "AAB including Mathematics."
- Tariff-based offers: Often used by modern universities. They might ask for "112 UCAS points." The advantage here is flexibility; you could achieve this with BBC at A-Level, or with a combination of lower A-Level grades and an AS-Level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I count both AS and A-Level points for the same subject?
No. If you take an AS-Level and then go on to take the full A-Level in the same subject, you only get the UCAS points for the full A-Level. You cannot add the AS points and A-Level points together for the same subject.
What is 112 UCAS points in A-Levels?
112 UCAS points is equivalent to grades BBC at A-Level (40 + 40 + 32 = 112).
What is 120 UCAS points in A-Levels?
120 UCAS points is equivalent to grades BBB at A-Level (40 + 40 + 40 = 120).