Hi there, I'm Luna.
I'm a bit like an AI, except instead of making pictures of people with 16 fingers, I can help you find the perfect course and uni.
Would you like some help in your search?
CONTENTS
- What are UCAS points?
- How many UCAS points do you need?
- How many UCAS points are in an A-level?
- How many UCAS points are in a BTEC?
- Why are UCAS points important?
- Calculating your UCAS points
- Where can you find this UCAS points calculator?
What are UCAS points?
UCAS points, also known as UCAS Tariff points, allow you to convert the grades you've earned from school into a numerical value. Most qualifications you apply for at university will have a minimum requirement of UCAS points needed in order to be accepted onto the course.
How many UCAS points do you need?
When searching for a university course, you'll find the entry requirements include a minimum number of UCAS points. This will often be 112 UCAS points but will vary from course to course.
If you want to see an example, search for a university course on our site and you'll see all the universities which offer the course and what UCAS points it requires. Handy, isn't it?
Start searching for courses now.
How many UCAS points are in an A-level?
If you achieve an 'A' grade in your A-level subject, that's equivalent to 48 UCAS Tariff points. If you achieve a 'B' grade, this will give you 40 points. Earning a 'C' will award you 32 points and so on.
How many UCAS points are in a BTEC?
If you’re studying a BTEC Extended Level 3 certificate, a Distinction is worth 48 UCAS points. A Merit is worth 32 points, and a Pass is worth 16. A Distinction* however, is worth 56 UCAS points. If you’re studying the Diploma or Extended Diploma, you’ll receive multiple letters as part of your grade, with each letter corresponding to the same points as the Extended certificate. A D*D* in the Diploma, for example, is worth 112 UCAS points, while a DDD in the Extended Diploma is 144. Other types of BTECs may be worth different amounts of UCAS points depending on the type of qualification.
Why are UCAS points important?
UCAS points are really helpful in working out your chance of acceptance onto a course. For example, if you’re predicted to achieve AAA at A-level (144 UCAS points), you can be fairly confident applying to courses that require 112 UCAS points that you’ll be able to meet the criteria, and you may want to challenge yourself and apply for courses with higher entry standards which are a closer match to your predicted grades.
However, if you’re predicted to achieve 104 UCAS points, it’s maybe not the best idea to apply to five courses who all want 144 UCAS points as you’re unlikely to meet the entry criteria. It’s also helpful to look at UCAS points and entry requirements when you’re deciding on your firm and insurance choice. Typically, it’s advised to select a university with lower entry requirements to be your insurance choice as if you pick one with high requirements than your firm choice, you’re very unlikely to be accepted into your insurance choice if you miss the offer for your first choice.
Calculating your UCAS points
If you're wondering how to calculate your UCAS points, you can do so using our very own UCAS points calculator.
What you tell us
Simply put in the type of qualifications you’re studying, (A-levels, BTECs, Scottish Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate or International Baccalaureate), the courses you’re studying, and your estimated grades.
What we tell you
From this information we’ll be able to tell you:
- The total points you’ll have from those grades
- The perfect course based on your score
If you don’t know what you want to study at university, we’ll also show you the courses and unis that would be ideal for you.
Where can you find this UCAS points calculator?
You can find Whatuni's UCAS points calculator here.
