What is the UCAS Course Search?
It’s possible that you’ve heard of UCAS A-Level points. You can use the tariff points table to convert your predicted A-level grades and results to get a numerical score.
These UCAS points are known as your tariff score and they do matter. It is important to look at your UCAS tariff points to ensure that you understand exactly how it can affect your chances at getting a place on your course.
Let’s take a look at what you need to know about your UCAS points, and find out the answers to questions like 112 UCAS points in grades.
What Do We Use A-Level UCAS Points For?
A-Level UCAS tariff points are used to find out your score on the table. This can sound tricky but it’s quite simple.
The table was designed to take a lot of different qualifications and convert them into points - from A-Level to BTEC. The system is used by some universities and colleges and they measure applications with it.
This can mean that A-Levels, IB, BTEC , Welsh Baccalaureate and Access to Higher Education Diplomas can all be counted and given a numerical value. You should also check entry requirements for your course before you apply.
There are a lot of different UCAS points from various types of qualifications. You’ll be able to essentially mix and match to get the best results for yourself.
Understanding the A-Level UCAS Points Table
The points for your A-Levels are used to collect information and then government organisations use this to study data about the higher education system in the UK.
Not every university or college uses the score - check your course provider to see. The better your grade, the higher your score.
If you search using UCAS Search Tool, you can click on the course and find out what the score you need is.
It’s worth noting that all A-level options are part of the UCAS tariff points. If you can’t find it, contact your chosen university or UCAS themselves to find out the exact score.
Only one-third of all universities use these points, so it doesn’t matter if they’re not showing a score - your grades are still part of it.
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Why is the UCAS Tariff Table Used?
The UCAS tariff system was introduced in 2001 to recognise that there was a difference between certain types of other qualifications like BTEC courses. They equated to certain types of qualifications, so it’s important to have a point of comparison.
The number of courses has expanded over time to cope with the increasing demand for other qualifications. This means that the tariff is updated constantly.
While it is true that some universities use the system as part of their entry requirements, most tend to stick with the tried and tested A-Level grades. With this in mind, if you are taking A-Levels, you don’t need to be worried about the tariff because it’s usually for making equivalent points for other courses.
You’ll naturally wind up at an undergraduate degree if you’re just taking the normal route to study.
The A-Level UCAS Points Calculator
Research is an important part of any application - you should ensure you’ve checked the entry requirements for your course before you apply.
You can contact a teacher, supervisors and the university if you have any questions about the UCAS score or A-Level grades you’ve got.
Anything which is GCSE-level isn’t included in the system. This means that Level 2 qualifications aren’t included either - it all starts at Level 3 or SCQF Level 6 Qualification. SCQF is the Scottish equivalent of the UK A-Level, and is part of the Scottish Higher Education system.
If you haven’t actually taken any higher qualifications, you should think about getting proper exams and improving your list of qualifications before you make an application. If this is what you need to do, talk to your course admission tutor and see what they say.
Converting A-Level Grades to UCAS Points
You can convert your A-Level grades to UCAS points to find out how they measure up to other qualifications.
If you took the same subject for both AS and A-Level, then only the A-Level is typically considered by the colleges and universities that you apply to - they prefer the more advanced qualification.
It’s worth noting that your AS levels do count. If you dropped a subject after you completed the AS level, then you can still count it in some fashion and use it for your scores.
AS Levels are worth 40% of the full A-Level qualification. This means that if you’ve managed to get an A at an AS level, then it counts as a B grade for your A-Level. It’s worth counting the AS grades even if you didn’t finish the course because it can help you out later on.
Taking A-Levels and Other Qualifications
The UCAS points system can be useful to you if you’re going to take a wealth of different qualifications. Some students have an A-Level, and a couple of BTEC courses under their belt but they can all be used.
You don’t have to worry about the qualifications not being listed. The page is updated all the time so you’re likely to be able to get a proper score if you contact the university and find out what it’s worth.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to your UCAS score, it’s important to count everything in the process. AS Levels and A-Levels all count, as well as other equivalent qualifications. It’s worth taking a look at everything you have available to find out what it is that you can do with your qualifications.
All of these qualifications are designed to work in tandem together so even if you didn’t take a conventional route to your education, you’ll be able to try and get a place on your course. It’s largely up to you how you use your points and if you need to take a few more courses and maybe a deferred entry to get the score you need, but you can use the tariff to figure it out.