UCAS Tariff Points, decoded: a human guide you can actually use
Some UK universities express offers as a points total (“120 points”) instead of only grades (“AAB”). The UCAS Tariff converts a wide mix of post-16 qualifications into one comparable number so you can sanity-check eligibility at a glance.
Big picture: Not every university or course uses Tariff points. Many still ask for specific subjects and grades (for example, “A level Mathematics at B”). When both appear, you must satisfy both the subject/grade rule and the overall points total.
How the Tariff works
- Level: It covers Level 3 qualifications (e.g., A levels, T Levels, BTEC Nationals, Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers, etc.).
- Formula: Each qualification has a size and each grade has a grade band. In simple terms: points = size × grade-band. You don’t need to multiply—official tables do it.
- Your job: List your qualifications and grades → look up the table value for each → add them for a total.
What’s included vs excluded
- Included: Most UK-regulated Level 3 qualifications.
- Excluded: GCSEs (Level 2) do not have UCAS Tariff points.
- Provider rules: Some universities cap what counts (e.g., “best three A-level equivalents”), limit AS Levels, or avoid double-counting Highers with an Advanced Higher in the same subject.
Common UCAS Tariff values (quick reference)
Use these tables to estimate a realistic total. Values reflect the current “new” Tariff.
A levels & AS levels
A level (per subject)
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| A* | 56 |
| A | 48 |
| B | 40 |
| C | 32 |
| D | 24 |
| E | 16 |
AS level (per subject)
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| A | 20 |
| B | 16 |
| C | 12 |
| D | 10 |
| E | 6 |
Note: Some courses do not count AS toward the total.
T Levels (overall grade)
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| Distinction* | 168 |
| Distinction | 144 |
| Merit | 120 |
| Pass (Core A*–C) | 96 |
| Pass (Core D–E) | 72 |
BTEC Nationals (typical)
Extended Diploma (3 A-level size)
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| D*D*D* | 168 |
| D*DD | 152 |
| DDD | 144 |
| DDM | 128 |
| DMM | 112 |
| MMM | 96 |
| MMP | 80 |
| MPP | 64 |
| PPP | 48 |
Diploma (2 A-level size)
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| D*D* | 112 |
| D*D | 104 |
| DD | 96 |
| DM | 80 |
| MM | 64 |
| MP | 48 |
| PP | 32 |
Extended Certificate (1 A-level size)
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| D* | 56 |
| D | 48 |
| M | 32 |
| P | 16 |
Other vocational qualifications (e.g., Cambridge Technicals) map similarly by size and grade.
Scottish Qualifications
Highers (per subject)
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| A | 33 |
| B | 27 |
| C | 21 |
| D | 15 |
Many providers won’t count a Higher in the same subject if you also present an Advanced Higher.
Advanced Highers (per subject)
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| A | 56 |
| B | 48 |
| C | 40 |
| D | 32 |
EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| A* | 28 |
| A | 24 |
| B | 20 |
| C | 16 |
| D | 12 |
| E | 8 |
Some universities value EPQ as evidence of independent research and may include it in offers.
Worked examples (so you can check your math)
AAB at A level
48 + 48 + 40 → 136 points
BBB at A level + EPQ A
40 + 40 + 40 + 24 → 144 points
BTEC Ext. Diploma DMM
DMM → 112 points
If your number seems off, re-check: level/grade, table value, and whether a provider is capping which quals count.
Common gotchas
- Subject requirements trump points. “120 points including A level Chemistry at B” means you need both the total and the specific grade.
- Level matters. GCSEs do not carry Tariff points.
- No double-counting. Providers often forbid counting a lower-level qualification in the same subject alongside the higher one.
- AS levels may not count. Policies vary by course—always read the course entry criteria.
Fast workflow you can copy today
- Pick 3–5 target courses and note any subject-specific rules.
- List each of your Level 3 qualifications + grades (achieved or predicted).
- Look up the table value for each and calculate a clean total.
- Scenario-plan: raise one grade, add/boost EPQ, or confirm whether AS counts.
- Lock one plan and execute—no endless tweaking.
This guide explains the UCAS Tariff in plain language. Always follow the course’s own entry criteria first.