How to Get UCAS Points

If you are thinking about applying to university in the UK, you may have come across course requirements asking for a particular number of UCAS points, more formally known as UCAS Tariff points.

At first, the system can seem complicated. You might see one university asking for particular A-level grades while another lists an entry requirement of 112, 120 or 128 UCAS points. You may also have several qualifications and wonder whether their points can be combined.

The basic idea is relatively straightforward.

UCAS Tariff points convert eligible post-16 qualifications and grades into numerical values. Some universities and colleges use these points when setting entry requirements and making offers, while others prefer to specify particular qualifications and grades.

The most important thing to understand is that you do not usually collect UCAS points simply by taking part in extracurricular activities. You normally gain them by achieving recognised qualifications that carry UCAS Tariff points.

Here are 15 ways to understand, gain and potentially increase your UCAS points before applying to university.

1. Understand What UCAS Points Actually Are

UCAS Tariff points provide a way of assigning numerical values to eligible qualifications.

Different qualifications have different structures, sizes and grading systems. The Tariff provides universities and applicants with a way of understanding how certain qualifications compare in terms of their size and level.

However, UCAS points are not a universal university admissions currency.

Universities decide their own entry requirements. Some use Tariff points, while others specify particular qualifications and grades.

For example, one course might ask for 120 UCAS points, while another could require BBB at A level.

A third might ask for AAB, including Mathematics.

These requirements should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.

The first thing to do is therefore understand whether the universities and courses you are interested in actually use UCAS Tariff points.

2. Get UCAS Points Through A Levels

A levels are one of the most familiar ways of gaining UCAS Tariff points.

The number of points you receive depends on the grade you achieve.

An A* at A level is worth 56 UCAS points.

An A is worth 48 UCAS points.

A B is worth 40 UCAS points.

A C is worth 32 UCAS points.

A D is worth 24 UCAS points.

An E is worth 16 UCAS points.

This means three A levels can create very different totals depending on your results.

For example:

• AAA = 144 UCAS points
• ABB = 128 UCAS points
• BBB = 120 UCAS points
• BCC = 104 UCAS points

For many sixth-form students, their A levels will provide the majority of their UCAS Tariff points.

3. Improve Your Existing Grades

Students sometimes immediately start searching for additional qualifications when they realise they want more UCAS points.

That is not necessarily the best first step.

If your existing qualifications already carry Tariff points, improving your grades may be a more effective strategy.

Imagine you are predicted BBB at A level.

That would give you 120 UCAS points.

Improving your grades to ABB would increase your total to 128.

Achieving AAB would give you 136.

AAA would give you 144.

Before adding another qualification to an already busy timetable, consider whether the additional workload could reduce the amount of time available for your main subjects.

Universities may also care considerably more about strong performance in relevant A levels than an unrelated additional qualification.

Sometimes the best way to get more UCAS points is simply to concentrate on achieving higher grades in the qualifications you are already taking.

4. Get UCAS Points Through an EPQ

The Extended Project Qualification, usually known as the EPQ, can be another way to gain UCAS Tariff points.

An EPQ usually involves completing a substantial independent project.

Depending on the project, students might produce an extended written report, conduct research or create an artefact supported by appropriate documentation.

The number of UCAS points depends on the grade achieved.

An A* in the EPQ is worth 28 UCAS points.

An A is worth 24 UCAS points.

A B is worth 20 UCAS points.

A C is worth 16 UCAS points.

A D is worth 12 UCAS points.

An E is worth 8 UCAS points.

The potential value of an EPQ goes beyond the additional points.

Completing one can provide experience of independent research, planning, evaluating information, managing deadlines and developing a substantial piece of academic work.

These can all be useful skills when preparing for university.

However, universities treat the EPQ differently, so you should check whether your chosen courses take it into account when making offers.

5. Get UCAS Points Through BTEC Qualifications

Eligible BTEC Level 3 qualifications can also carry UCAS Tariff points.

BTECs differ from A levels because they can vary considerably in size and structure.

This means there is no single answer to the question:

“How many UCAS points is a BTEC worth?”

The exact qualification matters.

For example, a BTEC National Extended Certificate is not the same size as a BTEC National Extended Diploma, so the two qualifications do not carry the same Tariff values.

Your final grade or combination of grades will also affect the number of points you receive.

If you are studying a BTEC, make sure you know the full name and exact version of your qualification before calculating your UCAS points.

Your school or college should be able to help if you are uncertain.

6. Get UCAS Points Through T Levels

T Levels can also carry UCAS Tariff points.

These qualifications provide a technical route for students after GCSEs and combine classroom-based learning with practical industry experience.

A full T Level is a substantial qualification, so it can carry a significant number of Tariff points.

However, having enough points does not automatically mean a university will accept your T Level for every degree.

Universities can specify which qualifications they consider appropriate for individual courses.

For example, a university may accept particular T Levels for one degree but require A levels or other qualifications for another.

If you are studying a T Level and considering university, check the individual entry requirements for the courses that interest you.

7. Get UCAS Points Through Scottish Qualifications

Students in Scotland can also encounter UCAS Tariff points through eligible Scottish qualifications.

However, university entry requirements for Scottish students are often expressed through particular qualifications and grades rather than simply a total number of UCAS points.

If you are studying Scottish Highers or other Scottish qualifications, look carefully at the requirements for each course.

Do not assume that reaching a particular numerical Tariff total automatically means you satisfy the entry requirements.

The qualification itself, subjects studied and grades achieved can all matter.

8. Check Whether Your Music Qualifications Carry UCAS Points

Some recognised higher-level graded music qualifications can carry UCAS Tariff points.

This can surprise students who have been learning an instrument for years without realising that a qualification they have already achieved may have a Tariff value.

However, simply being able to play an instrument does not give you UCAS points.

You need to have completed an eligible recognised qualification.

The awarding organisation, grade level and result can all affect whether Tariff points are available and how many points are awarded.

If you have completed higher music grades, check the exact qualification rather than assuming that every music examination carries points.

You should also check whether your chosen university will accept those points towards its entry requirements.

9. Check Speech and Drama Qualifications

Certain recognised speech, drama, performance and communication qualifications may also carry UCAS Tariff points at eligible levels.

Students who have completed higher-level graded qualifications may therefore already have qualifications with a Tariff value.

Again, the precise qualification matters.

Simply taking part in a school play or drama club does not give you UCAS points.

You need an eligible qualification awarded by an appropriate awarding organisation.

If you already have certificates, check the exact qualification title, level and grade before including the points in your calculations.

10. Consider Other Eligible Level 3 Qualifications

A levels, BTECs and T Levels are not the only qualifications that can potentially carry UCAS Tariff points.

There are thousands of eligible qualifications within the Tariff system.

This means it is worth investigating qualifications you already hold before immediately enrolling in something new.

If you are thinking about completing an additional qualification specifically to increase your UCAS points, ask yourself three questions.

Does this qualification actually carry UCAS Tariff points?

Will the universities I am considering accept those points?

Will studying for it interfere with my main qualifications?

The third question is particularly important.

Taking more qualifications does not automatically create a stronger university application.

If an additional qualification takes time away from the subjects that actually matter for your chosen degree, it could be counterproductive.

11. Understand UCAS Points for Apprenticeships

The UCAS Tariff has expanded to include eligible Level 3 and equivalent apprenticeships.

This can be particularly relevant for students who have followed a vocational or apprenticeship route and later decide they would like to progress into higher education.

However, the same basic principle applies.

Having Tariff points attached to an apprenticeship does not mean every university must accept those points for every degree.

Applicants progressing from apprenticeships should check individual university entry requirements carefully.

If the information is unclear, contacting the university's admissions team can help establish whether your particular apprenticeship is accepted.

12. Use the Exact Qualification When Calculating Your Points

One of the easiest ways to calculate your UCAS points incorrectly is to select the wrong qualification.

This is particularly common with vocational qualifications.

Two qualifications can have very similar names while being different sizes, levels or specifications.

When calculating your points, identify details such as:

• the awarding organisation;
• the qualification level;
• the exact qualification type;
• the subject;
• your grade; and
• the qualification number where available.

If you are unsure exactly which qualification you are studying, ask your school, college, teacher or examinations officer.

Do not guess.

A small difference in a qualification title can potentially result in a very different Tariff calculation.

13. Avoid Double Counting Qualifications

You cannot necessarily add together every qualification you have completed.

Some qualifications overlap.

For example, you may complete an AS level before continuing to the full A level in the same subject.

You should not automatically assume that you can count the Tariff points for both qualifications towards the same university requirement.

Similar issues can arise where one qualification represents progression from another or where substantial content overlaps.

This is why simply adding every number you can find may produce an inaccurate total.

When in doubt, check how your chosen university treats the qualifications.

14. Check What Your Chosen University Actually Accepts

This is arguably the most important step.

Imagine a university course lists an entry requirement of 120 UCAS points.

You calculate your qualifications and discover that you have exactly 120.

Does that automatically mean you meet the entry requirements?

Not necessarily.

The university might specify that the points must come from particular qualifications.

It might require three A levels.

It could require a particular subject.

There might be a minimum grade requirement.

Some qualifications may not be accepted towards the total.

This is why you should always read the complete entry requirements rather than looking only at the headline UCAS points figure.

15. Build the Right Application, Not Just the Highest Points Total

UCAS points are useful, but they should not become a game where the objective is simply to accumulate the largest possible number.

Imagine two students applying for a demanding mathematics degree.

One has accumulated a large number of Tariff points through several different qualifications.

The other has fewer qualifications but extremely strong results in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics.

The second student could be much better aligned with the requirements of the course.

Universities are interested in whether applicants are academically prepared for the degree they want to study.

That means relevance matters.

Instead of asking only:

“How can I get more UCAS points?”

also ask:

“What qualifications and grades do I need for the university courses I actually want to study?”

That is usually the more useful question.

What Are UCAS Tariff Points?

UCAS Tariff points convert eligible qualifications and grades into numerical values.

The system can help universities and applicants understand different qualifications.

For students, it also provides a convenient way to calculate the potential Tariff value of their academic achievements.

But Tariff points should not be confused with grades.

A university asking for BBB is not necessarily making exactly the same offer as another university asking for 120 UCAS points.

The first has specified particular grades.

The second has expressed its requirement using Tariff points, potentially allowing different combinations of accepted qualifications.

Always read the complete entry requirements.

How Many UCAS Points Is an A Level Worth?

An A level can be worth between 16 and 56 UCAS points, depending on the grade achieved.

The current values are:

• A* = 56 UCAS points
• A = 48 UCAS points
• B = 40 UCAS points
• C = 32 UCAS points
• D = 24 UCAS points
• E = 16 UCAS points

This means relatively small improvements in grades can make a noticeable difference to your total.

For example, three B grades give you 120 UCAS points, while three A grades give you 144 UCAS points.

Three A* grades would give you 168 UCAS points.

However, universities may still care about which subjects those grades come from.

How Many UCAS Points Is an EPQ Worth?

An EPQ can be worth up to 28 UCAS points.

The points are:

• A* = 28 UCAS points
• A = 24 UCAS points
• B = 20 UCAS points
• C = 16 UCAS points
• D = 12 UCAS points
• E = 8 UCAS points

An EPQ can therefore increase your overall Tariff total while giving you an opportunity to investigate a subject independently.

However, universities treat EPQs differently.

Some may take the qualification into account when making offers, while others may value the experience without including its points within their main entry requirements.

Check the policy for the individual course you are considering.

Do GCSEs Give You UCAS Points?

Generally, GCSEs do not give you UCAS Tariff points.

That does not mean GCSEs are irrelevant to university applications.

Universities can still require particular GCSE grades.

Requirements involving English and Mathematics are common, while some courses may consider GCSE performance more broadly.

A qualification therefore does not need to carry UCAS points to matter to your university application.

Do AS Levels Give UCAS Points?

Eligible AS levels can carry UCAS Tariff points.

However, you need to be careful if you subsequently complete the full A level in the same subject.

You should not assume that you can simply add the AS points and A-level points together.

Where qualifications overlap, universities may count only the highest level achieved.

If you are uncertain whether your AS qualification will count towards a particular university offer, check with the university.

Can You Get UCAS Points Outside School?

Potentially, yes.

You do not necessarily have to obtain every eligible qualification through your school.

Some students complete recognised qualifications through colleges, examination centres or specialist organisations.

Eligible higher-level graded music, speech or drama qualifications are examples of qualifications that students may pursue outside their normal school timetable.

But you cannot simply turn an ordinary hobby into UCAS points.

Playing football, volunteering, travelling, joining a society or participating in a school club does not automatically generate Tariff points.

You need an eligible qualification.

Does Volunteering Give You UCAS Points?

Volunteering by itself does not normally give you UCAS Tariff points.

That does not make volunteering worthless.

It can help you develop confidence, communication, responsibility and experience.

For some university subjects, relevant experience may also help you understand the profession or academic area you are considering.

But that is different from gaining Tariff points.

University applications should not be viewed as a process of converting every activity you have completed into a numerical score.

Do Summer Schools Give You UCAS Points?

Attending a summer school does not automatically give you UCAS Tariff points.

This is an important distinction.

A summer programme can provide opportunities to explore academic subjects, develop skills, meet other students and think more seriously about future study.

But simply attending a summer course does not mean UCAS points are awarded.

For something to contribute Tariff points, it needs to involve an eligible qualification recognised within the UCAS Tariff system.

Students should therefore avoid assuming that every certificate, academic enrichment activity or summer programme contributes points towards university entry.

Can Extracurricular Activities Increase Your UCAS Points?

Not directly, unless the activity leads to an eligible qualification.

Playing in an orchestra does not itself provide UCAS points.

Completing an eligible recognised music qualification potentially can.

Taking part in a school production does not itself create Tariff points.

Completing an eligible regulated performance qualification potentially can.

This distinction is important.

UCAS Tariff points are attached to recognised qualifications rather than simply effort, participation or experience.

Extracurricular activities can still be valuable for your personal and academic development even when they do not provide points.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get More UCAS Points?

There is no single shortcut that works for everyone.

If you are already studying A levels or another eligible Level 3 qualification, improving your final grades may be the most effective approach.

If an additional qualification such as an EPQ fits naturally into your academic programme, that could potentially provide additional points.

If you already hold eligible music, drama or other qualifications, check whether they have a Tariff value.

What you should generally avoid is signing up for several additional qualifications simply because you want to increase a number.

That strategy can backfire if the extra workload damages your performance in the subjects that actually matter for your university choices.

Is 112 UCAS Points Good?

Whether 112 UCAS points is “good” depends entirely on what you want to study and where.

For some university courses, 112 points may meet the headline academic requirement.

For others, it may be below the usual offer.

More competitive courses may specify significantly higher grades or use qualification-specific requirements rather than Tariff points.

There is therefore no universally good UCAS points score.

A useful total is one that meets or exceeds the requirements of the courses you are realistically considering.

Is 120 UCAS Points Good?

120 UCAS points is equivalent to BBB at A level in straightforward Tariff terms.

That can meet the requirements for a range of university courses.

However, it does not automatically make someone eligible for every course advertising 120 points.

Universities may specify which qualifications they accept, which subjects are required and how the points need to be achieved.

Always investigate the complete course requirements.

Is 128 UCAS Points Good?

128 UCAS points corresponds to ABB at A level.

Whether that is sufficient depends on the degree and university.

Some courses may set requirements around this level.

Others will be higher or lower.

Some universities may simply ask for ABB rather than expressing the requirement as 128 points.

That distinction matters because a points-based offer can potentially allow different accepted grade combinations, whereas a grade-based offer is more specific.

Is 144 UCAS Points Good?

144 UCAS points corresponds to AAA at A level.

That represents strong academic performance.

However, even 144 points does not guarantee entry to a highly competitive university course.

A course may require particular subjects, specific grades, admissions tests, interviews or other selection requirements.

This is another reason students should avoid viewing UCAS points as a simple university ranking system.

More points do not automatically guarantee admission.

Can You Have Too Many UCAS Points?

There is nothing wrong with having qualifications that produce a high Tariff total.

But accumulating additional points unnecessarily is unlikely to provide much benefit.

If your preferred course requires 120 points and you have considerably more, those extra points do not necessarily give you a proportional admissions advantage.

Admissions decisions depend on the university and course.

Your priority should therefore be meeting the requirements strongly rather than collecting points simply for the sake of increasing your total.

Do All Universities Use UCAS Points?

No.

Some universities and colleges use UCAS Tariff points when expressing entry requirements.

Others prefer specific qualifications and grades.

You might therefore find one course requiring:

120 UCAS Tariff points

while another asks for:

BBB at A level

A third might require:

AAB including Mathematics

These requirements should not automatically be treated as interchangeable simply because you can calculate a numerical Tariff value for the grades.

Always check the individual course.

Can International Qualifications Get UCAS Points?

Not every international qualification appears on the UCAS Tariff.

This does not mean that qualifications without Tariff points cannot be used to apply to UK universities.

Universities regularly assess international qualifications directly and may publish specific entry requirements for applicants from different countries.

International students should therefore look at the university's requirements for their country and qualification rather than attempting to convert everything into UCAS points.

A qualification not having a UCAS Tariff value does not mean it has no academic value.

How Do You Calculate Your UCAS Points?

The safest approach is to start with your exact qualifications.

Write down the complete qualification title and awarding organisation.

Then identify your achieved or predicted grade.

Check whether each qualification carries UCAS Tariff points and determine the appropriate value.

Where the qualifications can legitimately be combined, add the points together.

Be careful about overlapping qualifications.

You should also remember that calculating your total does not tell you whether a particular university will accept every qualification towards its entry requirements.

Always compare your calculation with the requirements of the actual course.

Should You Choose Qualifications Just for UCAS Points?

Usually, no.

Your post-16 subjects can influence which university courses are available to you.

A student interested in medicine, engineering, economics, mathematics or another subject may need particular qualifications.

Choosing an unrelated additional qualification simply because it offers extra UCAS points could therefore be much less useful than concentrating on a required subject.

Think about university preparation in this order:

1. What subject might I want to study?
2. Which university courses interest me?
3. What qualifications and subjects do those courses require?
4. What grades or Tariff points should I aim for?
5. Would an additional qualification genuinely strengthen my preparation?

This approach keeps the focus on your academic goals rather than simply accumulating points.

UCAS Points and Competitive Universities

Students interested in highly competitive universities should be particularly careful about concentrating too heavily on Tariff totals.

Competitive universities and courses frequently specify particular qualifications, subjects and grades.

They may also consider admissions tests, interviews or other parts of the selection process where relevant.

Meeting the minimum academic requirement may simply mean that your application can be considered.

It does not necessarily mean you will receive an offer.

Your aim should therefore be strong academic preparation for your chosen course rather than maximising a generic UCAS points score.

UCAS Points and Oxford or Cambridge Applications

Students considering the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge should not approach their applications as a UCAS-points collection exercise.

Individual courses typically specify particular qualifications, grades and, where relevant, subject requirements.

Applicants may also encounter additional selection requirements depending on the course.

The useful question is therefore not:

“How many UCAS points do I need for Oxford or Cambridge?”

It is:

“What are the current entry requirements for the specific course I want to apply for?”

Those requirements should always be checked before making important subject or qualification decisions.

How Early Should You Think About UCAS Points?

Ideally, you should begin looking at university entry requirements before choosing or finalising your post-16 academic pathway.

You do not need to know exactly what degree you want to study.

However, if you have several possible subjects in mind, looking at typical entry requirements can help you make informed choices.

You may discover that particular A levels or other qualifications keep more university options open.

By Year 12 or equivalent, you can begin comparing realistic university courses against your predicted performance.

This gives you time to identify potential gaps rather than discovering them shortly before submitting your application.

What If You Don't Have Enough UCAS Points?

Do not immediately assume university is no longer an option.

First, check whether the course actually uses UCAS Tariff points.

Then investigate similar courses at other universities.

Entry requirements can vary significantly between institutions.

Depending on your circumstances, you could also investigate foundation years or alternative routes into higher education.

If your final results differ from your predictions, there may also be opportunities through Clearing.

One points total does not determine your entire future.

The important thing is to understand your qualifications and investigate the routes available to you.

Are UCAS Points More Important Than the Rest of Your Application?

Academic qualifications are an important part of university admissions because they help universities assess whether you are prepared for the course.

Other parts of the application can provide additional information about your academic interests, motivation and suitability.

However, these elements cannot necessarily compensate for missing an essential academic requirement.

If a course requires a particular qualification, subject or grade, you should take that requirement seriously.

A strong university application starts with understanding exactly what the course expects.

Do UCAS Points Guarantee a University Place?

No.

Reaching the advertised UCAS points total does not guarantee an offer.

Universities may receive many applications from students who meet or exceed their academic requirements.

Some courses are particularly competitive.

There may also be subject requirements or other selection criteria.

Think of entry requirements as conditions your application needs to satisfy rather than a guaranteed admissions formula.

Common Mistakes When Calculating UCAS Points

One common mistake is attempting to count GCSEs towards your Tariff total.

Another is selecting the wrong version of a BTEC or another vocational qualification.

Students may also accidentally double count overlapping qualifications.

Another mistake is assuming that every extracurricular certificate carries UCAS points.

Perhaps the biggest mistake is calculating a total and then failing to check whether the university actually accepts the qualifications used to produce it.

Always check the requirements for the individual course.

How to Increase Your UCAS Points Sensibly

If you genuinely need a higher Tariff total, start with the qualifications you are already studying.

Could stronger revision improve your grades?

Would additional academic support help with a difficult subject?

Are you already completing an EPQ?

Do you hold another eligible qualification that you have not considered?

Would an additional qualification genuinely complement your existing workload?

Only after considering those questions should you start looking for something new.

The objective is not simply more points.

It is stronger preparation for higher education.

What Skills Can Help You Achieve Better Grades?

Increasing UCAS points through stronger grades ultimately comes back to learning effectively.

Good revision involves more than repeatedly reading notes.

Students should practise retrieving information without looking at the answer.

Past papers and practice questions can help identify areas of weakness.

Students should ask teachers for help when a concept is unclear rather than leaving the problem until immediately before an examination.

Time management matters too.

A student who prepares gradually can usually work more effectively than someone attempting to relearn an entire course shortly before their final exams.

Better study habits can therefore indirectly become one of the most effective ways of increasing your eventual UCAS Tariff total.

Planning Your University Application

UCAS points make more sense when considered as one part of a larger university plan.

Begin with possible subjects.

Research courses.

Compare entry requirements.

Look at required qualifications and subjects.

Then compare those requirements with your predicted grades.

This can help you identify courses with different levels of entry requirements when the time comes to make your choices.

It also prevents the common mistake of concentrating so heavily on UCAS points that you forget what those points are actually intended to help you achieve.

How Summer Academic Study Can Help

Academic summer programmes do not automatically award UCAS Tariff points.

However, students can still use the summer productively.

A summer programme can provide an opportunity to explore a possible university subject before committing to it.

A student considering medicine might discover whether they actually enjoy discussing scientific and ethical questions.

Someone interested in law might explore argument, evidence and different perspectives.

A student considering engineering could investigate how mathematical and scientific ideas are applied to practical problems.

The benefit is not necessarily additional UCAS points.

It is having more information about your academic interests before making important choices about future study.

Atlas Summer Courses and University Preparation

Atlas Summer Courses can provide students with opportunities to explore academic interests beyond their usual school curriculum while developing skills such as discussion, independent thinking and problem-solving.

That experience should be understood separately from formal university qualifications.

Attending Atlas Summer Courses does not itself award UCAS Tariff points unless a specific programme explicitly includes an eligible regulated qualification.

Students should therefore choose a summer academic programme because of the learning and personal development it offers rather than assuming attendance will increase their UCAS Tariff total.

For students beginning to think about university, exploring a subject in greater depth can nevertheless be useful. It can help them understand which academic areas genuinely interest them and what they may want to investigate further at school and eventually at university.

Conclusion

Getting UCAS points is ultimately about achieving eligible qualifications.

For many students, the majority of their points will come from A levels, BTECs, T Levels, Scottish qualifications or other recognised Level 3 or equivalent qualifications. An EPQ and certain music, drama or other eligible qualifications can potentially add further points.

But the most important lesson is simple:

Do not chase UCAS points simply for the sake of having more UCAS points.

Start with the university course you are interested in.

Find its entry requirements.

Check which qualifications it accepts.

Identify any required subjects.

Then work backwards to understand the grades and qualifications you should aim for.

UCAS Tariff points can make certain qualifications easier to compare, but individual universities ultimately decide their own admissions requirements.

A thoughtful university application is therefore not about collecting the highest possible number. It is about choosing appropriate qualifications, achieving the strongest grades you can and making sure your academic pathway prepares you for the subject you genuinely want to study.

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