Music and Drama Grades UCAS Points
Updated
Music, drama and dance graded exams at Grades 6, 7 and 8 carry UCAS points. In music or drama performance, a Grade 8 Distinction is worth 30 points, a Merit 27 and a Pass 24. Grade 7 is worth up to 16 and Grade 6 up to 12. Music theory and dance grades carry different points.
Your total
Choose your grades to see your UCAS Tariff points.
Breakdown
- Grade 8 music or dramaNo grade yet
Music grades UCAS points table
| Grade | Distinction | Merit | Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 8 | 30 | 27 | 24 |
| Grade 7 | 16 | 14 | 12 |
| Grade 6 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
Which exam boards count?
- ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
- Trinity College London
- LAMDA
- RSL Awards
- University of West London (UWLQ)
Performance grades from these boards share the same UCAS points. If your exam board is not listed, search the official UCAS Tariff page.
Music theory grades UCAS points
Music theory grades carry fewer UCAS points than performance grades. A Grade 8 Distinction in music theory is worth 10 points, compared with 30 for a Grade 8 Distinction in performance.
| Grade | Distinction | Merit | Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Grade 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| Grade 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
Dance grades UCAS points
Graded dance exams at Grades 6, 7 and 8 carry UCAS points, but not the same as music and drama: a Grade 8 Distinction in dance is worth 22 points, compared with 30 in music or drama performance.
| Grade | Distinction | Merit | Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 8 | 22 | 18 | 16 |
| Grade 7 | 18 | 14 | 12 |
| Grade 6 | 14 | 10 | 8 |
These values are from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) graded exams. The ISTD lists only Grade 6 in the UCAS Tariff tables, with the same points as RAD Grade 6. Some dance exams have extra results, such as a High Distinction, so check the official UCAS Tariff page.
How many UCAS points is Grade 8?
A Grade 8 in music or drama performance is worth 30 UCAS points with a Distinction. That is between a D and a C at A level (24 and 32 points).
Music and drama grades UCAS points FAQs
How many UCAS points is Grade 8 piano?
Grade 8 piano is worth 30 UCAS points with a Distinction, 27 with a Merit and 24 with a Pass, when it is a performance exam from a board such as ABRSM or Trinity.
Does LAMDA give UCAS points?
Yes. LAMDA Grades 6, 7 and 8 carry UCAS points. A Grade 8 Distinction is worth 30 points.
How many UCAS points is Grade 6?
A Grade 6 music or drama performance exam is worth 12 UCAS points with a Distinction, 10 with a Merit and 8 with a Pass. In dance, a Grade 6 Distinction is worth 14.
Do music theory grades give UCAS points?
Yes. Music theory Grades 6, 7 and 8 carry UCAS points, but fewer than performance grades. A Grade 8 theory exam is worth 10 points with a Distinction, 9 with a Merit and 8 with a Pass.
Add your A levels and other grades in the full UCAS points calculator