UCAS Tariff points turn your post-16 qualifications and grades into one number, so universities and colleges can compare different qualifications. For example, an A* at A level is worth 56 points and a D* in a BTEC National Extended Certificate is worth 56.
Note: Performance grades from boards such as ABRSM, Trinity, LAMDA and RSL. Music theory grades carry fewer points; check the official UCAS Tariff page.
Grade 7 music or drama (performance)
Grade 7 music or drama (performance) grades and UCAS Tariff points
Note: Performance grades from boards such as ABRSM, Trinity, LAMDA and RSL. Music theory grades carry fewer points; check the official UCAS Tariff page.
Grade 8 music or drama (performance)
Grade 8 music or drama (performance) grades and UCAS Tariff points
Note: Performance grades from boards such as ABRSM, Trinity, LAMDA and RSL. Music theory grades carry fewer points; check the official UCAS Tariff page.
How do UCAS points work?
Each qualification gets its points from two things: its size and its grade. A bigger qualification at the same grade is worth more. For example, a BTEC National Extended Diploma is the same size as three A levels, so it has three grades, such as DDM, and DDM is worth 128 points, the same as A levels AAC.
What gives you UCAS points?
Qualifications at Level 3 (SCQF Level 6 in Scotland) can carry UCAS points. These include A levels, AS levels, BTEC Nationals, T levels, the International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, the Extended Project Qualification and Core Maths. GCSEs are Level 2 qualifications, so they carry no UCAS points.
Universities and colleges can use UCAS points to set entry requirements, make offers and compare students with different qualifications. Many universities make offers in grades, such as ABB, instead of points, so always check the entry requirements on the course page.
How to find out how many UCAS points you have
Add up the points for each qualification and grade you have or expect, or let the calculator do it for you. Check the exact name of each qualification on your results or ask your school or college. If a qualification is not listed here, search the full list on the official UCAS Tariff page.
UCAS points, also called UCAS Tariff points, are a number given to each post-16 qualification and grade. Adding them up gives you one total that universities can compare.
Do UCAS points matter?+−
They matter when a course sets its entry requirements in points. If a course asks for grades instead, the grades are what count. Your points total is still a quick way to compare different qualifications.
Only the International Baccalaureate has changed. In the 2027 tables, IB Higher Level and Standard Level grades 1 to 5 are worth more than before. A level, BTEC, T level and Scottish points are the same as for 2026.