When applying to university, particularly to top-tier institutions, students naturally prioritise achieving the required grades, but many also wonder whether additional qualifications and short courses can enhance their applications. With so many options available – some carrying UCAS points and others not – it’s important to understand which ones truly add value. 

 

What are UCAS points? 

UCAS Tariff Points are a system used by some UK universities to standardise the value of different qualifications when assessing applications.  

For example: 

  • A-Level qualifications range from 16 UCAS points (Grade E) to 56 UCAS points (Grade A*). 
  • A Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma is worth up to 168 UCAS points (equivalent to three A-Levels at Distinction). 
  • The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma can earn a student up to 56 points per Higher Level subject  

 

Which universities accept UCAS points? 

Universities set entry requirements in UCAS points, specific grades, or a combination of both. 

Russell Group universities (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial College etc.), known for their research excellence, typically set high entry requirements for their courses. Most of these institutions specify their offers in terms of A-Level grades or equivalent qualifications, rather than UCAS points. Therefore, while both AAA and A*A*C in A-Level may add up to 144 UCAS points, universities will assess them differently based on subject-specific requirements. This means that one student may meet the necessary criteria and secure a place, while the other may fall short despite having the same total points. 

Some Russell Group universities may take UCAS points into account, but only from subjects that align with their entry requirements. This means that not all UCAS points will be considered, but only those from qualifications and subjects that are relevant to the course. 

 

Mid-tier and newer universities tend to be more flexible with their admissions policies. These institutions are more likely to accept a broader range of UCAS points and may also consider applicants with a mix of qualifications. They accept vocational qualifications like BTECs, Access to HE Diplomas, and Foundation courses, as well as a range of other awards. 

 

Do small-point qualifications matter? 

Qualifications that contribute small UCAS points (e.g., 8-16 points), such as short vocational or industry-related courses at Level 3 can be useful in some cases but are generally not significant for competitive courses. Their impact depends on the university and course you are applying for. 

Small qualifications can be valuable in several ways, even if they don’t directly impact university admissions. They demonstrate a student’s commitment to learning beyond their core subjects and can provide practical skills that support both academic and career development. 

While these qualifications add value to applications and may help meet UCAS point thresholds at mid-tier universities, they don’t replace core entry requirements for competitive courses. 

 

When choosing a short course with the goal of applying to a top university, it’s important to prioritise practical and academic relevance and the skills it helps develop rather than simply looking at UCAS points.  

A good short course should enhance your ability to understand your chosen discipline, think critically, engage with complex ideas – qualities that top universities value highly. It should also help you gain insight into the chosen field and add depth to your personal statement, providing discussion points for interviews. 

Choosing a course that is intellectually challenging and relevant to your ambitions will have a much greater impact than one that simply adds a few extra UCAS points. 

Some qualifications, while not carrying UCAS points, are still highly valued by universities due to the skills and personal development they demonstrate. For example, awards like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) – Gold Level are recognised for fostering leadership, resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. 

 

Key takeaways: 

  • If you are considering top-tier universities, it’s essential to focus on achieving high grades in the subjects relevant to your chosen course – there are no shortcuts!
  • Avoid generic courses and instead look for those that involve projects, critical discussions, or practical applications. Any additional course should directly support your chosen degree. 
  • A research-based or analytical course can demonstrate academic depth, while an industry-immersive course can provide practical experience and insight into real-world applications of a subject.  
  • Most importantly, choose courses that genuinely interest you. Top universities look for students who are truly passionate about their subject. Exploring it beyond the classroom will not only strengthen your application but also help you confirm that it’s the right path for you.