How Many UCAS Points is an A Level? A Full Breakdown

With the A Level and university application season in full swing, one of the most common questions is: how many UCAS points is an A level worth? Understanding the UCAS points system – and how your A level grades convert into points – is crucial for setting your university goals.

A levels are one of the main ways to earn UCAS points for your university application. However, they’re not the only option. Other qualifications such as BTECs, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), and special accredited extracurricular experiences – like the Immerse Education Online Research Programme (ORP), which awards 8 UCAS points – can also contribute to your total UCAS points.

So, while A levels remain a primary and widely accepted route to accumulating entrance points for university, exploring additional qualifications and programmes can strengthen your application and offer valuable skills alongside.

You can also check out our A Level Requirements and UCAS Tariff Points Guide to deepen your understanding.

What Are UCAS Points?

The UCAS points (or UCAS Tariff points) system translates your post-16 qualifications – including A levels – into a single numerical value. This helps universities and colleges compare applicants holding diverse qualifications and set entry requirements in a standardised way.

For example, a university might make an offer based on grades (e.g., ABB at A level) or specify a points-based offer (e.g., 128 UCAS points), allowing for a wider combination of results to meet the threshold.

Why UCAS Points Matter

• Application Requirements: Many UK university courses specify a minimum number of UCAS points (or grades) as entry requirements.
• Flexibility: Points offers let students combine different qualifications (A levels, BTECs, EPQ) to reach the total required.
• Comparisons: The system makes it easier for admissions teams to compare applicants with varying qualifications and grades.
• Strategic Planning: Knowing how UCAS points work enables you to structure your studies for maximum impact.

Not all courses use UCAS points (some require specific grades only), so it’s essential to check individual university entry requirements carefully.

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UCAS Points for Different A Level Grades

Here is the official breakdown of how many UCAS points you get for each A level grade:

Example: If you achieve AAB at A level, your total UCAS points from A levels alone = 48 (A) + 48 (A) + 40 (B) = 136.

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Points Breakdown by Grade (A*, A, B, C, etc.)

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

Grades below E (U for unclassified) do not earn any points.

Tip: You cannot “add” AS and A level points in the same subject – only your highest qualification in each subject counts.

How These Points Affect University Applications

• Tariff-Based Offers: Some courses require you to hit a set number (e.g., 128 points), meaning you can combine various grades and eligible qualifications.
• Grade-Based Offers: Other offers will require you to achieve specific grades in certain A level subjects.
• Clearing and Adjustment: Understanding your points can help you explore options if you exceed or do not meet your predicted grades.

How to Calculate Your Total UCAS Points

Combining Multiple A Levels

To calculate your total, simply add the UCAS points for each of your completed A levels.

Example 1:

• Subjects: English (A), Chemistry (B), Maths (C)
• Points: 48 (A) + 40 (B) + 32 (C) = 120 UCAS points

Example 2:

• Subjects: Biology (A*), History (A), Spanish (B)
• Points: 56 (A*) + 48 (A) + 40 (B) = 144 UCAS points

You can also combine these with other Level 3 qualifications, such as BTECs, Scottish Highers, or an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), for even more points.

Using UCAS Tariff Calculators

A range of online tools is available, including the official UCAS calculator and calculators from many universities. Enter your subjects, grades, and qualifications, and the calculator will add up your total – helpful in planning and checking against course entry requirements.

Tip: Always consult the official entry requirements for your chosen course or university and confirm which qualifications are eligible for points.

Tips for Maximizing Your UCAS Points with A Levels 

A Levels play a central role in determining your UCAS points, and therefore your university options. With careful planning and the right mindset, you can put yourself in the strongest possible position to reach (and even exceed) the entry requirements of your chosen courses. The decisions you make early on—both in subject choice and study approach—will shape not just your UCAS points total, but also the breadth of opportunities open to you.

Decide the Number of A Levels

The first step is deciding how many A Levels to take. Most students choose three, since this is the standard requirement for the majority of UK universities. Focusing on three allows you to achieve higher grades without stretching yourself too thin. Some students opt for a fourth, which can be useful if you want to keep options open or if you are especially strong academically, but remember that quality matters more than quantity. Three high grades will usually do more for your UCAS points than spreading yourself too widely. When wondering how many UCAS points is an A Level worth, the short answer is: enough that every grade counts, so make sure you put yourself in the best position to excel.

Select Subjects with Care

Choosing the right subjects is just as important as deciding the number. Start with any essential subjects for your intended degree – Medicine often requires Chemistry and Biology, Engineering usually needs Maths, and so on. Beyond these, pick subjects you enjoy and can realistically excel in. If you’re motivated by a subject, you’re more likely to put in consistent effort, which leads to higher grades. Strong grades, rather than simply ticking the right boxes, are what will maximise your UCAS points and keep your options broad.

Play to Your Strengths

Be honest with yourself about your academic strengths. For example, if you’ve always thrived in essay‑based subjects, then History, English Literature, or Politics may allow you to shine, while someone with strong numerical skills might perform better in Maths, Economics, or Physics. Playing to your strengths makes achieving top grades more likely, and therefore boosts your UCAS points without adding unnecessary stress.

Think About Workload and Balance

A Levels require far more independent study than GCSEs, so it’s vital to consider the workload of each subject. Some subjects have heavy coursework demands, while others require intense problem‑solving or memorisation. Try to choose a combination that balances these demands. Having three equally demanding subjects can feel overwhelming, but mixing them with something that plays to your natural skills or learning style can make the load more manageable.

Build Consistency from Day One

Maximising your UCAS points isn’t about last‑minute cramming – it’s about steady effort throughout the two years. Get into the habit of reviewing material regularly, keeping organised notes, and seeking help as soon as you find a topic difficult. This consistent approach not only deepens your understanding but also prevents the stress of cramming before exams. Universities value resilience and independence, and consistent performance across two years demonstrates both.

In short, the key to maximising UCAS points is a combination of smart choices and consistent effort: pick the right number of A Levels, select subjects carefully, play to your strengths, and commit to steady progress. This strategy ensures you’re not only asking how many UCAS points is an A Level worth in theory, but actually setting yourself up to achieve the maximum in practice.

Alternative Qualifications That Add Points

If you need to top up your UCAS points for a target course, consider additional Level 3 qualifications:

• AS Levels: Each grade (A–E) earns between 20–6 points.
• EPQ (Extended Project Qualification): A* earns 28 points; an A earns 24.
• BTECs: Vary by size and grade (D* = 56 points for a BTEC National Extended Certificate, equivalent to 1 A level).
• Music grades, language diplomas, sports or drama certificates, T Levels, and more: Each is assigned a points value; see the full tariff guide for details.

Additional Way to Earn UCAS Points: The Immerse Online Research Programme

A unique and valuable way to increase your UCAS points is by completing the accredited Immerse Education Online Research Programme (ORP). On successful completion, you earn 8 UCAS points – which is the difference between two A level grades (for example, the gap between a B and an A). This rigorous programme lets you conduct university-style research under expert mentorship, giving you an academic edge while formally boosting your application’s tariff score.

Remember, not all universities accept every qualification or combination, so always check course specifics. For a more ideas on how to earn extra UCAS points, check out our list of 15 opportunities.

Visual Guide: A Level Grades and UCAS Points

A good way to see eligibility for university courses is to match your actual or predicted grades to points using this table.

Common Questions About A Levels and UCAS Points

Can I mix and match A Level points with other qualifications?

Yes! Many universities allow a mix of qualifications at Level 3 (A levels, BTECs, EPQ, etc.). For a full breakdown, check out our guide: What Are UCAS Points?.

Do all universities use UCAS points?

No – some make offers based on explicit grades, while others accept UCAS points totals. Always check your chosen university’s requirements.

What’s the value of having more than three A levels?

While three is standard, an extra A level can add to your points total or provide insurance. Consider your workload – focus on quality over quantity.

Can resits affect my UCAS points?

Resits may or may not be considered depending on the university policy – clarify this before planning additional attempts.

Tips for Success

• Use a points calculator early to set targets and inform your subject selections.
• Focus on strong grades in chosen A levels for maximum points.
• Explore alternative qualifications if your required points are just out of reach.
• Research course and university requirements to ensure your planned qualifications fit.
• If in doubt, seek advice from your school or head over to the A Level Requirements page.

Conclusion

Knowing how many UCAS points is an A level empowers you to plan effectively, understand university admissions, and set achievable academic goals. Each A level grade converts directly into a set number of points, opening pathways to a wide range of courses and universities.

Calculate your points, consider strategic subject choices, check course requirements carefully, and make use of all available resources – including the full UCAS tariff guide.

For deeper advice about subject selection and course planning, see our guide on A Level Requirements. For more details on the full application process, read What Are UCAS Points?