How to get UCAS points.

Going to University is something that most of us do, but the process of getting into a University can be confusing. One part of the application process that you may find confusing is UCAS points.

UCAS points are mostly earned through examination results but there are additional ways you can earn UCAS points to get into the university of your choice.

While some Universities will accept additional activities for UCAS points others may not, so when applying for University check out your top choices first to see what options you have available to you.

Today in this blog post we will be looking at the top ways you can gain UCAS points to get into the university of your choice.

What are UCAS points?

UCAS points are a way to measure and compare your qualifications when applying to universities in the UK. Each qualification, like A-Levels or BTECs, is given a points value based on your grade. For example, an A* at A-Level might give you 56 points, while a B might give you 40 points. Universities use these points to decide if you meet their entry requirements for a course. The higher your UCAS points, the more likely you are to meet a university’s entry criteria. It’s important to check your chosen course’s requirements to ensure you earn enough points.

How to gain UCAS points

The most common method of gaining UCAS points is by doing A-Levels. A-Levels are sat at school or college and most students will study 3 different A-Levels. Some students may do 4 which is a good way of earning extra UCAS points.

With that said, if you can’t handle 4 A-Levels, it may be better for you to only do 3 as a fourth A-Level may put you under too much stress and cause your other grades to slip.

If in doubt you should talk to your tutors first and see what they recommend, but ultimately only you know how hard you can work and what level you are at.

When choosing your A-Levels you should consider what you want to do after them. You shouldn’t pick A-Levels that aren’t relevant to the area you want to study at University as it could make your application process more difficult.

If you don’t know what A-Levels you should choose, take a look at the courses you are interested in at University and then take a look at their entry requirements. This will tell you how many UCAS points you will need to gain as well as what subjects you should gain them in.

Gaining UCAS points through AS-Levels

Another common way of earning UCAS points is through sitting AS-Level exams. An AS-Level is worth around 40% of an A-Level and this is reflected in UCAS points. You also only gain the AS-Level UCAS points if you don’t hold an A-Level in the subject too.

An AS-Level takes one year and can be sat in either the first or second year of the sixth form. An AS-Level is a great way of boosting your UCAS points without having to do a full A-Level. This is useful for students who don’t think they can manage 4 full A-Levels.

For most students, it makes sense to do the AS-Level subjects during their first year of study in sixth form, that way they won’t be finishing off their A-Levels and AS-Levels at the same time in the second year.

Not all Universities will accept AS-Level UCAS points so once again it’s worth checking with your university to see how flexible their entry requirements are.

Earning UCAS points from home

When not at school it’s still possible to earn UCAS points. You can earn UCAS points at home by carrying out extracurricular activities such as taking dance or music exams.

Once again not all universities will accept these UCAS points so it’s worth checking before you go out and purchase that new piano. But if you do these things anyway it’s worth checking to see if you can get UCAS points for them. Music exams for example will require you to be at a certain level before you qualify for points.

You can do other extracurricular activities to gain UCAS points while not in school. Horse riding can gain you UCAS points if you do it through the British Horse Society.

Study an open learning qualification

Open learning qualifications or courses from places such as the open university can give you a chance to earn more UCAS points other than the points you pick up from your A-Levels.

Once again it’s worth checking if your potential university accepts UCAS points from courses provided via distance learning.

Gain UCAS points by taking a free-standing Mathematics qualification

If you aren’t taking maths at A-Level but want to show your university that you are proficient in it then taking a free-standing maths qualification is not only a great way to show proficiency but also a great way to gain UCAS points for university.

Taking a freestanding maths qualification can earn you an additional 20 UCAS points depending on your final grade.

Volunteering to earn UCAS points

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while also enhancing your university application. Many universities value applicants who demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility, and volunteering can show that you’re not only focused on academics but also on making a positive impact in the world around you.

If you’re already involved in volunteer work, there’s an added benefit—you can earn UCAS points, which are used to support your university application in the UK. One way to do this is by taking an ASDAN community volunteering qualification. This qualification recognizes your volunteer work and provides you with the opportunity to earn up to 50 additional UCAS points.

The points can help strengthen your application, especially if your academic grades are not as high as you’d like them to be. In addition to boosting your application, the ASDAN qualification also provides formal recognition of your skills and commitment, making it a valuable addition to your CV. Volunteering itself is a great way to gain hands-on experience, develop soft skills like communication and teamwork, and build a stronger connection with the community.

Alternative Qualifications for Gaining UCAS Points

In addition to A-Levels and AS-Levels, there are several alternative qualifications you can pursue to gain UCAS points. Some of these qualifications are designed for students who want to broaden their educational experience and skills in areas outside traditional academic subjects.

BTEC Qualifications

BTEC qualifications are vocational courses that are widely accepted by universities as part of the UCAS points system. They can be an excellent alternative to A-Levels, particularly if you prefer a more practical, hands-on approach to learning. BTECs are available in a wide range of subjects, including business, health, and engineering, and are typically assessed through coursework and exams.

BTEC Level 3 Nationals can offer the same UCAS points as A-Levels and are often considered for students looking to enter fields like technology, the arts, or hospitality. Keep in mind that while some universities may accept BTEC qualifications in lieu of A-Levels, others may require a combination of both to meet their entry requirements.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an internationally recognized qualification that can help you gain UCAS points. This rigorous program is usually pursued over two years and covers six subjects across various disciplines. It is designed for students who want a well-rounded education and is often seen as a challenging alternative to A-Levels.

IB students are required to complete a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, a 4,000-word extended essay, and participate in extracurricular activities as part of their education. These elements, in addition to their academic achievements, can also be a strong advantage when applying to universities.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas

If you are looking to change direction or return to education after a break, Access to Higher Education Diplomas could be a great option. These qualifications are designed for students who don’t have traditional academic qualifications but still want to pursue university-level education.

Access courses are often available in subjects like health care, business, and social sciences. While they are typically taken by mature students, they are open to anyone who wants to increase their chances of getting into university, and the UCAS points gained can be used for a range of courses.

Other Accredited Courses and Qualifications

Other forms of accredited courses, such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or various professional certifications, may also contribute to your UCAS points. The EPQ, for example, allows students to pursue an independent research project and is valued for its development of critical thinking and research skills. Successfully completing the EPQ can earn up to 28 UCAS points, which can support your university application.

Additional tips

Earning UCAS points outside of school or college is a great way of getting into that course that you want to study at university but before you go signing up for courses or planning how you are going to move to university be sure to check the entry requirements for your course first of all.

Without the right entry requirements, you could be left disappointed.

We hope this article has shown you some of the ways you can get extra UCAS points to get into the University of your choice. If you do have to move to university when the time comes you may want to consider investing in self-storage.

At Urban Locker, we provide affordable storage for students that can help minimise stress when moving day comes. Our student storage facility also provides peace of mind by keeping your valuables safe at the end of term.