UCAS points for higher grades
For teachers with more advanced pupils it’s worth remembering that Grades 6, 7 and 8 now attract points under the UCAS Tariff. UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service – is the organisation that processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the UK.
The UCAS Tariff is a points system used to indicate levels of achievement for entry to higher education. It establishes equivalences between qualifications and allows a comparison between applicants who may have a range of different qualifications. UCAS Points are available for both practical exams (instrumental and singing) and written theory exams as outlined below:
Practical (instruments and singing)
Grade 8
Distinction: 75 points, Merit: 70 points, Pass: 55 points
Grade 7
Distinction: 60 points, Merit: 55 points, Pass: 40 points
Grade 6
Distinction: 45 points, Merit: 40 points, Pass: 25 points
Please note that Practical Musicianship exams do not qualify for UCAS Points.
Theory
Grade 8
Distinction: 30 points, Merit: 25 points, Pass: 20 points
Grade 7
Distinction: 20 points, Merit: 15 points, Pass: 10 points
Grade 6
Distinction: 15 points, Merit: 10 points, Pass: 5 points
Students can claim points for both theory and practical exams, based on the highest grade taken. For example, a student with practical Passes at Grades 6 and 7 and a Merit at Grade 6 theory would claim for the theory and for the Grade 7 practical – giving a total of 50 points. For comparison, AS levels attract between 20 and 60 points and A levels attract between 40 and 120 points, depending on the grade achieved.
The availability of UCAS points for higher-grade music exams is an added bonus for young musicians applying for university or college places in the UK and can help to motivate pupils who might otherwise consider giving up their musical learning.
Please note, that as with all awards under the UCAS Tariff, admissions tutors may accept, or not, the tariff values for the courses for which students apply.
For more information about UCAS visit www.ucas.com