A-Level Grade Boundaries & UCAS Points Explained

Q: How many UCAS points is an A* at A-Level?

An A* at A-Level is worth 56 UCAS tariff points. An A is worth 48, a B is 40, a C is 32, a D is 24, and an E is 16.

Q: How many UCAS points do I need for university?

Requirements vary widely by university and course. Less competitive courses may accept 96 points (e.g. CCC at A-Level), while the most competitive courses at Russell Group universities may require 160+ points (e.g. AAA or better).

Q: Do all universities use UCAS points?

Not all offers are made in UCAS points. Many universities — especially Russell Group institutions — specify required grades directly (e.g. AAB) rather than expressing requirements as a points total.

Whether you're planning your university application or trying to understand what a conditional offer really requires, this guide explains how A-Level grades translate into UCAS tariff points — and what that means for your application.

What Are UCAS Tariff Points?

UCAS tariff points are a numerical system that assigns a point value to different qualifications and grades, allowing universities to compare applicants studying different combinations of subjects and qualifications. The system was updated in 2017 and is used by many (though not all) UK universities when making offers.

A-Level UCAS Points Table

A-Level Grade	UCAS Points
A*	56
A	48
B	40
C	32
D	24
E	16

AS-Level UCAS Points

AS-Levels now count separately from A-Levels for UCAS purposes (following the 2017 decoupling). Each AS-Level is worth roughly half the points of a full A-Level:

AS-Level Grade	UCAS Points
A	20
B	16
C	12
D	10
E	6

BTEC Grades and UCAS Points

BTEC qualifications are widely accepted by UK universities and carry significant UCAS points, particularly the Extended Diploma:

BTEC Qualification	Grade	UCAS Points
Extended Diploma	DDD*	168
Extended Diploma	DDD	144
Extended Diploma	MMM	96
Extended Diploma	PPP	48
Diploma	DD	112
Diploma	DD	96

Common University Entry Requirements in Points

A-Level Grades	UCAS Points	Typical Entry Level
AAA*	168	Most competitive (Medicine, Oxbridge)
AAA	144	Russell Group competitive courses
AAB	136	Strong Russell Group / specialist
ABB	128	Mid-range competitive
BBB	120	Broad range of universities
BBC	112	Accessible at many institutions
CCC	96	Foundation year or less competitive

Do All Universities Use UCAS Points?

No. Many universities — particularly Russell Group institutions — specify offers in terms of specific grades (e.g. "AAB including a B in Mathematics") rather than as a total points score. Points-based offers are more common at post-92 universities and for foundation programmes.

Always check the specific entry requirements for each course on the university's website or the UCAS course search rather than relying solely on points totals.

Calculate your UCAS tariff points

Enter your A-Level, AS-Level, and BTEC grades to get your total UCAS points instantly.

Use the UCAS Points Calculator →

How many UCAS points is an A* at A-Level?

An A* at A-Level is worth 56 UCAS tariff points. A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16.

How many UCAS points do I need for university?

Requirements vary widely. Less competitive courses may accept 96 points (CCC at A-Level), while the most competitive may require 160+ (A*AA or better).

Do all universities use UCAS points?

No. Many universities specify grade requirements directly (e.g. AAB) rather than as a points total. Always check the specific course entry requirements.

Can I use BTEC grades to meet a points-based offer?

Yes. BTEC Extended Diploma grades carry significant UCAS points (e.g. DDD = 144 points, equivalent to AAA at A-Level). Most universities that accept UCAS points will consider equivalent BTEC qualifications.