UCAS Tariff Points

RSL Awards' qualifications aid progression into Higher Education. This page explains what UCAS is, what UCAS points are, and the UCAS points available at Level 3 (Grades 6–8) across graded music and performing arts.

What is UCAS?

UCAS (Universities & Colleges Admissions Service) is the service for applications to almost all full-time undergraduate degree programmes at UK universities and colleges.

What are UCAS Tariff points?

UCAS tariff points translate qualifications and grades into a numerical value that some universities use in entry requirements. Universities set their own requirements and may decide how they apply tariff points.

Graded Music (Rockschool & RSL Classical) — UCAS points

UCAS points are available at Grades 6–8 (Level 3) for Rockschool and RSL Classical subjects (e.g. Guitar, Drums, Vocals, Piano/Keys, Ukulele, Music Production, Music Theory; and RSL Classical Piano/Violin/Guitar).

Instrument Music Grades (including Music Production)

Applies to Grade Exam, Graded Certificate & Performance Certificate.

Rockschool / RSL Classical

Grade Pass Merit Distinction
Grade 6 8 points 10 points 12 points
Grade 7 12 points 14 points 16 points
Grade 8 18 points 24 points 30 points

Music Theory

Grade Pass Merit Distinction
Grade 6 4 points 5 points 6 points
Grade 7 6 points 7 points 8 points
Grade 8 8 points 9 points 10 points

Important note (multiple exams)

Where a candidate has taken more than one exam in one instrument, they can only put forward the exam which gave them the highest number of points. Where points are awarded for graded exams in different instruments, these can be accumulated, but it is the decision of the university or college whether they accept both sets of points.

Stageschool Performing Arts Grades — UCAS points (Grades 6–8)

Stageschool Level 3 (Grades 6–8) examinations carry UCAS points.

Musical Theatre / Acting / Screen Acting / Public Speaking

Grade Pass Merit Distinction
Grade 6 8 points 10 points 12 points
Grade 7 12 points 14 points 16 points
Grade 8 24 points 27 points 30 points

Dance Exams

Grade Pass Merit Distinction
Grade 6 8 points 10 points 12 points
Grade 7 12 points 14 points 16 points
Grade 8 16 points 18 points 20 points

Important note (multiple exams)

Where a candidate has taken more than one exam, they can only put forward the exam which gave them the highest number of points.

Singapore note

UCAS points are most relevant for candidates applying to UK pathways. Always check each course's entry requirements and how that provider uses the UCAS Tariff.