UCAS tariff points for IDTA Level 3 Qualifications
The UCAS Tariff points applicable to higher education courses are listed below. Please note that tariff points are only allocated for regulated qualifications at level 3 in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
The tariff has been calculated based on the size of the qualification and the grade awarded. There are 4 size bands and 12 grade bands which are calculated based on A level and AS level grades. The size band and the grade band for each qualification are multiplied to obtain the tariff points.
Graded and Vocational Graded Examinations
The tariff points for Graded and Vocational Graded Examinations at Level 3 are shown in the table below.
| Grade 8 | Grade 7 | Grade 6 | |
| Distinction | 20 | 16 | 12 |
| Merit | 18 | 14 | 10 |
| Pass | 16 | 12 | 8 |
| Advanced Foundation | Intermediate | |
| Distinction | 24 | 20 |
| Merit | 20 | 14 |
| Pass | 16 | 8 |
Level 3 Diploma for Dance Teaching Assistants
The tariff points for the Level 3 Diploma for Dance Teaching Assistants are shown in the table below.
| Distinction | 24 |
| Merit | 16 |
| Pass | 8 |
Level 3 Certificates in Progressive Tap Dance and Classical Ballet Performance
For higher education entry from September 2025, these qualifications have been added to the Tariff and the points are shown in the table below.
Level 3 Certificate in Progressive Tap Dance
| Distinction | 12 |
| Merit | 8 |
| Pass | 4 |
Level 3 Certificate in Classical Ballet Performance
| Distinction | 12 |
| Merit | 8 |
| Pass | 4 |
Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Classical Ballet Performance
| Distinction | 12 |
| Merit | 8 |
| Pass | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are UCAS tariff points universally accepted by Universities?
Not necessarily. Every University is self-governing which means that individual Universities will have their own policies and procedures for dealing with applications from prospective students.
What should candidates do if they want to use my tariff points on an application?
We would strongly advise that they contact the Universities that they are applying to and talk to the Admissions staff about their application. The University will be able to advise them about whether their tariff points will count towards their application.
What happens if a University doesn’t accept the tariff points for Dance?
For some Universities and some courses the tariff points may not count in themselves, but that doesn’t mean that the qualifications shouldn’t form part of the application. Having a range of skills, knowledge and understanding and other interests will all make a difference to a personal statement. Some Universities will like the fact that prospective students have a range of other interests outside of the course they are applying for.
Which qualifications count towards the tariff points?
For entry from September 2023, all qualifications at level 3 in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) will be allocated tariff points. From September 2023, the level 3 Diploma for Dance Teaching Assistants will be eligible for UCAS tariff points. Graded or vocational graded examinations gained after 1st January 2013 are eligible for UCAS tariff points.
Where can I find out further information?
Further information about the UCAS tariff can be found at the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
A full list of the tariff tables can be found here: https://www.ucas.com/advisers/guides-and-resources/information-new-ucas-tariff-advisers