The new UCAS Tariff –
for entry into higher education
from September 2017 onwards
PowerPoint Toolkit for HEPs
September 2014
The purpose of this pack
This slide deck provides information about the new UCAS Tariff, which is for the 2017 admissions cycle.
It is aimed at admissions teams in higher education providers (HEPs) to use with colleagues in planning,
marketing, and communications functions and/or with faculty and academic personnel to explain why,
how and when the Tariff is changing and what actions need to be taken to ensure there is a smooth
transition to the new Tariff.
The pack covers:
•
a high level summary
•
why the Tariff is changing
•
how the new Tariff point system works
•
preparing for transition
•
the high level timeline and switchover date
•
resources and support from UCAS
These slides can be adapted, supplemented or revised as appropriate to suit the audience. Some notes
are provided in the notes view of the slide pack to provide some additional information. The notes should
be deleted before the pack is circulated. We will update this pack periodically based on feedback from
HEPs. Feedback should be send to newtariff-feedback@ucas.ac.uk
2
Contents
Page
1.
Summary
4
2.
Why the Tariff is changing
6
3.
How the new Tariff works
8
4.
Preparing for transition
19
5.
Implementation and switchover date
23
6.
Resources
29
7.
Key factors to consider
33
Appendix A: Tariff point grade combinations
35
3
1. Summary
4
1. High level summary
•
UCAS is introducing a new Tariff for the 2017 admissions cycle i.e. for courses starting
from September 2017 for the 2017-18 academic year.
•
The new Tariff addresses many of the shortcomings of the current model and enables
international qualifications to be included.
•
The new Tariff is based on a significantly different number system to the current Tariff.
•
The new Tariff will be used for reporting qualifications held on entry to HE to HESA for
the 2017-18 Student Records onwards. This will apply to students starting courses from
September 2017 and the HESA data collection which closes in the October of 2018.
•
Where applicable, entry requirements, offer libraries and associated material for entry
in 2017-18 will need to be updated.
•
Associated systems, processes and guidance material will also need to be reviewed and
revised.
5
2. Why the Tariff is changing
6
2. Why the Tariff is changing
UCAS completed a UK-wide Qualifications Information Review in 2012, consulting with HEPs,
teachers and advisers, applicants and other education specialists.
A number of concerns were raised with the current Tariff:
•
many qualifications cannot be accommodated on the current Tariff as the Tariff domains are
not suited to vocational qualifications
•
the process is awarding organisation led as they pay for qualifications to be added
•
the process is expensive to administer
•
it is complex and unclear exactly how points are allocated qualifications in terms of size and
difficulty. There are also concerns with the points allocated to some large qualifications
•
it cannot easily accommodate international qualifications
•
it is not aligned with the UK qualification regulatory process.
Outcome: The review found that HEPs wanted more information regarding qualifications and that
there were issues with the current Tariff that needed to be resolved. As a result the UCAS Board
agreed to develop a new simple Tariff and support the development of qualification information
profiles (QIPs) to provide clear and consistent information on different qualifications to support
admissions staff.
7
3. How the new Tariff works
8
3.1 How the new Tariff works – design principles
The new Tariff has been developed and tested in partnership with HEPs, teachers and
teaching representative bodies such as ASCL, SPA, AoC and HELOA.
The new Tariff is based on the following design principles:
1. Transparency
Clear process for allocating Tariff points
2. Meets the needs of
the HE sector
Supports HEPs that use the Tariff for management information
purposes and admissions purposes
3. Cost effective
Lower cost than the current process and no charge to awarding
organisations
4. Comprehensive
Has the scope to accommodate all UK regulated Level 3 /SCQF
Level 6 qualifications
5. Sustainable
Robust enough to cope with qualifications reforms across the UK
and last for a minimum of ten years
6. Flexible
Sufficiently flexible to cope with the widest range of
qualifications and accommodate future changes to them
7. Support fairness
Fair to the greatest number of applicants across the UK and
supports the widening participation agenda
9
3.2 How the new Tariff works – new Tariff method
size points x grade points = Tariff points
Size bands - qualifications will be allocated a size band of 1 to 4 with a
points range of 1-4, based on their guided learning hours/notional
learning hours
Grade bands – qualifications will also be allocated a grade band. The
new Tariff has 12 grade bands with a points range of 3-14. These grade
bands spread across the breadth of Level 3/SCQF Level 6
New Tariff points are determined by multiplying size and grade points
10
3.3 How the new Tariff works – size bands
•
Four size bands ensures that existing size relationships between qualifications are maintained
whilst not over-emphasising the importance of size.
•
The AS remains half the size of an A level and is size band 2.
•
Scottish Highers are allocated to a size band in between AS and A level.
•
Scottish Advanced Higher, A levels, IBHL, Pre-U Principal Subjects are in the same size band,
size band 4.
•
Welsh Baccalaureate is being revised for programmes of study starting in 2015. The new
qualification is expected to be of equivalent size to an A level and would therefore be allocated
to size band 4.
11
3.4 How the new Tariff works - size band examples
Size
band
GLH/NLH
1
< 120
Size
band
value
1
Qualifications included
GLH/NLH
2
IB Extended Essay
Free Standing Mathematics Qualifications
IB Theory of Knowledge
Extended Project Qualification
AS
BTEC (QCF) L3 Certificate
IB Standard Certificate
50
60
100
120
180
180
200
2
120-219
3
220-319
3
Scottish Higher
240
4
320+
4
Scottish Advanced Higher
A level
IB Higher Certificate
BTEC (QCF) L3 Subsidiary Diploma
Pre U Principal Subject
320
360
360
360
380
12
3.5 How the new Tariff works – grade band examples
A finite grade scale has been established for Level 3/SCQF Level 6 qualifications providing 12 grade
bands that all qualifications can be mapped to.
Grade
Points
A level
AS
(New
Tariff)
Scottish
Highers
Scottish
Adv
Highers
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
A*
A
A
B
A
B
A
C
B
C
B
D
• The new Tariff uses a 3-14 point scale – 12
grade bands
• Scale starts at 3 points as 1 point does not
provide a sufficient multiplier effect for
lower grades
• The scale ensures that key UK benchmark
qualifications such as Scottish Highers can
be precisely positioned in agreement with
UK qualification regulators
C
D
C
D
E
D
• The scale is finite – for example,
qualification grades operating significantly
above A* at A level are considered Level 4
E
13
3.6 How the new Tariff works – in comparison with the current
Tariff
The new Tariff numbers are very different.
For example, the illustration below taken from the new Tariff tables shows that the new
total Tariff points for an A level A* grade = 56 points; under the current Tariff the A level
A* grade is allocated 140 points.
The new UCAS Tariff tables show the total Tariff points for all qualifications on the Tariff
list.
14
3.7 How the new Tariff works – repositioning of AS
•
Under the new Tariff, the AS qualification has been adjusted to circa 40% of an A level
at each grade to reflect the Ofqual statement – ‘the material studied in AS is less
demanding than an A level’.
•
The Welsh Government has confirmed the new Welsh AS qualification which will
remain coupled with the A level, will be positioned at 40% of the A level. DENI in
Northern Ireland has made the same proposal in a recent ministerial submission.
15
3.8 How the new Tariff works - example student profiles
•
UCAS completed significant modelling of the new Tariff points on different types of
learners using UCAS candidate data to ensure no learner was disadvantaged.
•
The next slide provides examples of how different learner qualification profiles are
affected by the new Tariff. It is based on a comparison against A grade at A level. For
example Ben is compared to Dipak to show that Scottish Highers differed to an A level
programme under the current Tariff by +11.1% and under the new Tariff that increases
to +14.6%.
•
In summary, it shows: the impact of repositioning the AS qualification to 40% of an A
level; the positive impact of repositioning Scottish Highers in between the A level and
AS qualifications as requested by the Scottish qualification regulator and some impact
to the IB Diploma depending on different grade combinations. There is no impact on
BTEC learners or A level learners as the Tariff points for these qualifications have not
changed.
16
3.9 How the new Tariff works - example student profiles
This slide demonstrates the difference between the new and current Tariff using A level
A grade as a benchmark.
LOWER RANGE
MID-RANGE
HIGH RANGE
Standard size programmes
(approx 1080 hours)
DIPAK
BEN
SUSAN
DAVID
ARMIN
SOPHIE
MARIE
A level
SQA
AS AA +
BTEC
Pre-U
A level+
IB
AAA
Highers
A level BA
Nationals
DDD
PS D3D3
A*AAA +
AAAAA
Current
New
100%
100%
+11.1
+14.6
0.0
-5.6
HL766+ SL666
A at AS +A at +C2 (39 IB
pts)
EPQ
+GPR D3
0.0
0.0
+7.2
+8.3
100%
100%
-2.1
-1.6
JAMES
JACK
LEO
MILLY
TRACY
ROBIN
PAULO
A level
SQA
AS BA+
BTEC
Pre-U
A level
IB
BCC
Highers
A level CD
Nationals
DMM
PS M3M3
BBCC
BBCCC
Current
New
100%
100%
+7.7
+12.5
+11.5
-11.5
HL655+
+GPR M3
+C at AS +C at SL555 +C1
EPQ
(34 IB pts)
+7.7
-0.8
100%
-0.2
+7.7
+3.8
100%
-2.3
JULIA
ALEX
JOHN
JOEL
MAX
A level
SQA
AS CD+
BTEC
Pre-U
DEE
Highers
A level EE
Nationals
PS P3P3 +
GPR P3
CCC
Current
New
Large programmes
(1800-1880 hours)
100%
100%
PPP
+7.1
+12.5
+7.1
-3.6
-14.3
-14.3
NA
-4.3
+7.1
17
3.10 How the new Tariff works – key points to note
•
The new Tariff is based on a different scale and the approach for calculating points is
based purely on the new size by grade band calculation.
•
We have produced a new UCAS Tariff tables document which lists qualifications
covered by the Tariff together with their new Tariff point values. The separate
Qualifications List explains decisions on size and grade bands and shows all
calculations. As a general principle we have sought to maintain established
relationships between benchmark qualifications. Both documents are available on the
UCAS website https://www.ucas.com/members-providers/qualifications/new-ucastariff.
•
The Tariff Tables and Qualifications List will be updated annually, each time the new
Tariff is updated with new qualifications. Similarly, if a qualification’s Tariff points
change, because for example its size changes, this will be made clear in the annual
update. Only qualification changes that go through the qualification regulatory process
would result in a change to Tariff points and they would require sufficient lead in time
for schools and colleges. UCAS will provide as much notice as possible of change in the
annual updates.
•
Appendix A shows the current and new Tariff points for grade combinations for a range
of qualifications for illustrative purposes. UCAS also plans to develop a new UCAS Tariff
calculator for HEPs, see slide 21.
18
4. Preparing for transition
19
4.1 Preparing for transition – statutory reporting to HESA
•
The new Tariff will be used for reporting qualifications held on entry to HE to HESA for
the 2017-18 Student Record onwards. This will apply to students starting courses from
September 2017 and the HESA data collection which closes in the autumn of 2018.
•
HESA will support HEPs during the introduction of the new Tariff by publishing Tariff
point data using both current and new Tariff points for the 2016/2017, 2017/18 and
2018/19 Student Record collections. HESA will communicate directly with its own HEP
contacts about the changes nearer the time.
•
University League Tables: it is not possible model the impact of the new Tariff on
university league tables as “qualifications held on entry” are only one component, and
typically contribute approximately 10-15% to the most popular league tables. However,
HESA modelling suggests that, if league tables were based on solely on average Tariff
points held on entry, the majority of HEPs would see their relative ranking altered by
no more than two places as a result of the introduction of the new Tariff. Further
information
is
provided
in
the
technical
briefing
document
at:
http://www.ucas.com/about-us/our-work-sector/ucas-consultations.
20
4.2 Preparing for transition – supporting the admissions process
•
HEPs who use the Tariff to support their admissions activities will need to review and
update entry requirements, offer libraries and associated material for entry from
September 2017-18.
•
The Tariff Tables document which lists qualifications covered by the Tariff together with
their new Tariff point values can be used to review entry requirements. The Separate
Qualifications List explains why decisions have been taken about size and grade
bandings. It is a spreadsheet and therefore it can be used from a technical perspective
to model any revisions to entry requirements. Both documents are available on the
UCAS website https://www.ucas.com/members-providers/qualifications/new-ucastariff.
•
UCAS will provide a simple UCAS Tariff calculator to help HEPs calculate the total points
for different combinations of qualifications in the Tariff, at different grades. UCAS will
pilot the calculator with HEPs.
•
HEPs that have their own publicly available Tariff calculators can use the Qualifications
List to update their calculators and select or delete qualifications they do or do not use
in their entry requirements and offer making strategies.
•
UCAS is working with organisations such as AoC, HESA, HESPA, HELOA and SPA to
ensure that all opportunities and events to provide support for HEPs are maximised.
21
4.3 Preparing for transition – supporting schools and colleges
•
Schools and colleges will update their information and advice for students choosing
their Level 3/SCQF Level 6 qualifications, who may go on to apply for HE courses
starting from September 2017.
•
UCAS has provided downloadable factsheets for teachers and advisers to use with
students, parents/carers and staff to explain the new Tariff. A PowerPoint pack is also
available for teachers to use in their institutions.
•
A video for students about the new Tariff will be released on ucas.com in January 2015.
•
UCAS will also provide training on the new Tariff for teachers and advisers through its
Professional Development Team. Updates and workshop sessions will also be provided
throughout the year at UCAS Teachers and Advisers conferences.
22
5. Implementation and
switchover date
23
5.1 Implementation and switchover date
•
The feedback exercise on the new Tariff showed that there was strong support
amongst teachers and HEPs to introduce the new Tariff for the 2017 admissions cycle.
This is because it will be the first year that students who are studying new A levels and
other reformed qualifications will be applying to HE.
•
The next slide shows the qualification reforms timeline in detail.
•
Implementation for the 2017 admissions cycle ensures all students have at least one
year’s notice of Tariff points changing in advance of any two year qualification study
programme commencing in September 2015.
24
25
5.2 Implementation and switchover date – key milestones
The key milestones in the implementation timetable are:
•
the new Tariff points are published in September 2014 and communicated to all UK
secondary schools, colleges and HEPs
•
the new Tariff will be implemented from September 2017
•
implementation from the September 2017 admissions cycle involves a new Tariff
switchover date of September 2016 for Apply – HEP communication materials such as
prospectuses will need to be updated before this if references are made to the Tariff
UCAS has produced a detailed implementation plan which is available on ucas.com. A
screen shot of the plan is provided overleaf.
There is also a one page high level plan showing key milestones for the next four years.
This is at slide 28.
26
5.3 Implementation and switchover date – implementation plan
Sep 14 –
Aug 15
Sep 15 –
Aug 16
Sep 16 –
Aug 17
Sep 17
onwards
Planning for Tariff
switchover
commences i.e.
HEPs start internal
discussions and
consider the impact
of the new Tariff on
their university and
college entry
requirements - if
Tariff using (Sep 14
onwards)
Course information
updated in Course
Collect with new
Tariff for courses
starting from
September 2017
(Oct 15)
HEPs start to receive
applications with
new Tariff (from
Sep 16)
Evaluation and
review of internal
systems and
processes following
first admissions with
new Tariff (Sep 17
onwards)
HEP staff
(Admissions,
Planning, Outreach)
are trained
/informed about the
new Tariff (Sep 14
onwards)
‘Offer’ codes
updated for 2017
Entry using new
Tariff if appropriate
(please note that
UCAS does not
anticipate any offer
code changes to
UCAS systems) (Feb
16)
Admission policies
updated for 2017
Entry if Tariff using
(Dec 15)
HEPs make offers
using new Tariff
where applicable
(Sep 16)
Provide feedback on
improvements to
enable UCAS to
provide further
support if needed
(Sep 17 onwards)
 The detailed implementation plan
available on UCAS.com in the
provider section, breaks down all
the key activities associated with
implementing the new Tariff,
indicating activities led by schools,
HEPs and UCAS.
New Tariff goes ‘live’
from entry Sept 2017
Submit HESA
student returns
(Oct/Nov 18)
Jan 14
Schools/Colleges
Curriculum planning for
Entry 2017 is complete
 It also shows activities running
from September 2014 up to
2018/19 including HESA data
Text
here
returns and engagement with
league table producers
May 14
UCAS
Feedback
survey
concludes
16 May 2014
June 14
UCAS Board:
Approves new Tariff
and switchover date
Entry Cycle 2014 ( Sept 13 – Aug 14)
27
Implementation and switchover date – high level one page plan
June – Aug 2014
Engagement
Operational
Milestones
Key Decision
Milestones
Admission
Cycles
Jun 2014
Jul 2014
Aug 2014
Sep 14 – Aug 15
Sep–Nov
2014
Dec–Feb
2014/15
Mar–May
2015
Sep 15 – Aug 16
Jun–Aug
2015
Sep–Nov
2015
Dec–Feb
2015/16
Mar–May
2016
Sep 16 – Aug 17
Jun–Aug
2016
Sep–Nov
2016
Dec–Feb
2016/17
Mar–May
2017
Sep 17 – Aug 18
Jun–Aug
2017
Sep–Nov
2017
Dec–Feb
2017/18
Mar–May
2018
Jun–Aug
2018
2014 entry cycle
2015 entry cycle
2016 entry cycle
2017 entry cycle
UCAS Board
approved
new Tariff & plan
Jun 14
Feedback Survey
published Jul 14
Initial support and
communications on
the new Tariff from
August 2014
Schools and colleges
advise level 3/SCQF
level 6 students from
Sep 2014
UCAS Board
preparedness review
April 2016
New Tariff
Calculator
rolled out to
HEPs
New Tariff
Dec 2014
published
Sep 2014
Course
Collect
(entry 2017)
opens
HEPs publish
Oct 2015
prospectuses
for 2017
Jan-Feb 2016
UCAS
search
tool opens
(entry
2017)
Apply
Opens
(entry
2017)
UCAS begins to
process 2017
applications
HEPs make decisions
/offers using new
Tariff from Sep 2016
C&C reporting
(new Tariff)
Jul/Aug 2017
End of Cycle Report
published with new
Tariff Jan 2018
HESA publish
Performance Indicators
(new Tariff) Dec 2018Mar 2019
UCAS HE
conventions
for applicants
Mar 2016
Regional Training for schools and
colleges commences Oct 2014
Regional training for HEPs
commences Jan 2015
Tariff switchover
IT Changes
Continual communications and engagement
UCAS IT development
Jul 2015– Mar 2016
IT test environment opens
IT suppliers commence
development and testing
Nov 2015
IT sign-off for
implementation
Mar 2016
Link products rolled out
Oct 2016
28
6. Resources
available to you
29
6.1 Resources
The new UCAS Tariff Tables are available on ucas.com. The contents have been organised to list UK
benchmark qualifications first, then other qualifications in alphabetical order, followed by international
qualifications and legacy qualifications.
There are other information tools available on ucas.com such as factsheets for teachers to use with
parents/carers, applicants and staff, plus the detailed implementation plan. A video for applicants will be
available in January 2014.
30
6.2 Resources – the Tariff Tables
 The Tariff Tables show the new Tariff
points, plus the awarding
organisations that offer the
qualification.
 The size and grade bands are also
shown. These bands determine the
total points.
 The full calculation for each
qualification is shown in the
Qualifications List which is a technical
document primarily aimed at HEPs.
31
6.3 Resources – helpful links
Resources currently available to support the transition, referred to in this deck, are
available on the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com/about-us/our-work-sector/ucas-consultations

Qualifications Information Review (QIR) Findings and Recommendations

UCAS Tariff technical briefing document

New Tariff feedback exercise – outcomes
https://www.ucas.com/members-providers/qualifications/new-ucas-tariff

Tariff tables

Qualifications List

FAQs

Factsheets

Toolkit and implementation plan
32
7. Key factors to consider
33
7. Key factors to consider – possible questions for your organisation
1. How will you support other teams in your organisation, such as academic, planning, registry,
student records, marketing and communications and faculty teams as well as your Senior
Leadership Team, understand the changes?
2. If you use the Tariff in your entry requirements and offer making strategies, how will the new
Tariff affect your admissions policy? Is your marketing and communications team prepared to
update course marketing material in line with your new entry requirements?
3. What questions do you think your outreach teams will get from teachers, advisers and
applicants?
4. Is your Planning Team prepared to manage the change to the new Tariff? For example have
they thought through implications for the 2017/18 HESA data returns?
5. How are you going to lead the change within your organisation and monitor progress? What
are the immediate next steps?
6. What additional support do you need from UCAS?
34
Appendix A
New and current Tariff grade combinations
for a range of qualifications suites
for illustrative purposes.
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not included because it is being
revised for first teaching from September 2015, as explained on
slide 8.
35
New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations
Page 36 to 42 provide examples of total new Tariff points for certain grade combinations for a small range of qualifications.
The new Tariff calculator will be developed to show totals for any qualification and grade combinations that are on the new Tariff
Qualifications List.
A level grade
A*A*A*
A*A*A
A*AA
AAA
AAB
ABB
BBB
BBC
BCC
CCC
CCD
CDD
DDD
A level grade
Old Tariff
420
400
380
360
340
320
300
280
260
240
220
200
180
New Tariff
168
160
152
144
136
128
120
112
104
96
88
80
72
36
New Tariff points – examples of within grade combinations
Grade
D*D*D*
D*D*D
D*DD
DDD
DDM
DMM
MMM
MMP
BTEC Extended Diploma
Old Tariff
420
400
380
360
320
280
240
200
New Tariff
168
160
152
144
128
112
96
80
37
New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations
International Baccalaureate – Higher Level (HL)
Grade (HL)
Old Tariff
New Tariff
777
390
168
776
370
160
766
350
152
666
330
144
665
300
128
655
270
112
555
240
96
38
New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations
International Baccalaureate – Diploma
Grade (Diploma)
Old Tariff
45 (Max)
38
25
720
567
260
New Tariff
HL = 7,7,7 (168)
SL = 7,7,7 (84)
EE = A (12)
ToK = A (12)
276
HL = 7,6,5 (136)
SL = 7,6,5 (68)
EE = B (10)
ToK =B (10)
224
HL = 4,4,4 (72)
SL = 4,4,4 (36)
EE = C (8)
ToK = C (8)
124
39
New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations
Scottish Advanced Highers
Grade
Old Tariff
New Tariff
AAA
390
168
AAB
370
160
ABB
350
152
BBB
330
144
BBC
310
136
BCC
290
128
CCC
270
120
40
New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations
Grade
AAAAA
AAAAB
AAABB
AABBB
ABBBB
BBBBB
BBBBC
BBBCC
BBCCC
BCCCC
CCCCC
Scottish Highers
Old Tariff
400
385
370
355
340
325
310
295
280
265
250
New Tariff
165
159
153
147
141
135
129
123
117
111
105
41
New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations
Cambridge Pre-U (3 principal subjects)
Grade
Old Tariff
New Tariff
D1 D1 D1
N/A
168
D1 D1 D2
145
168
D1 D2 D2
290
168
D2 D2 D2
435
168
D2 D2 D3
420
164
D2 D3 D3
405
160
D3 D3 D3
390
156
D3 D3 M1
375
148
D3 M1 M1
360
140
M1 M1 M1
345
132
M1 M1 M2
331
128
M1 M2 M2
317
124
M2 M2 M2
303
120
42
Feedback
To provide us with feedback on this pack, if you require additional
content or want to get in touch to discuss any queries you may have
on the new Tariff, email us on newtariff-feedback@ucas.ac.uk
Alternatively contact the UCAS Policy Team directly:
Margaret Farragher
Head of Policy and Qualifications
01242 223 765
m.farragher@ucas.ac.uk
43