Hitting 104 UCAS points is a huge milestone for many students aiming for university. It often translates to A-Level grades like BCC or a BTEC Extended Diploma profile of Distinction, Merit, Pass (DMP). This is a really common entry requirement for a massive range of UK university courses, making it a key number to aim for.
Your Quick Guide to Getting 104 UCAS Points
Figuring out how your specific qualifications and grades add up to a UCAS score is the first big step in your university application journey. The UCAS Tariff system is designed to put all sorts of qualifications on a level playing field, so admissions tutors can fairly compare someone with A-Levels to someone with a BTEC or Scottish Highers.
The 104-point mark is particularly important because it signals a solid academic record. It can open doors to all sorts of degree programmes, from degrees in health professions to computer science and everything in between.
This infographic breaks down some of the most common ways students reach this magic number.
As you can see, there isn't just one route. Whether you're studying traditional A-Levels, a vocational BTEC, or an Access to HE Diploma, there are clear paths to hitting that 104-point target.
Common Grade Combinations Equalling 104 UCAS Points
To make things even clearer, here’s a quick lookup table showing how different grades and qualifications can get you to 104 UCAS points. This should give you a better idea of where you stand.
| Qualification | Grade Combination | Total UCAS Points |
|---|---|---|
| A-Levels | B + C + C | 104 (40 + 32 + 32) |
| BTEC Extended Diploma | Distinction, Merit, Pass (DMP) | 104 |
| Access to HE Diploma | Profile Specific (e.g. 15D, 24M, 6P) | 109 (example) |
| A-Level + AS-Level | B + B (A-Level) + D (AS-Level) | 104 (40 + 40 + 12) |
| Scottish Highers | B + B + C + C | 104 (33 + 33 + 19 + 19) |
Remember, while this table is a great guide, the specific grades a university asks for can vary. They might require a certain grade in a particular subject, so always double-check the course entry requirements on the university’s website.
How the UCAS Tariff System Works
Ever wondered how universities compare someone with A-levels to someone with a BTEC? That’s where the UCAS Tariff system comes in. Think of it as a handy conversion tool that translates all your different qualification grades into a single, neat numerical score. This helps universities create a more level playing field when looking at applicants from all sorts of educational backgrounds.
The system is actually quite simple. It gives points based on two things: the size of your qualification and the grade you walked away with. A bigger qualification, like an A-level that you study for two years, will naturally be worth more points than a smaller one like an AS-level. In the same way, a top grade like an A* (which nets you 56 points) is worth a lot more than a C (32 points).
Calculating Your Total Points
To work out your total score, you just need to add up the points from each of your eligible qualifications. It's simple addition. So, if a course is asking for 104 UCAS points, you could get there with A-level grades of B, C, and C. Let's break it down: a B is 40 points, and two Cs are 32 points each. That gives you 40 + 32 + 32 = 104 points. Spot on.
This system gives admissions teams a clear, straightforward way to gauge your overall academic achievement, no matter which qualifications you took.
It's really important to remember that not all universities use the Tariff. Many of the most competitive ones will make you an offer based on specific grades (like ABB) instead of a points total. Always, always double-check the exact entry requirements for every course you apply to.
While the Tariff is a useful guide, many universities, especially for degrees in nursing or the sciences, will often look for specific subjects or grades alongside a points total. They need to be sure you have the right foundational knowledge to succeed. So, hitting that magic number of 104 UCAS points is just one piece of the puzzle when building a strong university application.
A-Level Combinations That Add Up to 104 Points
Hitting the 104 UCAS points mark is a very common goal for university applicants, and the good news is there’s more than one way to get there with A-Levels. Having a clear picture of the different grade combinations can really help you focus your efforts and set realistic targets for exam season.
The most direct route involves getting certain grades across three A-Level subjects. Each grade carries a specific number of points, and you just need to add them up to see where you stand.
As a quick reminder, an A-Level grade B is worth 40 points, and a C is worth 32 points.
Standard Three A-Level Combinations
Let's break down the maths for the most typical three A-Level profiles that will land you exactly on the 104-point target.
- BCC: This is probably the most widely recognised combination for 104 points. The calculation is simple: 40 (for the B) + 32 (for the first C) + 32 (for the second C) = 104 UCAS points.
- ABD: Another way to reach the total is with a mix of higher and lower grades. In this scenario, the points add up like this: 48 (for the A) + 40 (for the B) + 16 (for the D) = 104 UCAS points.
These examples show that you have some flexibility, which is great if you know you’re stronger in certain subjects. You can strategise your revision to play to your strengths and secure the grades you need.
Mixing A-Levels and AS-Levels
It’s also possible to combine points from your full A-Levels with any AS-Levels you might have. This is a brilliant option if you took an extra subject in your first year of college and walked away with a formal AS-Level qualification.
An AS-Level grade is worth half the points of its A-Level counterpart. A grade C at AS-Level, for example, will add 16 points to your total.
A quick heads-up: while UCAS adds up all your points, some universities can be specific, stating that the points must come from three full A-Levels. Always double-check the fine print in the course entry requirements.
A pretty common mixed profile could involve two A-Levels and one AS-Level. For instance, getting AB at A-Level and a C at AS-Level would be calculated as 48 + 40 + 16, bringing you to a total of 104 UCAS points. If you want to get into the nitty-gritty, you can learn more about how tariff points for A-Levels are calculated.
Using BTEC Qualifications to Reach 104 Points
If you're on a vocational track, a BTEC is a fantastic and highly respected route into university. Unlike A-levels, which are graded as individual subjects, your BTEC Level 3 qualification is assessed as a whole. This gives you a single grade profile that translates directly into a solid chunk of UCAS points.
The number of points you get all comes down to the size of your BTEC and the grades you walk away with. For most students aiming for university, the go-to qualification is the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma, which is the same size as three A-levels.
With this qualification, hitting 104 UCAS points is actually quite straightforward.
Common BTEC Grade Profiles for 104 Points
To land right on that 104-point target with an Extended Diploma, you'll need to secure a final grade profile of Distinction, Merit, Pass (DMP). This specific combination is worth exactly 104 UCAS Tariff points, making it a very common offer that universities give to BTEC students.
Of course, other BTEC qualifications can also get you there or contribute to your total:
- BTEC National Diploma (equal to 2 A-levels): A grade of Distinction, Merit (DM) gets you exactly 104 points.
- BTEC National Foundation Diploma (equal to 1.5 A-levels): A Distinction* is worth 84 points, which you can then top up with another qualification.
- BTEC National Extended Certificate (equal to 1 A-level): Achieving a Distinction* will add 56 points to your total.
It’s so important to remember that universities genuinely value the practical skills and deep subject knowledge that BTEC students bring to the table. This hands-on experience often gives you a real head start when you begin your degree.
Your BTEC profile proves you've committed to a sustained period of study in one field. A grade like DMP is a clear signal to admissions tutors that you’re more than ready for higher education, making those 104 UCAS points in grades a brilliant foundation for a strong university application.
Your Access to HE Diploma Path to 104 Points
For adults thinking about heading back into education, the Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a really powerful and respected route to university. It’s been specifically designed to get you ready for the challenges of a degree, making it a fantastic choice if you don’t have the usual A-level qualifications. This diploma is your ticket to achieving 104 UCAS points.
The whole diploma is made up of 60 credits. While fifteen of those are ungraded units focusing on study skills, the part that really matters for your UCAS application comes from the other 45 credits, which are all at Level 3. These graded credits are what universities look at, and they're awarded as a Pass, Merit, or Distinction. It’s the combination of these grades that adds up to your final UCAS Tariff points total.
How Your Credits Translate to Points
So, to hit that magic number of 104 UCAS points, you'll need to aim for a specific mix of grades across those 45 graded credits. Universities are very familiar with this system and often make their offers based on you achieving a certain number of Distinctions and Merits.
A good example of a grade profile that gets you over the line is:
- 15 credits at Distinction
- 24 credits at Merit
- 6 credits at Pass
This particular combination actually gives you 109 UCAS Tariff points, which comfortably meets the 104-point requirement and shows admissions tutors you've got what it takes. The brilliant thing about online Access courses is their flexibility, which makes achieving this kind of balance totally doable, even if you’re juggling work or family commitments. You can take a closer look at how your specific Access course credits convert to UCAS points to see how it all works.
This isn't just a recognised route; it's a highly effective one. Nailing 104 UCAS points with a strong Access to HE Diploma opens up so many doors to UK universities, especially for mature students. In fact, data from 2021-22 showed that Access to HE Diploma graduates have incredible success rates, with 25% of students earning a first-class degree. That’s almost neck-and-neck with the 26% rate for students who came through the A-level route. You can check out more stats from the QAA's report on Access to HE success.
An Access to HE Diploma shows universities that you have the recent study skills, subject knowledge, and determination needed to excel in higher education. This is often more valuable to admissions teams than older, less relevant qualifications.
Combining Qualifications to Hit the 104-Point Target
Lots of university applicants have a mix of qualifications, so it's completely normal to wonder how they all fit together. The UCAS Tariff system was designed for exactly this scenario, letting you combine points from different awards to meet your course's entry requirements. Hitting 104 UCAS points in grades is definitely achievable by adding up the qualifications you already have.
This flexibility proves that your unique academic journey is a strong foundation for a university application. You can strategically combine A-Levels, BTECs, and AS-Levels to create a compelling profile that highlights your diverse skills.
Example Qualification Combinations for 104 UCAS Points
To show you how this works in practice, let’s look at some real-world examples. The key is to know the point value for each grade you hold and simply add them up. For a precise calculation of your own qualifications, it's always worth using a dedicated UCAS point calculator to double-check your total.
The table below shows a few ways you could combine common qualifications to reach that 104-point goal.
| Qualification 1 (Grade & Points) | Qualification 2 (Grade & Points) | Total UCAS Points |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level: B (40 points) | BTEC Extended Certificate: D (48 points) | 88 points |
| A-Level: C (32 points) | BTEC National Diploma: MM (64 points) | 96 points |
| A-Level: B (40 points) | A-Level: B (40 points) | 80 points |
| A-Level: A (48 points) | BTEC Certificate: D (24 points) | 72 points |
As you can see, mixing and matching gets you closer to the target. Let's look at a specific combination that hits the 104-point mark exactly.
Imagine a student has the following:
- One A-Level at grade B, which is worth 40 points.
- One BTEC Extended Certificate at Distinction (D), which adds another 48 points.
- One AS-Level at grade B, contributing 20 points.
When you add these up – 40 + 48 + 20 – you get a grand total of 108 UCAS points. This is a great example of how different qualifications, even from different exam boards or qualification types, can come together to build a strong application that meets or exceeds the university's requirements.
A quick heads-up: while combining points is standard practice, some very competitive courses might specify that your points must come from a certain set of qualifications, like three full A-Levels. Always, always check the specific entry requirements on the university's course page.
What to Do After Figuring Out Your Points
Once you're confident that you’re on track to achieve 104 UCAS points, the next job is to turn that number into a real application strategy. This is where you move from theory to action, pinpointing the university courses that genuinely match your qualifications and ambitions.
The UCAS search tool is your best friend at this stage. You can filter courses by Tariff points, which instantly gives you a list of degrees that fit your predicted or achieved grades. It's a fantastic way to discover options you might not have even considered.
But don't stop there. It's so important to look beyond just the total points.
Check the Specific Course Requirements
While 104 UCAS points will get you through the door for many courses, universities often have other requirements that are just as important. These can be very specific and are often non-negotiable, so it’s vital to check the small print on each university's official website.
Keep an eye out for details like:
- Required Subjects: Does the course demand a certain grade in a specific A-Level or BTEC module? A science degree, for instance, will almost certainly require a pass in a relevant science subject.
- GCSE Grades: Lots of courses, particularly in fields like teaching and healthcare, require at least a Grade 4/C in GCSE English and Maths.
- Preferred Qualifications: Some departments might prefer certain qualifications over others, like A-Levels versus BTECs, or vice-versa.
What to Do If Your Points Are Just Below Target
If you find you’re falling slightly short of the 104-point mark, don't panic. This is the time to be proactive. Getting in touch with the university's admissions team directly can provide a lot of clarity and shows them you're genuinely interested. Politely explain your situation and ask if they would still consider your application with your predicted grades.
This is where your personal statement and any relevant experience become incredibly important. For mature students especially, life and work experience can often make up for a small shortfall in academic points, as it demonstrates your commitment and suitability for the course.
Achieving 104 UCAS points is a key entry threshold for degrees in competitive fields like Health Professions or Computer Science. This is especially true for students on an Access to HE Diploma, a pathway celebrated for its incredible success. QAA data shows it empowers many people, particularly women, to get back into education. You can find out more about the success of Access to HE students here.
Your Questions About 104 UCAS Points, Answered
Working your way through university applications can throw up plenty of questions. This final section tackles some of the most common queries we hear about getting and using 104 UCAS points in grades, giving you the clear, straightforward answers you need to apply with confidence.
Each answer is designed to be simple and direct, building on the key advice shared in this guide.
Do All Universities Accept Access to HE Diplomas for Entry?
This is a question we see all the time, particularly from mature students. The great news is that the Access to Higher Education Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification, and the vast majority of UK universities accept it for entry onto their degree programmes. This even includes competitive courses like nursing and social work.
That said, it isn't a universal guarantee for every single course. A small number of highly selective universities or very specific degree programmes might still show a preference for A-Levels.
Always double-check the entry requirements on the official course page of the university you’re interested in. If an Access to HE Diploma isn't mentioned, a quick and polite email to the admissions department will give you a definitive answer. It also shows them you're a proactive applicant.
What if My Predicted Grades Are Just Below 104 Points?
Finding yourself just shy of a 104-point requirement can feel deflating, but it doesn't automatically mean your application is a no-go. Many universities will still consider applicants who are near the threshold, especially if the rest of your application is particularly strong.
Here’s what to do next:
- Contact Admissions: Send a friendly email or call the admissions team. Explain your situation and ask if they would still encourage you to apply.
- Highlight Your Strengths: Use your personal statement to showcase any relevant work or life experience, your passion for the subject, and other skills that make you an excellent candidate. This is especially powerful for mature learners.
- Secure a Strong Reference: Make sure your referee can speak to your academic potential and work ethic. A glowing reference can go a long way in reassuring an admissions tutor.
Do I Need Specific Subjects in Addition to My Points Total?
Yes, in many cases, you absolutely will. While hitting 104 UCAS points meets the general academic benchmark, a lot of degree courses have specific subject requirements to make sure you have the right foundational knowledge. It’s a critical detail that's surprisingly easy to miss.
For instance, a degree in nursing or another health-related field will almost certainly require you to have studied a science, like Biology, as part of your A-Levels, BTEC, or Access to HE Diploma. In the same way, a computer science degree will likely ask for Maths.
Failing to meet these subject-specific requirements can lead to an unsuccessful application, even if your overall points total is high enough. Always read the course details carefully on the university website before you finalise your UCAS choices. It’s the best way to ensure your qualifications line up perfectly with what the course demands.
Ready to take the next step towards university without traditional A-levels? Access Courses Online provides accredited, fully online Access to HE Diplomas that fit around your life. Start your journey today at https://accesscoursesonline.com.