104 UCAS Points in Grades – A-Level, BTEC and Mixed Combinations

For many students, university entry requirements are expressed as a number of UCAS Tariff points. A common threshold is 104 points, which appears on course pages for a wide range of undergraduate degrees at UK institutions. Understanding what grades actually translate to 104 points is essential for planning your applications. This guide breaks down the most common combinations across A-levels, BTECs, AS levels, and other qualifications.

What A-Level Grades Give You 104 UCAS Points?

The most well-known grade combination for 104 UCAS points is BCC at A-level. This is a frequently cited target, representing a solid performance with one B grade and two Cs. It is a realistic goal for many students and aligns with offers from numerous UK universities.

Other straight A-level combinations also reach this total. According to official university sources, BBD and ABE are valid routes to 104 points. This means a student with grades B, B, D or A, B, E across their three best A-levels has also met this threshold, as confirmed by the University of Central Lancashire’s UCAS Points Calculator.

It is important to note that not all common grade combinations equate to 104 points. For example, CCC is worth 96 points, which falls below the target. Similarly, BBB is worth 120 points, exceeding it. These comparisons are based on official UCAS tariff values from De Montfort University’s UCAS Tariff Guide.

Snapshot: Grade-to-Points Table for Common Qualifications (104 Points Highlighted)

Can You Get 104 UCAS Points with BTEC or Other Qualifications?

Yes, BTEC qualifications are a valid route to 104 UCAS points, often used by students who prefer a more practical or vocational style of learning. The exact combination depends on the size and level of the BTEC.

For a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma, a grade of D*D (Distinction* and Distinction) equates to exactly 104 points, as stated by Oxford College’s guide on BTEC points. A larger BTEC Extended Diploma, however, typically awards more points. For instance, DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) gives 112 points, while DDD (Distinction, Distinction, Distinction) yields 144 points.

Mixed qualifications offer considerable flexibility. A student could combine one A-level with a BTEC Diploma. Oxford Brookes University provides an example where a B grade at A-level plus MM (Merit, Merit) in a BTEC Diploma totals 104 points. An Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is another recognised route, with specific grade profiles like D18 + M21 + P6 or D9 + M36 also reaching the 104-point mark.

Other Qualifications Counted Towards 104 Points

Universities typically accept a broad range of tariff-bearing qualifications for achieving 104 points. According to Oxford Brookes University, these include A-levels, AS-levels, BTECs, Access to HE Diplomas, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Scottish Highers, the Irish Leaving Certificate, and the Welsh Baccalaureate. It is always advisable to check with the specific university to confirm which qualifications they accept.

How to Achieve 104 UCAS Points with AS Levels and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

For students who want to spread their studies across more subjects or need to boost their score from a smaller number of A-levels, combining AS levels and the EPQ is a sound strategy.

Oxford Brookes University provides several examples of mixed combinations that total exactly 104 points. For instance, two A-levels at grades BC can be combined with two AS levels at grades bb (where the lower case ‘b’ indicates an AS level grade) to reach the target. Another combination is CC at A-level plus aa at AS level.

The EPQ can be used to top up points from a specific A-level and AS level combination. For example, a student with A-level grades of BC and an AS level grade of b could achieve 104 points by also completing an EPQ at grade C (which is worth 12 points). A different profile of BB at A-level, d at AS level, and C in the EPQ also reaches the same total. The exact points for an EPQ depend on the grade awarded.

How Are UCAS Tariff Points Calculated?

The UCAS Tariff is a points-based system that assigns a numerical value to different qualifications and grades. This system allows universities to compare applicants who have taken different types of courses.

Under the current tariff (post-2017 reform), an A* at A-level is worth 56 points, an A is worth 48, a B is worth 40, and a C is worth 32. AS levels are worth half the points of a full A-level; for example, a grade b at AS level is worth 20 points. The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at D*D* (Distinction*) is worth 112 points.

The only definitive way to calculate your points is to use the official UCAS Tariff calculator. This tool is particularly useful for mixed qualifications, as it can handle complex combinations that are difficult to calculate manually. Be aware that the tariff values changed in 2017, so points for older qualifications may differ.

What University Courses Require 104 UCAS Points?

A requirement of 104 UCAS points is a moderate entry threshold, commonly found at many UK universities. It is often the minimum requirement for undergraduate courses at post-92 universities (former polytechnics) and some older institutions, though courses at more competitive universities like the Russell Group may ask for 120-144 points or more.

Many courses at De Montfort University, as listed in their UCAS Tariff Guide, accept 104 points. Similarly, Oxford Brookes University uses 104 points as a common entry requirement for many of its degree programmes. However, it is crucial to check the specific course page.

Some universities may state “104 UCAS points from three A-levels” but also require specific subjects or grade profiles. For instance, a course might ask for BCC including Biology, meaning a student with BCC in other subjects would not be eligible even though they have the required points.

Key Changes to the UCAS Tariff (Relevant to 104 Points)

1. 2017: UCAS overhauled the tariff: AS levels halved from 60 to 20 points max; A-levels narrowed to 56 points per A*; BTEC points recalibrated.
2. 2019: UCAS reintroduced points for AS levels (after previously removing them) but at lower values; EPQ given up to 28 points.
3. 2023: Current tariff remains stable; BCC still equals 104 points.

Certainty vs. Uncertainty: What You Need to Know

How 104 UCAS Points Compares to Other Thresholds

104 points sits between 96 points (CCC) and 112 points (BBB) at A-level. Many universities use these bands to filter applicants. For context, 104 points is often the minimum for courses at less competitive universities, while top courses may require 136+ points.

BCC is a popular target because it represents solid C-grade performance with one B. It is achievable for many students and aligns with typical offers from many UK universities for non-Russell Group programs.

Combining A-levels, AS levels, BTEC, and EPQ gives students more routes to 104 points, but requires careful planning to ensure all qualifications are included in the tariff. The UCAS calculator is essential.

Sources and Official Quotes

Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth using the Tariff calculator. Not all qualifications are included in the Tariff – if yours is not, contact the university or college to check their requirements.

UCAS official page

3 A-levels – Grades BCC, or ACD. 2 A-levels plus 2 AS – Grades BC+bb, or CC+aa. 2 A-levels plus 1 AS plus Extended Project – Grades BC+b+C, or BB+d+C.

Oxford Brookes University

You can get 104 UCAS points through a few different combinations of grades, including BCC at A level. You can also get 104 UCAS points with BBD or ABE.

University of Central Lancashire

Summary: Your Next Steps for Achieving 104 UCAS Points

Reaching 104 UCAS points is achievable through various combinations of A-levels, BTECs, AS levels, and the EPQ. The most common route is BCC at A-level, but many other options exist. Use the official UCAS Tariff calculator to check your specific combination, and always confirm with your chosen universities that they accept your qualifications.

For more information on practical tools for your studies, you might find our guide on How to Convert Image to PDF useful, or if you are managing international finances, see our Complete UK Guide on IBAN Numbers.

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