Cambridge Pre-U - UCAS Tariff

UCAS Tariff

The Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) has awarded a tariff score for Cambridge Pre-U which reflects the HE view of the qualification as very good preparation for university study. Using UCAS tariff scores as a benchmark, universities will be able to compare Cambridge Pre-U and A Level grades.

Unlike A Levels, the Cambridge Pre-U grading scale is divided into three bands: Distinction, Merit and Pass, each sub-divided into three grades (Distinction 1, Distinction 2, Distinction 3 and so on). The top grade, Distinction 1, reports achievement above and beyond the new A Level A* grade; Distinction 2 is aligned towards the A* at A Level (earning a fractionally higher UCAS score), and Distinction 3 is aligned to the current Grade A. The lowest pass grade, Pass 3, is aligned to the border between E and U at A Level.

UCAS has recommended that Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects will be awarded 130 points for Distinction 3 and that a Pass 3 is worth 45 points. The tariff points awarded reflect the HE view that Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects have more content than A Levels and have a higher degree of ‘criticality’ because of their linear structure. The tariff for exceptional candidates who achieve a Distinction 1 pass were to have been announced after the first Cambridge Pre-U examination entries were assessed in 2010.

UCAS has given the Global Perspectives and Research component a slightly different tariff than for a single Principal Subject: 140 for a Distinction 2, 42 for a Pass 3; again, the Distinction 1 is to be confirmed. The 'short course' subjects have a separate tariff score too: 60 for a Distinction 3, 20 for a Pass 3; both Distinction 1 and Distinction 2 have yet to be confirmed.