Help with Understanding UCAS Tariff Points and Guardian Rankings

6

Hi everyone! I'm starting to explore my university options for nursing and physiotherapy courses, but I'm a bit confused about some of the terms I've come across. Could someone explain what UCAS Tariff points are and how they affect my application? Also, what does the Guardian ranking mean for universities? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Diggory the AI Uni Coach helped write this post

Reply 1

cksiu

Universities Forum Helper

15

Original post

by dirkiet

Hi everyone! I'm starting to explore my university options for nursing and physiotherapy courses, but I'm a bit confused about some of the terms I've come across. Could someone explain what UCAS Tariff points are and how they affect my application? Also, what does the Guardian ranking mean for universities? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Diggory the AI Uni Coach helped write this post

Don't overly rely on rankings, they are not as objective as people might perceive.

Healthcare courses, incl nursing and physiotherapy, if accredited by the relevant professional bodies are no different. Choose the uni according to your own personal preference.

Reply 2

JQ2neeky

14

Original post

by dirkiet

Hi everyone! I'm starting to explore my university options for nursing and physiotherapy courses, but I'm a bit confused about some of the terms I've come across. Could someone explain what UCAS Tariff points are and how they affect my application? Also, what does the Guardian ranking mean for universities? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Diggory the AI Uni Coach helped write this post

In terms of UCAS tariffs, it basically means your grades can be translated into points

A* 56
A 48
B 40
C 32
D 24
E 16

So a uni can in theory be like, we want you to get 112 ucas tariff points from your 3 A Levels and it doesn't matter what grades you get, as long as they make up the total number of points required.

The thing is though, most unis don't use ucas tariff points and will specify the grades the want you to get. So more likely than not, you won't need to worry about it.

Reply 3

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by dirkiet

Hi everyone! I'm starting to explore my university options for nursing and physiotherapy courses, but I'm a bit confused about some of the terms I've come across. Could someone explain what UCAS Tariff points are and how they affect my application? Also, what does the Guardian ranking mean for universities? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Diggory the AI Uni Coach helped write this post

If you look at DiscoverUni then you can find more detailed information for specific courses. So instead of the “assessment and feedback” score on the Guardian you can see exactly which questions a course does well or badly on and work out if those questions are important for you to be happy on a course.

The tariff points are also on discoveruni and give an idea of the entry qualifications accepted by a university in the past. But they can be inflated if a university has a lot of students from scotland or who study international baccalaureate instead of A levels (or even if a lot of students took 4 A levels instead of 3).

Reply 4

McGinger

20

Just remember that rankings, league tables etc are essentially marketing fluff - they don't really have any significant meaning and even academics at those Unis will not take them seriously. Many employers now totally ignore them, or are not even aware of them.

Rankings cannot tell you if you will like that course or enjoy being at that Uni, and there really is no substitute for just going to an Open Day, listening to course/subject presentations, looking around, asking questions and deciding if its the right course for you and a Uni where you will feel happy / comfortable.

Reply 5

LSBU

Official Rep

11

Original post

by dirkiet

Hi everyone! I'm starting to explore my university options for nursing and physiotherapy courses, but I'm a bit confused about some of the terms I've come across. Could someone explain what UCAS Tariff points are and how they affect my application? Also, what does the Guardian ranking mean for universities? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Diggory the AI Uni Coach helped write this post

UCAS Tariff points are a way to convert your qualifications, like A-levels or BTECs, into a numerical score that universities use to set entry requirements. For example, an A-level grade A equals 48 points. At London South Bank University (LSBU), Nursing courses typically require around 112 - 120 UCAS Tariff points, while Physiotherapy usually needs about 128 - 136 points, often with science-based subjects. LSBU also looks at your personal statement, references, and interview performance, especially for health-related courses. https://www.ucas.com/applying/before-you-apply/what-and-where-to-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points

The Guardian University Guide ranks UK universities based on factors important to students, such as student satisfaction, teaching quality, career prospects, and entry standards. LSBU performs well in graduate employment rates and practical, hands-on teaching, especially in health and social care. If LSBU ranks highly for Nursing or Physiotherapy, it generally means students are happy with their courses and find jobs quickly after graduating, which is a strong indicator of quality.

For LSBU specifically, it’s a wonderful idea to attend one of our open days and this will take place on the 5th of July. https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/study/study-at-lsbu/open-days These events let you explore the Southwark campus in central London, tour clinical skills labs, meet lecturers and current students, and ask questions about course details and placements. LSBU has strong NHS partnerships, providing excellent clinical placement opportunities across London, which is a major benefit for healthcare students.

Finally, prepare for interviews, as they are often part of the application process for Nursing and Physiotherapy. Be ready to talk about your motivation for healthcare, any relevant experience like volunteering, and your understanding of the NHS and professional values. While rankings like The Guardians are useful, also consider factors like location, support services, and facilities. LSBU stands out for its practical experience and career-focused teaching, making it a solid choice if you want hands-on learning and strong employment prospects.

Reply 6

ErasistratusV

21

As above, choose the University that suits you. Don't decide based on it's reputation alone (these may change anyway), it's historical prestige or any other metric which in reality will have no bearing on you as a learner. In any healthcare associated course it is especially dubious because you won't get paid any differently to anyone else graduating with the same degree from any other institution.

The order of importance will vary from person to person but be sure to think about:

1.

Is this location realistic for me to be living in/based at for several years- is being close to friends or relatives a consideration for me?

2.

Is this University course curriculum and teaching style appropriate for my needs?

3.

Do I find this location interesting, does it have the things in the area that appeal to me?

4.

Which hospital placements will I likely be at? Is there a reasonable range, can I get to them realistically (obviously only applies to healthcare related professions)?

5.

What is the class/course size, how long have they been teaching it, what secondary resources do they have on hand?

6.

Anything else that institution X has which appeals?

Just as an example, for some people it would be unthinkable to attend any institution outside of London. For them, it's the only place to be because it's the nightlife and the vibe and the energy of the big city. Other people would do everything to avoid the place or want to live in a more relaxed or rural location for the duration of their course because who wants to have to battle with crowds, parking issues, traffic and all that bustle when all you want is time and space to study and sleep peacefully?

Maybe you want something in between. Maybe you grew up in London so some city life would be good but some countryside wouldn't go amiss and heck, just by chance Bath University is right on the doorstep to some serious rugby and rowing opportunities you are keen to pursue and they also offer the course you're looking to do?

Even if you can't attend an official open day, visit the city or location as a member of the public anyway. Get a feel for the place, the nightlife, the day life, the area in general. Ride a tour bus around the place, buy an ice cream. Sit in green spaces. Use the University website to find their more prominent buildings. You might even spot one or two of their accommodation villages or blocks. It doesn't take a lot of observational skill to spot students in any Uni city either, politely stop and ask them about the place. Then imagine you're in the place carrying your backpack/tote bag and laptop and living there whilst studying.

Take your parents on a visit if you can, they will have many more things to think of whilst you are there and two pairs of eyes are better than 1.

Help with Understanding UCAS Tariff Points and Guardian Rankings

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you

How The Student Room is moderated