32 UCAS points is generally considered a decent amount for university applications in the UK. While top universities often expect applicants to have over 100 UCAS points, 32 points can still give you a good range of options for going to university.
What are UCAS points?
UCAS points are used by UK universities and colleges to make broad comparisons between applicants with different types of qualifications. Points are awarded based on a student’s grades in A-levels, BTECs, and other Level 3 qualifications.
Here’s a quick overview of how UCAS points work:
- A-levels: A* = 56 points, A = 48 points, B = 40 points, C = 32 points, D = 24 points, E = 16 points
- BTECs: D*D*D* = 168 points, D*D*D = 160 points, D*DD = 144 points, DDD = 128 points, and so on
- Other qualifications like the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge Technicals have their own UCAS points scale
- AS-levels are worth half the points of A-levels (e.g. A = 24 points)
- Points from your best 3 A-levels or equivalent are usually counted
So in summary, UCAS points give universities a way to numerically compare applicants with different types of qualifications and grades.
Is 32 UCAS points a good amount?
Whether 32 UCAS points is considered a good amount depends a bit on your individual circumstances and goals.
For context, the average UCAS points per applicant in 2022 was around 34 points. So 32 points is just below average, but still reasonably competitive.
Here’s a quick rundown of how universities tend to view 32 UCAS points:
- Top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, LSE etc. generally expect applicants to have over 100 points or more. So 32 points would be considered low for these highly selective universities.
- Russell Group universities (excluding Oxbridge) often look for applicants with 80+ points or higher. 32 points would be towards the lower end for these universities.
- Mid-ranking universities tend to accept students with 48-80 points. So 32 points would be decent and meet requirements for many of these universities.
- Less selective universities may accept students with fewer than 32 points. So you’d likely meet basic requirements.
As a rough guide, 32 UCAS points would likely get you into universities ranked outside the top 30-40 in UK league tables. But getting into more selective Russell Group unis may be a stretch with that score.
Can I get into university with 32 UCAS points?
Yes, it’s certainly possible to get into university with 32 UCAS points. Here are some key factors to consider:
- University course requirements – Check the UCAS points requirements for your chosen course at your preferred universities. Common offers are 64, 72, 80, 96, 104, 112 points etc. If the course needs under 64 points, you should meet the requirements with 32.
- Predicted grades – If you’re still studying, universities may make offers based on your predicted grades rather than achieved UCAS points. So you could get offers for courses needing over 32 points.
- Personal statement – A strong personal statement highlighting your skills, interests and aptitude for the course can help compensate for lower UCAS points.
- Interviews/auditions – For some competitive courses like medicine, interviews and auditions are used to further assess suitable candidates, giving you a chance to make a good impression.
- Extenuating circumstances – If you narrowly missed your target grades due to health issues, personal problems etc, universities may show leniency on points requirements.
- Alternative admissions routes – Foundation years, access courses and clearing can provide alternative routes into university if you can’t meet the standard entry requirements.
So while 32 points limits your options to less competitive universities and courses, there are still various paths you can take if you achieve that score.
What university courses can I get with 32 UCAS points?
To give you a better idea, here are some example university courses you may be able to get onto with 32 UCAS points:
- Business Studies
- Law
- Geography
- Psychology
- Sociology
- English
- History
- Media Studies
- Computing
- Economics
- Politics
- Accounting
- Education/Teaching
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Biomedical Sciences
There’s a wide variety of popular courses that commonly accept applicants with UCAS points around the 32 mark. However, for very competitive courses like medicine, dentistry, veterinary science etc, you would need significantly higher UCAS points.
When choosing potential courses and universities to apply to, thoroughly check their typical UCAS points offer levels to confirm your 32 points meet the requirements.
How to get the most out of 32 UCAS points
If you achieve 32 UCAS points, here are some tips to help maximise your chances of getting into a good university:
- Be strategic when choosing which universities and courses to apply to. Target ones that normally accept applicants with UCAS points in the low to mid 30s range.
- Make sure your personal statement is excellent – sell your strengths and show your passion for the course.
- If predicted higher grades than your achieved points, use your predictions to apply to competitive courses as you may still get offers.
- Apply for courses at universities with foundation year options. The foundation year has lower entry requirements.
- Consider adding a balance of aspirational as well as solid choices among your university options.
- Apply to 5 universities to maximise your chances – with 32 points you need to cast a wide net.
- Meet or exceed GCSE requirements – having strong passes in English, Maths and Science subjects can help.
- Highlight relevant extracurriculars, work experience, skills and achievements in your application.
While 32 UCAS points limits your choices, taking the right approach can help you successfully gain university offers with that score.
Can I get into a Russell Group university with 32 UCAS points?
It’s unlikely you would get into one of the top, most selective Russell Group universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, LSE, Durham or Warwick with only 32 UCAS points.
These elite Russell Group unis typically make offers in the A*AA-ABB range, corresponding to around 120-144 UCAS points. So you’d be way below their standard entry requirements with just 32 points.
However, some of the less competitive Russell Group universities like Liverpool, Newcastle, Cardiff and Sheffield have lower entry requirements for certain courses, so 32 points might meet the minimum needed if you apply strategically.
Here are the average UCAS points of acceptances at some less selective Russell Group universities in recent years:
| University | Average Accepted UCAS Points |
| Liverpool | 136 points |
| Newcastle | 144 points |
| Cardiff | 120 points |
| Sheffield | 150 points |
So while you might squeak into one of these with grades like CCC or points in the 30s for certain courses, competition is still quite high. Realistically, non-Russell Group unis are a safer bet with only 32 UCAS points.
Summary
Overall, getting into a Russell Group university with 32 UCAS points alone is unlikely. But it’s not impossible if you apply very strategically and have an otherwise strong application. Lower to mid-ranked Russell Group unis offer your best chance of success.
How to convert grades to UCAS points
Wondering how you convert your exam grades into UCAS points? Here is a quick rundown of how to calculate your points:
A-levels
- A* grade = 56 points
- A grade = 48 points
- B grade = 40 points
- C grade = 32 points
- D grade = 24 points
- E grade = 16 points
So for example, AAB at A-level would equate to 48 + 48 + 40 = 136 UCAS points.
BTECs
- D* = 56 points
- D = 48 points
- M = 32 points
- P = 16 points
For BTECs, points from your best 3 units are counted. So D*D*D = 168 UCAS points.
Other qualifications
Qualifications like the IB, Cambridge Technicals, OCR Nationals all have their own UCAS points scale. Check the UCAS or exam board websites for these.
AS-levels
- A = 20 points
- B = 16 points
- C = 12 points
- D = 10 points
- E = 6 points
AS-levels are worth half UCAS points compared to A-levels.
EPQ
- A* = 28 points
- A = 24 points
- B = 20 points
- C = 16 points
- D = 12 points
- E = 8 points
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) carries half the points of an A-level.
Hopefully this gives you a better sense of how to calculate your total UCAS points from your grades. Add up your points from your top 3 A-level or equivalent qualifications.
Conclusion
In summary, while 32 UCAS points is below the average, it can still give you solid options to gain entry into many respectable universities in the UK, provided you target the right courses and institutions.
Achieving the highest grades possible should still be your priority. But if you do end up with around 32 points, take a strategic approach and make the most of your application to give yourself the best chance of getting into university.