The new UCAS Tariff –for entry into higher education from September 2017 onwards

PowerPoint Toolkit for HEPs

September 2014

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The purpose of this pack

This slide deck provides information about the new UCAS Tariff, which is for the 2017 admissions cycle.

It is aimed at admissions teams in higher education providers (HEPs) to use with colleagues in planning, marketing, and communications functions and/or with faculty and academic personnel to explain why, how and when the Tariff is changing and what actions need to be taken to ensure there is a smooth transition to the new Tariff.

The pack covers:• a high level summary• why the Tariff is changing• how the new Tariff point system works • preparing for transition• the high level timeline and switchover date• resources and support from UCAS

These slides can be adapted, supplemented or revised as appropriate to suit the audience. Some notes are provided in the notes view of the slide pack to provide some additional information. The notes should be deleted before the pack is circulated. We will update this pack periodically based on feedback from HEPs. Feedback should be send to newtariff-feedback@ucas.ac.uk

Contents

Page

1. Summary 4

2. Why the Tariff is changing 6

3. How the new Tariff works 8

4. Preparing for transition 19

5. Implementation and switchover date 23

6. Resources 29

7. Key factors to consider 33

Appendix A: Tariff point grade combinations 35

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1. Summary

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1. High level summary

• UCAS is introducing a new Tariff for the 2017 admissions cycle i.e. for courses starting from September 2017 for the 2017-18 academic year.

• The new Tariff addresses many of the shortcomings of the current model and enables international qualifications to be included.

• The new Tariff is based on a significantly different number system to the current Tariff.

• The new Tariff will be used for reporting qualifications held on entry to HE to HESA for the 2017-18 Student Records onwards. This will apply to students starting courses from September 2017 and the HESA data collection which closes in the October of 2018.

• Where applicable, entry requirements, offer libraries and associated material for entry in 2017-18 will need to be updated.

• Associated systems, processes and guidance material will also need to be reviewed and revised.

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2. Why the Tariff is changing

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Outcome: The review found that HEPs wanted more information regarding qualifications and that there were issues with the current Tariff that needed to be resolved. As a result the UCAS Board agreed to develop a new simple Tariff and support the development of qualification information profiles (QIPs) to provide clear and consistent information on different qualifications to support admissions staff.

2. Why the Tariff is changing

UCAS completed a UK-wide Qualifications Information Review in 2012, consulting with HEPs, teachers and advisers, applicants and other education specialists.

A number of concerns were raised with the current Tariff:

• many qualifications cannot be accommodated on the current Tariff as the Tariff domains are not suited to vocational qualifications

• the process is awarding organisation led as they pay for qualifications to be added

• the process is expensive to administer

• it is complex and unclear exactly how points are allocated qualifications in terms of size and difficulty. There are also concerns with the points allocated to some large qualifications

• it cannot easily accommodate international qualifications

• it is not aligned with the UK qualification regulatory process.

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3. How the new Tariff works

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3.1 How the new Tariff works – design principles

The new Tariff has been developed and tested in partnership with HEPs, teachers and teaching representative bodies such as ASCL, SPA, AoC and HELOA.

The new Tariff is based on the following design principles:

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1. Transparency Clear process for allocating Tariff points

2. Meets the needs of the HE sector

Supports HEPs that use the Tariff for management information purposes and admissions purposes

3. Cost effective Lower cost than the current process and no charge to awarding organisations

4. Comprehensive Has the scope to accommodate all UK regulated Level 3 /SCQF Level 6 qualifications

5. Sustainable Robust enough to cope with qualifications reforms across the UK and last for a minimum of ten years

6. Flexible Sufficiently flexible to cope with the widest range of qualifications and accommodate future changes to them

7. Support fairness Fair to the greatest number of applicants across the UK and supports the widening participation agenda

3.2 How the new Tariff works – new Tariff method

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size points x grade points = Tariff points

Size bands - qualifications will be allocated a size band of 1 to 4 with a points range of 1-4, based on their guided learning hours/notional learning hours

Grade bands – qualifications will also be allocated a grade band. The new Tariff has 12 grade bands with a points range of 3-14. These grade bands spread across the breadth of Level 3/SCQF Level 6

New Tariff points are determined by multiplying size and grade points

3.3 How the new Tariff works – size bands

• Four size bands ensures that existing size relationships between qualifications are maintained whilst not over-emphasising the importance of size.

• The AS remains half the size of an A level and is size band 2.

• Scottish Highers are allocated to a size band in between AS and A level.

• Scottish Advanced Higher, A levels, IBHL, Pre-U Principal Subjects are in the same size band, size band 4.

• Welsh Baccalaureate is being revised for programmes of study starting in 2015. The new qualification is expected to be of equivalent size to an A level and would therefore be allocated to size band 4.

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3.4 How the new Tariff works - size band examples

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Size band

GLH/NLH Size band value

Qualifications included GLH/NLH

1 < 120 1 IB Extended EssayFree Standing Mathematics QualificationsIB Theory of Knowledge

5060100

2 120-219 2 Extended Project Qualification AS BTEC (QCF) L3 Certificate IB Standard Certificate

120180180200

3 220-319 3 Scottish Higher 240

4 320+ 4 Scottish Advanced Higher A level IB Higher Certificate BTEC (QCF) L3 Subsidiary Diploma Pre U Principal Subject

320360360360380

3.5 How the new Tariff works – grade band examples

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• The new Tariff uses a 3-14 point scale – 12 grade bands

• Scale starts at 3 points as 1 point does not provide a sufficient multiplier effect for lower grades

• The scale ensures that key UK benchmark qualifications such as Scottish Highers can be precisely positioned in agreement with UK qualification regulators

• The scale is finite – for example, qualification grades operating significantly above A* at A level are considered Level 4

A finite grade scale has been established for Level 3/SCQF Level 6 qualifications providing 12 grade bands that all qualifications can be mapped to.

Grade Points

A level AS (New Tariff)

Scottish Highers

Scottish Adv

Highers

14 A* A13 12 A B11 A10 B A C9 B8 C B D7 C6 D C5 D D4 E 3 E

3.6 How the new Tariff works – in comparison with the current Tariff

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The new Tariff numbers are very different.

For example, the illustration below taken from the new Tariff tables shows that the new total Tariff points for an A level A* grade = 56 points; under the current Tariff the A level A* grade is allocated 140 points.

The new UCAS Tariff tables show the total Tariff points for all qualifications on the Tariff list.

3.7 How the new Tariff works – repositioning of AS

• Under the new Tariff, the AS qualification has been adjusted to circa 40% of an A level at each grade to reflect the Ofqual statement – ‘the material studied in AS is less demanding than an A level’.

• The Welsh Government has confirmed the new Welsh AS qualification which will remain coupled with the A level, will be positioned at 40% of the A level. DENI in Northern Ireland has made the same proposal in a recent ministerial submission.

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3.8 How the new Tariff works - example student profiles

• UCAS completed significant modelling of the new Tariff points on different types of learners using UCAS candidate data to ensure no learner was disadvantaged.

• The next slide provides examples of how different learner qualification profiles are affected by the new Tariff. It is based on a comparison against A grade at A level. For example Ben is compared to Dipak to show that Scottish Highers differed to an A level programme under the current Tariff by +11.1% and under the new Tariff that increases to +14.6%.

• In summary, it shows: the impact of repositioning the AS qualification to 40% of an A level; the positive impact of repositioning Scottish Highers in between the A level and AS qualifications as requested by the Scottish qualification regulator and some impact to the IB Diploma depending on different grade combinations. There is no impact on BTEC learners or A level learners as the Tariff points for these qualifications have not changed.

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3.9 How the new Tariff works - example student profiles

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This slide demonstrates the difference between the new and current Tariff using A level A grade as a benchmark.

Standard size programmes(approx 1080 hours)

Large programmes(1800-1880 hours)

HIGH

RANGE

DIPAKA levelAAA

BENSQAHighersAAAAA

SUSANAS AA + A level BA

DAVIDBTECNationals DDD

ARMINPre-UPS D3D3+GPR D3

SOPHIEA level+A*AAA +A at AS +A at EPQ

MARIEIBHL766+ SL666 +C2 (39 IB pts)

Current 100% +11.1 0.0 0.0 +7.2 100% -2.1New 100% +14.6 -5.6 0.0 +8.3 100% -1.6

MID-

RANGE

JAMESA levelBCC

JACKSQAHighersBBCCC

LEOAS BA+ A level CD

MILLYBTECNationals DMM

TRACYPre-UPS M3M3 +GPR M3

ROBINA levelBBCC +C at AS +C at EPQ

PAULO IB HL655+ SL555 +C1(34 IB pts)

Current 100% +7.7 +11.5 +7.7 -0.8 100% -0.2New 100% +12.5 -11.5 +7.7 +3.8 100% -2.3

LOWER

RANGE

ALEXA levelDEE

JOHNSQAHighersCCC

JOELAS CD+ A level EE

MAXBTECNationalsPPP

JULIAPre-UPS P3P3 + GPR P3

NA

Current 100% +7.1 +7.1 -14.3 -4.3New 100% +12.5 -3.6 -14.3 +7.1

3.10 How the new Tariff works – key points to note

• The new Tariff is based on a different scale and the approach for calculating points is based purely on the new size by grade band calculation.

• We have produced a new UCAS Tariff tables document which lists qualifications covered by the Tariff together with their new Tariff point values. The separate Qualifications List explains decisions on size and grade bands and shows all calculations. As a general principle we have sought to maintain established relationships between benchmark qualifications. Both documents are available on the UCAS website https://www.ucas.com/members-providers/qualifications/new-ucas-tariff.

• The Tariff Tables and Qualifications List will be updated annually, each time the new Tariff is updated with new qualifications. Similarly, if a qualification’s Tariff points change, because for example its size changes, this will be made clear in the annual update. Only qualification changes that go through the qualification regulatory process would result in a change to Tariff points and they would require sufficient lead in time for schools and colleges. UCAS will provide as much notice as possible of change in the annual updates.

• Appendix A shows the current and new Tariff points for grade combinations for a range of qualifications for illustrative purposes. UCAS also plans to develop a new UCAS Tariff calculator for HEPs, see slide 21.

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4. Preparing for transition

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4.1 Preparing for transition – statutory reporting to HESA

• The new Tariff will be used for reporting qualifications held on entry to HE to HESA for the 2017-18 Student Record onwards. This will apply to students starting courses from September 2017 and the HESA data collection which closes in the autumn of 2018.

• HESA will support HEPs during the introduction of the new Tariff by publishing Tariff point data using both current and new Tariff points for the 2016/2017, 2017/18 and 2018/19 Student Record collections. HESA will communicate directly with its own HEP contacts about the changes nearer the time.

• University League Tables: it is not possible model the impact of the new Tariff on university league tables as “qualifications held on entry” are only one component, and typically contribute approximately 10-15% to the most popular league tables. However, HESA modelling suggests that, if league tables were based on solely on average Tariff points held on entry, the majority of HEPs would see their relative ranking altered by no more than two places as a result of the introduction of the new Tariff. Further information is provided in the technical briefing document at: http://www.ucas.com/about-us/our-work-sector/ucas-consultations.

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4.2 Preparing for transition – supporting the admissions process

• HEPs who use the Tariff to support their admissions activities will need to review and update entry requirements, offer libraries and associated material for entry from September 2017-18.

• The Tariff Tables document which lists qualifications covered by the Tariff together with their new Tariff point values can be used to review entry requirements. The Separate Qualifications List explains why decisions have been taken about size and grade bandings. It is a spreadsheet and therefore it can be used from a technical perspective to model any revisions to entry requirements. Both documents are available on the UCAS website https://www.ucas.com/members-providers/qualifications/new-ucas-tariff.

• UCAS will provide a simple UCAS Tariff calculator to help HEPs calculate the total points for different combinations of qualifications in the Tariff, at different grades. UCAS will pilot the calculator with HEPs.

• HEPs that have their own publicly available Tariff calculators can use the Qualifications List to update their calculators and select or delete qualifications they do or do not use in their entry requirements and offer making strategies.

• UCAS is working with organisations such as AoC, HESA, HESPA, HELOA and SPA to ensure that all opportunities and events to provide support for HEPs are maximised.

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4.3 Preparing for transition – supporting schools and colleges

• Schools and colleges will update their information and advice for students choosing their Level 3/SCQF Level 6 qualifications, who may go on to apply for HE courses starting from September 2017.

• UCAS has provided downloadable factsheets for teachers and advisers to use with students, parents/carers and staff to explain the new Tariff. A PowerPoint pack is also available for teachers to use in their institutions.

• A video for students about the new Tariff will be released on ucas.com in January 2015.

• UCAS will also provide training on the new Tariff for teachers and advisers through its Professional Development Team. Updates and workshop sessions will also be provided throughout the year at UCAS Teachers and Advisers conferences.

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5. Implementation and switchover date

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5.1 Implementation and switchover date

• The feedback exercise on the new Tariff showed that there was strong support amongst teachers and HEPs to introduce the new Tariff for the 2017 admissions cycle. This is because it will be the first year that students who are studying new A levels and other reformed qualifications will be applying to HE.

• The next slide shows the qualification reforms timeline in detail.

• Implementation for the 2017 admissions cycle ensures all students have at least one year’s notice of Tariff points changing in advance of any two year qualification study programme commencing in September 2015.

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5.2 Implementation and switchover date – key milestones

The key milestones in the implementation timetable are:

• the new Tariff points are published in September 2014 and communicated to all UK secondary schools, colleges and HEPs

• the new Tariff will be implemented from September 2017

• implementation from the September 2017 admissions cycle involves a new Tariff switchover date of September 2016 for Apply – HEP communication materials such as prospectuses will need to be updated before this if references are made to the Tariff

UCAS has produced a detailed implementation plan which is available on ucas.com. A screen shot of the plan is provided overleaf.

There is also a one page high level plan showing key milestones for the next four years. This is at slide 28.

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27

Text here

The detailed implementation plan available on UCAS.com in the provider section, breaks down all the key activities associated with implementing the new Tariff, indicating activities led by schools, HEPs and UCAS.

It also shows activities running from September 2014 up to 2018/19 including HESA data returns and engagement with league table producers

New Tariff goes ‘live’ from entry Sept 2017

June 14UCAS Board:

Approves new Tariff and switchover date

Jan 14Schools/CollegesCurriculum planning for Entry 2017 is complete

May 14 UCASFeedback survey concludes 16 May 2014

Entry Cycle 2014 ( Sept 13 – Aug 14)

5.3 Implementation and switchover date – implementation plan

Sep 14 – Aug 15

Sep 15 – Aug 16

Sep 16 – Aug 17

Sep 17 onwards

Planning for Tariff switchover commences i.e. HEPs start internal discussions and consider the impact of the new Tariff on their university and college entry requirements - if Tariff using (Sep 14 onwards)

HEP staff (Admissions, Planning, Outreach) are trained /informed about the new Tariff (Sep 14 onwards)

Course information updated in Course Collect with new Tariff for courses starting from September 2017 (Oct 15)

Admission policies updated for 2017 Entry if Tariff using (Dec 15)

‘Offer’ codes updated for 2017 Entry using new Tariff if appropriate (please note that UCAS does not anticipate any offer code changes to UCAS systems) (Feb 16)

HEPs start to receive applications with new Tariff (from Sep 16)

HEPs make offers using new Tariff where applicable (Sep 16)

Evaluation and review of internal systems and processes following first admissions with new Tariff (Sep 17 onwards)

Provide feedback on improvements to enable UCAS to provide further support if needed (Sep 17 onwards)

Submit HESA student returns (Oct/Nov 18)

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June – Aug 2014 Sep 14 – Aug 15 Sep 15 – Aug 16 Sep 16 – Aug 17 Sep 17 – Aug 18

Jun 2014 Jul 2014 Aug 2014 Sep–Nov2014

Dec–Feb2014/15

Mar–May2015

Jun–Aug2015

Sep–Nov2015

Dec–Feb2015/16

Mar–May2016

Jun–Aug2016

Sep–Nov2016

Dec–Feb2016/17

Mar–May2017

Jun–Aug2017

Sep–Nov2017

Dec–Feb2017/18

Mar–May2018

Jun–Aug2018

Admission

Cycles

Key Decisio

n Milestones

Operational

Milestones

Engagement

IT Change

s

Implementation and switchover date – high level one page plan

Continual communications and engagement

Initial support and communications on the new Tariff from August 2014

UCAS Boardapproved

new Tariff & planJun 14

2014 entry cycle

2015 entry cycle 2016 entry cycle

2017 entry cycle

New Tariff published Sep 2014

New Tariff Calculator

rolled out to HEPs

Dec 2014

UCAS IT developmentJul 2015– Mar 2016

Schools and colleges advise level 3/SCQF level 6 students from Sep 2014

Course Collect (entry 2017) opensOct 2015

IT test environment opens

IT suppliers commence development and testing Nov 2015

UCAS search

tool opens (entry 2017)

Tariff switchover

UCAS begins to process 2017 applications

HEPs make decisions /offers using new Tariff from Sep 2016

UCAS Boardpreparedness review

April 2016

IT sign-off for implementation Mar 2016

Link products rolled outOct 2016

C&C reporting (new Tariff)

Jul/Aug 2017

End of Cycle Reportpublished with new Tariff Jan 2018

HESA publish Performance Indicators (new Tariff) Dec 2018-Mar 2019

Regional Training for schools and colleges commences Oct 2014

Regional training for HEPs commences Jan 2015

Apply Opens (entry 2017)

Feedback Survey published Jul 14

UCAS HE conventions for applicants Mar 2016

HEPs publish prospectuses for 2017Jan-Feb 2016

6. Resources available to you

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6.1 Resources

The new UCAS Tariff Tables are available on ucas.com. The contents have been organised to list UK benchmark qualifications first, then other qualifications in alphabetical order, followed by international qualifications and legacy qualifications.

There are other information tools available on ucas.com such as factsheets for teachers to use with parents/carers, applicants and staff, plus the detailed implementation plan. A video for applicants will be available in January 2014.

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6.2 Resources – the Tariff Tables The Tariff Tables show the new Tariff

points, plus the awarding organisations that offer the qualification.

The size and grade bands are also shown. These bands determine the total points.

The full calculation for each qualification is shown in the Qualifications List which is a technical document primarily aimed at HEPs.

6.3 Resources – helpful links

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www.ucas.com/about-us/our-work-sector/ucas-consultations

Qualifications Information Review (QIR) Findings and Recommendations

UCAS Tariff technical briefing document

New Tariff feedback exercise – outcomes

https://www.ucas.com/members-providers/qualifications/new-ucas-tariff

Tariff tables

Qualifications List

FAQs

Factsheets

Toolkit and implementation plan

Resources currently available to support the transition, referred to in this deck, are available on the UCAS website:

7. Key factors to consider

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7. Key factors to consider – possible questions for your organisation

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1. How will you support other teams in your organisation, such as academic, planning, registry, student records, marketing and communications and faculty teams as well as your Senior Leadership Team, understand the changes?

4. Is your Planning Team prepared to manage the change to the new Tariff? For example have they thought through implications for the 2017/18 HESA data returns?

3. What questions do you think your outreach teams will get from teachers, advisers and applicants?

2. If you use the Tariff in your entry requirements and offer making strategies, how will the new Tariff affect your admissions policy? Is your marketing and communications team prepared to update course marketing material in line with your new entry requirements?

6. What additional support do you need from UCAS?

5. How are you going to lead the change within your organisation and monitor progress? What are the immediate next steps?

Appendix A

New and current Tariff grade combinationsfor a range of qualifications suites for illustrative purposes.

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The Welsh Baccalaureate is not included because it is being revised for first teaching from September 2015, as explained on slide 8.

New Tariff points – examples of grade combinationsPage 36 to 42 provide examples of total new Tariff points for certain grade combinations for a small range of qualifications. The new Tariff calculator will be developed to show totals for any qualification and grade combinations that are on the new Tariff Qualifications List.

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A level gradeA level grade Old Tariff New Tariff

A*A*A* 420 168A*A*A 400 160A*AA 380 152AAA 360 144AAB 340 136ABB 320 128BBB 300 120BBC 280 112BCC 260 104CCC 240 96CCD 220 88CDD 200 80DDD 180 72

New Tariff points – examples of within grade combinations

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BTEC Extended DiplomaGrade Old Tariff New Tariff

D*D*D* 420 168D*D*D 400 160D*DD 380 152DDD 360 144DDM 320 128DMM 280 112MMM 240 96MMP 200 80

New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations

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International Baccalaureate – Higher Level (HL)Grade (HL) Old Tariff New Tariff

777 390 168776 370 160766 350 152666 330 144665 300 128655 270 112555 240 96

New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations

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International Baccalaureate – DiplomaGrade (Diploma) Old Tariff New Tariff

45 (Max) 720

HL = 7,7,7 (168)SL = 7,7,7 (84)

EE = A (12)ToK = A (12)

276

38 567

HL = 7,6,5 (136)SL = 7,6,5 (68)

EE = B (10)ToK =B (10)

224

25 260

HL = 4,4,4 (72)SL = 4,4,4 (36)

EE = C (8)ToK = C (8)

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New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations

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Scottish Advanced Highers

Grade Old Tariff New TariffAAA 390 168AAB 370 160ABB 350 152BBB 330 144BBC 310 136BCC 290 128CCC 270 120

New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations

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Scottish HighersGrade Old Tariff New TariffAAAAA 400 165AAAAB 385 159AAABB 370 153AABBB 355 147ABBBB 340 141BBBBB 325 135BBBBC 310 129BBBCC 295 123BBCCC 280 117BCCCC 265 111CCCCC 250 105

New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations

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Cambridge Pre-U (3 principal subjects)Grade Old Tariff New Tariff

D1 D1 D1 N/A 168D1 D1 D2 145 168D1 D2 D2 290 168D2 D2 D2 435 168D2 D2 D3 420 164D2 D3 D3 405 160D3 D3 D3 390 156D3 D3 M1 375 148D3 M1 M1 360 140M1 M1 M1 345 132M1 M1 M2 331 128M1 M2 M2 317 124M2 M2 M2 303 120

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Feedback

Margaret FarragherHead of Policy and Qualifications01242 223 765m.farragher@ucas.ac.uk

To provide us with feedback on this pack, if you require additional

content or want to get in touch to discuss any queries you may have

on the new Tariff, email us on newtariff-feedback@ucas.ac.uk

Alternatively contact the UCAS Policy Team directly: