Vocational qualifications widely recognised in university admissions

The growth in student numbers has not led to university entrants having lower qualifications.

An analysis, published today by Universities UK, shows that last year, the average student had 340 UCAS tariff points on entry (around BBB at A-level, plus C at AS level), compared to 313 tariff points in 2011 (between BBC and BCC at A-level, plus C at AS level).

390,000 people from the UK were accepted on full-time undergraduate courses at English higher education providers in 2017 – an increase of more than 100,000 in ten years. 

The analysis, ‘Growth and choice in university admissions’, also shows that vocational qualifications, such as BTECs, are widely recognised in university admissions.

Alistair Jarvis, Universities UK Chief Executive, said the analysis shows the changing face of university admissions:

“Reforms to the university system have led to more students, greater choice for them and increased competition among universities. This analysis shows that university entrants continue to be highly qualified and increasing numbers of applicants are accepted with vocational qualifications at all types of universities. This has made it possible for people from a broader range of backgrounds to benefit from a university education.

“There are a growing range of university courses with a vocational focus, from traditional undergraduate degrees such as architecture and engineering to newer courses like degree apprenticeships in cyber security. In fact, four in ten university courses could be considered vocational in some way.”

DfE Spokesperson said:

“We welcome these findings as for too long young people have not had a genuine choice about their future aged 16. While A levels provide a world class academic qualification, many technical education courses can be undervalued and these findings demonstrate a positive change in attitude alongside our important reforms to technical education.”