* UCAS points aren't a consistent metric across all universities. Different universities have different entry requirements, even for the same subject. A university might accept slightly lower grades for a certain subject than another.
* Entry requirements vary year to year. Competition fluctuates, impacting the grades required. A highly sought-after course in a strong year might need higher points than the same course in a weaker year.
* Specific requirements within courses exist. Some courses may stipulate particular A-levels or subjects alongside a high overall points total. This makes comparing purely on UCAS points difficult.
* Offers are individualized. Universities often look beyond UCAS points to contextual factors, personal statements, references, and interviews. A student with slightly lower points but a strong application might still receive an offer.
Generally speaking, the most competitive courses tend to require the highest UCAS points. These often include (but are not limited to):
* Medicine: Consistently among the most competitive courses, demanding top grades across the board.
* Dentistry: Similar to medicine in terms of competitiveness and required grades.
* Veterinary Science: Another highly competitive field requiring excellent academic achievement.
* Architecture: Often requires high grades in maths and art-related subjects.
* Law: Competitive, often requiring strong grades in subjects like English and history.
* Engineering (especially specific branches): Certain engineering disciplines, like aerospace or chemical engineering, can have high entry requirements.
* Economics: A popular subject that often attracts many highly qualified applicants.
* Subjects at prestigious universities: Even courses that aren't typically considered the most competitive overall might need higher UCAS points to secure a place at universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
To find the specific UCAS point requirements, you must check the entry requirements for *individual courses at each university* you're interested in applying to. This information is usually available on the university's website.