nvq 3- ucas points

[curious81]

Has anybody any idea whether my NVQ 3 in Early Years and Education is worth any UCAS points? (towards university entry) If so how many?

[Buenchico]

NVQs aren't recognised for UCAS points unless they're backed up with something like a BTEC National Award in Early Years. (UCAS points generally only recognise formal academic studies, rather than in-service vocational training).

The full UCAS tariff (showing exactly what counts for points and how many points are awarded) is here:
http://www.ucas.com/candq/tariff/

However, some university admissions staff operate an informal system of 'bonus points' when considering candidates for admission to their university or to specific courses. So, University A might credit you with a certain number of 'bonus points', for your NVQ, if you're applying for a course in Education or in the Social Sciences. However, they might not credit you with any additional points if you're applying for a course in, say, mathematics. Meanwhile, University B might not give you any extra points irrespective of the course you apply for.

The arrangements referred to in the last paragraph are discretionary. (i.e. it's impossible to say how many points, if any, a particular university faculty might award). Such points are only used to differentiate between candidates who already meet the minimum admission requirements. (i.e. you must have a sufficient number of 'formal' UCAS points to be considered for admission. 'Extra' points are simply used to place one candidate ahead of another).

Chris