Believe it or not, your A Level or BTEC courses are not the only way to gain UCAS tariff points. There are hundreds of qualifications for all kinds of unique skills and interests. From golf coaching to Shakespeare, we’ve found the most interesting ways to turn your hobbies into UCAS points.
Cake Decorating
For those budding home bakers, did you know you can bag yourself up to 8 UCAS points with a Level 3 certificate in Cake Decoration. To undertake Level 3, you will need to have achieved a Merit or Distinction (or equivalent) in the Level 2 course. The modules will allow you to develop techniques in royal icing, sugar paste and even decorating wedding cakes, so you’ll be finishing the course with Mary Berry levels of skill.
Debating
Got a lot of opinions and enjoy articulating them? You can get yourself a qualification in debating, and up to 12 UCAS points as a result! The ESB Level 3 Award in Debating covers everything from content to communications skills. The assessment consists of eight participating individuals over two teams – four in favour of a motion and four against a chosen topic.
Nail technology
If you’re the manicurist of your group of friends, you can turn your skill into 4 extra tariff points with a diploma in nail technology. You’ll learn basic hand and foot care before moving onto acrylic and gel system applications, including liquid and powder, gel and wraps. If you’ve ever done a qualification in nail technology, make sure you pop it on your application for those added UCAS points!
Snooker Coaching
Maybe nail technology isn’t your thing, but snooker is? For those budding Ronnie O’Sullivans, you can get a qualification in Snooker Coaching for 8 tariff points. The 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Snooker Advanced Skills will give you an understanding of the roles, responsibilities, technical theory and sports psychology involved in the sport.
Pet Photography
Love pets? Love photography? Combine the two and kickstart your dog’s modelling career with the AIM Qualifications Level 3 Award in Pet Photography. Not only will you learn the digital photographic techniques and skills, you will also gain 8 tariff points. The course is just 49 hours, and you can even move onto Wildlife Photography on completion.
These are just some of the qualifications we picked from a huge list, so find out if your random life skills could bag you any tariff points on the UCAS website. If you’d like more info on Clearing, have a look here.
