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UCAS Tariff: New System for Higher Education Entry

This PowerPoint toolkit provides information on the new UCAS Tariff for the 2017 admissions cycle. Aimed at higher education providers, it covers the changes, how the new system works, and steps to ensure a smooth transition.

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UCAS Tariff: New System for Higher Education Entry

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  1. The new UCAS Tariff –for entry into higher education from September 2017 onwardsPowerPoint Toolkit for HEPs September 2014

  2. 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

  3. Contents

  4. 1. Summary

  5. 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.

  6. 2. Why the Tariff is changing

  7. 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. 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.

  8. 3. How the new Tariff works

  9. 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:

  10. 3.2 How the new Tariff works – new Tariff method 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

  11. 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.

  12. 3.4 How the new Tariff works - size band examples

  13. 3.5 How the new Tariff works – grade band examples 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. • The new Tariff uses a 3-14point 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

  14. 3.6 How the new Tariff works – in comparison with the current Tariff 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 3.9 How the new Tariff works - example student profiles This slide demonstrates the difference between the new and current Tariff using A level A grade as a benchmark.

  18. 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.

  19. 4. Preparing for transition

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. 5. Implementation and switchover date

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

  26. 5.3 Implementation and switchover date – implementation plan • 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 May 14 UCAS Feedback survey concludes 16 May 2014 Jan 14 Schools/Colleges Curriculum planning for Entry 2017 is complete New Tariff goes ‘live’ from entry Sept 2017 Text here Entry Cycle 2014 ( Sept 13 – Aug 14) June 14 UCAS Board: Approves new Tariff and switchover date

  27. Implementation and switchover date – high level one page plan 2014 entry cycle 2015 entry cycle 2016 entry cycle 2017 entry cycle UCAS Board approved new Tariff & plan Jun 14 UCAS Board preparedness review April 2016 UCAS begins to process 2017 applications HEPs make decisions /offers using new Tariff from Sep 2016 End of Cycle Report published with new Tariff Jan 2018 Schools and colleges advise level 3/SCQF level 6 students from Sep 2014 Course Collect (entry 2017) opens Oct 2015 UCAS search tool opens (entry 2017) New Tariff Calculator rolled out to HEPs Dec 2014 C&C reporting (new Tariff) Jul/Aug 2017 HEPs publish prospectuses for 2017 Jan-Feb 2016 Feedback Survey published Jul 14 New Tariff published Sep 2014 Apply Opens (entry 2017) HESA publish Performance Indicators (new Tariff) Dec 2018-Mar 2019 Initial support and communications on the new Tariff from August 2014 Regional Training for schools and colleges commences Oct 2014 UCAS HE conventions for applicants Mar 2016 Tariff switchover Regional training for HEPs commences Jan 2015 Continual communications and engagement UCAS IT development Jul 2015– Mar 2016 IT test environment opens IT suppliers commence development and testing Nov 2015 Link products rolled out Oct 2016 IT sign-off for implementation Mar 2016

  28. 6. Resources available to you

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 6.3 Resources – helpful links Resources currently available to support the transition, referred to in this deck, are available on the UCAS website: 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

  32. 7. Key factors to consider

  33. 7. Key factors to consider – possible questions for your organisation 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? 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? 3. What questions do you think your outreach teams will get from teachers, advisers and applicants? 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? 5. How are you going to lead the change within your organisation and monitor progress? What are the immediate next steps? 6. What additional support do you need from UCAS?

  34. Appendix ANew and current Tariff grade combinationsfor a range of qualifications suites for illustrative purposes. The Welsh Baccalaureate is not included because it is being revised for first teaching from September 2015, as explained on slide 8.

  35. New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations Page 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.

  36. New Tariff points – examples of within grade combinations

  37. New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations

  38. New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations

  39. New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations

  40. New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations

  41. New Tariff points – examples of grade combinations

  42. Feedback 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: Margaret Farragher Head of Policy and Qualifications 01242 223 765 m.farragher@ucas.ac.uk

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