Choosing the right UCAS courses is one of the most important steps in your UK university application. With over 35,000 courses available through UCAS, narrowing down your five choices can feel overwhelming. But with a structured approach, IB students can make confident, informed decisions that align with their grades, interests, and career goals.
Step 1: Understand How Many Choices You Have
Through UCAS, you can apply to:
- Up to 5 courses in total.
- For medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, you can only apply to 4 courses, with a 5th option in a different subject if you wish.
This means you’ll need to be strategic—every choice matters.
Step 2: Match Courses to Your Predicted Grades
- Universities often list IB requirements as a total points score (e.g., 36 points) and higher-level subject scores (e.g., 6 in HL Biology).
- Compare your IB predicted grades with these requirements to ensure your choices are realistic.
- Always include a balance of aspirational, target, and safe choices.
Step 3: Research Universities and Course Structures
Not all courses with the same name are identical. Look at:
- Modules offered – Two “History” degrees may have very different module focuses.
- Assessment methods – Some rely more on exams, others on coursework.
- Year abroad or work placements – Check if the course offers international or professional opportunities.
UCAS’s course search tool is the best place to start your research (UCAS Course Search).
Step 4: Consider Career Goals and Interests
- If you already have a career in mind (e.g., medicine, law, engineering), check if your course is a requirement for entry into that career.
- If you’re unsure, choose courses that build transferable skills such as analysis, writing, and critical thinking.
- IB students can draw on their Extended Essay or TOK experiences to demonstrate interest in a subject area.
Step 5: Check UCAS Tariff Points and Entry Requirements
- Some universities use UCAS Tariff points to describe requirements.
- IB grades can be converted into tariff points to check eligibility.
- Always double-check requirements on the university’s website as well as UCAS.
Step 6: Factor in Deadlines
Remember, certain courses—like Oxford, Cambridge, and medicine—require applications by 15 October. For all other courses, the equal consideration deadline is in January. See our UCAS Deadlines Guide for details.
FAQs: Choosing UCAS Courses
Q: Should I apply to 5 courses at the same university?
You can, but it’s usually better to spread your choices across different universities to increase your chances.
Q: Can I apply for different subjects?
Yes, but your personal statement will need to appeal to all courses, which can be difficult if they are very different.
Q: How do IB students stand out in UCAS choices?
By linking TOK, EE, and IAs to your subject interest, showing how IB prepared you for the course.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choices
Choosing UCAS courses isn’t about picking randomly—it’s about strategy. Match your predicted grades, research course structures, and consider your long-term goals. The right five choices can open the door to exciting opportunities at leading UK universities.
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