Translate a UCL A-level offer into an IB offer
This uses UCL's actual standard Diploma equivalence chart, not a universal UK or UCAS conversion. Subject prerequisites remain separate, and actual course offers can be higher or different. Pick one to see both requirements.
39overall DP points
At least 19 points across three HL subjects, and 5 or above in each HL course.
A named Mathematics requirement accepts Maths AA HL or AI HL. The required grade is mapped separately from the A-level subject grade.
Source: UCL official entry requirements and Diploma equivalence ↗. This translation does not evaluate admissions, contextual offers, or additional selection requirements.
Compare two real offers for the same degree
Published standard requirements—not a conversion formula. Admission can require testing, interviews and relevant prerequisites beyond these scores.
Oxford Medicine
A levels: A*AA at A level, including Chemistry and another approved science or Mathematics subject.
IB Diploma: 39 Diploma points including core, 766 at HL, with Chemistry HL and another approved science or Maths HL.
Decision: A student with Chemistry SL cannot infer eligibility from a 42-point total alone.
UCL Economics BSc (2026)
A levels: A*AA, including A* in Mathematics.
IB Diploma: 39 overall with 19 in 3 HL subjects, 7 at HL Mathematics, no HL score below 5.
Decision: A total of 39 without HL Maths 7 does not match this standard course requirement.
Checked 9 October 2026; verify the intake-year page before applying.
Diploma Programme
Breadth is mandatory. A full Diploma includes six subject choices, usually three HL (up to four), and core requirements. You will balance subjects outside your preferred discipline while producing internally and externally assessed work.
A levels
A levels typically allow students to concentrate on a smaller selected group of subjects. Your actual study pattern and assessments depend on the subjects, qualification provider and school's offering. A narrow mix can support a well-defined route, but may close alternatives.
Work through the decision you actually face
01I want maximum specialization in a few subjects.
Compare the subject combinations your school offers, not the theoretical titles. A levels usually allow deeper concentration in selected subjects; the DP requires breadth across groups.
02I want to keep science and languages open.
The DP's six-group design retains breadth. That does not automatically satisfy medicine, engineering or language prerequisites at a specific university.
03I have a UK degree in mind.
Compare the course's exact A-level offer and separately stated IB total and HL grades. Do not invent one universal UCAS conversion.
04My school offers only one route.
Check available subject combinations, teaching, timetable, and the universities' actual requirements before considering a change of school or programme.
No universal point-for-point conversion: a degree programme may require named HL subject grades alongside a total IB score, or a named A-level subject and grade. Only the current university offer is authoritative for the application.
Questions that change the next step
Do UK universities prefer A levels over the IB Diploma?
Many UK institutions publish entry offers for both routes, but requirements vary by course. Compare named subject prerequisites and actual IB total/HL offers with the course's A-level requirements.
Is taking fewer subjects always easier?
No. Specialisation reduces the number of different disciplines in an A-level pathway, but depth, subjects, assessment style and your strengths matter. Breadth alone does not establish relative difficulty.
Can the IB Diploma keep more degree options open?
Its six-subject structure maintains breadth, but an individual degree may require a specific HL subject or combination. Keeping options open requires verifying prerequisites, not only studying a wide variety of subjects.
Sources and verification
Primary-source references for this article, checked 8 October 2026. Rules and admission policies can change; confirm the current version for your assessment session or university course.
- IB — Diploma Programme curriculum ↗
Six groups, TOK/EE/CAS core and 150/240 recommended hours.
- IB — how the DP compares with A levels ↗
Official background about qualification recognition and scope.
- UCAS — A levels and study choices ↗
Official UCAS guide to typically studying three or more A levels and choosing subjects.
- IB — University admission and recognition statements ↗
Check institution/course policy rather than inventing grade equivalences.
- Oxford Medicine qualification comparison ↗
Standard IB vs A-level entry offer.
- UCL Economics BSc 2026 qualification comparison ↗
Standard IB vs A-level entry offer.
Independent student guidance, not an official IB publication. Ask your school coordinator to confirm policies relevant to your circumstances.