Tariff Expert Groups

We hold Expert Groups throughout the year, which consider the inclusion of new awards in the UCAS Tariff. Expert Group members are guided through a standardised process to consider awards seeking admission to the Tariff based on the size, demand and utility for progression to higher education (HE). The UCAS Tariff score is determined by the collaborative judgement of the Expert Group. The role of HE representatives / subject specialists is central to this process.

We are looking for representatives for upcoming Expert Groups, which are listed in the table below. Participation is based, subject to the number of nominees put forward, on the most appropriate mix of institutions.

If you would like to participate in the Tariff process please contact Richard Spencer (details below).

In order to participate, HE institutions would need to:

  • make offers based on Tariff scores rather than grades
  • offer a suitable range of HE courses in appropriate subject(s).
Meeting date Days Venue Fee Qualification Vacancies HE subject specialist Benchmark award
3 - 4 February 2009 2 UCAS, Cheltenham £1,800
Hong Kong Senior Secondary Diploma

Core Subjects
- Liberal Studies
- English
  Language
- Mathematics
Electives
- Biology
- Geography
 3 HE reps per subject (15 in total)

Citizenship
/Social Policy

English
Language

Mathematics

Biology

Geography

GCE A Levels in:

- Citizenship
  Studies

- English

- Mathematics

- Biology

- Geography

(actual specifications to be confirmed)

Each Expert Group comprises the following:

  • Chief Examiner from the awarding body offering the award seeking inclusion in the Tariff
  • Chief Examiner from the benchmark award
  • HE representatives from a particular subject area, usually undergraduate admissions tutors
  • Appropriate observers - these could be from QCA, SQA, DIUS, DCSF etc.

The role of the HE representative would be to:

  • undertake some preparatory work by comparing and contrasting a range of documentation for the qualification seeking a Tariff score and the benchmark qualification
  • attend an Expert Group Meeting at UCAS in Cheltenham - these can be either one or two days depending on the size of the award under consideration
  • comment on the draft Expert Group report.

Fee paid by UCAS

The fee depends on the size of the award under consideration. Fees for recent HE representatives have ranged between £500 and £1800 (outlined in the table above). The fees are paid to the institution in arrears following completion of all three stages of the Expert Group process.

Sample documentation

Sample preparatory work for HE representatives

Sample Expert Group meeting agenda

For further information about the forthcoming Tariff Expert Groups, or to register your interest, please contact:

Richard Spencer
Policy Officer
UCAS
tel: 01242 544862
fax: 01242 544954
email: tariffqueries@ucas.ac.uk