Does Grade 5 music theory get UCAS points?

No. Only Grades 6, 7 and 8 are on the UCAS Tariff. Grade 5 is still worth doing: Grade 6 builds straight on it, and ABRSM players need it (or one of ABRSM's accepted alternatives) to take Grades 6 to 8 on their instrument.

Do I need Grade 5 theory to take Grade 6 on my instrument?

With ABRSM, yes: a pass at Grade 5 or above in Music Theory, Practical Musicianship or a solo Jazz subject. ABRSM's practical grades page lists the alternatives it accepts. Trinity and LCM do not ask for a theory grade before their practical Grades 6 to 8.

If I pass Grade 6 and then Grade 8 theory, do the points add up?

No. UCAS counts only the highest level in a subject that follows on from the one before, so Grade 8 replaces Grade 6.

Will universities count my theory points?

Each university decides. Many make offers in A-level grades rather than points, and some do not count every qualification. The course page, or the admissions team, will tell you.

Is Brainlag an exam board?

No. Brainlag is free practice for the theory topics. You take the exam itself with a board such as ABRSM, Trinity College London, LCM, RSL or MTB.

Music theory and UCAS points

Music theory Grades 6, 7 and 8 can count towards the UCAS Tariff, the points system many UK universities and colleges use. Here is what counts, what does not, and where Grade 5 fits in.

Practise Grade 5 theory Try Grade 6 theory

What counts

These are the UCAS Tariff points for music theory, the same for ABRSM, Trinity College London, LCM and RSL Popular Music Theory. MTB Grade 6 theory is on the Tariff too; its Grades 7 and 8 are not yet.

UCAS Tariff points for music theory
Grade	Pass	Merit	Distinction
Grade 8	8	9	10
Grade 7	6	7	8
Grade 6	4	5	6
Grade 5 and below	0	0	0

Only your highest theory grade counts. For a sense of scale, an A-level at A* is 56 points, so theory adds a little rather than a lot. Every bit helps, and the musicianship you build is worth more than the points.

Where Grade 5 fits

Grade 5 theory earns no UCAS points. It is still the step that matters most:

Grade 6 starts where Grade 5 stops. Chords, keys and intervals from Grade 5 are used in every Grade 6 question.
If you take ABRSM exams on your instrument, you need a pass at Grade 5 theory, or one of ABRSM's accepted alternatives, before you can take Grades 6, 7 and 8. Trinity and LCM practical grades do not ask for it.

Taking a theory exam

Trinity, RSL and MTB run their theory exams online. ABRSM's Grades 1 to 5 are online; its site explains how Grades 6 to 8 are taken. LCM holds written exams at set times of year.
A music teacher can enter you, and with most boards a parent or carer can book the exam directly.
Fees change each year, so check the board's own page for this year's fee.

For parents, carers and teachers

Theory grades are a steady way to build musicianship alongside an instrument, and Grades 6 to 8 add a small number of UCAS points. Brainlag's practice is free: every question is new music, original to Brainlag, and every answer comes with the reason behind it. Teachers can send students to one topic or one question type to practise between lessons.

If a university place is the aim, the course page is the place to check how points are used. Theory points matter most for courses that make their offers in points.

Questions

Does Grade 5 music theory get UCAS points?: No. Only Grades 6, 7 and 8 are on the UCAS Tariff. Grade 5 is still worth doing: Grade 6 builds straight on it, and ABRSM players need it (or one of ABRSM's accepted alternatives) to take Grades 6 to 8 on their instrument.
Do I need Grade 5 theory to take Grade 6 on my instrument?: With ABRSM, yes: a pass at Grade 5 or above in Music Theory, Practical Musicianship or a solo Jazz subject. ABRSM's practical grades page lists the alternatives it accepts. Trinity and LCM do not ask for a theory grade before their practical Grades 6 to 8.
If I pass Grade 6 and then Grade 8 theory, do the points add up?: No. UCAS counts only the highest level in a subject that follows on from the one before, so Grade 8 replaces Grade 6.
Will universities count my theory points?: Each university decides. Many make offers in A-level grades rather than points, and some do not count every qualification. The course page, or the admissions team, will tell you.
Is Brainlag an exam board?: No. Brainlag is free practice for the theory topics. You take the exam itself with a board such as ABRSM, Trinity College London, LCM, RSL or MTB.

Sources

Checked on 7 October 2026. Rules and points can change, so the boards and UCAS have the final word.

ABRSM, Trinity College London and RSL are trade marks of their owners. Brainlag is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any exam board. Every question is original.