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How to get extra UCAS points through volunteering
Volunteering is a brilliant way to gain work experience as a student, develop new skills and help people in your local area, but did you know you can also get extra UCAS points as well?
Why should I think about volunteering as a student?
Volunteering can improve your confidence, build your work skills, help you gain knowledge in a new subject, and give you the chance to travel. It can even be fun! You can also make a big difference to the lives of the people you volunteer to help. Even a small commitment can have a lasting effect on an organization and the people it represents.
When applying for summer jobs or higher education, your applications need to stand out. It’s important to be able to draw on your own experiences in interviews and volunteering will definitely give you lots to talk about!
'Volunteering can build confidence and work skills – and also get you qualifications'
So what else is out there?
The most advanced of these is called the certificate of personal effectiveness, or CoPE. It provides a level 3 qualification and was mainly created for students to take alongside A-levels, Scottish highers and other further education qualifications between the ages of 16 and 18. It will give you 16 UCAS points. Remember, that’s compared with 20 points for an A-grade AS level, or 58 points for an A-level at A* grade.
CoPE helps you develop skills in six areas over 100 guided learning hours (less than with an A-level). The six areas are teamwork, problem solving, discussion, research, oral presentation and self-management. Part of this can be made up by volunteering.
What should I consider?
If you’re planning on doing CoPE to get UCAS points to support your university application, there are a few things to bear in mind. Firstly, it’s a big commitment, so you might have to drop another qualification, so weigh up which gives you the greatest benefit (and the UCAS points you need) before making your decision.
Not every school and college offers CoPE, so you’ll need to check it’s on offer at the place you’re applying to, or talk to them about the possibility of introducing it.
What are the other benefits?
CoPE will give you key skills you might not otherwise have the chance to develop while you’re in education, which could give you a big advantage if you decide to go straight into work or an apprenticeship after leaving school or college. It will also help you demonstrate workplace skills when you apply for a job after university.
What kind of volunteering work can I do as a student?
There are many different types of work available, from helping in charity shops to exciting adventures at home and abroad.
Many volunteers support local charities and volunteer in school, whilst others work across the UK or even travel abroad.
We have helped students get involved in projects on cookery, sports coaching, first aid, theatre, conservation and even volunteering at music festivals.
Do I need experience to apply for volunteering work as a student?
No. Most people volunteer to gain experience and organisations welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. All you will need is plenty of enthusiasm and willingness to get involved.
How much time do I need to give?
Volunteering opportunities come in all shapes and sizes, from long-term, regular commitments to one-off projects, which might only take a day or two.
If you're doing the ASDAN qualification, you'll need to put in a minimum to meet the requirements of the course. And since these qualifications aren't just about volunteering, you'll need to put in all the other work required to complete your course.
What skills will I develop by volunteering?
Where do we start! You can pick up so many new skills - including teamwork, responsibility, initiative, communication, relationship-building, computing skills and, depending on what you do, professional work skills – like radio production with a community radio station or construction skills on a community building project.
How do I find volunteering opportunities?
If you’re the ASDAN course, you'll get help finding the volunteering and other placements you need to earn your qualifications.
If you're doing it off your own bat, you should talk to your school or college careers advisor.
Want to know more about volunteering? Check out our guide to finding volunteering opportunities that will help you in your career.
