Imperial College, Oxford, and Cambridge, all these institutions are among the world’s Top-10…
What makes these institutions so good? Do they have such competent faculty…Yes, but that’s not the main reason that makes all of these institutions the very best in the world in the Grading system. If you’re studying in the UK, you must have heard about First Class Honours, 2:1, or 2:2.
Do you know what they really mean? For Students who are familiar with the UK University Grading System, it’s not that difficult, but for international students, that’s a problem. Even the locals sometimes don’t know exactly how a first-class degree is calculated. In this blog, we’ll cover all these classifications and help you get familiar with the UK’s grading system.
UK University Grading System – Here’s a Quick Overview
The University Grading System in the UK follows a structured classification method, which helps in qualifying for graduate programs. These degree classifications are based on percentage brackets and reflect overall performance in the exams.
This is how the system typically works…
First-Class Honours (70% and Above)
This is the highest undergraduate classification and is often referred to as “First”. This indicates exceptional academic performance and shows the students’ exceptional study skills.
2:1 – Upper Second Class Honours (60-69%)
This is commonly known as “two-one” classification. This is also a well-regarded classification by most of the postgraduate institutes. It is one of the most awarded classifications, but it still shows a good academic record.
2:2 – Lower Second Class Honours (50-59%)
This classification is also known as “two-two”. This still means “pass”, but it may limit the opportunities for better and more competitive post-graduate programs.
Third-Class Honours (40–49%)
A Third Class Honours degree shows a very basic level of understanding of the degree. While it still means “pass” yet it is still considered the lowest classified honours degree.
Ordinary/Pass Degree (35–39%)
If a student completes enough credits to graduate but doesn’t meet honours requirements. Then it may be awarded as a pass or an ordinary degree.
Fail (Below 35%)
A Final average that is less than 35% results in failure to get the degree.
Why is it so important?
Learning about your university’s grading system is crucial not only for academics, but it will also be of great use to you professionally. For Example, applying for Jobs, scholarship opportunities or even visa eligibility.
What Is a First-Class Honours Degree and How Do You Get One?
A First-Class Honours Degree is commonly called “First”. It is the highest clarification a student can get in an undergraduate program. It normally requires a 70% or more in all the modules. In global terms, this first-class grade is often equivalent to a GPA between 3.7 and 4.0.
An Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) and Other Grades…
The upper second-class Honours is also known as 2:1, and it is the most commonly awarded classification in UK universities. It has a range of 60-69% and is also considered the second-highest tier in the UK’sclass system of degrees. Just below the 2:1 is the lower second-class honours, which is also known as 2:2. It has a grade range between 50-59%. Both these terms are part of the second-class honours. The most basic difference is the percentage between them.
An Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) is considered more for postgraduate degrees and Jobs like law, finance, consulting and tech. A Lower Second-Class degree (2.2) is still valid, but if you want to stand out, you must have some additional experience or skills related to the field.
How are University Grades Calculated in the UK?
If you are a university student in the UK and still don’t know. How are university grades calculated? Then this one is for you.
Many students still don’t know that classifications are just based on their last year’s results, but that’s not the case. They are usually calculated as a properly weighted average in different years and modules.
In most universities, the grading system is designed to give more weight to the later years of the study. For Example, 2nd and 3rd years often carry more importance than 1st year, especially when it comes to a 3-year undergraduate course.
Some institutions ignore the 1st Year Completely, while others may include a lower percentage. This table will help you understand this better.
Year | Weighting |
Year 1 | 0% – 10% (varies by uni) |
Year 2 | 30% – 40% |
Year 3 | 60% – 70% |
The Post-Graduate and Honours Degree Structure
In university education…the grading system is quite different between postgraduate and undergraduate programs. Undergraduate programs mostly use the traditional classification system. For Example, First Class, 2:1, 2:2, etc. Postgraduate courses use a simpler structure based on grade bands.
Here’s how postgraduate grades are usually awarded:
- Distinction (70% and above)
- Merit (60–69%)
- Pass (50–59%)
- Fail (Below 50%)
Postgraduate grading focuses more on research, critical thinking and independent working. In undergraduate degrees (like BA or BSc), students usually get an honours classification. These are called honour degrees, and your final degree falls into one of these categories. While postgraduate degrees (like MA or MSc) don’t use these same terms.
How does the UK Grading System Compare Internationally?
The UK Grading system can be a little tricky to convert, but we have a breakdown for you. While the UK uses honours classification like (First Class, 2:1 or 2:2), Other countries rely on systems like GPA, CGPA or Grades.
UK Classification System | US GPA (4.0 Scale) | ECTS (Europe) | Indian CGPA (10.0 Scale) |
First Class Honours (70%+) | 3.7 – 4.0 | A / A+ | 8.5 – 10.0 |
Upper Second-Class (2:1) | 3.3 – 3.6 | B / B+ | 7.0 – 8.4 |
Lower Second-Class (2:2) | 2.7 – 3.2 | C / C+ | 6.0 – 6.9 |
Third Class Honours (40–49%) | 2.0 – 2.6 | D / E | 5.0 – 5.9 |
Pass / Ordinary Degree | Below 2.0 | E / FX | Below 5.0 |
This is a general comparison, a more detailed and accurate report depends on the university or credential evaluation, but in general, this will give you an overview of the British university grading system.
5 Tips to Improve Your University Grades (Backed by Experts)
Still not getting the grades you want? The uni grading system is quite demanding in such matters. These are some of the tips that will help you understand the grading system better.
Always Work Smarter, Not Just Harder
Don’t just spend most of your time reading notes and study materials…Make sure you understand the concepts rather than memorizing them.
Time Management
Set your weekly goals…Keep using tools like Pomodoro timers or scheduling apps and break your work into small parts. Last-minute things would always affect your grades.
Critical Thinking
The British grading system is designed to reward critical writing…It means originality and deep analysis. Don’t just describe information. Question it, evaluate it and compare different writing perspectives.
Take Feedback Positively
A lot of students just ignore feedback and repeat the same mistakes again. Review every response properly…Highlight your weak areas and work to fix them properly.
Some Common Mistakes that can Hurt your Degree Classification
Sometimes it’s not about what you don’t know. It’s small, avoidable mistakes that can affect your grades. These are some common mistakes that can help you make a difference in your writing.
- Inconsistent Referencing
- Poor Structure
- Missing Deadlines
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the UK university grading system?
The UK university grading system is a qualification method that is used to grade undergraduate programs.
- First Class Honours (70%+)
- Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1)
- Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2)
- Third Class Honours
- Ordinary/Pass degrees
What is a first-class honours degree in the UK?
A first-class honours degree is the highest classification in the UK Education system. It is mostly awarded to students who have scored 70% or above in their modules. It means a good grip on the subject and employers and postgraduate programs highly value it.
How do uni grades work in the UK?
Uni Grades are mostly based on a weighted average of both your coursework and exams across multiple years. Most universities give more importance to Year 2 and Year 3, while the final grade determines the classification.
What is an upper second-class honours?
An upper-second-class honours, or 2:1 is for students who score between 60-69%. It is the most commonly awarded classification in the United Kingdom. It is the minimum requirement for postgraduate courses or job roles that are related to graduate programs.
What is a third-class honours degree?
A Third-Class Honours is for students with a 40-49% overall score. It is merely a passing grade and offers a lot less opportunities and for competitive postgraduate programs and jobs.