A Guide to University Degree Classifications in the UK
Degree Classification | Percentage Grade |
---|---|
First-Class Honours (1st) | 70% + |
Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) | 60%-69% |
Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) | 50%-59% |
Third-Class Honours (3rd) | 40%-49% |
How is UK undergraduate degree classification calculated?
UK degree classifications are as follows:
- First-Class Honours (First or 1st) (70% and above)
- Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1, 2. i) (60-70%)
- Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2, 2. ii) (50-60%)
- Third-Class Honours (Third or 3rd) (40-50%)
What determines a degree classification?
Classification is determined by how consistently you display the necessary standard of skills and understanding, and so the final programme mark reflects your average attainment across your programme of study (except for the first year).
How does the UK university grading system work?
The UK universities use a letter grade scale from A to F to indicate their students’ academic performance. If you get an A it means you have shown outstanding knowledge whereas if you get an F it means your score is not sufficient to pass the exam.
How is a 2.1 degree calculated?
First-class honours (1st): this is the highest degree classification. Usually, the average overall score of 70%+ Second-class honours, upper division (2.1): usually, the average overall exam score of 60%+ Second-class honours, lower division (2.2): usually, the average overall score of 50%+
Is a third class degree a fail?
Third-Class Honours (40-50%): known as a ‘third’ or 3rd, this degree is the lowest honours degree achievable. Ordinary Degree: If an honours student fails to achieve a third class by a small margin, they may be awarded an ordinary degree i.e. without honours.
Is a 3rd class degree worth anything?
If you have a 3rd on your CV it just marks you out as someone who did a degree but wasn’t up to standard. If you have a 3rd you haven’t really grasped your subject, its easy to get a 3rd on any module just by having a basic understanding of the odd topic here and there without grasping your whole subject.
Can I improve my degree classification?
There’s nothing you can do to change your grade on a completed degree.
Is a 2.2 degree good?
Second-class honours, lower division.
This is the lower division of a second-class degree. It is commonly known as a 2:2 or (2.2 degree) “Desmond” (as in Desmond “two-two”). A 2:2 degree is often the minimum grade required for most opportunities in employment and further education.
Is 65 a good mark at university UK?
70% or above is the top band of marks. It is still relatively rare for a student to receive higher than an 80%, though it does happen. Anything in the 60% range—what is known as a 2:1—is considered a “good” grade. Half of all UK university students graduate with a 2:1.
What is a 2.1 degree in UK?
If you’ve been asked to provide a 2:1 equivalent degree, this is the standard UK grading system for degrees. UK degrees are classified out of 100, and are: 1st – 70 or above. 2:1 – 60 to 69. 2:2 – 50 to 59.
Is it hard to get a 2.1 degree?
To achieve a 2:1 in your degree at university your final mark needs to be over 60% (over 70% being First Class Honours). The final mark is usually based on the average of coursework and examinations throughout the length of your study, although in a minority of courses it is solely based on a final examination.
Is 55 a good mark at university UK?
You will need to get a 2:1 or higher if you’re planning on staying on for a masters or post-graduate degree. 2:2 (lower second class): If you got 50%-59% on a course or assignment, then you have this grade. Even though it is not a perfect score it is still very good. You should still be happy about getting this mark.
Is a 2.2 or 2.1 degree better?
A 2.1 is the sign that you’re fairly clever but not outstanding. If you were very clever and outstanding, you’d have a highly coveted and very rare first-class degree. A 2.2? Well, it shows you managed to avoid a third.
Is a 2.1 good enough for a Masters?
Upper second class (2:1) entails an average mark of between 60 and 70. 50–60 would be lower second class (2:2). A 2:1 is generally considered good, while a 2:2 is generally considered okay.
Is a 1.1 degree good?
A First-Class degree, commonly known as a ‘first’ or 1st, is the highest honours degree achievable, and is well respected by employers. Students must get a percentage above 70% to be awarded this degree, thus it is very challenging indeed.
Can I do a Masters with a 3rd class degree?
Can you do a Masters with a third class degree? It’s possible for apply for a Masters with a third class degree, although it’s likely that most universities won’t be overly impressed. Unless you have extenuating circumstances, this grade will potentially be viewed as a reflection of your effort and dedication.
Which universities accept 3rd class for Masters?
Universities that accept third class for masters in UK
- University of Birmingham.
- University of Kent.
- University of Portsmouth.
- Kingston University London.
- University of Surrey.
- University of Warwick.
- University of Bradford.
- Queen Mary University of London.
What percentage of UK students get a first?
Characteristic | First class (1st) | Third class (3rd/pass) |
---|---|---|
2020/21 | 36% | 3% |
2019/20 | 35% | 3% |
2018/19 | 28% | 4% |
2017/18 | 28% | 4% |
How many people get third class degrees?
The proportion of degrees achieving a 2:2 fell from 15% in 2019/20 to 14% in 2020/21. The latest HESA figures also show that 46% of degrees were awarded a 2:1, while 3% were a third (2:2) or a pass.
Is graduating with a 3.0 good?
A 3.0 GPA indicates a grade average of “B” and makes you eligible to apply to a wide range of schools, so yes! A 3.0 GPA is generally considered “good.”