First Class Honours, referred to as a ‘first’, is the highest honours classification and indicates high academic achievement. Historically, First Class Honours were uncommon, but as of 2019 are awarded to nearly thirty percent of graduates from British universities.
What does a first mean in a degree?
Degree classifications
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%)
How important is getting a first?
A first-class degree is a high honour awarded to students gaining over 70% in their course. It takes a lot of work to achieve but gives you greater career opportunities after graduating. The most important way you can improve your chances is to fully engage in your course.
Does a first class matter?
Having a first-class degree does not define you, and getting lower than a first-class is still something to be proud of. Grades are only part of who you are and employers will be looking for much more when it comes to hiring you. Yes, good grades will enhance your CV, but it isn’t the be all and end all.
How important is a first class?
A 2:1 or 1st class degree is no longer enough
A 2:1 or even a first-class degree is not enough to impress employers. It is certainly a great personal achievement and testament to your strong work ethic. However, as tens of thousands of graduates achieve these grades each year, it is no longer a differentiator.
Is it hard to get a first class degree?
To get a first-class degree at university, you’ll usually need an average of around 70 percent or above overall. This average is calculated across coursework, presentations, projects and exams, so you’ll need to achieve consistent good grades throughout university.
How common is a first class degree?
The proportion of students attaining a first class degree has increased every year since 2010-11, from 15.7 per cent to 37.9 per cent in 2020-21. Between 2010-11 and 2017-18 proportions of firsts increased by around two percentage points each year.
Does a first make you more employable?
People with firsts are less likely to be out of work than people with lower grades. The unemployment rate after six months was 4.7% for firsts, 7.1% for 2:1s, 11% for 2:2s and 15.2% for thirds. That’s a pretty serious difference.
Do employers care if you get a first?
Most don’t care tbh. Exceptions might be strategy consulting firms, top barristers chambers and top tier law firms – they’re the only types of employers that come to mind who favour 1sts. Every other category of grad employer would only care if you hit the 2:1 mark (many even accept 2:2s now).
How much difference does getting a first make?
On average, the premium for gaining a first class degree over an upper second (2.1) is 4% for women and 7% for men. Whereas women who receive a lower second (2.2) class degree as opposed to a 2.1 earn 7% less, and men earn 11% lower.
Why is first class so much?
First Class airline seats are expensive because they take up significant real-estate, and the airline senses a market opportunity.
What is a strong first class degree?
First class honours degree (70% and above) – A first class degree (or first), is the highest honours degree you can get. Upper second-class honours (60 – 70%) – An upper second class (or 2:1) degree. Lower second-class honours (50 – 60%) – A lower-level second class (or 2:2) degree.
Is graduating with a 2.1 good?
A 2:1 also puts you in a good position for employment, graduate programmes and post graduate study. For some institutions and for some employers, this is the minimum grade acceptable. Like a first class honours, the number of students achieving a 2:1 has increased significantly in the past few years.
What is the best degree result?
First-class honours (1st): this is the highest degree classification.
How do you benefit from first class?
24 things to do to make the most of your First Class flight
- Schedule a spa appointment.
- Get chauffeured to the airport.
- Sit down to check in.
- Speed through security and immigration.
- Enjoy à la carte dining in the lounge.
- Freshen up before your flight.
- Get driven to your plane.
- Board before anyone else.
Can you get a 1st in a master’s degree?
A typical masters degree will be graded using four terms: Distinction: A final grade of 70% or above. Merit: A final grade of 60-69%
Masters Degree Grades.
| Percentage | Bachelors Degree Grade | Masters Degree Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 70%+ | 1st | Distinction |
| 60-69% | 2.1 | Merit |
| 50-59% | 2.2 | Pass |
| 40-49% | 3rd | Fail/borderline pass |
Which degrees are hardest to get a first in?
What are the hardest degree subjects? The hardest degree subjects are Chemistry, Medicine, Architecture, Physics, Biomedical Science, Law, Neuroscience, Fine Arts, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Economics, Education, Computer Science and Philosophy.
Does a first class degree make a difference?
Graduating with a high class degree makes a large difference to earnings potential in the early years of a career, according to a report by think tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which was commissioned by the Department for Education.
How important is a first class honours degree?
Not having a first class honour does not prevent one from getting a good job. The best way to think about grades is to think about it as an indicator. Employers never value grades for the sake of grades. They value something behind the grades, those qualities that we just mentioned.
Are more students getting firsts?
About 36% of students were awarded the top grade in 2019-20 and 38% in 2020-21, according to analysis by the Office for Students (OfS). In 2010-11, it was just under 16%.
What percentage of UK degrees are firsts?
| Characteristic | First class (1st) | Third class (3rd/pass) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | 36% | 3% |
| 2019/20 | 35% | 3% |
| 2018/19 | 28% | 4% |
| 2017/18 | 28% | 4% |