Understanding how your degree classification is calculated helps you plan your studies. Most UK universities use weighted averages of your Year 2 and Year 3 grades.
UK Degree Classifications
| Classification | Average Required | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| First Class Honours | 70% + | 1st |
| Upper Second Class | 60-69% | 2:1 |
| Lower Second Class | 50-59% | 2:2 |
| Third Class | 40-49% | 3rd |
| Ordinary degree | 35-39% | Pass |
| Fail | Below 35% | - |
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Common Weighting Systems
Alternate: Year 2 counts 40%, Year 3 counts 60%
Year 1: Usually doesn't count (pass/fail only)
Weighted Average Calculation
Example: 33:67 Weighting
Year 2 average: 62%
Year 3 average: 68%
Calculation: (62 × 0.33) + (68 × 0.67)
= 20.46 + 45.56 = 66.02%
Classification: Upper Second (2:1)
Module Credit Weighting
Within each year, modules are weighted by credits:
Example: Year 3 Average
Module A (20 credits): 72%
Module B (20 credits): 65%
Module C (40 credits, dissertation): 68%
Module D (40 credits): 70%
Calculation: (72×20 + 65×20 + 68×40 + 70×40) ÷ 120
= (1440 + 1300 + 2720 + 2800) ÷ 120 = 68.83%
What Employers Look For
| Sector | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Graduate schemes (top firms) | 2:1 or above |
| Teaching (PGCE) | 2:2 or above |
| Most graduate jobs | 2:2 or above |
| Postgraduate study | 2:1 typically (some 2:2) |
| PhD programmes | First or high 2:1 |
Borderline Rules
How Degree Classification Calculations Work: The Methodology
UK degree classifications are calculated using a weighted average of module marks, with different weighting applied to each year of study. The most common weighting system is 33:67 (Year 2 at 33%, Year 3 at 67%), though some universities use 40:60 or other variations. Year 1 (or Year 2 in Scottish four-year degrees) typically does not count towards the final classification but must be passed to progress.
Within each academic year, individual modules are weighted by their credit value. A standard UK undergraduate year comprises 120 credits. A 40-credit dissertation therefore carries one-third of the year's weighting, while a 10-credit module carries one-twelfth. The weighted average for each year is calculated as: Sum of (module mark x module credits) divided by total credits for that year.
The final degree average combines the year averages using the institutional weighting. For a student with a Year 2 average of 62% and Year 3 average of 72% under 33:67 weighting: (62 x 0.33) + (72 x 0.67) = 20.46 + 48.24 = 68.70%. This would result in a 2:1 classification (60-69% range).
Many universities employ a "best of" algorithm that calculates the classification using multiple methods and awards whichever produces the higher result. Common alternatives include: (a) the standard weighted average, (b) the final year average only, or (c) a profile-based approach where 50% or more of credits at the higher level triggers the higher classification. This means a student averaging 68.5% overall might receive a First if their final year profile meets certain criteria.
Some institutions also operate discretionary borderline zones, typically within 2 percentage points of a classification boundary (e.g., 68-69.9% for the First/2:1 borderline). Within these zones, exam boards may consider factors such as the proportion of final-year marks at the higher level, the dissertation mark, trajectory of improvement, or viva voce performance to determine whether the higher classification should be awarded.
UK-Specific Context: Higher Education Grading
The UK honours degree classification system is unique internationally and has been in use since the 19th century. Unlike the US GPA system (which uses a 0-4.0 scale) or European ECTS grades (A-F), UK degrees are awarded as discrete classifications. The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) provides the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, which sets the framework within which universities operate, but individual institutions have significant autonomy in determining their own grading regulations.
Grade inflation has been a significant concern in UK higher education. HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) data shows that the proportion of Firsts awarded rose from 16% in 2010/11 to 34% in 2022/23, while 2:1s remained stable at around 48%. The Office for Students (OfS) has asked universities to explain this increase and ensure that standards are maintained. Some universities have responded by tightening borderline criteria or introducing new assessment methods.
Scottish universities typically operate a four-year undergraduate system, with the Honours classification based on Years 3 and 4. An "Ordinary degree" in Scotland (completed after three years without Honours) is a distinct qualification, not a failure to achieve Honours. In contrast, English and Welsh universities award "Ordinary degrees" as a fallback when Honours requirements are not met.
The Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) was introduced to supplement degree classifications with a more detailed transcript of a student's achievements, including module grades, extracurricular activities, and specific skills demonstrated. While the HEAR provides richer information, employers still predominantly rely on degree classifications as a primary screening tool, with most graduate schemes requiring a 2:1 or above.
Integrated Masters degrees (such as MEng, MChem, MSci) typically weight the final two years more heavily, and the classification thresholds may differ from standard Bachelor's degrees. Some institutions require higher marks for a First in an integrated Masters (e.g., 72% rather than 70%). Students who do not meet the Honours threshold may exit with a Bachelor's degree instead.
Worked Examples: UK Degree Classification Calculations
Example 1: Standard 33:67 Weighting
Year 2 modules: Research Methods (20 credits, 58%), Statistics (20 credits, 64%), Psychology A (20 credits, 70%), Psychology B (20 credits, 66%), Elective A (20 credits, 55%), Elective B (20 credits, 62%)
Year 2 average: (58x20 + 64x20 + 70x20 + 66x20 + 55x20 + 62x20) / 120 = 62.50%
Year 3 modules: Dissertation (40 credits, 72%), Advanced Module A (20 credits, 68%), Advanced Module B (20 credits, 65%), Seminar (20 credits, 74%), Placement Report (20 credits, 71%)
Year 3 average: (72x40 + 68x20 + 65x20 + 74x20 + 71x20) / 120 = 70.17%
Final average: (62.50 x 0.33) + (70.17 x 0.67) = 20.63 + 47.01 = 67.64% = 2:1
Example 2: Borderline Case with Profile Check
A student has an overall weighted average of 69.2% (just below the 70% First boundary).
Final year marks: 74, 72, 68, 65, 73, 71 (across 6 modules of 20 credits each).
Credits at 70%+: 74 + 72 + 73 + 71 = 80 credits out of 120 = 66.7%
Result: Since over 50% of final year credits are at First level, many universities would award a First Class Honours despite the overall average being below 70%.
Example 3: Impact of Dissertation Grade
Same student as Example 1, but with a dissertation mark of 78% instead of 72%.
Year 3 average: (78x40 + 68x20 + 65x20 + 74x20 + 71x20) / 120 = 72.17%
Final average: (62.50 x 0.33) + (72.17 x 0.67) = 20.63 + 48.35 = 68.98% = 2:1 (but in borderline zone for a First)
This shows how a 6-mark improvement in the dissertation (worth 40 credits) raised the final average by 1.34 percentage points.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I resit modules to improve my degree classification?
This depends on your university's regulations. Most UK universities allow resits for failed modules, but the resit mark is typically capped at the pass mark (usually 40%). This means a resit can help you pass but will not improve your classification. Some institutions allow uncapped resits in exceptional circumstances (such as documented extenuating circumstances). Always check your university's specific policy.
Does a year abroad or placement year affect my classification?
For most UK universities, a year abroad or industrial placement is assessed on a pass/fail basis and does not directly contribute to your degree classification. However, your degree title may reflect it (e.g., "BSc Computer Science with Industrial Experience"). Some universities do incorporate a small percentage of the placement year mark into the overall classification, typically 10-20%.
Is a 2:1 still good enough for graduate jobs?
Yes. While the proportion of Firsts has risen, a 2:1 remains the minimum requirement for most competitive graduate schemes and postgraduate courses in the UK. Many employers also value relevant work experience, skills, and extracurricular involvement alongside academic performance. Some sectors (particularly technology, creative industries, and startups) place less emphasis on degree classification altogether, focusing instead on portfolios, technical tests, or assessment centres.
How does the UK degree classification compare internationally?
A UK First is broadly equivalent to a US GPA of 3.7-4.0 or a European "Summa Cum Laude." A 2:1 corresponds to approximately 3.3-3.7 GPA or "Magna Cum Laude." A 2:2 is roughly 3.0-3.3 GPA or "Cum Laude." These comparisons are approximate, as grading cultures differ significantly. NARIC (UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre) provides official equivalence assessments for international recognition purposes.
UK Graduate Statistics 2024
| Classification | % of Graduates | Change (10 years) |
|---|---|---|
| First Class (1st) | 34% | +18% |
| Upper Second (2:1) | 48% | +2% |
| Lower Second (2:2) | 14% | -15% |
| Third / Pass | 4% | -5% |
University Weighting Examples
| University | Year 2 | Year 3 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Russell Group | 33% | 67% | Standard weighting |
| Some universities | 40% | 60% | Alternative weighting |
| Scottish 4-year | Yr3: 33% | Yr4: 67% | Year 2 often pass/fail |
| Integrated Masters | Varies | Varies | Check specific regs |
Graduate Employment by Classification
| Classification | Graduate Job Rate | Avg Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|
| First Class | 78% | £32,000 |
| 2:1 | 72% | £28,500 |
| 2:2 | 58% | £25,000 |
| Third / Pass | 45% | £22,000 |
Key UK University Dates
- Semester 1 exams: January
- Semester 2 exams: May-June
- Results released: June-July
- Graduation ceremonies: July-September
- Resit period: August-September
What is the 'exit velocity' or 'best of' rule and does my university use it?
How do extenuating circumstances affect my degree classification in the UK?
Emma Thompson
Senior Content Editor
Emma is a senior content editor with a background in financial journalism. She specialises in making UK regulations and calculator tools understandable for consumers, working closely with qualified professionals to ensure accuracy.