Complete Guide to UK Exam Grades and University Classifications
Understanding UK exam grading systems is essential for students navigating GCSEs, A-Levels, and university degrees. This comprehensive guide explains how to calculate weighted averages, interpret grade boundaries, understand degree classifications (First Class, 2:1, 2:2, Third), and plan academic targets using the UK's unique grading frameworks across different educational levels.
UK University Degree Classifications Explained
UK undergraduate degrees are classified into four main categories based on overall percentage average across all modules. The classification system has been used since the 19th century and remains the primary way UK employers and postgraduate institutions assess academic achievement:
| Classification |
Percentage Range |
Common Name |
% of Graduates (2024) |
| First Class Honours |
70-100% |
First / 1st |
~30% |
| Upper Second Class Honours |
60-69% |
Two-One / 2:1 |
~50% |
| Lower Second Class Honours |
50-59% |
Two-Two / 2:2 |
~16% |
| Third Class Honours |
40-49% |
Third / 3rd |
~2% |
| Fail |
0-39% |
Fail / U |
~2% |
The weighting system means not all years count equally. Typically, Year 1 (Level 4) doesn't count toward final classification but you must pass all modules. Year 2 (Level 5) contributes 30-40% of final grade, and Year 3 (Level 6) contributes 60-70%. Some universities like Oxford and Cambridge weight Year 3 at 100% for classification. Always check your university's Academic Regulations for exact weightings.
Calculating Your Degree Classification
To calculate your projected classification: (1) List all modules with their credit values (typically 10, 15, or 20 credits each), (2) Note the percentage grade achieved in each module, (3) Multiply each grade by its credit value, (4) Sum all weighted grades, (5) Divide by total credits to get weighted average percentage, (6) Apply your university's year weightings.
Example: Year 2 average 64% (weighted 40%) + Year 3 average 72% (weighted 60%) = (64 × 0.4) + (72 × 0.6) = 25.6 + 43.2 = 68.8% = Upper Second (2:1)
GCSE 9-1 Grading System
UK GCSEs use the 9-1 grading system introduced in 2017 (fully implemented by 2020), replacing the old A*-G system. Grade 9 is the highest, roughly equivalent to high A*, and Grade 1 is the lowest pass. U (unclassified) is a fail.
| New Grade (9-1) |
Old Grade (A*-G) |
Approximate % |
Description |
| 9 | A** (high A*) | 85%+ | Exceptional performance |
| 8 | A* | 75-84% | Outstanding |
| 7 | A | 65-74% | Excellent |
| 6 | B | 56-64% | Good |
| 5 | C (high) | 47-55% | Strong Pass |
| 4 | C (low) | 38-46% | Standard Pass |
| 3 | D | 29-37% | Below expected |
| 2 | E | 20-28% | Below expected |
| 1 | F/G | 13-19% | Lowest pass |
Grade 5 is considered the "strong pass" by government (equivalent to old grade C/B borderline), while Grade 4 is the "standard pass" required for most sixth form and apprenticeship entry. Many competitive sixth forms require Grade 6 minimum in subjects you want to study at A-Level, and Grade 7+ for the most academic schools.
A-Level Grading System
UK A-Levels are graded A* to E, with U (ungraded/fail) below E. A* is the highest grade, introduced in 2010 to differentiate top performers. The system determines university admission through UCAS:
- Medicine/Dentistry: Typically AAA to A*A*A* with specific subject requirements
- Law/Economics: AAA-AAB at most Russell Group universities
- Engineering: AAB-ABB depending on university
- Humanities/Social Sciences: ABB-BBB for most courses
UCAS Tariff points convert A-Level grades to numerical values for flexible entry requirements: A*=56, A=48, B=40, C=32, D=24, E=16 points. Some universities accept "120 UCAS points" which could be AAA, or AAB plus an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Importance of Degree Classification for Employment
UK employers widely use degree classification as screening criteria for graduate recruitment. According to High Fliers research (2024):
- 68% of top UK employers require minimum 2:1 degree
- 23% accept 2:2 with strong experience or mitigating circumstances
- 9% explicitly require First Class degree
Starting salaries correlate with classification: First class graduates earn average £28,000-32,000 starting salary, 2:1 graduates £24,000-28,000, and 2:2 graduates £21,000-24,000. However, degree classification becomes less important 3-5 years into career when employers focus more on experience and demonstrated skills.
Borderline Classification Rules
Many UK universities have borderline rules allowing students within 1-2% of the next classification to be upgraded if they meet criteria such as:
- Dissertation/final year project graded at higher classification
- 50%+ of final year credits at higher classification
- Strong academic trajectory (improving Year 2→Year 3)
- Documented mitigating circumstances
Target Grade Planning
To achieve desired final classification with 40/60 weighting (Year 2 = 40%, Year 3 = 60%):
| Target Classification |
Year 2 Average |
Required Year 3 Average |
| First Class (70%+) | 64% | 74% |
| First Class (70%+) | 70% | 70% |
| Upper Second (60%+) | 54% | 64% |
| Upper Second (60%+) | 60% | 60% |
| Lower Second (50%+) | 44% | 54% |
Students who underperform in Year 2 can still achieve First by excelling in Year 3 due to 60% weighting. For example, Year 2 average of 58% (2:2 level) requires Year 3 average of approximately 78% to achieve overall 70% First Class.
Module Selection Strategy
Strategic module selection can boost final classification:
- Choose modules with reputation for higher average grades (ask senior students)
- Select modules matching your strengths (essay-based vs exam-based)
- Consider lecturer reputation for fair marking
- Balance workload across semester
- Prioritise dissertation topic selection early (often worth double credits)
Dissertation/final year project is typically worth 40 credits (double weight) and offers opportunity to excel with good supervision and topic choice. Average dissertation grade is 65-70%, but students with strong supervision often achieve 75-80%+.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my university degree classification?
UK university degree classifications are based on weighted percentage averages across all modules. Typically, Year 2 counts for 30-40% and Year 3 (final year) counts for 60-70%. Year 1 usually doesn't count but must be passed.
To calculate: (1) Multiply each module grade by its credit value, (2) Sum all weighted grades, (3) Divide by total credits for year average, (4) Apply year weightings (e.g., Year 2 × 0.4 + Year 3 × 0.6). Classification boundaries: First = 70%+, 2:1 = 60-69%, 2:2 = 50-59%, Third = 40-49%.
What percentage do I need for a First Class degree?
You need a weighted average of 70% or higher across all counting modules to achieve First Class Honours. With typical 40/60 weighting, if you achieved 65% in Year 2, you'd need approximately 73.3% in Year 3 to reach overall 70%.
As of 2024, approximately 30% of UK graduates achieve First Class degrees. Rates vary by subject - STEM subjects like Medicine have lower First rates (15-20%) while humanities often have higher rates (35-40%). First Class is increasingly important for competitive graduate schemes and funded postgraduate positions.
How do GCSE 9-1 grades convert to old A*-G grades?
The GCSE 9-1 system roughly converts as: Grade 9 = high A* (exceptional), Grade 8 = A*, Grade 7 = A, Grade 6 = B, Grade 5 = high C (strong pass), Grade 4 = low C (standard pass), Grades 3-1 = D-G.
Grade 5 is the government's "strong pass" benchmark, while Grade 4 is the minimum "standard pass" for most purposes. Most sixth forms require Grade 6+ in subjects you want to study at A-Level, and competitive schools often require Grade 7+.
Can I improve my classification if I'm on a borderline?
Yes, many UK universities have borderline rules allowing students within 1-2% of the next classification boundary to be upgraded. Common criteria include: dissertation grade at higher classification, 50%+ of final year credits at higher level, improving trajectory from Year 2 to Year 3, and documented mitigating circumstances.
However, borderline rules are discretionary, not guaranteed. Target grades solidly within classification (71%+ for secure First, 61%+ for secure 2:1) rather than relying on borderline consideration.