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UK Education Consultancy for African Students
United Kingdom
UK Education Consultancy for African Students
UK Education Consultancy for African Students
London WC2A 2JR
United Kingdom
✍️ UK University Grading System Explained: An Essential Guide
Understanding how university degrees are graded in the UK is important whether you’re studying, applying, or reviewing qualifications. This guide explains the UK university grading system, how classifications work, and what they mean for your academic and career prospects.
🎯 Use this guide to compare grades, boost your CV, or prepare for a UK degree.
- First-Class (70%+): Highest honours
- 2:1 (60–69%): Strong result
- 2:2 (50–59%): Satisfactory
- Third-Class (40–49%): Minimum honours
- Fail (<40%): Degree not awarded
🎓 UK Undergraduate Degree Classifications
UK universities use a standard system to classify undergraduate degrees based on the final percentage achieved. Here’s a clear breakdown:
| Degree Classification | Percentage Range | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class Honours (1st) | 70% and above | Exceptional academic performance |
| Upper Second-Class (2:1) | 60–69% | Strong academic achievement |
| Lower Second-Class (2:2) | 50–59% | Satisfactory achievement |
| Third-Class Honours (3rd) | 40–49% | Minimum honours pass |
| Fail | Below 40% | Degree not awarded |
👉 Many employers and postgraduate courses require at least a 2:1 degree, although some may accept a 2:2 depending on the role or university.
👉 For official information on how UK degrees compare internationally, see the UK government degree equivalency table
🏆 What Is a First-Class Honours Degree?
A First-Class Honours (1st) is the highest degree classification, awarded for scores of 70% and above. This reflects excellent critical thinking, research, and academic ability. Graduating with a First can improve access to competitive job roles or postgraduate study.
🎖️ What Is a 2:1 Degree in the UK?
A 2:1 degree (Upper Second-Class Honours) is awarded for marks between 60% and 69%. This is the most common classification in the UK and is widely accepted by graduate employers and postgraduate courses.
📘 What Is a 2:2 Degree in the UK?
A Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) is awarded for scores between 50% and 59%. While slightly less competitive, many employers and universities still accept a 2:2, particularly if supported by relevant experience or strong references.
📗 What Is a Third-Class Honours Degree?
A Third-Class Honours (3rd) is awarded for scores between 40% and 49%. This is the lowest honours classification but still indicates successful completion of the degree.
❌ What Happens If You Fail a Module or Degree?
A mark below 40% is considered a fail. If you fail a module, most universities allow students to resit exams or resubmit coursework. You may also be able to retake the module in the next academic year.
If your overall result is below 40%, your degree is not awarded. However, universities may grant an Ordinary Degree (non-honours degree) if enough credits are completed at a passing level.
📝 Can You Retake or Appeal Grades?
Yes. If you don’t pass a module or are unhappy with a grade, universities usually provide several options to help you recover or challenge your result:
✅ Resit failed exams or assignments:
Most universities allow you to retake failed assessments during a designated resit period. The number of resits and any grade caps (for example, limiting a resit to a maximum pass mark) depend on the university’s policy.
✅ Apply for referral or deferral assessments:
A referral allows you to attempt an assessment again if you didn’t meet the required standard. A deferral lets you postpone an assessment or submission due to valid reasons like illness or personal circumstances. You may need to provide supporting evidence (e.g., a medical certificate) to qualify.
✅ Submit an academic appeal:
If you believe your grade was unfair, affected by an error, or impacted by factors the university wasn’t aware of, you can file an academic appeal. This usually triggers a formal review process, where your work is reassessed by an independent examiner or board.
👉 Always check your university’s regulations carefully, as rules for resits, deferrals, and appeals—including deadlines and eligibility criteria—can vary.
🎓 What Is the Grading System for Postgraduate Degrees in the UK?
Master’s degrees in the UK use a different classification system:
| Classification | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 70% and above |
| Merit | 60–69% |
| Pass | 50–59% |
| Fail | Below 50% |
Postgraduate research degrees like MRes are typically awarded as Pass or Fail.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you appeal your final university grade?
Yes. Students can submit an academic appeal if they believe their final grade was unfair or incorrect, typically within a set timeframe.
2. Is a 2:2 a good degree?
A 2:2 degree is a satisfactory pass, accepted by many employers and universities, though some opportunities may require a 2:1 or higher.
3. How do integrated master’s degrees fit into the grading system?
An integrated master’s degree (like MEng, MChem) follows the undergraduate grading system (First, 2:1, 2:2, Third) rather than postgraduate classifications.
🌟 Final Thoughts
The UK university grading system provides a clear way to measure academic achievement. Whether you’re reviewing results, applying to further study, or entering the job market, understanding degree classifications helps you plan your next steps.
👉 Need help choosing a university? Contact us for free guidance.
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