Recent statistics show a steady rise in international students heading to the United Kingdom for higher education. In the academic year June 2024, nearly 34000 Students chose the UK as their destination for university studies. The UK remains one of the top 5 most popular destinations worldwide for undergraduate studies. As more students are opting to study in the UK, it’s crucial to understand the UK university grading system, a system that plays a significant role in your academic journey and future career.

If you’re considering pursuing a bachelor’s or an integrated master’s degree in the UK, familiarizing yourself with the grading system and understanding how the UK GPA system works is vital—especially since this grading system is used in several other countries as well.

A Snapshot of the UK Degree System

When you apply for an undergraduate degree in the UK, you’ll encounter two primary types of degrees: Ordinary Degrees and Honours Degrees. Each has its structure, focus, and benefits.

What’s the Difference Between an Ordinary Degree and an Honours Degree?

• Ordinary Degree: An ordinary degree, typically a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BSc (Bachelor of Science), is a standard three-year program. It requires students to complete a combination of subjects and earn a set number of credits—usually 15 per year. However, the focus is less on specialization.
• Honours Degree: An honours degree is typically a four-year program that allows students to specialize in a specific subject. This degree demands a deeper commitment to learning, as it involves core subjects along with electives. The honours degree also requires the completion of more credits (typically 20 per year).

Key Differences:

• Ordinary Degree: A general degree where you pass courses to receive a degree. Failure in any course means no degree.
• Honours Degree: Focuses on both passing courses and excelling in a specialized field, making it more valued by employers. It provides an indication of your performance level.

An Honours Degree is much more popular in the UK due to its specialized nature and higher value in the job market.

Grading Classifications for Honours Degrees

The UK undergraduate grading system assigns classifications to honours degrees based on performance. Here are the four primary classifications:

1. First-Class Honours (1st)

• Marks Required: 70% or higher
• Equivalent Grade: A
• Description: The first-class degree is the highest possible classification in the UK, awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. This is often seen as a mark of distinction, setting students apart in competitive job markets and higher education applications. At prestigious institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and University of Glasgow, you can even achieve a “double first” by excelling in two different subjects simultaneously.

Impact: Achieving a first-class degree is not just about mastering the subject but also demonstrating a deep understanding and commitment. It greatly enhances your career prospects and opens doors to competitive graduate programs.

2. Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1)

• Marks Required: 60-69%
• Equivalent Grade: B
• Description: The upper second-class degree is one of the most commonly awarded classifications. Universities and employers consider it a sign of high academic competence. Though it is one step below a first-class degree, it’s still highly respected. Many employers set the 2:1 degree as the minimum eligibility criterion for job candidates.

Impact: A 2:1 degree indicates strong command over the subject matter and is a key qualification for competitive roles in industries such as finance, law, and consulting.

3. Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2)

• Marks Required: 50-59%
• Equivalent Grade: C
• Description: A lower second-class degree, often referred to as Desmond, is awarded to students who have performed adequately but may not have demonstrated exceptional proficiency. This grade is often the minimum requirement for certain graduate programs.

Impact: While it may limit job opportunities compared to higher classifications, a 2:2 degree still demonstrates an acceptable level of academic competence.

4. Third-Class Honours (3rd)

• Marks Required: 40-49%
• Equivalent Grade: D
• Description: A third-class degree is the lowest classification and reflects minimal academic achievement. While it’s technically a pass, it offers limited opportunities for further academic pursuit or employment.

Impact: Graduates with a third-class degree may face challenges in finding employment and pursuing higher education. However, it’s important to recognize that even a third-class degree is still a step toward graduation.

What Happens if You Don’t Achieve an Honours Degree?

If you fail to meet the criteria for an honours degree, but have still passed all your courses, some universities may award you an ordinary degree. This signifies that you have completed your studies but without achieving honours-level classification.

An ordinary degree may be seen as less prestigious than an honours degree, but it still demonstrates that you’ve completed the course of study.

The Role of the UK Grading System in Your Future

The UK grading system is not just an academic tool—it has real-world implications. A first-class degree can be the key to landing your dream job, while a 2:1 degree may be essential for progressing into highly competitive postgraduate courses. Understanding this system is crucial for students planning to study in the UK, as it helps you understand what’s required to succeed and how your performance will be assessed.

EduCrest Migration: Your Partner in Pursuing Higher Education in the UK

At EduCrest Migration, we help students from around the world navigate the complexities of studying abroad, especially in the UK. From understanding the grading system to applying for the best universities, we’re with you every step of the way. We offer personalized guidance to ensure you make the best decisions for your academic future.

Ready to apply to a UK university? Create your profile with EduCrest today and unlock a wealth of resources, including personalized recommendations, fast-tracked applications, and much more.