Degree Classification | UK University Grading System

The UK university grading system is a challenge to face. Students who score 60% are considered great, those who achieve 70% are a First, while exceptional cases with 80% are rare to the point of non-existence. This write-up explains how their university grading system works.

Classification of Honour Degrees in the UK

How do uni grades work? An important question to ponder over. The grade average is measured through degree classification. The degrees are called First Class, Upper Second Class, Lower Second Class, and Third Class Honours. Each grade consists of percentage marks, which highlight a student’s academic performance. The same criterion is used for postgraduate institutions and employers to identify potential employees. All universities in the UK follow this standard, which is also applicable to international students.

What is First-Class Honours?

First-Class Honours is considered the highest achievable classification level in the UK. What is a first in a degree? It means a student has achieved a grade of 70% in their class. It shows that the person possesses depth of knowledge and critical thinking skills. Securing a ‘first’ is an achievement regarded with high praise, as it requires a lot of effort.

Employers seek 1st Class Honours students as it is a mark of excellence in the grading system UK university. This is not necessarily a prerequisite for careers, but it is a display of talent, and that is attractive. What is a first class honours degree,  you ask? It is a common question, and this is the complete answer to it.

What is an Upper Second Class Honours?

An Upper Second-Class Honours degree is referred to as 2:1. It is given to those who have scored 60-69%. This is the most common grade of a class honours degree. It shows consistent achievement. Most of the companies across the UK accept this type or higher. They recognize it as a badge of achievement. Students who achieve a 2:1 are held in high regard. This type is in demand the most because students can be in this range of grades.

What is a Lower Second Class Honours?

2:2 is a lower Second Class Honours. It is a mid-level honours degree. It means that you cannot apply to all jobs after the final year, but the silver lining is that most companies would still consider it a good academic achievement. 2:2 in uni grading system UK is a respectable score, so if you are one of these students, do not worry. A 2nd class degree is more than acceptable for your career development.

What is a Third Class Honours?

40-49% grade classifies as a Third Class Honours. It is the lowest score in the grad intel. It risks your position in the job market as well as in postgraduate study. It is not great by any means, but it is still a qualification of the education system and shows that you have met the bare minimum, so it is not like you are a lost cause with this score. And you can always improve your grade with further study.

Non-Honours Classifications and Pass Degrees

Pass degrees are handed to those who do not complete the required criteria of a first-class degree, an upper second-class degree, a lower second-class degree, or a third-class degree. Those who do not score 40% opt for this degree.

A pass degree is the kind of qualification which shows that you have finished the program, but you are below the university degree grading system. Non-honours classifications are less usual, which is not the best option for career choices. Some institutions will accept this kind of degree, so you may improve your grades afterwards.

Misconceptions About the University UK Grading System

How are university grades calculated UK? There is no lack of misconceptions about grade boundaries for study in the UK. You do not want to mess up before you start studying in the UK. We have to make the process clear so there is no room for further myths and misunderstandings.

1. 70% as a Low Score

Many countries are strict with grades and classifications. 70% might be considered a mediocre score there. But as far as UK education goes, 70% is credible enough. It is quite exceptional. The university degree grading system may vary by institution and country. One thing is for sure: 80% in the UK system is considered a publishable academic work. That is how much 80% is unheard of.

2. Only the First is the Best

Grading systems vary. A UK first class degree is attractive for sure, but it is not everything. What is first for you may not be the first for anyone else, or vice versa. Uni grading system UK does not apply everywhere, so you do not have to see things through their lens. Successful postgraduate students and professionals score 2:1 and 2:2; these are the biggest market of students across the UK.

3. All Universities share the Same Grading Framework

It is simply not true. Each university has its own grading system. When we discuss the metric above, we mean for the UK degree in general. Knowledge of the UK landscape is important to be aware of the learning model. The more you learn, the more you realize that the varying grade system awaits your academic journey. Whether that is a good thing or not depends on what you prefer in your studies.

These misconceptions must be cleared so you can start your studies without any misunderstanding. After all, you do not want to stress over grades. Alternatively, if it comes to academic paper writing, you could approach Assignment Writer, and we will handle your work professionally as well as help you achieve high grades.

Influence of Degree Classifications on Careers

A class degree can shape your career. The job market checks university rankings and focuses on their undergraduate degree classifications. Whether you are from the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Queens’ University Belfast, the Imperial College London, or anywhere else—employers and postgraduate markers pay attention to the grade point average. 

Sectors like medicine evaluate the final degree classification well, so they can filter out unwanted candidates.

It is worth noting that the times are changing. The world is gradually shifting from its emphasis on grades to skillset. While your GPA still holds value, many firms observe your level of skills learned in the postgraduate grading system.

The key reason for this development is the influx of degree holders in the market. It is oversaturated at this point. There are not enough jobs while degree holders are increasing in numbers. 

The commonest proposed solution to tackle this oversaturation is to help students develop skills.

Degrees are usually the deciding factor for sure but now you have to focus on the area of skill development as well. This is what the future is going to be about, so best be prepared regardless of the type of degree.

Conclusion

UK university grading holds high value in international grading systems. It is considered competitive in all degrees: first class degree, second class degree, and third class degree. There are misconceptions about the UK education system and its grading process, but you can clear them with your research. Last but not least, the impact of degree classification on your work matters, but now you have to prioritize skill development as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does grade inflation work?

Grade inflation in UK universities means the slow rise of students achieving high qualifications (such as Firsts). Many argue it makes it difficult to identify top performers and devalue degree performance.

How do they calculate the final degree classification?

There is no standard classification of all universities. They use a weighted average of grades from the years (including the final year). Each institution has its own weighting rule (e.g 30/70 or 40/60).

How is borderline classification handled?

A borderline classification is the act of qualifying when you are just below the required mark (68.9% for the First). Universities apply criteria or discretion to improve the classification.

What is an exit award?

An exit award is a kind of classification that is given to those students who leave their studies midway but have earned enough credits to earn a diploma or certificate (e.g. Diploma of Higher Education or Certificate of Higher Education).

What is the role of an external examiner?

An external examiner is a separate academic from a different institution who ensures consistency and fairness and reviews assessments. These standards are upheld across classifications and courses.