The UK university grading system is a standard way of assessing the academic performance of undergraduate and postgraduate students. The grading system has been in place for several decades and is used across all universities in the UK.
The UK university grading system is based on a numerical scale, typically ranging from 0 to 100 or 0 to 70. The grading system varies slightly between universities, but generally, a score of 70 or above is considered a First-class Honours degree, 60-69 is an Upper Second-class Honours degree, 50-59 is a Lower Second-class Honours degree, 40-49 is a Third-class Honours degree, and below 40 is a Fail.
Degree Class Percentage Score
First-Class Honours: 70% – 100%
Upper Second-Class Degree: 60% – 69%
Lower Second-Class Degree: 50% – 59%
Third Class Degree: 40% – 49%
Fail: 0 – 39%
The UK university grading system provides a clear and transparent way of measuring a student’s academic performance, allowing employers and other institutions to easily compare the academic achievements of different students and make informed decisions based on their grades. Additionally, the system encourages students to strive for higher grades and provides a clear incentive for academic excellence. It is also recognized internationally.
UK University Grading System Explained
First-Class Degree
In the UK, a first-class degree is the highest classification that a student can achieve at the undergraduate level. It is awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability and achieved outstanding results throughout their degree.
To be awarded a first-class degree, a student must typically achieve an overall average of 70% or above in their assessments, although the specific requirements may vary depending on the institution and the course of study.
Upper Second-Class Degree
Also known as a 2:1, a UK upper second-class degree is the second-highest classification that a student can achieve at the undergraduate level.
To be awarded an upper second-class degree, a student must typically achieve an overall average of 60-69% in their assessments, although the specific requirements may vary depending on the institution and the course of study.
While an upper second-class degree is not as highly regarded as a first-class degree, it is still a significant achievement and is often seen as a strong indicator of a student’s academic potential and ability to succeed in their chosen field.
Lower Second-Class Degree
A lower second-class degree, also known as a 2:2 degree, is the third-highest classification. To be awarded a lower second-class degree, a student must typically achieve an overall average of 50-59% in their assessments, although the specific requirements may vary depending on the institution and the course of study.
Third-Class Degree
A third-class degree is the lowest classification that a student can achieve at the undergraduate level. To be awarded a third-class degree, a student must typically achieve an overall average of 40-49% in their assessments, although the specific requirements may vary depending on the institution and the course of study.
Fail
A fail grade is awarded to students who have not met the minimum requirements to pass their degree course. This means that they have not demonstrated a sufficient level of academic ability or achieved the necessary grades to receive a degree qualification. The specific requirements for a fail grade may vary depending on the institution and the course of study. In most cases, a student who receives a failing grade will need to retake some or all of their assessments in order to pass the course and receive a degree qualification.
While receiving a failing grade can be disappointing and challenging, it is important to remember that it does not necessarily reflect a student’s potential or future success. Many students who initially fail their degree are able to learn from their mistakes, retake their assessments, and ultimately achieve their degree qualification.
UK university student assessment
- UK university students are assessed using a variety of methods, including:
- Exams that assess a student’s knowledge and understanding of a subject
- Coursework, written or practical, including essays, reports, projects, presentations, and lab reports
- Oral assessments assess students’ ability to communicate their ideas effectively.
- Practical assessments that assess a student’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations
- Portfolios which compile a student’s work throughout their course, most commonly found on art or fashion programmes
- Dissertations, which are large research projects that students typically complete in their final year of study
