In 2020-21, approximately 452,225 international students pursued a university degree in the United Kingdom, according to recent statistics. It is likely advisable to familiarize yourself with the grading system of UK universities, which is also implemented in numerous other countries if you intend to pursue a bachelor’s or integrated master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
Therefore, the following comprehensively explains the UK grading system and its operation.
UK degree options
Ordinary and honors degrees are the two options available to applicants for undergraduate degrees in the United Kingdom.
Honours degree classifications
An honors degree is classified into four classes, namely: first, upper-second, lower-second, and third-class, according to the university grading system in the UK. Each course is assigned a grade and percentage that are equivalent.
| Classification | Mark | Equivalent grade |
| First-class (1st) | 70%+ | A |
| Upper second-class (2.1) | 60-69% | B |
| Lower second-class (2.2) | 50-59% | C |
| Third class (3) | 40-49% | D |
The highest-level degree classification awarded is first class honors, or a ‘first’. It is granted to pupils who have accomplished 70% or higher in their academic pursuits. This class exhibits the utmost level of achievement, and the equivalent grade is “A.” Although it has become more challenging for students to specialize in multiple subjects simultaneously, they can pursue a joint honors degree in order to achieve a first-class degree in two distinct subjects. Some esteemed institutions, including the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Glasglow, are awarding this degree, which is referred to as “double firsts.”
A first-class degree demonstrates your commitment and enthusiasm for the field of specialization, which can increase your likelihood of securing a dream employment or being admitted to the university of your choice for further education.
When you attain a score of 60-69%, you are awarded an upper second-class degree or a two-one degree. It is equivalent to a level B degree. Despite the fact that obtaining this degree would position you behind the holders of first-class degrees, you will still be ahead of all other individuals. This degree serves as the minimum eligibility requirement for universities and employers seeking to recruit the most talented individuals. This degree indicates that you possess a moderate level of expertise in your field.
A lower second-class degree, also known as Desmond or two-two, is equivalent to a grade C and is awarded to students who achieve 50 to 59% of their marks. This is the minimum grade that must be obtained in order to be considered for a standard graduate program or employment opportunity.
A third-class degree or a third indicates that you have scarcely managed to pass the course with 40 to 49% marks or a D-grade. This degree is not commonly attained by graduates and those who do have limited options for employment and further education. This is likely a degree that you would never wish to receive, as it is the lowest of the lot.
In certain universities in the United Kingdom, honors students who do not obtain a third-class degree by a small margin will be awarded an ordinary degree. In this instance, the ordinary degree signifies that the student has satisfactorily concluded their degree, but has not met the requirements for obtaining honors.