UK Degree Classification | First Class Honours Degree

Worried about what your final degree classification means for your future? You’re not the only one. Lots of students in UK universities feel confused or nervous when they hear terms like first-class honours, 2:1, or 2:2. You might be asking yourself: Will my grade affect my job chances? Can I still get into a master’s programme without a 2:1? What if I end up with a 2:2? Does that mean I’ve failed?

These questions can be really stressful, especially in your final year when every mark matters. The truth is, your degree classification does influence your academic and career options, but knowing how it works and how to improve it can help you take control of your future.

In this blog, our assignment helper UK has explained the UK degree classification in simple words so that you can understand it all with ease and boost your academic performance in the UK.

What is a UK degree classification?

In the UK, undergraduate degrees come with different classifications based on how well you perform academically. These classifications show your overall score and help employers and universities understand your achievement level.

There are four main honours classifications, plus a pass degree for those who don’t meet the honours standards. Our assignment helper UK has broken them down step by step so that you can understand them easily.

Types of UK Degree Classifications

Each classification is based on your overall percentage score during your course. Here’s what each one means:

First Class Honours Degree (First Class Degree): Awarded if your final mark is 70% or above. This means you’ve done exceptionally well, showing strong knowledge and critical thinking.

Upper Second Class Honours (2:1 Degree): For scores between 60 and 69%. This is the most common and widely respected classification, often the minimum needed for postgraduate study and many graduate jobs.

Lower Second Class Honours (2:2 Degree): Given for marks between 50 and 59%. It’s a pass but may limit some competitive job or academic options, though many employers accept it. 

Third Class Honours: If you score 40–49%, you get a third-class degree. This means you’ve met the basic requirements but didn’t stand out academically.

Ordinary Degree / Pass: If you complete your degree but don’t meet honours criteria, you receive a pass degree. It’s valid but might offer fewer opportunities. 

Unsure how to boost your academic marks? No worries, mate! Our expert assignment helper UK team is here to assist you with your coursework writing. Their expertise will help you boost your academic grades easily.

UK Degree Classification Table

Classification	Percentage Range	Grade Meaning
First Class Honours (1st)	70% and above	Excellent/Outstanding performance
Upper Second Class (2:1)	60% – 69%	Very Good performance
Lower Second Class (2:2)	50% – 59%	Good / Satisfactory performance
Third Class Honours (3rd)	40% – 49%	Pass-level performance
Fail	Below 40%	Degree not awarded

What Your Degree Classification Means for You

Your classification influences how employers and universities see your academic ability. Here’s what each one says about you:

First Class Honours Degree: Achieving this degree shows you’ve consistently produced top-quality work and have mastered your subject. It makes a strong impression for jobs and further study.

Upper Second Class Honours (2:1 Degree): It is considered above average and reflects good academic skills. It keeps many career and study options open for you.

Lower Second Class Honours (2:2 Degree): It shows that you can complete a degree; however, you might need to highlight experience or other strengths for jobs.

Third Class or Ordinary Degree: This degree reflects minimal academic success, but you can still pursue certain roles or enhance your profile through further study or training.

Note: Is a 2:2 the end of the world? Not anymore! In the past, a 2:1 was the "golden ticket". In recent years, there has been a major shift. Some leading UK firms, such as PwC, and other employers have reduced or removed strict 2:1 requirements, focusing more on skills and experience. If you have a 2:2 but strong work experience, you are still a top candidate for many global firms.

How Is Degree Classification Calculated?

The question many students ask is, “How does the university decide my final degree class?”

It is not a complicated process, but it is based on your marks in various years of study.

The UK uses your final-year and second-year performance as the primary basis of degree classification. At most universities, first-year marks do not count towards your final classification, although you must pass the year to progress.

Step 1: Which Years Are Counted?

Most universities utilise marks of:

Second Year (Level 5)

Final Year (Level 6)

The weighting is commonly:

1. Second Year – 30% to 40%

2. Final Year – 60% to 70%

Example: With 30% of Year 2 and 70% of Year 3, you will be primarily evaluated on your performance in the final year.

Step 2: Module Marks Usage.

Every year is composed of different modules. Every module is assigned a credit value and a final mark. Universities compute a weighted average based on the marks you get and the credits of each module. Higher-credit modules have a greater impact on your outcome than lower-credit modules.

Step 3: Borderline Rules

In case your overall average is nearer to a higher category, universities can use borderline regulations.  

For example, in some universities, 69% may be upgraded to a First Class, or 59% to a 2:1, depending on university rules and module performance. 

This will be based on your end-of-year performance, high-scoring modules and university policies.

Step 4: Final Classification Decision.

Calculations determine your final average, which determines your degree class:  

1. 70% and above – First Class  

2. 60%–69% – Upper Second (2:1)  

3. 50%–59% – Lower Second (2:2)  

4. 40%–49% – Third Class  

5. Below 40% – Fail  

What if you fail an assignment or have a crisis?

If things do not go as planned, you should know the university terms. Knowing the difference can protect your degree:

1. Referrals: essentially a “resit”. If you fail an assignment or exam, you can receive a referral. Note: Referral marks are usually capped at the pass mark (often 40%), meaning you cannot improve your original grade

2. Deferrals: If you have a good reason (illness, for example) and apply before the deadline, you can “defer”. This allows you to submit your work later, and your grade isn’t capped; you can still get a 1st or 2:1!

3. Mitigating Circumstances (MC): Always use the university portal if you are experiencing a personal crisis. It may enable extensions, unlimited resits, or a review of your results by the exam board if you are on the borderline between two grades.

4. Appeals: If you believe that a mark is unfair because of a procedural mistake, you can appeal for a remark or investigation.

How to Improve Your Degree Classification

You don’t need to be a genius; just work smart and ask for help when needed. Here are five simple tips to improve your classification before graduation:  

1. Pay attention to feedback: Before submitting your assignments, you can ask for the tutor's feedback on your assignment. This will help you know the insights of your assignments and where you are lacking so that you can improve them. 

2. Start assignments early: late submission or last-minute submission can affect your academic grades. Hence, to avoid that, make sure to craft your assignments early. Although writing an assignment takes a lot of time in researching and all, this will give you plenty of time to complete and submit your assignment on time.

3. Enhance your writing skills: One of the best things you can do to improve your academic grade is to enhance your writing skills. This will not only benefit you in your current academic studies but will also help in your further education in the UK.

4. Use academic resources: Make sure that while writing your academic coursework, you effectively utilise all the academic resources available. Join workshops, study groups, and writing centres provided by your university.

5. Ask for professional help: While writing your coursework, if you ever find yourself getting stuck, don't stress yourself out and ask for professional help. You can also directly ask our experts, “I need help with my assignment in the UK.”

Locus Assignments offers expert support for UK students aiming for a 2:1 or first-class honours. Just say, “I need help with my assignment in the UK,” and we’ve got your back.

Final Words

Whether you have a 2:2 now, want a 2:1, or dream of a first-class degree, understanding UK degree classifications helps you plan your future with confidence. It can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. We’ve helped many students across the UK improve their academic performance and take control of their futures.

Need help boosting your grades? Contact our UK assignment helper today. We’ll match you with a skilled writer who knows your subject and goals. Let us help with your assignments and get you closer to your dream classification.

Some Common Questions Students Often Ask

Here are answers to common questions about degree classifications:

1. What Is First Class Honours Degree?

It’s the highest academic achievement, meaning you scored 70% or more with original, excellent work.

2. How to Write First Class Honours on Your CV?

Here is how you can do it:

BA (Hons) in English Literature – First Class Honours, University of Manchester (2025)

Include it in your education section, clear and professional.

3. What Is a 2:1 Degree UK Equivalent To?

Roughly equivalent to a GPA of 3.3–3.7, or a B+ to A- grade internationally (approximate conversion, varies by institution).

4. What Is a 2:2 UK GPA Equivalent To?

Usually equivalent to a GPA of around 2.7–3.0, or a C+ to B grade (approximate and depends on the university).

About Author

Dr James Carter is an academic consultant with over 11 years of experience supporting UK university students. He specialises in assignment writing, UK grading standards, and assessment criteria. At Locus Assignments, he delivers plagiarism-free academic work and reliable assignment help to meet strict university deadlines.