What Is a Degree Classification in the UK?

In the UK, undergraduate honours degrees have a unique degree classification system with four main levels indicating your overall grade. In this article, you’ll learn what we mean by a degree classification, the expectations at each level, why this matters, and the benefits of gaining a high classification. Also, note our tips on how to achieve a high classification. 

What is a degree classification?

Universities grade and award honours degrees according to a classification system. Just as you receive grades of A, B, or C in school, universities mark your degree as varying honours classifications on your level of study. 

Your university uses a weighted grade average or percentage to calculate the level you reach. To receive a classification at all, you must be working at a grade of at least 40 percent, and to achieve the highest levels, you’ll be expected to be working at least 70 percent. 

Types of undergraduate degree classification UK

You’ll find four undergraduate honours degree classifications in the UK. These rank from the highest to the lowest levels, while those who don’t receive a classification get a pass or fail. 

Universities mark work using this classification throughout the course and for a final grade so that you may receive a high classification for one module and a lower classification for another. For a final grade, they take an average. It’s also important to note that each university may slightly differ in calculating grades and classifying degrees, so it’s helpful to check directly with the university you’re attending or interested in.

Degree classifications are as follows:

First-class honours 

Mainly known as simply a “first,” this classification is the gold standard. It shows you can work at the top level. You receive this award for grades of over 70 percent throughout the course. 

Upper second-class honours

An upper second-class honours classification, typically a 2:1, is an excellent achievement. It is awarded to those receiving grades at an average of 60 to 69 percent. 

Competitive employers and postgraduate study courses often specify a 2:1 as part of the application criteria. However, this is becoming less so as employers look for qualities and skills in addition to a high degree classification. 

Lower second-class honours

You’ll receive lower second-class honours, or a 2:2 if you achieve grades of 50 to 60 percent. This classification is less desirable than the top two for gaining employment with some firms and access to master' s-level courses. 

Third-class honours 

Third-class honours, also known as “a third,” is the lowest level of honours degree classification and is given to students who score 40 to 50 percent overall. Achieving this classification brings challenges as many companies stipulate higher-level classifications as essential criteria, and many master’s courses will not accept this as an indication that you can work at the master’s level. 

However, if you receive this classification, don’t panic. You can still move forward, but it’s important that you can demonstrate your capabilities through other means, such as skills and experience.

Pass

Pass is not technically a degree classification, but ordinary (or non-honour degrees) are given a pass if you complete your degree. You aren't awarded your degree if you don’t achieve the necessary grades to pass. 

Sometimes, if you fail to meet the third-class honours degree classification, a university may award you an ordinary degree.  

Why is a degree classification important?

Your degree classification is your way of showing what you can do. If earning your degree was simply a pass-or-fail proposition, it would eliminate the distinction between those who worked at the top level and those who just scraped a pass. It demonstrates your ability, commitment, and motivation. It also allows employers and postgraduate course providers to match people with their required level. 

Who might ask for your degree classification?

When applying for a job or further study, an employer will likely ask for your degree classification. While this isn’t always the case, many course providers and employers ask for a degree classification in line with the role, salary, or course difficulty they provide. 

Benefits of earning a high degree classification

Degree classifications reflect the level you work at, and receiving a higher level classification of a first or a 2:1 can help you access higher pay, jobs with competitive companies, and postgraduate courses with the highest entry requirements.

Job prospects

Some job roles, such as a doctor, vet, or investment banker, require at least a 2:1. If these are the areas you want to enter, it’s essential to receive a good degree classification. Similarly, some top employers only accept students with a 2:1 or higher. 

Higher paid jobs

Along with specific careers requiring a minimum of 2:1, research shows that a higher bachelor’s degree grade correlates with better-paying jobs. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) reports that someone with a first-class honours degree can expect a salary of between 3.5 and 7 percent higher than someone with an upper second-class honours classification (2:1). Similarly, third-class classification results in roughly 15 to 18 percent fewer earnings than someone with a 2:1 [1]. 

Access to postgraduate courses

Postgraduate courses stipulate a required degree classification for entry. Course providers want to know that you can study at the level the programme requires. Therefore, the minimum entry requirement is usually a 2:1 (sometimes a 2:2) for a master’s level course and a 2:1 for a PhD. 

Access to graduate programmes 

Some companies run graduate programmes that put new graduates through extensive on-the-job training. Depending on the company, these can be highly competitive, and employers often stipulate a degree classification of 2:1 or above.

Tips for achieving a high degree classification 

Achieving a first-class honours degree is the highest level of bachelor’s degree classification, and it requires hard work, commitment, and motivation. If this is your goal, consider using these tips to help you achieve it:

Learn your subject: Read, research, take notes, and fully immerse yourself in your subject area. Know it inside out so you understand it. Cramming is not effective; you need to have a deep understanding of the materials.

Ask for help: You will face times when you don’t understand something. You may also run into obstacles like a personal problem that prevents you from making a deadline, or you may get behind. Being able to ask for help is vital to success. Your tutors are there to support you. 

Collaborate: Working with others, networking, sharing and communicating, and having people to bounce ideas off is a great way to level up your knowledge and increase your motivation. 

Look after yourself: You mustn’t suffer from burnout. Work hard, but remember to take breaks, eat good food, exercise, sleep, and look after your well-being.

Earn your degree with Coursera

Are you looking to start your degree? On Coursera, you can find many options to study a degree course from home in your own time, allowing you the flexibility to work towards a high degree classification. For example, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of London or a Master of Advanced Study in Engineering from UC Berkeley, among others.