University Grading System UK: All Necessary Details

What Is the University Grading System in the UK?

The university grading system UK is a standard way of assessing the chances of a student if they are good enough to secure a seat in the universities of the UK. In simple words, this assesses the academic performances of the students for the undergraduate and postgraduate study programs.

Moreover, the UK university grading system is calculated on a scale of 1-100 or 1-70. It varies from every university, but a score of 70 and above is considered a first-class honor degree. Furthermore, 60-69 is an Upper Second-class Honour degree, 50-59 is a Lower Second-class Honour degree, 40-49 is a Third-class Honour degree, and below 40 is a Fail.

After learning about the UK grading system, let us discuss its types in the section below.

Types of University Grading System in UK?

There are several types of university grading system UK. Moreover, they are classified based on the score or the scale it is calculated on. Therefore, further details about every score are:

First-Class Degree

This is the highest classification in the university grading system UK that a student can achieve at the undergraduate level. Moreover, this degree is awarded to students with extreme levels of intelligence in academia and outstanding scores and performance throughout the degree. To be awarded a first-class degree, students must typically achieve an overall average of 70% or above in their assessments.

Upper Second-Class Degree

This is the second highest classification in the university grading system UK that a student can achieve at the undergraduate level. An upper second-class degree is not as highly regarded as a first-class degree but is still a significant achievement for the students. It is often seen as a student's academic potential and ability to succeed in their chosen field. To be awarded an upper second-class degree, students must typically achieve an overall average of 60-69% in their assessments.

Lower Second-Class Degree

This is the third highest classification in the UK uni grading system that a student can achieve at the undergraduate level. This is a low score but still is a satisfactory performance for some employers. To be awarded a lower second-class degree, a student must typically achieve an overall average of 50-59% in their assessments.

Third-Class Degree

This is the lowest classification in the university grading system UK that a student can achieve at the undergraduate. This is considered the minimum grade to pass for an honors degree. To be awarded a third-class degree, a student must typically achieve an overall average of 40-49% in their assessments.

Fail

This category is awarded to the students who have not met the minimum requirements to pass the degree course. This means they have not demonstrated sufficient academic ability or achieved the necessary grades to receive a degree qualification.

These are the types of university Grading system UK that are awarded to the students based on their scores in the honours degree.

Also Read: Universities in UK for International Students 

How Does UK University Grading System Works?

There are several factors on which the university grading system UK works. Read about the most important ones below.

Grading Criteria

Percentage Marks: The main way students are graded is by achieving percentage marks for their work (assignments, exams, presentations, etc.). These percentages are typically broken down as follows:

• 70% and above = First Class (1st)
• 60%–69% = Upper Second Class (2:1)
• 50%–59% = Lower Second Class (2:2)
• 40%–49% = Third Class (3rd)
• Below 40% = Fail (unclassified degree)

Distinctions and Merits: For postgraduate degrees (like Master’s), grades are often classified into:

• Distinction (typically 70%+)
• Merit (typically 60%–69%)
• Pass (typically 50%–59%)
• Fail (below 50%)

Through Assessments

While you study in UK, there are several assessments that you have to go through. This includes several methods of assessing the students such as:

• Written exams
• Essays
• Lab Reports
• Presentations
• Group Projects
• Dissertation
• Research Project

Degree Classification

There is a fixed classification of the undergraduate degree, which is also discussed in the brief above, This classifies the grades of the students into different categories which are:

• First-Class
• Upper Second-Class
• Lower Second-Class
• Third-Class
• Fail

This is the way that the university grading system UK works for the students. Moreover, the point of assessment which is discussed above is a very important factor. Therefore, read the below section to know more about the same.

Suggested Read: UK Education System

How Are UK University Students Assessed?

Most of the universities have more than 1 type of assessment that is used to assess the uni grading system UK. Moreover, you’ll find that similar courses can be assessed on different basis between the universities. So, look at the types of assessments that students can get.

1. Written Exams: This is one of the most widespread methods of assessment in UK universities.
2. Essay Writing: This method is also available widely across maximum subjects to check the understanding of the subject.
3. Lab Reports: For science, medicine, and engineering-based subjects, laboratory work is a weekly occurrence.
4. Presentations: Presentations are commonly used in degree courses where communication is important, such as media, business and management, marketing, education, and information technology.
5. Group Projects: This method is assessed in several degree courses and is found in subjects that revolve around creating a product or service, such as design, communication, and research-based work.
6. Dissertation: It is a long and deeply researched essay that is associated with postgraduate courses. This document is usually of 8,000 to 15,000 words.
7. Research Project: These are usually associated with the postgraduate degree and research projects are common in all kinds of subjects from fine art to history, geography, social sciences, finance, and much more.

Conclusion

This was all about the university grading system UK. Here, you read how this system works and what are the types of it. Moreover, it is beneficial that you score well to become a part of high ranks in this system. However, if you have any confusion related to this, then reach out to our study abroad consultants. These experts have complete knowledge of all the factors related to study abroad. Therefore, book a free session with them today and clear all your doubts.

Useful Links: SOP to Study in the UK Top Courses in the UK College Finder for UK Course Finder for UK

FAQs

What Is the Grading Scale in UK University?

The grading scale in the UK is as follows:

First Class Degree: 70-100%

Upper Second-Class Degree: 60-69%

Lower Second-Class Degree: 50-59%

Third Class Degree: 40-49%

Fail: 0-39%

What Is a 4.0 GPA Equivalent to in the UK?

The 4.0 GPA in the USA is equivalent to a first-class degree in the UK, that is 70-100%.

What is a 2.1 Degree in the UK?

The upper second class degree in the UK, that is 60-69% is also known as 2.1 degree in the UK.

What Is the British Grading Scale?

The UK universities use a letter grade scale from A to F to indicate the student’s academic performance. Here, the grade A is considered the highest, proving the excellence of the students and the F means fail, where students did not get minimum passing marks in the exam.

How to Convert Indian Grades to UK Grades?

When you want to convert the Indian grades to the UK grades, it will be as:

First Class Degree: Indian 90%+

Upper Second-Class Degree: Indian 75-89%

Lower Second-Class Degree: Indian 60-74%

Third Class Degree: Indian 50-59%

Fail: Indian below 50%