UK Grading System 2025 for Undergrad & Postgrad Degrees

The UK grading system is the standardized way universities evaluate student performance. It varies depending on whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student and helps admissions, employers, and scholarship committees understand your academic achievements.

The UK grading system differs between

Undergraduate 

• Honours Degrees: Classified into First Class, Upper Second (2:1), Lower Second (2:2), and Third Class, reflecting overall performance.
• Ordinary Degrees: Usually pass/fail, without honours classification.

Postgraduate

Postgraduate assessments take a more holistic approach, combining coursework, exams, and research projects. This allows evaluation tailored to your research interests, professional goals, and overall academic performance.

The UK undergraduate degree classification system is used across British universities to assess the overall academic performance of students. It is divided into First-Class (1st), Upper Second-Class (2:1), Lower Second-Class (2:2), Third-Class (3rd), and Fail, each reflecting different levels of achievement. 

These classifications influence eligibility for postgraduate studies and career opportunities:

First-Class Degree (1st)

Percentage Score: 70% to 100%

It signifies outstanding academic achievement, often considered equivalent to an 'A' grade. Achieving a First-Class degree is a significant accomplishment and is highly regarded by employers and academic institutions. 

Upper Second-Class Degree (2:1)

Percentage Score: 60% to 69%

This indicates very good performance and is the most common degree classification. A 2:1 is widely accepted for entry into postgraduate programmes and is often the minimum requirement for many graduate-level job positions. 

Lower Second-Class Degree (2:2)

Percentage Score: 50% to 59%

This denotes satisfactory performance with room for improvement. While a 2:2 may meet the basic requirements for some postgraduate courses, it can limit opportunities in competitive job markets. 

Third-Class Degree (3rd)

Percentage Score: 40% to 49%

This represents the minimum standard to obtain an honours degree. A Third-Class degree may not meet the entry requirements for many postgraduate programmes and can be a disadvantage in the job market. 

Fail

Percentage Score: Below 40%

Indicates insufficient performance to meet degree criteria. Students who fail to achieve the required marks may not be awarded a degree and might need to retake assessments or courses to qualify.

The UK postgraduate grading system evaluates how well students perform in advanced academic programs, including master’s degrees and professional courses. The following postgraduate program combines taught modules, research projects, and practical applications, so grades show both knowledge and independent skills:

• Taught Courses: Master’s degrees (MSc, MA, MBA) and postgraduate diplomas focus on structured learning, assignments, and exams.
• Research Courses: Programs like PhDs emphasize original research, thesis writing, and critical analysis, often building on prior master’s work.
• Conversion Courses: Designed for students changing fields, helping them gain foundational knowledge and meet professional requirements.
• Professional Qualifications: Specialised courses targeting careers in areas like finance, law, or healthcare, combining academic learning with industry skills.

The master’s degree, the most common postgraduate qualification, provides opportunities for advanced academic study, professional specialisation, and enhanced career prospects.

Below is the standard grading scheme for master’s degrees in the UK:

UK universities assign overall degree classifications (First, Upper Second 2:1, Lower Second 2:2, Third) based on marks or percentages, while Indian universities typically use percentages or GPAs (out of 10 or 7).

High-achieving Indian students with marks around 75% or above usually correspond to a UK First-Class degree, while 60 - 69% maps to Upper Second (2:1), and so on. This comparison is useful for students applying to UK universities or planning further studies abroad:

Converting UK degree classifications to a US-style GPA is not fixed,  as there is no universally accepted standard. However, approximate conversions are often used by employers and international institutions:

• First-Class Degree: Roughly equivalent to a GPA of 3.7 - 4.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Upper Second-Class (2:1): Often approximated to a GPA of 3.3 - 3.6.
• Lower Second-Class (2:2): Might translate to a GPA of 2.7 - 3.0.
• Third-Class Degree: Typically seen as equivalent to a GPA around 2.0 - 2.5.

In the UK, the ECTS grading scale helps compare local grades with a European standard. Grades range from A (top 10%) to F (fail). Many UK universities include ECTS grades alongside their national grading to support international students.

Below is a table showing how UK degree classifications match the ECTS grading scale:

UK universities primarily assess students through essays and lab work. Below are the major ways students are evaluated in detail:

Written Assignments

Students complete essays, reports, and literature reviews to demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to synthesize multiple sources. These assignments are often weighted significantly and contribute to the final grade.

Examinations

Timed exams test knowledge under pressure and assess understanding of core concepts. Many courses combine open-book or practical exams to measure application of theory, not just recall.

Practical Work or Lab Assessments

Students are evaluated on experiments, projects, and lab reports for STEM and applied subjects. Marks consider both technical accuracy and the ability to interpret results and draw conclusions.

Presentations and Group Work

Students are assessed on communication, teamwork, and the ability to defend ideas. Many programs use peer assessment alongside lecturer evaluation to ensure fair grading.

Research Projects or Dissertations

Independent research is a key component at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Students are graded on research design, methodology, originality, and analysis, which prepares them for real-life problem-solving and postgraduate study.

Trying to figure out how your grades measure up in the UK system? Yocket Premium makes it simple. We understand that it can be confusing to compare grading systems across different countries, and that's why our expert counselors are here to make it easy for you by helping you understand how your home country's grading system compares to the UK's unique classifications and what your current marks mean for your dream UK degree program so you can unlock your academic potential - schedule a personalized consultation with a Yocket counselor today!