UK education system

How does the UK university grading system work?

By Chris Tucker• Last updated: Oct 30, 2023
How does the UK university grading system work?
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From primary schools to universities, the UK grading system plays a pivotal role in determining a student's progress, qualifications, and eligibility for further studies or professional pursuits. But, the UK grading system can be a bit confusing for newcomers. In this article, we'll fully outline the UK university grading system, so you can feel confident about how it works before arriving.

Also Read Ideas on how to fund your studies in the UK.

The UK university grading system and the US university grading system

The UK and US university grading systems are quite different. In the UK, a first-class degree is the highest grade you can get, while a first-class degree is just one of many possible grades in the US. In the US, a first-class degree usually means that you have achieved the highest possible marks in all of your courses. In the UK, a first-class degree is more about distinction - you have achieved significantly higher marks than most students. Another difference is that the UK system ranges from firsts, seconds to thirds, while the US system does not. This means there are more grades in the UK than in the US.

Finally, postgraduate degrees in the UK tend to be research-based, while postgraduate degrees in the US tend to be course-based.

Degree ClassPercentage ScoreUS Grade
First-Class Degree70 - 100%A
Upper Second-Class Degree60 - 69%A- / B+
Lower Second-Class Degree50 - 59%B / B-
Third-Class Degree40 - 49%C+ / C /C-
Fail0 - 39%F
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Grading system in the UK

There are four main grades in the UK grade system: first class, upper second class, lower second class, and third class. Ordinary degrees (the most common type) are given after passing all required exams and coursework; a student who fails to meet these requirements will usually be awarded an ordinary degree without honours. Honours degrees require the student to achieve significantly higher marks than an ordinary degree. There are also postgraduate degrees which can be either research-based or course-based. Research-based degrees involve completing a piece of original research under the supervision of a supervisor, while course-based degrees involve taking taught courses and completing a dissertation or project.

Also Read: Explore the Undergraduate Degrees in the UK

Grading system in compulsory education

The UK grade system is a standardised method used to assess students' academic performance across various levels of education. It encompasses primary, secondary, and higher education, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. In secondary education, the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations underwent a reform in 2017, shifting from letter grades to a numerical scale from 9 to 1.

Grading system in UK higher education

In higher education, undergraduate degrees are typically classified into First-Class Honours, Upper Second-Class Honours, Lower Second-Class Honours, Third-Class Honours, and Pass, while postgraduate degrees use distinctions, merits, passes, and fails. The UK grading system helps students gauge their achievements, enables fair comparisons, and plays a crucial role in academic and professional pursuits.

GCSE Grading

GCSE, which stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education, is designed to assess students' knowledge, understanding, and skills in a range of subjects and play a pivotal role in shaping their future educational and career pathways. The grading system for GCSEs underwent significant changes. Previously, GCSEs were graded on a letter scale from A* to G, with A* representing the highest grade. However, the grading system was reformed to introduce a numerical scale from 9 to 1, where 9 is the highest grade and 1 is the lowest. The new grading system was implemented to provide greater differentiation among high-performing students and to align with international educational standards.

New Grading StructureOld Grading Structure
9 to 4A* to C
3 to 1 D to G
UU

UK grading system: UG degree

In the UK, undergraduate degrees are typically awarded as a First Class, Second Class Upper, Second Class Lower, and Third Class degree.

1. First class degree

A First class degree is the highest grade you can get, meaning you have achieved significantly higher marks than most students. This is awarded to anything above 70%.

2. Second class degree

The Second class degree is further divided into two sub-categories:

  • A second class upper degree is the second highest grade you can get, meaning you have achieved higher marks than most students. This is awarded to anything between 60-69%. It is also referred to as a 2.1.
  • A second class Lower degree is the third highest grade you can get, which means you have achieved lower marks than most students. This is awarded to anything between 50-59%. It is also referred to as a 2.2.

3. Third class degree

A Third Class degree is a pass and is the lowest of the classification tiers. It is awarded to anything between 40-49%.

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4. Fail

Students who do not meet the minimum requirements for a Third-Class degree may receive a Fail grade. A Fail means that the student did not achieve the required academic standards to pass the degree.

Degree ClassPercentage ScoreGrade
First-Class DegreeAbove 70%Distinction
Upper Second-Class Degree60 - 69%Merit
Lower Second-Class Degree50 - 59%Pass
Third-Class Degree40 - 49%Pass
Fail0 - 39%Fail
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UK grading system: PG degree

The university grading system UK for postgraduate (PG) degrees varies depending on the type of qualification pursued, such as Master's degrees or Doctorates (Ph.D.). The grading system for PG degrees is typically more stringent and focused on advanced academic research and specialised knowledge. Here's an overview of the UK grading system university for PG degrees:

1. Master's degrees

The most common grading system for Master's degrees includes the following classifications:

  • Distinction: This is the highest grade, typically awarded for an exceptional level of academic achievement, often corresponding to an average of 70% or above.
  • Merit: This grade is awarded to students who have demonstrated a good level of academic performance, generally with an average between 60% and 69%.
  • Pass: This indicates satisfactory completion of the program with an average between 50% and 59%.
  • Fail: Students who do not meet the minimum requirements for a Pass may receive a Fail grade.

2. Doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees

For Doctorate degrees, the university grading system UK is more focused on the candidate's research work and the quality of their thesis or dissertation. The main grades for a Ph.D. are:

  • Pass: If the candidate's research and thesis meet the required standards, they will be awarded a Pass.
  • Fail: If the thesis and research do not meet the minimum requirements, the candidate may receive a Fail grade.

Types of exams in the UK university system

In the UK university system, students can take different types of exams. These include coursework, exams, and practicals.

  • Coursework is an exam completed as part of a course, and it usually takes the form of a piece of written work or a project.
  • Exams are assessments that are completed in person, and they usually involve answering multiple-choice or essay questions.
  • Practicals are exams that involve completing a task or activity in-person.

The UK grading system vs ETCS grades

The UK grading system encompasses various educational levels, and for higher education, the most common classification for undergraduate degrees includes First-Class Honours, Upper Second-Class Honours, Lower Second-Class Honours, Third-Class Honours, Pass, and Fail. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a credit system used to facilitate the recognition and transfer of study credits among European universities. It is not a grading system itself, but it works in conjunction with the local grading systems in different European countries.

Degree ClassPercentage ScoreETCS Grade
First-Class Degree70 - 100%A
Upper Second-Class Degree60 - 69%B
Lower Second-Class Degree50 - 59%C
Third-Class Degree40 - 49%D
Fail0- 39%E / F

Frequently asked questions

Is 70% an A in the UK? 

In the UK, a 70% grade is generally considered a high B grade, not an A. The UK grading system often uses percentage ranges differently than some other systems, so a higher percentage is typically required to achieve an A grade.

What is the UK grading scale? 

The UK grading scale varies between institutions, but generally, it includes the following grades:

  • 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 the grading system in the UK vs India?

The UK grading system and the Indian grading system differ in their structure and evaluation criteria. While the UK uses letters (A, B, C, etc.) or a combination of letters and percentages, India often employs a percentage-based system. 

Is 80% an A in the UK? 

In the UK, an 80% grade is typically considered an A grade, depending on the institution and its specific grading scale. 

What is "12th pass" called in the UK?

In the UK, the equivalent of "12th pass" is typically referred to as completing the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations. 

What is a good GPA in the UK?

The UK doesn't commonly use the GPA (Grade Point Average) system. Instead, it employs a percentage-based or letter-grade system. A good GPA in the UK would translate to achieving high percentages or consistently receiving A and B grades, depending on the institution's grading scale.

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Chris is the Content Manager at Edvoy based in Manchester. His interests include running, reading, walking his dog, and all things content. 

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