The four honours classes
Most UK bachelor's degrees with honours are awarded in one of four classes: First Class (a First), Upper Second Class (a 2:1), Lower Second Class (a 2:2) and Third Class (a Third). Students who don't meet the honours requirements may be awarded an ordinary or pass degree, depending on the university's rules.
Typical percentage boundaries
Universities set their own regulations, but the boundaries are very consistent: 70% and above for a First, 60–69% for a 2:1, 50–59% for a 2:2, and 40–49% for a Third. Forty percent is the usual pass mark for undergraduate modules. These boundaries apply to your overall weighted average, not to individual modules.
Marks in the UK tend to look low to students used to other systems. A mark in the high 60s or above is a strong result in many subjects, and marks above 80% are relatively rare in essay-based subjects.
How the final average is calculated
Your classification is based on a weighted average of module marks, typically weighted by credits. In a standard three-year English degree, first-year marks often don't count, and the final average combines second and third year in a ratio set by the university, for example 40:60, 50:50 or 25:75. Scottish honours degrees usually run for four years, with the classification based mainly on the third and fourth (honours) years. Integrated master's degrees have their own rules.
Some universities also discount the lowest-scoring credits, or calculate the class two ways and award whichever is higher. Your programme handbook or academic regulations will explain exactly which method applies to you. Our degree classification calculator lets you enter module marks with credits to get a credit-weighted average; to reflect year weightings, you can enter each year's average with a weight that matches your regulations.
Borderlines
Students whose average falls just below a boundary, for example 68.5–69.9%, may be considered for the higher class. Universities use different borderline rules: some apply a "preponderance" rule, where you move up if a set proportion of your credits are in the higher band; others look at final-year performance or use exam board discretion. There is no single national rule, so check yours.
Why it matters
Many graduate employers and postgraduate courses state a minimum classification, most commonly a 2:1. A 2:2 still opens many doors, and many employers look at experience and skills alongside grades, but it's worth knowing the threshold for any scheme you're targeting early, while there's still time to influence your marks.
A worked example
Imagine a three-year degree where year 2 and year 3 are weighted 40:60 and year 1 doesn't count. You average 62% in year 2. What do you need in year 3 for a First? Solve 0.4 × 62 + 0.6 × Y = 70, which gives 24.8 + 0.6Y = 70, so Y = 75.3%. For a 2:1 you'd need 0.4 × 62 + 0.6 × Y = 60, so Y = 58.7%: you're already on track. With a 50:50 weighting a First would need a 78% year-3 average instead, showing how much the weighting rule matters.
Run the same sum with your university's real weighting before deciding where to focus. The year-weighted approach works in our calculator if you enter each year's average as one row and the weight as its credits.
Remember to check whether any rules on discounting credits or borderline decisions could change the result.
Other awards you may see
Not every degree uses the four-class system. Integrated master's degrees such as MEng or MSci usually still award honours classes, but taught postgraduate master's degrees normally use Distinction, Merit and Pass instead, with typical thresholds of 70% for a Distinction and 60% for a Merit, though again each university sets its own rules. Medical and some other professional degrees may not be classified at all. Some universities also record a Grade Point Average alongside the classification on the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR).
If you're comparing with systems abroad, be careful with direct conversions. A UK 2:1 doesn't map neatly onto a US GPA, and universities and employers in other countries often use their own conversion tables or credential evaluation services.
Planning ahead
Work out your current average and what you need in remaining modules to reach a boundary. If the remaining credits carry heavy weight, as final-year credits often do, improvement late in your degree can still change your class. Use our calculator to model scenarios, and see UCAS Tariff points explained if you're still applying. All results are unofficial; your university's exam board decides your classification.
Try the calculator
Last reviewed 11 October 2026. Unofficial guidance; check official sources for decisions.
FAQ
What percentage is a 2:1?
Typically 60–69% overall weighted average.
What percentage is a First?
Typically 70% or above.
Does first year count towards my degree classification?
At many English universities it doesn't, but this varies. Check your programme regulations.