United Kingdom
UK Honours Classification Explained
UK honours degrees are awarded in four classes based on a credit-weighted average of module marks: First Class (70%+), Upper Second / 2:1 (60–69%), Lower Second / 2:2 (50–59%) and Third Class (40–49%). There is no GPA — the classification itself is the headline result on your degree certificate. Most universities weight later years more heavily, and borderline candidates can be pulled up under published rules.
The four classes
| Classification | Common name | Typical weighted average |
|---|---|---|
| First Class Honours | First, 1st | 70%+ |
| Upper Second Class | 2:1 ("two-one") | 60–69% |
| Lower Second Class | 2:2 ("two-two") | 50–59% |
| Third Class Honours | Third, 3rd | 40–49% |
Nationally, about 30% of UK graduates receive a First and roughly half a 2:1 (HESA 2023/24) — see the Russell Group grades guide for the distribution.
How the average is calculated
- Credit weighting: each module mark is weighted by its credit value.
- Year weighting: most programmes weight the final year most heavily (first year often does not count at all).
- Borderline rules: candidates within a percent or two of a boundary can be raised based on published criteria (e.g. the share of credits in the higher band).
- Resits: resat modules are commonly capped at the pass mark, which can affect the final average.
The exact algorithm is programme-specific — always check your own university's classification regulations.
Below honours, and international comparison
A pass below 40% thresholds or with insufficient credits may be awarded as an Ordinary (non-honours) degree at some institutions. For US/Canadian applications, there is no official GPA equivalent — submit your transcript and classification, and use the approximate ranges in our UK to US GPA guide only when a form demands a number.
United Kingdom GPA Calculators
Use the calculator for your university after checking the conversion or grading guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 2:1 degree?
Upper Second Class Honours — a weighted average typically in the 60–69% band. It is the most common UK result and the usual minimum for graduate schemes and master's admission.
Does the first year count toward my classification?
Often not — many UK programmes exclude Year 1 and weight the final year most heavily. The exact weighting is set by your university's classification regulations.
What happens if I am on a classification borderline?
Most universities publish borderline rules: candidates within a small margin of a boundary can be raised to the higher class, commonly based on how many credits fall in the higher band. Check your programme handbook.