United Kingdom
Russell Group Grades & UK Degree Classifications
Russell Group universities use the standard UK honours classification — First (70%+), Upper Second / 2:1 (60–69%), Lower Second / 2:2 (50–59%) and Third (40–49%) — not a GPA. Across UK providers, about 30% of students now graduate with a First and roughly half with a 2:1 (HESA, 2023/24). The Russell Group is the UK's 24 large research-intensive universities; the classification bands are the same nationwide, but marking is strict, so a First (70+) is genuinely high.
The UK classification bands
| Classification | Typical weighted average | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First Class (1st) | 70%+ | Highest classification |
| Upper Second (2:1) | 60–69% | Most common; usual minimum for grad schemes and master's entry |
| Lower Second (2:2) | 50–59% | Solid pass |
| Third (3rd) | 40–49% | Lowest honours pass |
Latest UK degree distribution (HESA)
| Classification | Approx. share of UK graduates (2023/24) |
|---|---|
| First Class | ≈ 30% |
| Upper Second (2:1) | ≈ 48% |
| Lower Second (2:2) | ≈ 19% |
| Third | ≈ 3% |
Source: HESA qualifications data and the Office for Students analysis of degree classifications. The share of Firsts peaked at about 36% in 2020/21 (pandemic assessment) and has been declining since. These are sector-wide figures; large Russell Group universities are broadly similar.
Why 70% is a First (and how it maps abroad)
UK marking is compressed and strict: marks above 70% are rare and treated as excellent, so a 70% average is not the same as a 70% in a US course. When a US or Canadian application asks for a GPA, submit your classification and transcript and provide a conversion only if required — see our UK to US GPA guide for approximate ranges.
What counts toward your classification
Most Russell Group universities compute a credit-weighted average that emphasises your final year (or your best two years). Borderline rules — for example being pulled up to a First if you are within a percent or two — vary by university, so check your own programme's classification regulations.
United Kingdom GPA Calculators
Use the calculator for your university after checking the conversion or grading guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good grade at a Russell Group university?
A 2:1 or above. A First (70%+) is the top classification and is achieved by roughly 30% of UK graduates; a 2:1 (60–69%) is the most common result and the usual minimum for graduate schemes and master's entry.
Do Russell Group universities use GPA?
No. Like almost all UK universities, they award an honours classification (First, 2:1, 2:2, Third) based on a credit-weighted average of module marks, not a 4.0 GPA.
Is a First hard to get?
A First requires a 70%+ weighted average, which is demanding under strict UK marking, though the share of Firsts has risen to about 30% nationally. Borderline and weighting rules vary by university.