By AssignmentHelpKit Editorial Team, reviewed by subject experts · · 6 min read
If you're used to grades like A, B and C, UK marks can be confusing. A 68% that would be a D in the US is a strong 2:1 in the UK. Here's how the system works and what it means for your assignments.
UK undergraduate degree classifications
| Classification | Percentage | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| First-class honours (1st) | 70% and above | Excellent, original and critical work |
| Upper second-class (2:1) | 60–69% | Very good, with clear analysis |
| Lower second-class (2:2) | 50–59% | Good, but often too descriptive |
| Third-class honours (3rd) | 40–49% | Meets the basic requirements |
| Fail | Below 40% | Does not meet the learning outcomes |
Marks above 80% are rare in essay-based subjects. A 72% is an excellent mark, not an average one.
Master's grades
Most UK master's degrees use different labels:
- Distinction: usually 70% and above
- Merit: usually 60–69%
- Pass: usually 50–59%
The pass mark for master's modules is normally 50%, not 40%.
How your final degree classification is worked out
Each university has its own rules, but the common pattern is:
- First-year marks often don't count, or count very little.
- Second and third-year marks are combined, with the final year usually weighted more heavily.
- Modules with more credits count more than smaller ones.
- Many universities have borderline rules: if your average is within a point or two of the next class, they look at how many credits you earned in the higher band.
Check your programme handbook for the exact weighting, then use our free grade calculator to see what you need on your remaining assessments.
Why is a 2:1 so important?
Many graduate employers and UK master's programmes ask for a 2:1 or above. That's why the jump from 58% to 62% often matters more than any other.
What separates a 2:1 from a First?
- 2:1 work answers the question well, uses good sources and shows clear analysis.
- First-class work goes further: it evaluates competing views, makes a well-justified argument of its own and uses a wide range of academic sources.
Our guide on how to get a First in your assignment breaks this down step by step, and how to write critically shows the single biggest change most students need to make.
Studying in the UK as an international student?
Marking criteria, referencing and essay style can feel very different from home. Our UK assignment help team works from your module's own grade descriptors.