Understandingthe Grading System of UK Undergraduate Degrees
Thegrading system for undergraduate degrees in the UK can be confusingfor both local and international students. This article aims toprovide an in-depth analysis of the different degree classificationsand their corresponding grade boundaries.
First-ClassHonours (1st)
First-classhonours is the highest classification that a student can receive fortheir undergraduate degree. To achieve a first-class honours degree,a student must obtain an overall average of 70% or above, as well asachieving a minimum of 70% in their final year dissertation orproject.
UpperSecond-Class Honours (2:1)
Uppersecond-class honours, also known as a 2:1 or ‘two-one’, is thesecond-highest degree classification that a student can receive. Toachieve a 2:1, a student must obtain an overall average of 60% orabove, as well as achieving a minimum of 60% in their final yeardissertation or project.
LowerSecond-Class Honours (2:2)
Lowersecond-class honours, also known as a 2:2 or ‘two-two’, is thethird-highest degree classification that a student can receive. Toachieve a 2:2, a student must obtain an overall average of 50% orabove, as well as achieving a minimum of 50% in their final yeardissertation or project.
Third-ClassHonours (3rd)
Third-classhonours, also known as a third or ‘ordinary degree’, is thelowest classification that a student can receive for theirundergraduate degree. To achieve a 3rd, a student must obtain anoverall average of 40% or above, as well as achieving a minimum of40% in their final year dissertation or project.
Fail
Ifa student fails to achieve an overall average of 40% or above, theywill not be awarded a degree. However, in some cases, a student maybe awarded a ‘pass degree’ if they have achieved a minimum of 25%in their final year dissertation or project.
Understandingthe grade boundaries
Itis important to note that the grade boundaries for each degreeclassification may vary between universities and courses. Someuniversities may have higher or lower grade boundaries depending onthe level of difficulty of their courses or their own gradingpolicies.
Additionally,it is essential to consider that the grading system may not be theonly factor that employers or postgraduate institutions take intoconsideration when evaluating a candidate’s academic achievements.Other factors may include relevant work experience, extracurricularactivities, and personal qualities.
Inconclusion, the UK undergraduate degree classification system can beoverwhelming, but understanding the different classifications andtheir corresponding grade boundaries can help students evaluate theiracademic progress and strive to achieve their desired outcome.However, it is also important to keep in mind that academicachievements are not the only determining factor for future successand that other experiences and qualities may also be taken intoaccount.
微信
