Understanding UK University Grades: The UK University Grading System Explained

If you come into the university system through the UK education system, whether the A level route or the Scottish Nationals, you´ll be used to grades from A-E. If you come into the university system through other courses such as a BTEC you may be used to pass, merit, distinction (fail), even numbered grades or percentages.

University grading is different. In the UK university grading system, course work is usually marked on percentages, and top-grade students new to universities in the UK may be surprised to go from high percentage marks (80s and 90s) to lower ones (50-70). For an ordinary degree, over 50% is usually a sign of understanding, over 60% is good.

This can take a little adjusting to, but understanding the UK grading system really shouldn't give students too many headaches!

So Pink Storage, aware that many students are using its services, has put together an easy guide to the grading given to achieve different degree levels at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

University Degrees: Undergraduate Grades/Degree Classifications

The amount of coursework versus exams to count towards your final grade will vary with course type, but in England, Wales and Northern Ireland the final grade will be one of four, or a fail:

• first class (often just referred to as 'a first'
• 2:1 (upper second class)
• 2.2 (lower second class)
• a third.

These degree classifications equate to overall grades of 70 percent, 60-69, 50-59 and 40-49 percent, respectively. They are known as a degree without honours, although the term is usually only used in academic circles.

An honours degree (or degree with honours) is earned by completing extra work, usually an additional project or dissertation. The gradings then become:

• first class honours
• 2:1 (upper second class honours)
• 2.2 (lower second class honours)
• third class honours.

However, there are exceptions, and any passed degree at Oxford, for example, considers a student "to have achieved honours status".

The Scottish system differs and many undergraduate degrees, particularly ´arts´ rather than science degrees, are known as 'masters' degrees.

Understand the UK Masters Degrees Grading System

In most of the UK, masters degrees are postgraduate degrees , and students are awarded a pass (50-59%), merit (60-69%), or distinction (over 70%). However, as seen above, this differs somewhat within the Scottish system.

A postgraduate masters degree in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will have one of three grades:

• a distinction (70% or higher)
• merit (60-69%)
• a pass (over 50%).

Many universities require a fist class degree in the UK to access a masters course.

PhDs (Philosophiae Doctor): Grading System in the UK

Otherwise known as a Doctorate, the UK's highest university qualification is a PhD. The grading is simple: pass or fail!

Simply put, you have one or you don't.

What is a Russell Group University?

The Russell Group is a group of 24 research-intensive universities located across the UK. They are considered prestigious, but it is worth getting to know which universities excel for your type of degree.

Student Self Storage

Pink Storage may not be able to help you ace your exams or draft theses and dissertations, but with self-storage units across Wales and in Manchester, it can meet all your self-storage needs as a student in these areas - leaving you free to worry about more important things: Student Storage