The UK Grading System varies in each of the constituent countries. The Scottish grading system is completely different from other regions in the UK. The universities in the UK follow a grading system on a scale of 0-100% or 0-70%.
- 70% is considered a 1st-class honours degree, while an average between 60-69% is an upper 2nd-class honours.
- An average between 40-49% is the lowest passing score, referred to as a 3rd-class honours degree.
- A score between 70-74% in the UK Grading scale is equivalent to 8.0 CGPA on a scale of 10 according to the Indian grading system.
Also Check: How to Calculate Percentage to CGPA and GPA?
UK Grading System in Compulsory Education
The UK General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) uses the following types of grading systems:
- Most universities in England follow a numerical grading system between the range of 1-9.
- The universities in Northern Ireland and Wales follow a letter-based grading system, with A being the highest grade while F is the lowest grade.
- D is a minimum passing grade in Northern Ireland and Wales.
UK Grading System in Higher Education
UK higher education refers to post-secondary qualifications such as bachelor's, master's, doctoral degrees, and diplomas, which are awarded by universities, colleges, and specialized institutions across the UK. Students who have completed A-levels or an equivalent qualification, either in the UK or abroad, are eligible to pursue higher education in the UK.
Most top UK universities accept applicants with A-level qualifications. To pass at the advanced level, a minimum of 40% is required, with grades ranging from A to E. Achieving an A grade typically requires a score of 80% or higher. The table below shows the passing percentages for different grade letters:
| Grade Letter | Percentage | Grade Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | 80% | Pass |
| B | 70% | Pass |
| C | 60% | Pass |
| D | 50% | Pass |
| E | 40% | Pass |
| F | Unclassified | Fail |
Also Check: Predicted Grades in the UK
UK Grading System for Undergraduate
To generally pass at an undergraduate level in the UK, a student must attain between 40-49% which is classed as a 3rd-class degree under the UK Higher Education System. Many UK universities typically require or request candidates to hold either an Upper Second Class or Lower Second Class degree for master's programs. Further, Top universities, like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, would usually expect a First-Class degree (70-100%) for admission. The list below outlines the classification of UK undergraduate degree grades upon graduation:
| Grade Letter | Percentage | Honors Degree | Grade Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 70-100% | First Class | Pass |
| B | 60-69% | Upper Second Class - 2:1 | Pass |
| C | 50-59% | Lower Second Class - 2:2 | Pass |
| D | 40-49% | Third Class | Pass |
| E | 30-39% | Unclassified | Fail |
| F | 0-29% | Unclassified | Fail |
The section below gives an overview of the different grades:
First-class Degree
It is the highest level of undergraduate honours degree that you can earn in the UK, with an average between 70-100%.
Upper Second Class Degree
Those achieving a grade between 60-69% are awarded an upper second-class honours degree. The upper second-class degree or 2:1 degree is widely accepted for most PG level courses in the UK.
Lower Second Class Degree
A Lower Second Class or 2:2 degree is the second most commonly accepted degree across popular universities in the UK. Applicants with a 2:2 degree typically have an academic average between 50-59%.
Third-class Degree
A third-class degree is the lowest level degree in the United Kingdom grading system. Applicants with this degree achieve a score between 40-49%, and they generally have limited options to study in the UK.
UK Grading System for Masters
Given below is the grading system for Master’s degrees according to the UK Education System:
| Percentage | Description |
|---|---|
| 70% | Distinction |
| 60-69% | Merit |
| 50-59% | Pass |
| 40-49% | Borderline Pass |
How are Students Assessed in UK Universities?
The applicants applying to UK universities are assessed based on the following methods:
- Subject-specific exams, such as GMAT / GRE or equivalent tests to identify an applicant's understanding of a particular subject.
- Academic achievement in written, practical, projects, presentations, lab reports, and coursework.
- Those applying to art and fashion courses are assessed based on portfolio and project samples.
- You may also provide dissertations for large research projects that typically take place in the final year.
Also Check: Exams to Study in the UK for International Students
UK Grading System vs Indian Grading System
The table below shows a comparison of UK grades with the equivalent to the Indian grading system on 10 10-point scale:
| UK Grade (Percentage) | Indian Grade (10-point Scale) |
|---|---|
| 80% or above | 10 |
| 75-79% | 9 |
| 70-74% | 8 |
| 60-69% | 7 |
| 50-59% | 6 |
| 45-49% | 5 |
| 40-44% | 4 |
Grading System in Scotland
The grading system of Scotland is different from other regions in the UK. Given below is the description of the Scottish Grading System:
| Grade Letter | Percentage | Grade Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | 70-100% | Excellent |
| B | 60-69% | Good |
| C | 50-59% | Satisfactory |
| D | 40-49% | Marginal Pass |
| E | Below 40% | Fail |
Before applying for admissions in the UK, you must be aware of the UK Grading System. Some universities may follow different grading systems and criteria for admissions. Hence, it is advisable to review the grading scale and minimum passing grades before applying for admission.
FAQs
Ques. Do UK universities only look for grades?
Ans. No, UK universities consider more than just academic grades during the admissions process. While grades play a significant role, other factors such as personal statements, letters of recommendation, relevant work experience, extracurricular activities, and performance in interviews (where applicable) are also taken into account, especially for competitive programs.
Ques. What is the main objective of the grading system in the UK?
Ans. The primary objective of the UK grading system is to evaluate a student's academic performance and classify their degree based on their achievements. This classification helps employers and educational institutions understand the student’s academic capabilities, ranging from First-Class Honours (the highest) to Third-Class Honours or a simple pass.
Ques. What grade is 90% in the UK?
Ans. A score of 90% in the UK is considered exceptional and falls within the First-Class Honours classification. Generally, any mark above 70% is classified as a First-Class degree, so a 90% is seen as a high first and indicates outstanding academic performance.
Ques. What does it mean to say that someone “got a first” or someone “got a 2:1” as per the UK grading system?
Ans. In the UK grading system, “got a first” means the person earned a First-Class Honours degree, typically awarded to students who score 70% or above. Saying someone “got a 2:1” refers to an Upper Second-Class Honours degree, which is awarded for scores between 60-69%. Both classifications are considered strong academic achievements.
Ques. Is the grading system in the UK easier than the US grading system?
Ans. Not necessarily. The UK and US grading systems are different in structure and expectations. In the UK, scoring above 70% is considered excellent and often difficult to achieve, whereas in the US, percentages above 90% are more commonly awarded. While neither system is inherently easier, UK grading tends to be stricter in terms of numerical scores but offers a more focused evaluation based on final exams and dissertations.
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