UK grading system: higher education
A higher education or school leaving qualification in the United Kingdom is called an advanced level or A-level. This is a common qualification in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Most UK universities accept A-level exams to identify potential candidates for entry.
- The passing score for an advanced level qualification is 40%. Letter grades range from A to E.
- Grades are often awarded to students who score at least 80% in all six subjects or 90% in two.
| Letter of evaluation | Percent | Class Descriptions |
| A | 80% | Pass |
| B | 70% | Pass |
| WITH | 60% | Pass |
| D | 50% | Pass |
| E | 40% | Pass |
| F | Unclassified | Failure |
British grading system: UG degree
The UK education system follows a unique grading scheme that varies among its constituent countries. The grading systems in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are similar, whereas the Scottish grading system is different. The mark scheme includes various elements, including highlighting your academic strengths and specific skills, which prove useful in your job search by giving employers a clear picture of your overall performance.
Let’s understand the UK grading system in detail with the help of the table given below:
| Grade | Percent | Definition of assessment | Diploma with honors | Foundation Degree |
| A | 70% – 100% | Excellent to outstanding | First | Difference |
| B | 60% – 69% | Good to very good | Top second 2:1 | Merit |
| WITH | 50% – 59% | Satisfaction | Bottom second 2:2 | Pass |
| D | 40% – 49% | Sufficient | Third 3 | Pass |
| E | 30% – 39% | Unsatisfactory | Failure | Failure |
| F | 0 – 29% | Unsatisfactory | Failure | Failure |
Read also: Study in UK for Indian students after 12th grade
British diplomas
The UK grading system awards degrees to students based on grades, but the candidate’s overall performance is assessed on various parameters, including participation in extra-curricular activities . Based on grades, degrees are divided into three categories, which are discussed below:
First class degree
When choosing to study in the UK , you should aim for a first-class degree. Considered the highest academic achievement at undergraduate level in colleges in England or other countries that make up the UK. To obtain a First Class degree, your academic grade must be equal to or greater than 70%, or simply having an A grade in the British grading system entitles you to receive a First Class degree. If you come out top at a UK university, you’ll be more likely to get a well-paid job and your chances of winning a higher education scholarship will increase.
Read also: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in UK
Second class degree
Candidates who score between 50 and 69% are awarded a 2nd class degree. It is divided into two categories: the highest second grade , referred to as 2:1, and the lower second grade , also known as 2:2. While a first class degree guarantees better employability and greater career opportunities, having a second class degree in the UK grading system does not mean you are falling behind. Instead, it assumes that you are a good student but have room for improvement. An upper second class degree or 60–69% is the minimum requirement if you wish to pursue a master’s program such as an MS in the UK .
Third class degree
A 3rd class degree should be your last option when studying in the UK. This is the lowest academic qualification at undergraduate level. The percentile for degree ranges from 40% to 49% . The prospects of finding a good job or the chances of getting into top universities with a third-class diploma are very low, however, if it is a prestigious educational institution, your chances increase. The proportion of lower class degree holders in the UK is very low, meaning that if you study at a good university you are likely to get good grades as the curriculum at UK universities is designed to thoroughly prepare students for exams.
Failure
Students who do not meet the minimum course requirements will receive a failing grade. This means that they have not demonstrated a high enough level of academic competence or have not achieved the grades required to obtain an advanced degree. Depending on the school and field of study, the specific conditions for receiving a failing grade may vary. In most cases, a failing grade means that the student will have to retake some or all of the exams in order to pass the course and graduate.
Although receiving a failing grade can be discouraging and difficult, it is important to understand that it does not always reflect a student’s potential or future achievements. Many students who initially fail a degree can learn from their mistakes, repeat exams, and eventually graduate.
Read also: Cost of studying in UK for Indian students
British grading system: PG degree
With the exception of the Integrated Master’s degree, almost every Master’s degree in the UK uses a separate grading scale. Below is a breakdown of the UK Masters grading system:
| Class Descriptions | Percent |
| Difference | 70% or higher |
| Merit or Gratitude | 60 – 69% |
| Pass | 50 – 59% |
| Passed at the border | 40 – 49% |
Evaluation criteria
Students at UK universities are assessed using a variety of approaches, including:
- Exams designed to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of a subject.
- Essays, reports, projects, presentations, and laboratory reports are examples of written or practical coursework.
- Oral examinations test students’ ability to explain their ideas effectively.
- Assessing a student’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations.
- Most often found in art or fashion programs, a portfolio brings together a student’s work throughout the course.
- Dissertations are important research papers completed by students in their final year of school.
Must Read: What are the requirements to study in the UK?
UK grading system vs US grading system
Another popular type of grading system is the United States grading system. The table below shows a comparison of the two systems.
| Degree Class | Percentage score | USA |
| First class degree | 70% -100% | A |
| Upper second class | 60% – 69% | A- / B+ |
| Lower second class | 50%-59% | B/B- |
| Third class degree | 40%-49% | C+ / C / C- |
| Failure | 0-39% | F |
Do UK universities use the GPA system?
No, UK universities do not use a GPA system as the 4 point GPA system is used primarily in North America. However, the UK has a different grading system and you can compare: First Class in the UK grading system, which is the same as a 4.0 GPA.
| UK module signs | GPA | Training classes in the UK |
| Above 70% | 4.0 | First-class awards |
| from 60% to 69% | from 3.3 to 3.7 | 2:1 Upper second class |
| from 50% to 59% | from 2.7 to 3.0 | 2:2 Junior second grade |
| from 40% to 49% | from 2.0 to 2.7 | Third class |
Read also – Rating systems around the world
Percentage of UK average
Most Indian universities currently follow the 10-point GPA system. The UK GPA percentage is –
| UK module signs | average score 10 points | Training classes in the UK |
| Above 80% | 10 | First class with honors |
| from 75% to 79.99% | 9 | First class with honors |
| from 70% to 74.99% | 8 | First class with honors |
| from 60% to 69.99% | 7 | 2:1 Upper second class |
| from 50% to 59.99% | 6 | 2:2 Junior second grade |
| from 45% to 49.99% | 5 | Third class |
| from 40% to 44.99% | 4 | Third class |
UK degree categories are as follows:
- 70% and above – first class honors (first or 1st)
- 60-70% – with honors of the highest second degree (2:1, 2.i)
- 50-60% – lower second degree diplomas (2:2, 2.ii)
- 40-50% – third class awards (third or 3rd)
British ETCS grading and assessment system
Another common grading system used in Europe is the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ETCS). This system is used to facilitate the process of transferring grades from a local grading system to another. The table below shows the UK final grades and their corresponding ECTS equivalents.
| Degree Class | Percentage score | ETCS assessment |
| First class degree | 70% -100% | A |
| Upper second class | 60% – 69% | B |
| Lower second class | 50%-59% | WITH |
| Third class degree | 40%-49% | D |
| Failure | 0-39% | A/F |
GCSE grade
In England, a new General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) grading system has been introduced for students. It has a grading scale of 9 to 1, which helps distinguish the highest performing students and clearly distinguishes between old and new qualifications.
Source: Department of Education.
Conclusion
Researching the local grading system at the university you want to attend and the country you want to study in can be incredibly helpful. If for no other reason, it is important to understand how to convert your grades and compare them to university standards. Keep in mind that while these classifications are fairly consistent, they vary by course and university. Therefore, please find out how your university calculates graduate grades. If you want to study in the UK but are unsure about the grading system at your chosen university, seek professional advice, but don’t take any chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is 70% an A in the UK?
Answer. In percentage terms, 70% is equivalent to an A or First Class degree in the United Kingdom.
B2. What is the UK grading scale?
Answer. The grading system in UK higher education is as follows:
A- 70% – 100% (distinction)
B- 60% – 69% (pass)
C- 50% – 59% (pass)
D- 40% – 49%
Question 3. What is the 75% UK class?
Answer. 75% is A+ in the UK.
By now you should have a clear understanding of the UK grading system. If you dream of studying in the UK, Leverage Edu can be your partner. Our experts will provide you with the best advice and help you through the admission process to ensure you get into the school of your dreams.
