What's considered a good US GPA for UK students?

For international applications, aim for 3.0+ (equivalent to a 2:2 or better). Top US universities prefer 3.5+ GPAs, which means you need at least a 2:1 in the UK system.

What's the difference between a 2:1 and 2:2?

A 2:1 (60-69%) is an Upper Second Class degree, while a 2:2 (50-59%) is a Lower Second. Most graduate jobs and Master's programmes prefer a 2:1, but a 2:2 still opens many career doors.

Is a 2:1 considered good in the UK?

Yes! A 2:1 is considered a very good degree classification. It shows solid academic achievement and meets the entry requirements for most competitive graduate programmes and jobs.

Can I still get a good job with a 2:2?

Absolutely! While some graduate schemes have 2:1 requirements, many employers value skills and experience alongside your degree. Focus on internships, volunteering, and relevant experience to strengthen your CV.

Do all years count equally toward my degree classification?

No, typically your first year doesn't count (as long as you pass). Most universities weight second year as 30-40% and third year as 60-70% of your final classification. Check your student handbook for your uni's specific weighting.

What happens if I'm on a borderline between classifications?

Many universities have borderline policies. If you're close to the next classification (e.g., 68% when you need 70% for a First), they may consider factors like your final year performance or overall academic trend.

What if I have resit marks - how do these affect my classification?

Resit marks are usually capped at the pass mark (typically 40%) for classification purposes, even if you score higher. This means resitting can help you progress but may limit your final classification. Check your uni's specific resit policy.

How often should I check my degree classification progress?

Check after each semester results are released. This helps you stay on track and adjust your study approach if needed. If you're aiming for a specific classification, regular monitoring is essential.

UK Degree Calculator

Enter Your Modules

Add each module and its details.

How to Use the UK Degree Classification Calculator

This calculator helps UK students work out their degree classification and estimate what marks they need in future modules to achieve their target grade. Whether you're aiming for a First Class Honours or want to secure a 2:1, our step-by-step guide makes it simple to track your academic progress.

3 Simple Steps to Calculate Your Degree Classification

Getting your degree classification is straightforward:

1
Enter Your Module Names (Optional)
Type in each module you've completed (like "British History," or "Advanced Mathematics"). This step is optional but helps you keep track of your progress.
2
Add Your Credit Values
Enter the credit value for each module. Most undergraduate modules are 15 or 20 credits, but check your course handbook if you're unsure.
3
Enter Your Marks
Enter your percentage mark for each module. You can find it on your student portal or transcript.

Click "Calculate Classification" and our tool will instantly show you your current degree classification based on your marks and credits.

Understanding UK Degree Classifications

UK universities use a classification system based on your overall percentage average:

First Class Honours70%+

Excellent

1st

Upper Second Class60-69%

Good standard of work

2:1

Lower Second Class50-59%

Satisfactory standard

2:2

Third Class Honours40-49%

Pass standard

3rd

Ordinary Degree / FailBelow 40%

Below Standard

Your degree classification is calculated as a weighted average of your module marks based on credit values. Final year modules typically carry more weight than earlier years. Most universities use a 40:60 or 30:70 split between second and third year results.

What Are Credits and How to Find Them?

Credits show how much study time and effort each module requires. They determine how much each module contributes to your overall degree classification.

Where to Find Your Credits:

Student Portal: Check your university's online system (Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas, or your uni's custom portal)
Course Handbook: Your degree programme handbook lists all module credits
Module Descriptions: Check your university website or course catalogue
Transcript: Official academic record showing all completed modules with credits

Common Credit Values:

Standard module:15 credits

Large module:20 credits

Double module:30 credits

Dissertation/Project:30-40 credits

Full academic year:120 credits

Honours degree total:360 credits

What Is a Mark and Where to Find It?

Your mark is the percentage score that shows how well you performed in each module. These range from 0% to 100% in the UK system.

Where to Find Your Marks:

Student Portal: Most unis use systems like Moodle, Canvas, or their own student dashboard
Official Transcript: Request from your university's registry or student services
Module Results: Check individual assignment feedback and final module results
Academic Office: Contact your department directly for official grade confirmations

Types of Marks:

Final Module Mark: Your overall percentage for the entire module (use this for degree classification)

Assignment Marks: Individual coursework and exam scores that combine to make your final mark

Does Your Degree Classification Matter?

While your skills and experience matter most, your degree classification opens doors to valuable opportunities in the UK job market:

Graduate Jobs

Many graduate schemes and top employers (like Deloitte, PwC, or the Civil Service) require a 2:1 or above for applications.

Postgraduate Study

Most Master's programmes require at least a 2:2, while competitive courses often need a 2:1 or First.

Professional Training

Training contracts (law), graduate medicine, or chartered accountancy often have minimum degree classification requirements.

Research Opportunities

PhD programmes and research positions typically require a 2:1 or First, plus relevant experience.

Tips to Improve Your Degree Classification

Want to boost those marks? Here are proven strategies that work:

Attend all lectures and seminars – You can't succeed if you're not there
Turn in all assignments – Even if they're not perfect, partial credit beats zero
Ask for help early – Don't wait until you're failing to talk to your teacher
Study consistently – 30 minutes daily beats cramming all night
Join study groups – Learning with others makes it easier and more fun

Frequently Asked Questions

What's considered a good US GPA for UK students?: For international applications, aim for 3.0+ (equivalent to a 2:2 or better). Top US universities prefer 3.5+ GPAs, which means you need at least a 2:1 in the UK system.

What's the difference between a 2:1 and 2:2?: A 2:1 (60-69%) is an Upper Second Class degree, while a 2:2 (50-59%) is a Lower Second. Most graduate jobs and Master's programmes prefer a 2:1, but a 2:2 still opens many career doors.

Is a 2:1 considered good in the UK?: Yes! A 2:1 is considered a very good degree classification. It shows solid academic achievement and meets the entry requirements for most competitive graduate programmes and jobs.

Can I still get a good job with a 2:2?: Absolutely! While some graduate schemes have 2:1 requirements, many employers value skills and experience alongside your degree. Focus on internships, volunteering, and relevant experience to strengthen your CV.

Do all years count equally toward my degree classification?: No, typically your first year doesn't count (as long as you pass). Most universities weight second year as 30-40% and third year as 60-70% of your final classification. Check your student handbook for your uni's specific weighting.

What happens if I'm on a borderline between classifications?: Many universities have borderline policies. If you're close to the next classification (e.g., 68% when you need 70% for a First), they may consider factors like your final year performance or overall academic trend.

What if I have resit marks - how do these affect my classification?: Resit marks are usually capped at the pass mark (typically 40%) for classification purposes, even if you score higher. This means resitting can help you progress but may limit your final classification. Check your uni's specific resit policy.

How often should I check my degree classification progress?: Check after each semester results are released. This helps you stay on track and adjust your study approach if needed. If you're aiming for a specific classification, regular monitoring is essential.

Ready to calculate your degree classification?

Use our free calculator above to see exactly where you stand and plan your path to your target grade!