If you've ever looked at a UK degree certificate and wondered what "Upper Second Class" actually means — you're not alone. The UK honours degree classification system is unique, and understanding it is essential for knowing where you stand academically and how employers will view your qualification.

The Five Classifications

UK undergraduate degrees are awarded in five classifications based on your final weighted average:

ClassificationAbbreviationPercentage Required
First Class Honours1st70% and above
Upper Second Class Honours2:160–69%
Lower Second Class Honours2:250–59%
Third Class Honours3rd40–49%
Ordinary Degree (Pass)—Below 40% (varies)

Note that the exact boundaries can vary between institutions. Some universities use a "discretionary zone" — for example, a student averaging 59.5% might be considered for a 2:1 at the examination board's discretion, especially if their final year performance is strong.

First Class Honours (1st)

A First is awarded for a weighted average of 70% or above. It represents the highest level of academic achievement in the UK system. Roughly 30% of UK undergraduates now graduate with a First, up significantly over the past decade. A First signals excellent analytical ability, strong written skills, and consistent high performance.

Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)

The 2:1 is the most common degree classification in the UK — roughly 50% of graduates achieve one. It requires an average of 60–69%. A 2:1 is the benchmark many graduate employers use as a minimum requirement for competitive graduate schemes, and it's the standard entry requirement for most taught postgraduate programmes.

💡 The 2:1 benchmark

If you're sitting at 58–59% overall, you're in the "discretionary zone" below a 2:1. A strong final year performance could push you over the line — use our Degree Classification Calculator to model different scenarios.

Lower Second Class Honours (2:2)

A 2:2 requires an average of 50–59%. It remains a valid and recognised qualification, and many employers — particularly in less competitive fields — do not filter by degree classification. However, some graduate schemes and most postgraduate programmes will require at least a 2:1.

Third Class Honours (3rd)

A Third requires an average of 40–49%. It's the minimum classification for an honours degree. While a Third can limit access to some opportunities, many students go on to build successful careers, particularly in entrepreneurial or creative fields where practical experience counts as much as academic results.

How Your Classification Is Calculated

Most UK universities calculate your degree classification from a weighted average of your second and final years. First-year results typically do not count toward your final classification (though you must pass them to progress). Common year weightings are:

Some universities use different weightings (e.g. 40/60 or 25/75), and integrated Master's programmes have four-year weightings. Always check your course handbook. Use our Degree Classification Calculator to predict your result with your institution's specific weightings.

Do Employers Care About Degree Classification?

The short answer is: it depends on the industry and role. In competitive graduate markets — law, finance, consulting, and large corporate graduate schemes — a 2:1 or above is often a hard filter. In other sectors — creative industries, technology startups, healthcare, and small businesses — experience, portfolio, and skills often matter more than the number on your certificate.

Increasingly, employers are moving toward skills-based hiring. However, your degree classification remains one of the fastest signals a recruiter can use to screen thousands of applications, so it matters to know yours — and to aim as high as you realistically can.

Predict your degree classification

Enter your year-by-year averages and weightings to see your predicted result.

Use the Degree Classification Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage is a 2:1 degree?
A 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours) requires an overall weighted average of 60–69%.
What is a First Class degree?
A First (1st) is awarded for an overall average of 70% or above. It is the highest classification in the UK honours degree system.
Do employers care about degree classification?
Many graduate employers set a minimum of a 2:1 for applications, though this varies widely by industry. Some sectors prioritise experience and skills over classification.
Does Year 1 count toward my degree classification?
At most UK universities, Year 1 does not count toward your final classification — you only need to pass it to progress. Year 2 and Year 3 contribute to your final grade, usually weighted 33% and 67% respectively.

Related: What Grade Do I Need to Pass? · How to Calculate Your Weighted Average · UK vs US GPA Explained