What percentage is a First, 2:1, 2:2 and Third?

At most UK universities a First is 70% and above, a 2:1 is 60–69%, a 2:2 is 50–59%, a Third is 40–49%, and below 40% is a fail.

How is a UK degree classification calculated?

Each year's average is the credit-weighted average of its module marks. The degree average then combines the counting years using the university's weighting — commonly 40/60, 1:2 or 1:3 between second and final year. First year usually does not count.

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Degree classification calculator

Q: What do I need in final year to get a First?

Needed final-year average = (70 − second-year weight × second-year average) ÷ final-year weight. With a 65% second year and a 40/60 weighting, you need (70 − 0.4 × 65) ÷ 0.6 = 73.3% in final year.

Add your module marks for the years that count. You get your degree class — and the final-year average you need for a First or a 2:1.

Year weighting (second year / final year)

Second year (or the first year that counts)

Final year (leave modules blank if not marked yet)

Final-year average you need

For a	Final-year average

Uses the usual boundaries (First 70%, 2:1 60%, 2:2 50%, Third 40%). Universities differ on year weighting, rounding, borderline rules and discounting your weakest credits — your degree regulations have the details. Results are estimates for planning only.

Every module, all year

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UK degree classification boundaries

Classification	Average
First-class honours (First)	70% and above
Upper second-class (2:1)	60–69%
Lower second-class (2:2)	50–59%
Third-class honours (Third)	40–49%
Fail	Below 40%

How your classification is worked out

Each year's average is credit-weighted. A 40-credit dissertation counts twice as much as a 20-credit module: Σ (mark × credits) ÷ Σ credits.
The counting years are combined using your university's weighting. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland that is usually second and final year; first year rarely counts. In Scotland, the honours years are usually third and fourth.
Borderline marks may be reviewed. Many universities look again at averages within about 1–2% of a boundary, often considering how many of your credits are in the higher class.

Degree average = w × second-year average + (1 − w) × final-year average

Example with a 40/60 weighting: a 65% second year and a 72% final year give 0.4 × 65 + 0.6 × 72 = 69.2% — a high 2:1, close enough to the First boundary that it may be reviewed.

Questions students ask

What do I need in final year to get a First?

Needed final-year average = (70 − w × second-year average) ÷ (1 − w). With a 65% second year and a 40/60 weighting that is (70 − 26) ÷ 0.6 = 73.3%. Enter your marks above and the table shows this for every class.

Does first year count?

At most universities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, no — you usually just need to pass it. A few courses, often integrated masters, give it a small weight. Your degree regulations say for certain.

Does a 69.5% round up to a First?

Sometimes. Some universities round to the nearest whole number, others never round and use borderline rules instead. This is set in your university's regulations, not nationally.

What if a module is pass/fail?

Leave it out. Pass/fail modules, and any credits your university discounts, do not contribute a mark to the average.

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