Understanding UK Grading System 2024: Complete Guide

United Kingdom is one of the leading countries when it comes to excellent academic reputation, learning opportunities and thriving job market. If you are a study abroad aspirant and have always dreamed of studying in one of the prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, then you have landed on the right page.  

Being an international student means not just adapting to the new culture in a new country, but also to its Grading System. Students need to know how their country’s grading system differs from the United Kingdom. In this blog, you will get all the information that you need about the UK Grading System. So, let’s begin. 

UK Grading System: Compulsory Education 

GCSE or General Certificate for Secondary Education is a type of qualification certificate provided to students between 15 to 17. These are an essential part of the UK Grading System uk grading system gcse, as this certificate determines whether a student is eligible for further education or employment.  

There are two types of GCSE, the older one and the new one. The older UK Grading System gave students grades from A to G, while the new one grades students on a scale of 1 to 9. Here, 9 is the highest score that is achievable by any student. 

UK Grading System: For Undergraduate Students 

The UK Grading system for undergraduates is distinct, which is why it is essential for students to understand it. Assessments like this help in analyzing a student’s strength, knowledge, skills, and more for further education and employment opportunities. The given below table provides a visual representation of the same: 

• First Class Degree: Achieving this degree in the United Kingdom is a significant achievement. This degree is given to students who score more than 70% in their undergraduate program, that is equal to an A grade. Students with a First Class Degree are considered to have exceptional knowledge in their field of study, and competence. 
• Upper Second Class Honours: If any student has scored between 60% to 69% in their undergraduate program, then they are given an Upper Second-Class degree. Students who get this score are considered to have good knowledge about their field of study, however there is still room for improvement. Please note that this is the minimum for pursuing a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom. 
• Lower Second Class Honours: Often referred to as 2:2 degree, this degree is given to students who have scored between 50% to 59% in their undergraduate degree. It is respectable and defines remarkable academic quality. However, it’s a lower academic achievement.  
• Third Class Honours: This is the lowest degree in terms of passing your undergraduate program. This is given to students who achieve 40% to 49% in their degree program. Students with this degree will have limited opportunities in terms of postgraduate programs and employment opportunities.  

UK Grading System: For Postgraduate Students 

In the United Kingdom, Postgraduate programs are graded on a classification range from Distinction to Borderline Pass. Here, distinction is the highest grade, while Borderline Pass is the lowest grade. In the UK, usually dissertation, thesis, exams or coursework determine the grade that postgraduate students get. However, please note that depending on the degree program or institution, the grading system may differ. Given below is the visual representation of the Postgraduate grading system: 

• Distinction: Students who get this grade in their Masters’ Degree are believed to have 70% or more in their overall postgraduate degree. 
• Merit: Students with 60% to 69% in their postgraduate degree get this grade in their Masters’. 
• Passed: Students who achieved 50% to 59% in their postgraduate degree will receive this grade. 
• Passed on Borderline: This is the lowest grade that students can get in their postgraduate degree. This means either they narrowly passed or failed. Students with 40% to 49% in their Masters receive this grade.  

University and College Admission Service Point (UCAS) 

Also commonly known as UCAS Tariff Points, are another way to measure a student’s achievement and success in the United Kingdom. The purpose of assessment is to ensure that the student is suitable for the course that they have chosen. UCAS assigns a numerical value to students based on their achievements, that further makes it easier for universities to assess a student. 

Top Universities in the United Kingdom 

Now that you know how the grading system in the United Kingdom works, let’s have a look at the top universities in the country. If you have always dreamed of studying in the United Kingdom, then you would have dreamed of being a part of these universities one day. 

• University of Oxford 
• University of Cambridge 
• University College London 
• Imperial College London 
• University of Edinburgh 
• King’s College London 
• University of Manchester 
• University of Glasgow 
• University of Birmingham 
• University of Bristol 

Conclusion 

In this blog, we have covered all the information that you need to have about the United Kingdom’s Grading System. Being an international student in the United Kingdom may sometimes feel confusing or overwhelming, which is why it is important to have all the details handy. All the best! 

Also Read:- Post Study Work Visa in UK, Best Courses To Study In The UK, Cost Of Living In The UK