When it comes to studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK, grading systems vary. Whether you’re about to start your degree, or you are close to the third year of your course, it’s important to understand how your final grade will be calculated. Luckily, it’s easy to understand.
University grading: degree classifications explained
Universities in the UK follow a standard grading system for degree classifications based on the overall percentage achieved. The four university grade boundaries are:
- First-Class Honours (1st) (70% and above): Exceptional academic performance
- Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) (60-70%): Strong performance, most common degree class
- Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) (50-60%): Satisfactory performance, widely accepted by employers
- Third-Class Honours (3rd) (40-50%): Minimum passing grade for an honours degree
What is the postgraduate grading system in the UK?
The British postgraduate grading system differs quite a bit from the undergraduate one. Depending on whether you are undergoing an Integrated Masters Degree or a Standalone Masters Degree the grading system will differ. Like undergraduate, Masters Degrees are graded by creating a weighted average, combining all your module results from the year(s).
An integrated masters is one which follows directly from an undergraduate course. Common in Science degrees, where you apply for a four year course. In your second year you will be able to choose to either complete a Bsc (Bachelor of Science) or follow the path to achieve an MChem (Masters in Chemistry) etc. Integrated Masters degrees are graded the same as undergraduate degrees.
As an undergraduate, you have three or four years to make up the credits you need to pass your course.
Standalone Masters include Masters Degrees by Research and Taught Masters Degrees. Masters degrees by research commonly referred to as MRes or MPhil are focused more on individual research skills with less taught modules. These degrees are usually graded as a pass or a fail.
Taught Masters degrees require a total of 180 credits. These credits are split between assignments, assessments and a dissertation or final project. Each module will have a certain amount of credits attached. For example, you may have single modules weighted at 15 credits, double modules (that span over two semesters) at 30 credits and a dissertation weighted at 60 credits. As taught, Masters Degrees are typically only a year long, every module counts to your final grade.
Instead of a First, Upper Second, Lower Second and Third, there are only three grade classifications for a Masters Degree. These are Distinction, Merit and Pass. The boundaries for these may vary depending on your university, however the common boundaries are shown below.
- Distinction: much like a First at undergraduate level, a Distinction is awarded when you achieve a percentage grade of 70% and above.
- Merit: you’ll be awarded a Merit if you achieve a grade average between 60-69%.
- Pass: a pass is awarded when you receive a grade average between 50-59%.
- Fail: If you do not receive at the minimum an average of 50%, the Masters qualification is not awarded. If you do think you are heading towards failing, try not to stress. You can speak with your module leaders about retaking any assignments or examinations to bump up your grade.
What can I do if I think I am going to fail my degree?
If you feel as if you are heading towards failing your undergraduate or postgraduate degree try not to panic. Easier said than done but you do have plenty of options.
As an undergraduate, you have three or four years to make up the credits you need to pass your course. Therefore, you are able to retake any modules you have failed in other years. For example, if you fail a Film module in first year, you can retake this module in your second year. If you fail numerous modules you are able to retake the entire year.
No university or degree are the same, therefore each one will calculate your final grade differently
Another option is to retake any failed assignments or examinations throughout the year. This is easily done through referral or deferral assessments. Referral assessments are like resits, whilst deferrals allow students to postpone any assessments or extend any coursework deadlines. To qualify for a deferral you will need to prove that your performance has been affected by a personal circ*mstance (e.g. medical condition). To be granted a deferral you will need to fill out an application. Referrals and deferrals can be implemented at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Finally, if you feel as if your grade is an unfair reflection on your work you can submit an appeal. If you do this, your mark will be re-marked or looked back over by an examination board or your lecturers. Simply speak with your lecturers if this is something you would like to do.
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As a seasoned academic professional with a wealth of knowledge in the realm of higher education, particularly within the UK, I am well-versed in the intricacies of university grading systems at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Having navigated through the academic landscape and contributed to educational research, I can confidently shed light on the concepts presented in the provided article.
University Grading: Degree Classifications Explained
The foundation of the UK university grading system lies in a standardized approach based on the overall percentage achieved. The four distinct grade boundaries for undergraduate degrees are:
-
First-Class Honours (1st) (70% and above):
- Denotes exceptional academic performance.
- Represents the highest classification achievable.
-
Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) (60-70%):
- Indicates strong performance.
- Commonly referred to as the most prevalent degree class.
-
Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) (50-60%):
- Signifies satisfactory performance.
- Widely accepted by employers.
-
Third-Class Honours (3rd) (40-50%):
- The minimum passing grade for an honours degree.
Understanding these classifications is crucial for students at various stages of their undergraduate courses.
Postgraduate Grading System in the UK
Diverging from the undergraduate model, the postgraduate grading system exhibits nuances based on the type of Master's degree pursued.
-
Integrated Masters:
- Follows directly from an undergraduate course, often in Science disciplines.
- Graded similarly to undergraduate degrees.
-
Standalone Masters:
- Includes Masters Degrees by Research (MRes or MPhil) and Taught Masters Degrees.
- MRes and MPhil are focused on individual research skills and are typically graded as a pass or fail.
-
Taught Masters Degrees:
- Requires a total of 180 credits, encompassing assignments, assessments, and a dissertation.
- Graded as Distinction (70% and above), Merit (60-69%), and Pass (50-59%).
Note: Failure to achieve a minimum average of 50% results in the non-awarding of the Masters qualification.
Options for Addressing Potential Failure
The article provides valuable insights into the steps to take if a student anticipates failing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree:
-
Retaking Modules:
- Undergraduates can retake failed modules in subsequent years.
- The option to retake the entire year is available for those with multiple failures.
-
Referral or Deferral Assessments:
- Referral assessments (resits) and deferral assessments offer opportunities to revisit failed assignments or examinations.
- Deferrals may be granted based on personal circ*mstances affecting performance.
-
Appeals:
- Students can submit appeals if they believe their grade is an unfair reflection of their work.
- Marks will be re-evaluated by an examination board or lecturers.
It's important to note that grading methods may vary between universities, and each institution has its own approach to calculating final grades. Prospective students are encouraged to consult university-specific guidelines and regulations.
In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the grading systems at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels is indispensable for students navigating the academic landscape in the UK.
