UK Degree Classification (2025): First, 2:1, 2:2, Third + Master’s Merit/Distinction

What are the typical UK undergraduate classifications?

Every university publishes its own regulations. The bands below are the most commonly used across the sector—always check your course handbook for exact rules, weightings and exceptions.

Is 40% a pass at university? Is 50% a pass for Master’s?

Undergraduate: a module mark of 40% is a common pass threshold in the UK. Some Schools or accredited programmes set higher minima on specific modules, especially in professional disciplines.

Taught Master’s: a module mark of 50% is commonly required to pass. Many PG programmes also require passes in particular components (e.g., dissertation) and may apply additional conditions to qualify for a Merit or Distinction.

Always check the exact thresholds for your programme; your handbook is the source of truth.

What are Master’s Merit and Distinction in the UK?

While wordings differ, most taught Master’s degrees use the following overall thresholds:

• Distinction: overall average of 70%+ (often with conditions such as “no compensation” or a minimum mark in the dissertation).
• Merit: overall average of 60–69%.
• Pass: overall average of 50–59%.

Why the dissertation matters

The dissertation frequently carries substantial credit (e.g., 60 of 180 credits). A strong dissertation can pull a profile up; a weak one can block a Distinction even if your average looks high. Read your dissertation-specific criteria carefully.

How do universities calculate the final classification?

There isn’t a single national formula. However, three features are common across the sector:

1) Credit-weighted averages

Your year or programme average is usually a credit-weighted mean of module marks. A 20-credit module counts twice as much as a 10-credit module. Prioritise revision and coursework effort where the credits are heaviest.

2) Year weightings

Later study years often carry more weight than earlier ones (e.g., Year 2 = 40%, Year 3 = 60%). Some programmes count Year 1 only for progression, not for classification.

3) Borderline rules

If your weighted average sits close to a boundary (e.g., 69.3%), universities may consider additional evidence: your profile of marks, stronger performance in final year (“exit velocity”), or rules about minimum credits in the higher band. Others use strict numerical cut-offs. Confirm your School’s policy well before exam boards meet.

What is compensation/condonement—and does it change your mark?

Compensation (or condonement) allows a small amount of marginal failure to be set aside if your overall performance is strong and certain conditions are met (e.g., attendance, a floor mark such as 35–39% at UG, maximum credits that can be compensated in a stage).

• You usually receive the credits, but the original mark stays.
• There is typically a cap on compensatable credits per year/stage.
• Some programmes (especially professional ones) do not allow compensation for certain modules.

Compensation is designed to acknowledge overall achievement, not to inflate recorded marks.

Resits, caps and progression—what should you expect?

Are resits capped?

Very often, yes. When you pass a resit, the recorded module mark is commonly capped at the pass mark (e.g., 40% at UG; 50% at PG). This keeps the record transparent while allowing you to progress or graduate.

Can you progress while trailing credit?

Some universities allow provisional progression to the next stage while you resit limited credit, subject to conditions. It can ease time pressure but increases workload. Ask your Programme Office how it works in your School.

What if your programme restricts resits?

A minority of programmes have tighter rules (e.g., for accreditation reasons). If you’re unsure, check the Assessment & Progression section of your handbook and speak to your department.

UK to US GPA—what you can and can’t convert

The UK has no official GPA standard. Any conversion to a US 4.0 scale is an approximation and the receiving university/employer can apply its own mapping. Use estimates honestly, attach your transcript, and—if allowed—add a short note explaining the UK system (“First ≥70%”, etc.).

FAQs

Night-before results: what should I do if I’m borderline?

• Calculate your credit-weighted average accurately using your School’s formula.
• Check the borderline rule: do they consider profiles, final-year strength, or a minimum number of credits in the higher band?
• Review any hurdle requirements (e.g., specific modules that must be passed outright).
• Draft a calm email to your Programme Office asking how the rule will be applied to your case (template below).
• Plan next steps: resit? appeal? mitigation evidence? Speak to a Student Support advisor if unsure.

International students: how to present UK results clearly

Many universities/employers outside the UK do not use percentage-based marking. Help them read your record by doing the following:

• State your **UK classification** and your **overall percentage** with context (“First ≥70%”).
• Attach a **transcript** and, where possible, a **diploma supplement** that explains grading.
• If the form requires a GPA, provide a **range estimate** and make it clear it’s **indicative**.
• Highlight **dissertation credit and grade**; on taught Master’s programmes this carries real weight.

Need help in 2–24 hours?

We provide ethical editorial support so authorship remains yours. That includes structure, clarity, and referencing checks plus free Turnitin, plagiarism & AI checks before you submit. If you’re dealing with resits, borderline calculations, or dissertation pressure, a focused review can steady the ship fast.