Is a 2.1 a first class degree?
Rachel Newton
Updated on February 18, 2026
A second-class degree is split into two divisions and the higher of the two divisions is the upper second class, commonly known as 2.1 (pronounced “two-one”). Like a first-class honours, the number of students achieving a 2.1 has increased significantly in the past few years.
Also asked, what does a 2.1 degree mean?
A First-Class Honours (a '1st') = Grade A** An Upper Second-Class Honours (a '2:1', pronounced two-one) = Grade A* A Lower Second-Class Honours (a '2:2', pronounced two-two) = Grade A. A Third-Class Honours (a 3rd) = Grade B. An Ordinary Degree (or Pass) = Grade C.
Beside above, is a 2.1 a first class Honours? The classification of the degree is dependant on a grading structure. First-class honours (1st): this is the highest degree classification. Usually, the average overall score of 70%+ Second-class honours, upper division (2.1): usually, the average overall exam score of 60%+
Also know, is a 2.1 degree any good?
Truth: Some graduate jobs require a particular subject or range of subjects (eg a numerate degree or a science degree); others are open to graduates from any subject. What's even more important is that many employers ask for at least a 2.1 (the second best grade you can get for a degree).
What percentage is a 2.1 degree?
First-Class Honours (First or 1st) (70% and above) Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1, 2.i) (60-70%) Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2, 2.ii) (50-60%) Third-Class Honours (Third or 3rd) (40-50%)
Related Question Answers
What does a 2.2 degree mean?
what does 2.2 degree mean? A degree may be awarded with or without honours, with the class of an honours degree usually based on a weighted average mark of the assessed work a candidate has completed. The degree classifications are: First-class honours (1st) Second-class honours, upper division (2:1)Is 68 a first class degree?
A 2.1 is still a good degree. In most universities a first is 70% and if you get put up to a 1st from a 68% onwards, you should consider yourself very lucky. If universities inflate grades in this way, they are usually only doing it to make themselves look better.How hard is it to get a first class Honours degree?
Achieving any degree at University is great, but some aspire for something greater. Getting a first-class honours at university is a way of proving your academic prowess, commitment to study, and determination to achieve the very best that you can. Getting a first is difficult, but far from impossible.What is higher than a 2.1 degree?
A First-Class Honours (a '1st') = Grade A** An Upper Second-Class Honours (a '2:1', pronounced two-one) = Grade A* A Lower Second-Class Honours (a '2:2', pronounced two-two) = Grade A. A Third-Class Honours (a 3rd) = Grade B.How do you get a 2.1 degree?
To achieve a 2:1 in your degree at university your final mark needs to be over 60% (over 70% being First Class Honours). The final mark is usually based on the average of coursework and examinations throughout the length of your study, although in a minority of courses it is solely based on a final examination.How do you graduate with first class?
Top tips for getting a first- Stay focused on getting a top grade. Source: KnowYourMeme.
- Develop your research skills.
- Use the library resources at university.
- Improve the presentation of your work.
- Ask tutors for help.
- Go to your university classes.
- Limit your time on social media.
- Pick topics that you're passionate about.
Is a 2.2 good?
A 2.2 is always better than a third and probably hard worked for. Well its like everyone said its because its below average, obviously a 2:2 in maths is probably going to hold more weight than a 2:1 in golf management. Either way a 2:2 isnt the end of the world.Is a 2 1 a bad grade?
The 2:1 cut-off But degree grade inflation has not really inflated employers' expectations to want a first. That still makes it tough for students getting a 2:2, which not that long ago would have been the most common grade, but which is now rarer than a first.Does getting a first class degree matter?
With more graduates comes more competition for jobs, but is a first-class degree really the best way to stand out from the rest of the applicants? Not for these students. They don't mind if they don't get a first, as long as they have the skills employers want.Is a 2.2 a bad degree?
2.2 isn't bad per se its just lower than average, say what you like about the difficulty of the course in comparison to others (even though its obviously subjective) but even comparing yourself to other biomed students you have a lower than average grade.What degrees actually get you a job?
Top Ten Best College Majors for Jobs- Computer Science.
- Marketing.
- Nursing.
- Electrical Engineering.
- Accounting.
- Chemical Engineering.
- Finance.
- Biomedical Engineering.
Is a 2.1 good enough for a Masters?
Usually requires an overall mark of 40%+. May result from an overall mark below 40%. You'll normally need an upper second class degree (a '2.1') or its equivalent for entry to a Masters degree. Some universities and courses also accept students with lower second class degrees (2.2s).Does going to university guarantee a job?
Having a good university degree does not guarantee a good job because people need to have more experience and going to university just helps them to have knowledge not experience. However, there are many graduate students who cannot find a job in their profession because they don't have enough experience.Do employers care about degree classification?
You don't have to tell potential employers your grade Technically, unless they specifically ask, you're not legally required to inform potential employers what degree classification you got. On your CV you can just write BA (Hons) in English or BSc (Hons) in Psychology.What percentage of students get a first class Honours degree?
70%What QCA is a 2.1 degree?
Classification of Awards and Discretionary Bands| Award Classification | Cumulative QCA |
|---|---|
| First class honours Second class honours grade 1 (2.1) Second class honours grade 2 (2.2) Third class honours | 3.40 3.00 2.60 2.00 |
Can a 2.2 graduate do masters?
Applying for a Masters with a Lower Class Degree. You might think having a third or a 2.2 means you can't do a Masters, but this isn't always the case. Admissions requirements for postgraduate courses vary by university, and your undergraduate degree won't be the only factor in gaining a place for further study.How common is a first class degree?
The proportion of first class degrees has increased by two per cent each year since 2013/14 and four-fold since 1994/5, according to figures published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).What is the GPA of a first class degree?
3.60Can a second class lower Do masters?
You'll normally need an upper second class degree (a '2.1') or its equivalent for entry to a Masters degree. Some universities and courses also accept students with lower second class degrees (2.2s). For more information, read our advice on applying for a Masters with a lower class degree.What is a 2.1 in GPA?
A2A A 2:1 (honors) - Second Class Honors, Upper division - converts to an A-/B+ which is the average of 3.7+3.3/2= 3.5. You do not use percentages. See Grade Conversion Guide | World Education Services. Is there any other way to get admissions in the US universities if your GPA isn't up to 3 on a scale of 4?What is a second class Honours Grade 1 degree?
Second Class Honours, Grade 1: A GPA (Grade Point Average) of at least 60% of the total available marks. Second Class Honours, Grade 2: A GPA (Grade Point Average) of at least 50% of the total available marks.What percentage do you need for a first class degree?
Percentage Mark| Percentage % | Undergraduate Honours degree | Postgraduate Degree (credit achieved in 2002) |
|---|---|---|
| 70 – 100 | First Class Honours | Distinction |
| 60 – 69 | Upper Second Class Honours | Pass |
| 50 – 59 | Lower Second Class Honours | Pass |
| 40 – 49 | Third Class Honours | Pass |
Is the UK grading system easier?
at high school level though, the exams are very easy and you need above 90% or so to get an A. Broadly this is the same in the UK at high school level. Amusingly, high school grade inflation is so bad in the UK that recently the government has had to bring in an A* grade, which is even higher than an A.What is upper second class in GPA?
United States| British degree classification | US equivalents (Fulbright) | |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | GPA | |
| Upper Second | A-/B+ | 3.33–3.67 |
| Lower Second | B | 3.00 |
| Third | C+ | 2.30 |
