Degree Classifications awarded at University

In the UK degrees are often given with honours if a student passes with specified grades. First, second and third classes are all considered passes, however they can be broken down further.

Honours degrees are usually categorised by the following grades with the highest grade being first class honours:

• First class honours (1 st)
• Second class honours, divided into:
• Upper division, (2:1)
• Lower division (2:2)
• Third class honours (3 rd)

If you don’t achieve the standard for an honours degree then they are usually given an ordinary degree without honours.

You would usually see a honours degree written as follows BA (hons) for art subjects, BSc (hons) for science subjects, etc.

There are many, many other types of degrees but these are the most common ones. Once you go abroad you may find other types of degrees entirely. For example in America you can gain an Associates degree.

Degree Types

For a breakdown of degree types, see our page on degree types.