How to Calculate Your UK Degree Classification
A UK degree classification is usually based on a weighted average rather than a simple average of all your marks. Each module contributes according to its credit value, and many universities also apply a year weighting so later study counts more heavily.
Use this calculator to model marks, credits and year weighting before results day. It is useful for planning, but official university regulations always take priority.
Some universities also apply a "borderline" or compensation rule: if your overall average lands within a few percentage points below a boundary (for example 68-69%), examiners may look at how many credits were above the higher band before confirming your final classification.
UK Degree Classification Boundaries
The common undergraduate boundaries are 70% and above for a First, 60-69% for a 2:1, 50-59% for a 2:2 and 40-49% for a Third. Some universities use borderline, compensation or best-credit rules.
These figures are the most common pattern for undergraduate honours degrees, but Scottish universities and some newer institutions use slightly different structures, and professional accreditation bodies (engineering, law, psychology) sometimes require their own separate thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a First-Class degree in the UK?
A First-Class Honours degree is usually awarded for an overall average of 70% or above, although official rules vary.
Does first year count?
At many UK universities, first year does not count towards the final classification, but you normally need to pass it to progress.
What is compensation or condonement in a UK degree?
Compensation (sometimes called condonement) lets a small amount of credit below the pass mark be offset by stronger marks elsewhere, so a single weak module doesn't automatically block progression or classification. Rules on how much credit can be compensated vary by university.
How much does the dissertation count towards my final classification?
This depends on your course, but a final-year dissertation or project is commonly worth 30-40 credits out of 120 credits in the final year, so it typically has more weight than a single 20-credit module.
What happens if my average falls right on a borderline, like 69%?
Many universities have a borderline policy that reviews candidates just below a boundary, often checking how many credits were achieved at the higher classification before making a final decision. This is discretionary and varies by institution.
Do resit marks count the same as first-attempt marks?
At many UK universities, resit marks used after a failed first attempt are capped at the pass mark (commonly 40%) rather than counting at their full value, which can affect your final weighted average even after passing.