Guide

What do I need for a 2:1?

A 2:1 needs an overall degree average of 60% or more. Here is what that means for your final year, for each Year 2 average and the usual ways universities weight the years.

The quick answer

Final-year average you need for a 2:1. Find your Year 2 average on the left and your university's Year 2 / final year split along the top (40/60 is the most common; 1:2 means final year counts twice as much).

Year 240/601:250/5025/75
50% 66.7%65.0%70.0%63.4%
55% 63.4%62.5%65.0%61.7%
58% 61.4%61.0%62.0%60.7%
60% 60.0%60.0%60.0%60.0%
62% 58.7%59.0%58.0%59.4%
65% 56.7%57.5%55.0%58.4%
68% 54.7%56.0%52.0%57.4%
70% 53.4%55.0%50.0%56.7%
75% 50.0%52.5%45.0%55.0%

Assumes your final year is 120 credits and none of it is marked yet. Already have some final-year marks? The degree classification calculator works out what you need on the rest.

Worked examples

Year 2 average of 55%, 40/60 weighting, no final-year marks yet. Year 2 gives you 0.4 × 55 = 22 of the 60 points you need, so final year has to supply 38, which is 38 ÷ 0.6 = 63.4% across all of final year.

Year 2 average of 55%, 58% on the first 40 final-year credits, 40/60 weighting. If you keep scoring 58% you finish on 56.8%, a 2:2. For a 2:1 you need an average of 66.0% on the remaining 80 credits. See this example in the calculator.

Year 2 average of 65%. You are already ahead: with a 40/60 split you need only about 56.7% across final year to keep your 2:1.

Getting from a 2:2 to a 2:1

Put your effort where the credits are. Your dissertation or final project is often 30 or 40 credits, so a few extra marks there move your average more than the same marks on a 15 or 20-credit module.

Know your borderline rules. Many universities review averages just under 60% (often 58 to 59.9%) and may award a 2:1 if most of your credits are at 2:1 level. Check your handbook for the exact rule.

Use the exam calculator to see the exact mark you need on each remaining exam: exam mark calculator.

Get your own numbers, kept up to date

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Questions

What percentage is a 2:1?

An overall degree average of 60% to 69.9%. 70% and above is a First.

Can I get a 2:1 if I got a 2:2 in second year?

Yes, often. With a 55% Year 2 average and a 40/60 split you need about 63.4% across final year.

Is 59% a 2:1?

On its own, no: 59% is a 2:2. But many universities review borderline averages like 59% and may round up, depending on where most of your credits fall.

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