Guide

What do I need for a First?

A First needs an overall degree average of 70% or more. What that means for your final year depends on your Year 2 average and how your university weights each year.

The quick answer

Final-year average you need for a First. 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% 83.4%80.0%90.0%76.7%
55% 80.0%77.5%85.0%75.0%
58% 78.0%76.0%82.0%74.0%
60% 76.7%75.0%80.0%73.4%
62% 75.4%74.0%78.0%72.7%
65% 73.4%72.5%75.0%71.7%
68% 71.4%71.0%72.0%70.7%
70% 70.0%70.0%70.0%70.0%
75% 66.7%67.5%65.0%68.4%

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 62%, 40/60 weighting, no final-year marks yet. Year 2 gives you 0.4 × 62 = 24.8 of the 70 points you need, so final year has to supply 45.2, which is 45.2 ÷ 0.6 = 75.4% across all of final year.

Year 2 average of 64%, 68% on the first 60 final-year credits, 40/60 weighting. If you keep scoring 68% you finish on 66.4%, a 2:1. For a First you need an average of 80.0% on the remaining 60 credits. See this example in the calculator.

Final year only counts. You need 70% averaged across final year, whatever you got in Year 2.

Things that can change your answer

Credits, not modules. Each year's average is weighted by credits, so a 40-credit dissertation counts twice as much as a 20-credit module. A strong dissertation can move you further than any single exam.

Borderlines. Many universities review averages just under a boundary (often 68 to 69.9%) and may award the higher class if most of your credits are at First level. The rules differ, so check your handbook.

Dropping your weakest module. Some universities discount your lowest credits from the calculation. If yours does, you may need less than the table shows.

Get your own numbers, kept up to date

Add your modules to PredictMyGrade and it works out your average, your predicted class and the mark you need in each remaining assignment, every time a new mark comes in. Free to start.

Start free or try the demo first

Questions

What percentage is a First?

70% or above as your overall degree average, at almost every UK university.

Can I still get a First with a 2:1 in second year?

Often, yes. With a 62% Year 2 average and a 40/60 split you need about 75.4% across final year. With a 1:2 split it is about 74%.

Does first year count towards a First?

At most UK universities first year doesn't count, though you have to pass it. More on when first year counts.

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