Guide
What is a 2:1 degree?
A 2:1, or upper second-class honours degree, is the class you get with an overall degree average from 60% to 69.9%. It is the second-highest class of UK honours degree.
UK degree classifications
| Class | Also called | Overall average |
|---|---|---|
| First | First-class honours (1st) | 70% and above |
| 2:1 | Upper second-class honours | 60% to 69.9% |
| 2:2 | Lower second-class honours | 50% to 59.9% |
| Third | Third-class honours | 40% to 49.9% |
Below 40% you may be offered an ordinary degree (without honours) instead. These are the usual boundaries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; check your own university's regulations.
How your overall average is worked out
Most universities don't count first year. They combine your Year 2 and final-year averages in a fixed ratio, most often 40% and 60%, though 1:2, 50/50, 25/75 and final year only are all used. Each year's average is weighted by credits, so bigger modules such as a dissertation count for more.
For example, a 58% Year 2 average and a 64% final-year average with a 40/60 split gives 0.4 × 58 + 0.6 × 64 = 61.6%, a 2:1.
Why a 2:1 matters
Many graduate schemes and master's courses list a 2:1 as their minimum, so it is the target a lot of students aim for. Plenty of employers now look past the class too, so a 2:2 doesn't shut every door, but a 2:1 gives you the most options.
Want to know where you stand? See what you need for a 2:1 or put your own marks into the degree classification calculator.
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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.
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Is a 2:1 a good degree?
Yes. It is the second-highest honours class and the one many graduate jobs and master's courses ask for.
What is the difference between a 2:1 and a 2:2?
A 2:1 is an average of 60% to 69.9%; a 2:2 is 50% to 59.9%.
What does 2:1 stand for?
Second class, division one: the upper half of the second class. A 2:2 is division two, the lower half.
More guides
- What do I need for a First?The final-year average you need, for your Year 2 average and your uni's weighting.
- What do I need for a 2:1?The final-year average you need for a 2:1, for every common weighting.
- What is a 2:1 degree?UK degree classes explained, and the marks for each.
- Does first year count?When first year counts towards your degree, and when it doesn't.
- How is GPA calculated?Grade points, credit hours, cumulative and weighted GPA, with examples.
- UCAS points tablePoints for every A Level, BTEC, T Level, EPQ and Scottish grade.