University degrees and grades

[wyrfoa]

I have heard people say they have got a 2:1 degree or a first with honours - what are the grading structures for UK degrees?

[comloulou]

My understanding is that an honours degree is anything above a 3rd. The grading then follows the pattern, first class, a higher 2nd class(2:1) a lower second class (2:2) and a 3rd class.

[Miss Zippy]

My understanding of the honours system is the same as Comloulou's. You could equate degree classes to GCSE/A level grades as follows: First class degree = A; 2:1 = B, 2:2 = C and 3rd class = D.

[darth vader]

Not quite correct. For the Batchelors Degree: To obtain a degree with honours you must do the degree but with some extra modules (sorry i can't remember how many, it has been 7 years!) so the decision on whether you will get a BSc (Hons) or BA (Hons) etc... is made at the start of your degree. on completion you will either get a "First" (1st) a "Second" (2:1) a "second, second class" (2:2) or a "third" (3rd) with Honours. If you do not acheive any of these grades the university may opt to award you with a standard degree without honours.
For the Masters Degree there are only two categories, a Masters with Distinction (equivalent to a 1st) and a standard Masters degree (all other grades)

[comloulou]

I dont remember doing any extra modules though through my drunken, mildly anxious haze i couldve been doing a degree and mechanics and wouldnt have noticed (it was a history BA with Hons...)

[darth vader]

i can't remember the exact figures but you had to have gained so many points for a Batchelor with Honours (each module/subject had a number of points)

[Gef]

Much simpler in Scotland. 3 years for a "general" degree and 4 years for Honours. There are now some new 5 year courses leading directly to Masters degrees. Anyone out there got a Desmond?

[firefly]

No, nor I have I got a Douglas.

[Augustus]

When I did my degree over 70% was a First. 60% a 2:1 and so on

[Andromeda]

For batchelor degrees, the above is broadly correct. For a four / five year masters (MSci or MEng, as apposed to MSc - apologies no idea what the BA / MA equivalent is) you can only get an honours degree (e.g. First Class MSci or Lower Second Class MEng).

I got a Desmond - a true drinkers degree!

Andy

[Waterwolf]

As I understand it, an Honours degree is one that includes a dissertation (i.e. a sustained piece of independent research, usually 10,000 words). The mark thresholds for each class are: 70% and above - first class (with 80% and above considered a 'good first'); 60-69% - upper second class ('2:1'); 50-59% - lower second class ('2:2'); 40-49% - third class; 40% and below - fail.

[FredPuli]

Cambridge and Oxford bothonce had a better system than any of this fuss, I believe. It was possible to get a degree as an 'aegrotat'.This was the same as any other degree, save that the candidate did not have to turn up for the final exam. provided a) he/she claimed to be ill b) the University believed that c) the tutors thought them deserving ! Don't know whether they gave graded 'aegrot.' degrees though.

[Garrold]

undergraduate degrees are classified with or without honours, the grading (1st, 2:1, 2:2 and 3rd Class) has no bearing on this. To achieve a degree with honours the candidate must have passed modules, examinations etc of the an appropriate standard. (Level 1, 2 & 3) It is possible for a candidate to pass 100% of their degree to a 1st class degree standard without honours if all the marks achieved were at level 2.

[FP]

I think I need a degree to understand all these answers! I am glad wyrfoa asked this question. I had often wondered. The only thing I did know is that, as darth vader points out, the decision is made before taking a degree on whether it is an hons. degree or not.