Don’t Panic: Why a 65% at a UK University Is Actually A Great Grade

If you’re used to the US grading system, where anything below a 70% is cause for concern, the UK university grading system might feel confusing — even alarming — at first. But don’t worry. A 65% at a UK university can actually mean you’re doing very well. Read on to learn why!!

1. The Grading Scale Is Different

In the US, letter grades (A-F) are based on a percentage scale out of 100, with 90% and above usually earning an A. But in the UK, grades are classified by degree classification rather than letter grades and the % grades are much lower.

• First Class Degree (1st) - 70% and above = 4.0

  A UK degree classification of a First (the top grade) is awarded for work scoring above 70%, which is broadly equivalent to an A grade or a 4.0 GPA in the U.S. system.

  In the UK:

  Grades above 70% are considered excellent.

  Grades above 80% are rare and represent exceptional or publishable work

• Upper Second Class (2:1) – 60–69% = 3.3-3.7

  In the UK an Upper Second Class Degree (commonly referred to as a ‘Two One’) is the most common outcome at UK universities and is widely regarded as a strong result, often the requirement for postgraduate study at more highly ranked UK universities or for competitive subject areas.

  Upper Second Degree Equivalent in US

  • 65-69% = high 2:1 degree: Equivalent to US grade A- or a 3.7-3.9 GPA

  • 60-65% = lower 2:1 degree: equivalent to B+ or 3.3-3.7 GPA

• Lower Second Class (2:2) - 50-59% = 2.7-3.2

  A Lower Second Class degree (referred to as a ‘Two Two’) is is considered an acceptable pass at UK universities, though it may limit access to competitive graduate jobs and elite postgraduate programs that typically require a 2:1.

  Lower Second Degree Equivalent in US

  • 55-59% is considered a high 2:2 degree: Equivalent to US B grade or 3.0-3.2 GPA

  • 50-55% is equivalent to US grade B- or a 2.7 - 3.0 GPA

• Third Class (3rd) - 40-49% = 2.0-2.6

  A 3rd degree (Third Class) is the lowest honors classification in the UK, representing a pass that allows graduation but could offer more limited opportunities for competitive jobs or further study.

  Third Class Degree Equivalent in US

  • 45-49% is considered equivalent to US C+ grade or 2.4 - 2.6- GPA

  • 40-45% is equivalent to US grade C- or a 2.0 - 2.4 GPA

• Below 40% = failing grade

  In the UK, a mark below 40% is considered a fail and does not earn an honors degree classification - ‘F’ in the US.

So while in the US a 65% is equivalent to a low C, in the UK it’s actually a strong 2:1 and equivalent to a US A- or B+ grade.

2. 70%+ Is Excellent — and Not Common

Getting a mark above 70% in the UK is considered outstanding and not the norm. It typically means your work is at or approaching publishable quality. At many universities, especially in the humanities and social sciences, grades over 80% are exceptionally rare.

3. First-Year Grades Don’t Count (1st and 2nd years in Scotland)

In most UK degree programs, first-year grades do not count toward your final degree classification. In Scotland, where degrees usually take four years, the first two years don’t count.

This is because the early years are seen as a period of adjustment and foundational learning. Only second and third-year grades (or third and fourth years in Scotland) determine your final classification.

(However, this is not an excuse to slack off — first-year results still appear on your transcript and may be considered by employers during internship hiring)

4. Assessment Style Is Different

US universities often use a mix of homework, quizzes, participation, midterms, and finals. In contrast, UK courses tend to have fewer assessments — sometimes only one or two essays or exams per class, making each one carry more weight. Grades are also critically assessed, with an emphasis on originality, reasoning, and analytical depth.

5. No Grades for Participation or Attendance

Unlike many U.S. colleges, UK universities do not award marks for class participation, attendance, or effort. Your final degree classification is based almost entirely on assessed work such as essays, projects, presentations, and exams. While engaging in class discussions and showing up regularly are certainly encouraged — and may help you learn the material more deeply — they won’t directly affect your grades.

Final Thoughts

It can take time to adjust to UK university grading — and your transcript might look quite different from what you’re used to. But rest assured: UK universities are not “harsher” for the sake of it — they just use a different scale, and their standards reflect different academic traditions.

If you’re seeing 55s or 68s on your coursework, don’t panic — you’re doing better than you think!