The United Kingdom has global dominance and offers endless possibilities to those who want to make it their home. It is a promising prospect for students, professionals, and anyone seeking an exciting lifestyle. The UK’s education system is known worldwide for its vast and well-structured approach. It is home to some of the most renowned universities, like Oxford and Cambridge. It is a premier destination for studying abroad, with many students pursuing their academic aspirations in the UK every year.
Every country has its unique method of evaluating students’ performance. Hence, you must familiarise yourself with the grading system of the country you are interested in. The UK grading system is distinct and requires a comprehensive understanding.
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Hence, we will know more about the UK grading system moving forward. The overall grading system in England, Wales and North Ireland are similar, whereas the Scottish grading system differs.
Why Choose the United Kingdom?
Choosing the UK for your international studies has many compelling reasons.
First and foremost, the UK offers a world-renowned education system with universities that consistently rank among the best globally.
With a legacy of academic excellence, you’ll immerse yourself in high-quality academia.
Moreover, the UK welcomes international students, providing an enriching environment where you can interact with peers from diverse backgrounds.
One of the standout features of studying in the UK is the wide variety of courses available, catering to various interests and career aspirations. UK universities uphold high teaching standards, ensuring you learn from leading academics and develop essential skills and confidence.
Additionally, shorter course durations mean quicker graduations and reduced expenses.
Financially, the UK offers numerous scholarships and funding opportunities, making education accessible to a broader range of students.
While studying, you can work part-time during term and full-time during holidays. Notably, UK education boasts a high employability rate, as its graduates are sought after by employers worldwide.
In summary, choosing the UK for your study abroad journey ensures a world-class education, cultural diversity, and a promising future in the global job market.
Overview of UK Grading System
The four main stages of the UK’s education system are primary, secondary, further, and higher education. As you would expect, students are assessed at the end of each education stage – but the grading system is different for every stage. Here’s how it works:
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UK Grading System in Compulsory Education (GCSE)
GCSE is an academic qualification taken by students aged 15-17 in the United Kingdom. GCSEs are an essential part of the UK education system and are often used to determine a student’s eligibility for further education or employment opportunities.
There are two GCSE grading systems applied in the UK. The old UK grading system graded students from A to G, while the newer one grades them from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest grade achievable. Overall, GCSEs are essential in a student’s academic journey and provide a solid foundation for future success.
Old and New UK Grading System
Institutes in Northern Ireland and Wales use old systems: A is the highest possible grade, and G is the lowest. D is considered a passing grade.
Institutes in England use the new system. In this the highest possible grade is 9, and the average passing grade is 4. Those students who secure lower grades are given a U for ungraded in both grading systems.
However, since Indian students go to universities in the UK for graduate, postgraduate, and professional programs, this grading system is irrelevant to them.
However, it is essential to understand the GCSE grading system before moving to the other methods.
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UK Grading System in Higher Education
In the UK, A-levels are an essential part of the higher education system and are typically taken by students at 18. It is also known as the school leaving qualification.
They are a common requirement for university admission, and grades are given on a letter scale from A* (highest) to E (lowest). Overall, A-levels are an excellent way for students to prepare for university and gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
UK Grading System for Undergraduates
The undergraduate UK Grading System is distinct and seeks to provide specific information about students’ academic accomplishments. This type of assessment is highly valued because it can showcase a student’s strengths and skills, allowing employers to understand their potential better.
Due to its effectiveness, countries like Canada, Australia, and India have adopted similar grading systems with some modifications to fit their local educational context.
| Percentage | Grade Description |
| 70%+ | First-Class Honours (1st) |
| 60-69% | Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) |
| 50-59% | Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) |
| 40-49% | Third-Class honours (3rd) |
| 0-39% | Fail |
Let’s learn more UK’s grading system for Undergraduates.
First-Class Degree
Achieving a first-class degree is a significant academic accomplishment in UK universities. It means that you have obtained an overall score of 70% or higher in your undergraduate degree, which is equivalent to an A grade.
This demonstrates exceptional knowledge and competence in your chosen subject. The number of first-class graduates has increased recently, but the proportion of those who achieve this distinction still needs to grow.
While the minimum score required for a first-class degree is usually 70%, this may vary depending on the university.
Upper Second-Class Degree (2:1)
You get an Upper Second Class Degree if your score falls between 60% and 69%. This degree classification signifies that you have demonstrated a good understanding of your subject matter, but there is still room for improvement.
It is a crucial qualification for pursuing a master’s degree in the UK since it is the minimum entry requirement.
Additionally, employers highly value it, making you a desirable candidate in the competitive job market. Therefore, obtaining an upper second-class degree can open several academic and professional doors for you.
Lower Second-Class Degree (2:2)
A lower second-class degree is often called a 2:2 degree in the academic world, and your score is between 50 and 59%. While it is still respectable, it is considered a lower academic achievement than other classified degrees discussed in earlier sections.
Lower second-class students show lower academic achievement with demonstrating remarkable academic quality.
Third Class Degree
The minimum requirement for passing degree courses is the lowest academic grade boundary, which typically ranges from 40% to 49%.
Individuals who earn these grades may face limited opportunities for pursuing postgraduate studies or other career paths.
UK Grading System for Postgraduates
In the UK, postgraduate degrees are graded based on a classification system that ranges from Distinction (the highest grade) to Borderline Pass (the lowest grade).
Coursework, exams, and a dissertation or thesis usually determine the grades. It’s important to note that the grading system can vary depending on the institution and the specific degree program.
| Percentage Scores | Grade Descriptions |
| 70% or above | Distinction |
| 60-69% | Merit |
| 50-59% | Passed |
| 40-49% | Passed on Borderline |
UK grading system vs. Indian grading system
Every year, numerous Indian students dream of studying further in the UK. However, it’s important to note that the Indian grading system operates on a 10-point grade point average system, while the UK grading system utilises a 100-point system.
Here is a comparison between the Indian and UK Grading Systems:
| Percentage ( British Grade ) | Indian Grade Point |
| Above 80% | 10 |
| 75-79% | 9 |
| 70-74% | 8 |
| 60-69% | 7 |
| 50-59% | 6 |
| 45-49% | 5 |
| 40-44% | 4 |
Also Read: High Demand Jobs in UK for Indians: Exciting Opportunities in 2024.
UK Minimum Wage Per Hour 2024: Latest Updates for Indian Students
Wrapping Up
The UK is a world leader and provides numerous opportunities for individuals who desire to reside there. It presents a bright future for students and professionals.
As a prospective student looking to study abroad, familiarising yourself with the grading systems of your desired university and foreign country is important. This will enable you to properly convert and compare your grades to the requirements of your intended institution. It is worth noting that while grading standards are generally consistent, they can still differ depending on the course and university.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that you inquire about your intended university’s method of calculating master’s degree grades.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Does the UK accept low GPAs?
A. You can be admitted to a master’s program at a UK university despite a low GPA. Many UK universities have flexible admission rules and welcome international students with low grades or poor results.
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Q. What is A level in UK equivalent to India?
A. The A level in the UK is also known as the advanced level. This is equivalent to India’s Higher Secondary Service also known as 12th class board exams.
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Q. What is grade 12 called in the UK?
A. In the UK, the final year of high school is usually called “Year 13” or “Sixth Form.” This is when students around 17 or 18 take important exams like A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB). These exams are often necessary for college admission. Education in the UK may differ slightly depending on the region, but the terms Year 13 or Sixth Form are used consistently.
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Q. How do universities in the UK use grades for admissions?
A. In the United Kingdom, universities frequently establish specific grade prerequisites for admission, particularly for highly sought-after academic programs. It is essential to meet or surpass these grade requirements to be considered for acceptance.
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Q. Is a UK PG degree valid in India?
A. In India, a postgraduate degree in the UK is usually accepted and deemed legitimate. The UK is home to many prestigious universities known for their academic prowess, and degrees conferred by these institutions hold global recognition.
Nonetheless, those intending to utilise their UK postgraduate degree in India should go through an authentication and attestation procedure through relevant organisations, like the AIU or the Indian embassy/consulate in the UK. -
Q. What does “ungraded” (U) mean in the UK grading system?
In the UK grading system, “ungraded” is represented by the letter “U,” which stands for “unclassified” or “ungraded.” When a student receives a grade of U, they have yet to achieve a passing grade in a particular subject or examination. In other words, it indicates that the student’s performance was below the minimum standard required to pass the assessment.
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Q. How are grades converted for international students applying to UK universities?
A. Grades for international students applying to UK universities are typically converted using “equivalency assessment.” Each country has its own education system and grading scale, making direct comparisons challenging. Universities often use organisations or agencies that evaluate international qualifications to address this. These organisations assess foreign academic credentials and translate them into their UK equivalents.
The conversion considers factors such as the level of the qualification, the content of the courses, and the grading system used in the student’s home country. Universities then use the resulting UK equivalent grades to determine whether an international applicant meets the entry requirements for their chosen program. This ensures that applicants from diverse backgrounds are fairly evaluated for admission to UK universities.
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Q. Is 70 an A in the UK?
A. Regarding the UK Grading System, achieving an overall 70% or higher score in your undergraduate degree is equivalent to an A. This demonstrates exceptional knowledge and competence in your chosen subject.
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Q. How do I convert my GPA to UK grades?
A. In India, the grading system uses a 10-point scale GPA system, whereas the UK grading system uses a 100- mark system.
Here is how you convert these:
Above 80%- 10 GPA
75-79%- 9 GPA
70-74%- 8 GPA
60-69%- 7 GPA
50-59%- 6 GPA
45-49%- 5 GPA
40-44%- 4 GPA -
Q. What is a UK first in GPA?
A. The grading system used in UK universities for undergraduates is unique as it aims to convey precise details about students’ academic successes. A first-class degree is noteworthy as it implies that a student has attained an overall score of 70% or above in their undergraduate program, equivalent to an A grade, which means a GPA of 8 and above.
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Q. What is the grading system in India?
A. In India, the grading system varies depending on the level of education. A 10-point grading system is used for primary and secondary education, with a minimum passing grade of 33%. A CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) system is used for higher education, with a maximum score of 10.
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Q. What grade is passing in India?
A. In India, passing grades vary depending on the education level and institution. The passing grade is typically 35% or higher for primary and secondary schools. In higher education, passing grades can range from 40-60%. However, specific grading systems may differ between universities and colleges.
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