What Is a First-Class Degree?
A First Class degree (often written as a 'First', '1st', or 'First-Class Honours') is the highest classification awarded for a UK honours degree. It signals exceptional academic performance — an average of 70% or above across your entire programme.
What is a First Class?
A First Class degree is the gold standard of UK undergraduate honours degrees. It demonstrates sustained high performance across your entire programme, with particular strength in your final year assessments.
On your transcript, a First Class appears as 'BA Hons' or 'BSc Hons' with the classification noted as 'First', '1st', or 'Degree with First-Class Honours'. Universities, graduate recruiters, and professional bodies all recognise a First as evidence of outstanding academic achievement.
Statistically, a First is rare: across the UK, roughly the top 15–25% of graduates in any given year receive a First, depending on the institution and subject. Russell Group universities tend to award slightly more Firsts than post-92 universities, but the classification remains highly competitive everywhere.
Required percentage
In most UK universities, a First Class requires an overall weighted average of 70–100%. The exact mark varies by university and programme, but this is the national benchmark range.
How UK degree classification is calculated
Most UK universities calculate your final class using a weighted average of your module marks across the full programme:
- Year 2 (where applicable): 20–30% contribution to the overall weighted average
- Final year (Year 3 or 4): 60–70% contribution — most universities weight the final year most heavily because it represents your most advanced work
- Year 1: typically doesn't count toward your classification, though you must pass to progress
If your weighted average falls in the 70–100% band, you receive a First Class. Some universities use best-year or best-n-modules rules, especially for four-year programmes (sandwich year, study abroad, integrated masters). Always check your handbook.
US GPA comparison
A First Class generally translates to the following on the US 4.0 GPA scale:
| UK Classification | Percentage | US GPA | US Letter |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Class (Honours) | 70%+ | 3.7–4.0 | A / A- |
| Upper Second (2:1) | 60–69% | 3.0–3.6 | B+ / B |
| Lower Second (2:2) | 50–59% | 2.5–3.0 | B- / C+ |
| Third Class | 40–49% | 2.0–2.5 | C- / D+ |
These are reference ranges. US universities typically recalculate your GPA from your original transcript, so treat these as a starting point only.
US GPA equivalents for First Class
If you're applying to a US institution, a First Class sits in this GPA range:
- Lower First (70–74%): roughly 3.7 GPA
- Solid First (75–79%): roughly 3.8–3.9 GPA
- Outstanding First (80%+): 4.0 GPA
Graduate school implications
A First Class is competitive for most graduate programmes. The biggest factors:
- Oxbridge and top US programs: usually look for a solid First (mid-70s+) with strong research references
- Russell Group master's programs: generally accept a First without further assessment
- Professional training (law, medicine, accounting): a First often secures automatic interview slots
- PhD applications: a First plus a strong research proposal is the typical minimum for funded doctoral study
How to achieve a First Class
A First Class requires consistent high performance across all modules. The students who earn one usually share a few habits:
- Start early. Reading lists for Year 2 and Year 3 modules are typically published in advance. Reading ahead in summer before term starts gives you a real edge.
- Treat every assessment seriously. Firsts are cumulative — a poor mark in Year 2 can be offset, but only with an exceptionally strong Year 3.
- Use feedback. UK universities give detailed written feedback on every assignment. Most First-class students re-read and act on feedback before the next piece of work.
- Office hours are free marks. Going to see your lecturer with specific questions is one of the highest-ROI activities available to undergraduates.
- Form or join a study group. Explaining concepts to peers is one of the best ways to test your own understanding.
If you're currently below a First in your weighted average, you can still reach one with strong performance in your remaining credits — but only if those credits carry enough weight in the calculation.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage is a First Class degree?+
A First Class degree requires a weighted average of 70% or above. Some universities use a 'safety net' rule where marks in the high 60s might still be considered, but 70% is the national benchmark.
How common is a First Class degree?+
Roughly 15–25% of UK graduates receive a First, depending on the institution. Russell Group universities award more Firsts than post-92 universities on average, and STEM subjects typically award fewer than humanities.
Does a First Class guarantee a graduate job?+
No, but it opens doors. Many graduate schemes (law, finance, consulting) will fast-track First-class applicants to interview. A First alone won't guarantee an offer — work experience and soft skills still matter — but it removes one major filter.
Is a First Class degree equivalent to a 4.0 GPA?+
Roughly yes. A First maps to a 3.7–4.0 GPA on the US scale. A solid First (75%+) is usually treated as 3.8–4.0; a bare 70% might be marked as 3.7. WES and other credential evaluators typically place Firsts at 4.0.
Can a First Class be revoked?+
No. Your classification is fixed at graduation. Some universities may review marks during the clearing period, but once the certificate is issued, the classification is permanent.
Related guides:UK Degree Classifications· UK Grading System· GPA Scale Converter