Degree Classification

  • by Bev Thomas
  • 02 Jun, 2016

One question I am being asked ... Just what is a BA Hons exactly?

Since returning to study and finally Graduating with what has been a dream of mine to complete, I now find myself anticipating my final mark. As of writing this blog, I still do not know what my results are but I know what I set out to achieve.  Yep I set myself a goal! The results are set to be sent through the post, anytime during the month of June.  Since nearly Graduating I find a number of people, who have not studied a BA Honours Degree/level 6, asking  just what is a 1st or a 2nd?  So I felt that writing this blog might help clear up some unanswered questions.   Nearly all students will be awarded a degree with honours at the end of their course, providing they complete the necessary modules that are required.  If a student is awarded a pass degree (i.e. a degree without honours) this is usually because they have failed the honours examination, or significant parts of it.  

Most Universities award a class of degree based on an average mark, (this average mark is attained from all of the student's completed modules).  Classification is then given,  you may hear words like a 1st or a 2:1, 2:2, 3rd.  

  • First-Class Honours In Most Universities a First-Class Honours is the highest honour which can be achieved.  A minority of universities award First-Class Honours with Distinction.  A First-Class Honours or 1st is awarded when you gain 70% and above. 
  • Second-Class Honours The bulk of university graduates fall into second-Class Honours, which is sub-divided into Upper Second-Class and Lower Second-Class.  An Upper Second-Class Honours or 2:1 is an overall grade between 60-70%.  A Lower Second-Class Honours or 2:2 is between 50 60%.
  • Third-Class Honours is the lowest honours classification.  A Third-Class Honours or 3rd is a grade between 40 - 50%.
  • An Ordinary degree or pass below 40%.
  • A Fail is no degree awarded.
It can be confusing and mind-blowing when you consider that all graduates are entitled to put BA Honours after their names, the majority of people will assume that they have all been awarded the same level of degree, this is when the classification comes into play 1st, 2nd, 3rd.  

I am really glad I returned to study after gaining my HND many years ago and I have made many new friends who are anticipating their results to in the next few weeks.  Our Degree show comes to an end soon therefore I will be uploading the images  of my self-portraits, so be sure to keep following.  

'In the meantime keep following your dreams , my blog and instagram'
Bev x





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