How It Works

A 2:1 (upper second-class honours) requires a weighted average between 60% and 69%. This calculator works out your current weighted average and projects what you’ll finish with based on your remaining modules.

The calculation uses credit-weighted averages:

For example, if you scored 65% in a 20-credit module, 70% in a 20-credit module, and 60% in a 10-credit module, your average is: ((65 × 20) + (70 × 20) + (60 × 10)) ÷ 50 = 66%.

Most UK universities count second and third year only (years 2 and 3). First year is usually pass/fail. Always verify this with your specific university regulations.

What Is A 2:1 Worth?

A 2:1 is the baseline for most graduate schemes, professional training contracts, and competitive job applications. Many employers set a minimum 2:1 requirement, particularly in law, finance, consulting, and civil service roles.

It’s also the standard entry requirement for most postgraduate courses and PhD programmes. A 2:2 can close doors, while a 2:1 keeps most options open.

Classification	Percentage Range	What It Means
First Class	70% and above	Excellent, highly competitive
2:1 (Upper Second)	60% to 69%	Good, meets most requirements
2:2 (Lower Second)	50% to 59%	Pass, limits some options
Third Class	40% to 49%	Pass, significantly limits options

Quick Reference: Are You On Track?

Year 2 Average	Year 3 Needed	Final Result (33%/67%)	Classification
65%	58%	60.36%	2:1 ✓
60%	60%	60.00%	2:1 ✓
58%	61%	60.01%	2:1 ✓
55%	63%	60.36%	2:1 ✓
50%	65%	60.05%	2:1 ✓

If You’re Currently Below 60%

You can still get a 2:1 if most of your credits remain. If you averaged 55% in year 2 (worth 33%), you need about 63% in year 3 (worth 67%) to finish with 60%. That’s achievable with focused effort.

But if you’re averaging 45% with only 40 credits left, the maths gets brutal. You’d need extremely high marks on remaining work to pull the average up to 60%.

Understanding Year Weightings

Most UK universities weight second year at 33% and final year at 67%. Some weight them equally at 50/50. A few use different splits like 40/60.

This matters hugely. Under 33/67 weighting, final year counts twice as much as second year. A bad second year can be offset by a strong final year. Under 50/50, both years matter equally.

Four-Year Degrees

Integrated masters, Scottish degrees, and sandwich courses spread differently. Some count all four years. Others only count years 3 and 4. Check your specific programme structure.

Borderline Classification Rules

If you finish on 59.5% or higher, many universities round up to 60%, giving you the 2:1. But this isn’t universal. Some universities don’t round at all. Others have discretionary panels that review borderline cases.

Discretionary consideration often looks at: how many modules you got in the higher classification (if you have lots of 60%+ modules, they might bump you from 59.4% to 60%), whether you showed improvement over time, and extenuating circumstances.

Don’t rely on this. Aim for 61% to be safe, not 59.5% hoping for generosity.

What If You’ve Failed Modules?

Failed modules (below 40%) still count in your average unless you resit them successfully. Resits are usually capped at 40%, even if you score 85%. That capped mark replaces the fail.

One failed 20-credit module can drop your average by several percentage points. Two fails can push you from 2:1 territory into 2:2 range, even if everything else is solid.

Resit Strategy

If you failed something worth 10 credits, resitting might be worth it. If you failed a 40-credit module, that’s a bigger problem. The capped 40% will drag your average down significantly.

Run the numbers. See what your average would be with the fail vs. with a capped 40% resit. Sometimes the damage is already done.

Common Questions From Students

Does my first year count?

At most UK universities, no. First year is pass/fail. You need to pass to progress to second year, but those marks don’t contribute to your final classification. Verify this with your university.

What if I’m on 59.8%?

You’re borderline. Some universities round up, others don’t. Some have discretionary panels. Don’t assume you’ll get the bump. If you still have modules to complete, aim for marks that clearly put you over 60%.

Can I still get a 2:1 with a 2:2 in second year?

Yes, if your university uses 33/67 weighting. You’d need a strong final year. For instance, 55% in year 2 needs about 63% in year 3 to hit 60% overall. That’s a stretch but doable.

What’s a realistic target if I’m averaging 58%?

If you’re consistently hitting 58%, aiming for 62-65% is realistic with better exam technique and focused revision. Jumping to 75% is unlikely unless something major changes.

Should I include modules I haven’t finished?

Yes, add them with predicted grades. This gives you a projection. Change the predicted grades to see what you need. If you predict 55% but want a 2:1, adjust upwards until you see what target gets you there.

What if my university uses different weightings?

This calculator uses credit-based weighting, which works for any system. Just add all your modules with their actual credit values. The weighted average will be correct regardless of how your university splits years.

Strategic Decisions When You’re Borderline

If you’re at 58% with significant credits remaining, focus on high-credit modules. A 40-credit dissertation is worth four 10-credit modules. Getting 68% on your dissertation moves your average more than getting 68% on a small module.

Prioritise modules you’re naturally stronger in. If you’re better at coursework than exams, pick modules with higher coursework weighting where possible.

What About Grade Point Average (GPA)?

UK universities don’t use GPA. We use percentage-based classifications. Some universities convert to GPA for international students, but it’s not the primary system.

If you need GPA for postgraduate applications abroad, your university transcript office can provide an official conversion. Roughly, a 2:1 (60-69%) converts to about 3.3-3.7 GPA, but this varies.

How Accurate Is This Projection?

The weighted average calculation is exact. The projection depends entirely on your predicted grades for remaining modules. If you predict 65% but actually score 55%, the projection will be wrong.

Use realistic predictions based on your actual performance, not wishful thinking. If you’ve been averaging 60% on similar modules, predict 60%, not 75%.

When To Check Your Progress

Check after second year results come out. That’s when most students know whether a 2:1 is comfortably achievable, requires effort, or is slipping away.

Check again midway through final year when you have some final year marks back. This gives you time to adjust strategy for remaining assessments.

Check one last time before final exams to know exactly what you need. Knowing you need 65% on finals vs. 45% changes how you allocate revision time.

Beyond The Numbers

A 2:1 matters, but it’s not everything. Work experience, internships, skills, references, and interview performance all count. Someone with a 2:2 and strong experience can beat someone with a First and no experience.

That said, many doors require a 2:1 minimum to even apply. So if you’re borderline, it’s worth the effort to get over the line. The difference between 59% and 61% is minimal academically but significant professionally.

What To Do If A 2:1 Is Out Of Reach

If the maths shows a 2:1 is impossible, focus on other strengths. Build work experience, develop skills, get strong references, and prepare to explain your grades positively in applications and interviews.

Some excellent careers don’t require a 2:1. And postgraduate study can offset an undergraduate 2:2 if you later want to change direction.

But exhaust all options first. Talk to your tutor about extenuating circumstances if relevant. Explore resit options. Check if any failed modules can be replaced with alternatives.