What percentage of people in the UK have an honours degree?

Around 30% of UK graduates receive a first-class honours degree, with nearly half getting an upper second (2.1), while about 20% get a lower second (2.2), showing significant grade inflation over the last decades, although the percentage of firsts has slightly decreased recently from pandemic highs. More broadly, 22.6% of British adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, with recent data indicating about 46% of graduates get a second-class honours, broken down into 2.1s and 2.2s.

How common are honours degrees?

Historically, first-class honours were uncommon, but since 2019 a first has been awarded to nearly thirty percent of graduates of British universities. The increase is said by some commentators to be due to student-demanded grade inflation rather than students' academic ability.

What is the most common degree grade in the UK?

University grading: degree classifications explained

Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) (60-70%): Strong performance, most common degree class. Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) (50-60%): Satisfactory performance, widely accepted by employers. Third-Class Honours (3rd) (40-50%): Minimum passing grade for an honours degree.

Does graduating with honors matter in the UK?

Because honours degrees show a higher level of achievement than ordinary bachelor's degrees, you will be demonstrating to employers that you've been awarded a more academically demanding qualification, showing you have a higher level of commitment and determination when it comes to your learning and future.

What percentage of Brits have a bachelor's degree?

22.6% of British adults attained a bachelor's degree or higher. 6 out of 100 students drop out from a UK university. 33% of those who drop out are first-generation students and leave University within the first year. Full-time students graduate earlier than part-time students.

What is a 2:1 Degree? Guide to UK Undergraduate Grades - Study in the UK | Cardiff Met International

What is the top 1 educated country?

There isn't one single "No. 1" educated country, as rankings vary by metric, but Canada, South Korea, and Japan consistently rank at the top for high tertiary (post-secondary) education attainment, with Canada often leading in the percentage of adults with degrees (around 63-65%), while South Korea excels in youth attainment (over 70% for 25-34 year olds) and overall literacy. Other top contenders include Ireland, the UK, and the US, depending on the specific data set (like OECD or World Population Review). 

What percent of America has a bachelor's degree?

About 35% of all US American adults (aged 25+) have at least a Bachelor's degree. In some states the figure is closer to 50%.

What is a degree without honours called?

Third-Class Honours (40-50%): known as a 'third' or 3rd, this degree is the lowest honours degree achievable. Ordinary Degree: If an honours student fails to achieve a third class by a small margin, they may be awarded an ordinary degree i.e. without honours.

What is the most useful degree in the UK?

The following list provides eight examples of the most employable degrees in the UK a student can pursue to secure a position:

1. Medical degree (MBChB) ...
2. Law degree. ...
3. Engineering degree. ...
4. Computer degree. ...
5. Architecture degree. ...
6. Economics degree. ...
7. Education. ...
8. Biological sciences.

Is honours harder than bachelor?

An honours degree is not just another undergraduate course. It's an advanced version of a standard bachelor degree with a deeper academic focus. You'll study the same subject—but in greater detail. And you'll probably complete a research project or dissertation before graduating.

What is the hardest degree to get into in the UK?

Some of the hardest degrees in the UK include Medicine, Engineering, Architecture, Law, and Veterinary Science. It's important to match your strengths to the course demands, such as whether you prefer essays or exams, and teamwork or working alone.

What is the least popular degree in the UK?

Veterinary Science has consistently been the least popular degree choice for students, even with an increase of 125% since 2016/17. Veterinary Science tends to be a five to six year course at university, with fairly high entry requirements (AAA-ABB typically needed at A Level).

Is a degree without honours worth it?

While many large corporates require an honours degree for their graduate schemes, some do not, and most graduates go on to work in roles outside of these schemes. These are often much more flexible on entry requirements and can sometimes respond well to speculative applications for graduate roles.

How hard is it to get an honours degree?

It usually means scoring an overall weighted average of 70% or higher in your coursework and exams. Universities classify honours roughly as follows: 70%+ for a First, 60–69% for a 2:1 (upper second), 50–59% for a 2:2 (lower second), and 40–49% for a Third. (Marks below 40% typically do not receive an honours degree.)

What is the most sought after degree?

Below, we've written out a list of the top 10 majors that are currently in high demand.

• Business. ...
• Healthcare Administration. ...
• Nursing. ...
• Medical Assisting. ...
• Information Technology. ...
• Computer Science. ...
• Hospitality. ...
• Engineering.

Is a Hons degree worth it?

Career advantages of holding an honours degree

Completing a university honours programme shows employers that you've gone beyond the basics and gained a deeper understanding of your field. It signals expertise and dedication, helping you stand out when applying for jobs.

What is the most employable degree in 2025?

Degrees such as nursing, mathematics, computer science, and various branches of engineering consistently offer low unemployment rates and strong growth potential. Students pursuing these programs benefit from high starting salaries, steady demand across industries, and long-term career security.

What are the hardest degrees to get?

CollegeVine's Top 10 Hardest Majors

• Electrical Engineering. Average GPA: 3.3.
• Physics. Average GPA: 3.1. ...
• Architecture. Average GPA: 3.3. ...
• Nursing. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
• Accounting. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
• Cellular and Molecular Biology. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
• Philosophy. Average GPA: 3.1. ...
• Fine Arts. Average GPA: 3.2. Average Weekly Study Hours: 18.1. ...

Is a BSc better than a BA?

With a BA degree, you can develop your creative thinking, communication, and critical analysis skills while gaining broad knowledge of a subject area. With a BSc, you can develop your ability to understand complex topics from a logical, scientific, and analytical perspective with a focus on a specific subject area.

Is a BA Hons better than a regular BA?

Is BA Hons better than BA? Yes. BA Hons is generally considered better for students aiming for specialised knowledge and advanced career or academic opportunities.

Do you get honours without a dissertation in the UK?

For the UK the inclusion of the 'Honours' element of a degree usually means that the student concerned attended a 3-year bachelor's degree course including completion of an acceptable dissertation (or thesis) in the third and final year.

Is 2.1 second class upper?

Degree classifications

First-Class Honours (First or 1st) (70% and above) Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1, 2. i) (60-70%) Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2, 2.

Which demographic is the most educated?

According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, Black women have higher graduation rates for both high school and college degrees compared to other groups, and they also lead in pursuing graduate and professional degrees. This is a powerful testament to the resilience and dedication of Black women in education!

What countries have the best education systems?

• Denmark. #1 in Well-developed public education system. ...
• Sweden. #2 in Well-developed public education system. ...
• United Kingdom. #3 in Well-developed public education system. ...
• Finland. #4 in Well-developed public education system. ...
• Germany. #5 in Well-developed public education system. ...
• Canada. ...
• Norway. ...
• Japan.