Is UK University Harder than US College? Thomas Marr, US Admissions Director from the University of St Andrews explains the grading systems here:
Cracking the UK Grading Code: What U.S. Students Need to Know
by Thomas Marr, University of St Andrews, US Admissions Director
Grades at UK universities often look very different. In this article, Thomas Marr of the University of St Andrews explains how grades are awarded and what they mean for students.
By Thomas Marr, University of St Andrews US Admissions Director.
How does the University of St Andrews grade student work?
The University of St Andrews is similar to other UK universities in how we describe our degree classifications for graduating students. The vast majority of UK university students graduate either with first-class honors (known simply as a first), a 2:1 degree (second class, upper or a ‘two one’), a 2:2 degree (second class, lower or a ‘two two’) or a third-class degree. This is exactly how St Andrews operates too.
The first two years grades do not directly contribute to your final GPA
A St Andrews student is awarded their degree based on the specific subject/s studied in years 3 and 4, and the overall classification recognises the average quality of their work in those years. This also means that 1st and 2nd year do not directly contribute to the classification awarded. It would be wrong to say that years 1 and 2 do not matter; year 1 progress is important for entry to year 2, and year 2 marks must be high enough to allow a student to progress to years 3 and 4. Poor performance in year 2 can mean that a student will compete just one more year instead of two, and leave earlier than their peers.
How many classes do students take at St Andrews?
Individual classes at St Andrews are known as “modules” and their weight (10 credits, 20 credits, 30 credits) reflects the amount of work required to complete the class. Students generally complete 60 credits per semester and 120 credits per year. A degree is awarded based on 480 credits being completed.
The St Andrews grading scale
The actual marking scale at St Andrews is where we appear to be most different to our peers. We use a 20-point scale where 20 is full marks on a module and a grade of 7 is a pass. To earn a first class honors degree, a student must average 16.5 or above across their modules in years 3 and 4. An overall average of 13.5 to 16.4 results in a 2:1 award, and 11.5 to 13.4 is a 2:2.
Exams Vs Continuous Assessment balance
Lastly, there is no single rule when it comes to continuous assessment and end of semester exam performance at St Andrews. Some modules are a 50/50 split of continuous and end of semester exams, but other classes might be 40/60 or 60/40 or they can even be 100% course work, or 100% exam performance. Students are aware of the assessment method when choosing their classes and tend to choose the type of assessment model that they are most comfortable with.
Your Student Advisor
All St Andrews students meet with an Adviser of Studies every semester to decide which modules to take, and to ensure that the classes they are choosing will contribute to earning a degree. No-one is left to figure these things out for themselves. The St Andrews way of doing things might seem complicated but students get the hang of it very quickly and the flexibility afforded by our approach is partly why we have a 99% student retention rate from year 1 to year 2.
By Thomas Marr, University of St Andrews, US Admissions Director
Meet St Andrews Recruitment officers in the US
Jo’s Thoughts: Is UK University Harder Than US College?
“Is UK university harder than US college?” is one of the questions I hear most often from US families. In reality, the UK system isn’t necessarily harder, it simply measures academic achievement differently.
Perhaps the most important thing for families to understand is that UK universities generally place less emphasis on early university grades than US colleges. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, most undergraduate degrees are three years long, and final degree classifications are typically based primarily on performance in the second and third years. In Scotland’s four-year degree system, the final classification is based on performance in the final two years. Students still need to pass and progress through their earlier years successfully, but they have time to adapt to university-level expectations before their final classification is determined.
I also think it is important not to view UK grades through a US lens. A First Class degree in the UK, or 70%+ is an outstanding achievement, and a 2:1, 60%+ is considered a very strong outcome that is highly respected by employers and graduate schools. Many US families are surprised to learn that a 2:1 is the most common goal among ambitious students and is often the benchmark for competitive graduate programs and employment opportunities.
Another key difference is assessment. Unlike many US colleges where participation, homework, quizzes, and midterms may all contribute to a final grade, UK courses often place greater emphasis on major essays, projects, coursework, and final examinations. The exact balance varies by university and subject, but students are typically evaluated on vastly fewer, more substantial pieces of work.
Finally, while UK universities expect students to be independent learners, there is often more support available than families realize. Academic advisors, personal tutors, faculty office hours, and student support teams all play an important role in helping students navigate university life successfully.
For US students considering the UK, understanding the grading system ahead of time can help set realistic expectations and reduce anxiety. It may look unfamiliar at first, but most students quickly adapt and learn that success is measured differently rather than more harshly.
Why are US students choosing the University of St Andrews? Learn more here.
