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Is a 2.1 Degree Good? 

If you’re close to finishing your undergraduate degree, you’ve probably asked yourself: is a 2.1 degree good?

The short answer is yes. A 2.1 is widely seen as a strong academic result. For many employers and postgraduate admissions teams, it’s the benchmark. In some sectors, it’s the minimum requirement. In this guide, we’ll explain what a 2.1 really means, how it compares to other degree classifications, and its financial implications.

And if you’re hoping to reach a 2.1 or a first class degree, our University Tutors can help you get there. Based on our 2024 client feedback survey, 91% of respondents on a 2.2 and 60% on a 2.1 saw a full grade increase with our support.

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What Is a 2.1 Degree? The UK Grading System, Explained

A 2.1 degree is an upper second-class honours degree, usually awarded to students who finish their studies with an average of 60–69%. This sits just below a first-class honours and above a 2.2 degree (lower second-class honours).

The UK degree classification system uses these four main bands:

  • First-class honours (70%+)
  • Upper second-class honours (2.1) (60–69%)
  • Lower second-class honours (2.2) (50–59%)
  • Third-class honours (40–49%)
  • Fail (0-39%)

These grades are used across nearly all UK universities, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and Imperial College London. You’ll usually see them listed on job applications, postgraduate course requirements, and graduate scheme criteria.

Earnings: The Difference Between a 2.1 and a 2.2 Honours Degree

A 2.1 isn’t just useful for job applications. It can also lead to higher earnings. According to a 2022 report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS):

  • Graduates from top universities who received a 2.1 earned 20% more on average by age 30 than those who received a 2.2.
  • Five years after graduation, students with a 2.2 earned around £3,800 less than their peers with a 2.1.
  • In competitive fields like law and economics, the gap was even wider, with a 15%+ difference in earnings.

Over the course of a career, that pay gap adds up. Obtaining a lower second-class degree over a 2.1 could cost you as much as £300,000 in lifetime earnings!

The research is clear: your final degree classification can be life-changing.

If you’re aiming to hit or maintain a 2.1, you don’t have to do it alone. Our University Tutors support students at every stage of their degree and help turn academic targets into actual results. Join the 95%* of undergraduates who achieved a full grade improvement after working with The Profs.

*Based on respondents to The Profs Client Feedback Survey 2024.

What Employers Think About a 2.1

A 2.1 is often seen as the cut-off point for professional roles and graduate jobs. Many employers still use it to shortlist applicants in the early stages of hiring. This is especially common in law, finance, and consultancy.

That doesn’t mean a 2.2 degree rules you out, but a 2.1 gives you a wider range of options. It’s a signal that you’ve managed the demands of undergraduate education and consistently performed to a good standard.

Postgraduate Education and Degree Classifications

Most postgraduate study programmes ask for a 2.1 or higher. This includes master’s degrees like the:

  •  Master of Arts.
  • Masters of Science.

If you’re planning to study further, especially at highly selective institutions, your final degree classification plays a key role in your application. Even if your academic motiivation is strong, dropping below a 2.1 can limit your options. Applicants with a 2.2 degree or lower second class honours may need to demonstrate additional strengths such as relevant work experience, unique research projects, or strong references. Our Postgraduate Admissions Tutors can advise you on what course of action to take and even help you boost your academic profile in time.

How to Achieve a 2.1 Degree in University

If you’re aiming for a 2.1, focus on what actually moves your results forward. Successt comes from studying with intention, building habits that stick, and understanding what your uni expects from you. The more you put in, the more you’ll gain from it, especially in your second and final years when most degree courses carry greater weight.

Below are five key habits that can help you secure a higher grade, move up into a higher class, and graduate with a good degree:

1. Attend Your Lectures and Seminars

Simply showing up is one of the most valuable habits you can build. Many lecturers go off on relevant, engaging tangents that never appear in the slides or core readings but still help you understand the topic better. These discussions often include exam hints, and clarification that you won’t get anywhere else!

There’s also a set of soft skills you develop just by being there:

  • Sitting, listening, and processing complex information for an hour or more
  • Taking structured notes in real time
  • Learning when and how to ask thoughtful questions
  • Engaging in academic conversations and hearing how others approach the material

These skills carry over into most careers, especially ones that value communication, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. Attending regularly keeps you connected to the course and reduces your risk of falling behind.

2. Read Widely

Students who aim for a top grade don’t just stick to the core reading list. They lift their work into a higher grade band by exploring academic articles, case studies, books, and research that build on key ideas.

Tip: What matters is knowing how to approach a text efficiently. Skim-read to find what’s relevant, then slow down when something important appears. If you’re working with a 20-page chapter, only a few paragraphs or pages may actually support your topic. The key is learning to spot them quickly.

This approach becomes especially useful when you’re juggling multiple sources for your dissertation. Being selective shows academic judgement and helps you produce clearer, more focused work.

Wider reading improves your:

  • Ability to make connections to lectures
  • Confidence in seminars and exams.
  • Ability to challenge assumptions with developed critical thinking skills.

It’s also an easy way to stand out, particularly in essay-based degree courses.

3. Practice Past Papers

Practising past papers is one of the most reliable ways to improve exam performance. It helps you spot patterns in questions, manage your time more effectively, and apply your knowledge in a structured way.

Working through past papers helps with:

  • Understanding question formats.
  • Improving time management under pressure.
  • Identifying weak areas before it’s too late.
  • Applying content rather than just memorising it.

For students aiming to move from a 2.2 or third class to a 2.1, this type of practice is especially important.

4. Ace Your Dissertation

Your thesis is one of the most heavily weighted components in many degree courses, especially in your final year. A strong dissertation shows that you can carry out independent research, analyse sources critically, and manage a complex project from start to finish.

It also gives you the opportunity to:

  • Demonstrate depth and originality.
  • Explore a topic that genuinely interests you.
  • Push your overall average into a higher class.

If you’re unsure how to choose a topic, structure your work, or strengthen your argument, our Dissertation Tutors can support you from first draft to final submission.

5. Learn From Feedback

Every piece of feedback contains clues about how to improve. Students who take time to reflect on it and apply changes across modules often see their marks increase within a single term.

If anything is unclear, don’t wait. Email your lecturers and ask for clarification, especially if you’re not comfortable asking during class. Most are happy to help, and it shows that you’re actively trying to improve.

Feedback can help you:

  • Sharpen your structure and writing.
  • Avoid repeated mistakes.
  • Understand how to move up from one grade band to the next.

If you’re not sure how to apply feedback across different modules, The Profs’ University Tutors can guide you through it. In 2024, 47% of the students we supported achieved a first in the module we helped with, compared to just 5% who were originally on track for a first-class degree.

What If You Graduate With a 2.2 Degree?

A 2.2 degree can feel disappointing, especially if you were aiming higher. But you’re not out of options. Many graduate schemes, postgraduate programmes, and employers will still consider 2.2 graduates if you demonstrate motivation and relevant experience.

If you’re planning to reapply for further study, you may want to strengthen your academic CV with work experience, internships, or another qualification. In some cases, you can retake modules or complete a postgraduate diploma.

Plenty of our students have used a 2.2 as a turning point. With the right support, it’s possible to build momentum, recover your confidence, and continue progressing. You can find one-to-one support with our experienced Degree Tutors and start moving forward again.

So, Is a 2.1 Degree Good?

Yes. A 2.1 is respected by universities, recognised by employers, and leads to better outcomes after graduation. It gives you access to more opportunities, whether that’s a graduate job, a master’s degree, or a research programme.

While a first-class honours degree carries the most prestige, a 2.1 shows solid academic performance and the ability to handle university-level work. It’s a strong result, and for many students, a realistic and rewarding goal.

If you’re on the borderline between classifications, don’t leave it to chance. In 2024, 90% of The Profs’ students on a 2.2 achieved a full grade increase. Whether you’re trying to reach that level or move beyond it, we’ll help you make the jump.

FAQ About 2.1 Degrees & the Honours Classification System

What is the UK degree classification system?

The UK degree classification system is how undergraduate degrees are graded and ranked. It applies to most universities across the United Kingdom and is part of the broader British undergraduate degree classification framework. Degrees are usually classified into:

  • First-class honours (1st): 70% or above.
  • Upper second-class honours (2.1): 60–69%.
  • Lower second-class honours (2.2): 50–59%.
  • Third-class honours (3rd): 40–49%.
  • Ordinary degree (without honours): Below honours standard or insufficient credits.

Final results are often calculated using weightings. At some universities, your second year might be worth 33% and your final year 67%. At others, only your third year counts toward your final degree classification.  Some degree programmes also factor in individual credit values or give more weight to dissertations and core modules. This grading in education ensures that students who perform better in their later years can still finish with a higher degree classification.

These classifications are used by employers, graduate admissions teams, and international evaluators. They reflect your overall academic achievement, not just exam results.

What’s the difference between a 2.1 and a 2.2 degree?

A 2.1 degree (upper second class) typically means you averaged 60–69% across your course. A 2.2 degree (lower second class) is awarded when your average falls between 50–59%.

A 2.1 is generally seen as a good degree and is widely accepted as the minimum standard for many graduate schemes, postgraduate education, and employment opportunities. Some courses or employers may still consider a strong 2.2, especially if backed up by relevant work experience or extracurricular activity.

Can I get a 2:1 with 58%?

It depends on your university’s degree classification system and how your marks are weighted. Some universities allow students with an average of 58% or 59% to be awarded a 2.1 degree, especially if most marks fall within the 2.1 band and only a few modules pulled the average down.

This process is often called classification uplift, where a board considers things like:

  • Strong performance in final year modules
  • High credit-weighted modules with 2.1 or first-class marks
  • Positive academic trajectory
  • Personal extenuating circumstances

Every university has different rules, so it’s important to check your institution’s marking policy. Our University Tutors can help you work out where to focus your efforts to get over the 60% line.

How do I list my 2.1 degree on my CV?

When listing your 2.1 degree on your CV, keep the format clean and clear. For example:

University of Manchester
BA (Hons) History – Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) – 2025

You can also mention key academic achievements such as:

  • First-class dissertation.
  • Relevant modules or research projects.
  • Awards or scholarships.
  • Extracurricular activities related to your degree subject.

A 2.1 from a reputable university tells employers and admissions officers that you’ve met a strong academic degree standard.

What are class degrees without honours?

A degree without honours (also known as an ordinary degree) is awarded when a student completes the course but doesn’t meet the standard or credit volume required for honours. This may happen if they fail a module, miss assessment deadlines, or complete fewer credits overall.

These degrees are still valid qualifications, but they often have less impact in the job market and are less accepted by postgraduate study programmes.

Do postgraduate programmes accept students with a 2.2?

Some do. While many postgraduate education courses require a 2.1 or higher, some accept students with a 2.2, especially when the application is strengthened by:

  • A strong degree subject.
  • Relevant work experience or extracurricular activity.
  • A compelling personal statement.

More competitive programmes like a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or research-focused doctorate courses tend to have stricter requirements. If you’re applying with a 2.2, the right guidance and support can make a real difference. Our Postgrad Admissions Tutors  can help you prepare a winning application and identify realistic options.

Is it hard to get a 2.1 degree?

It depends on your subject, university, and how you manage your workload. A 2.1 at university requires consistent effort, a solid grasp of core content, and a good understanding of your subject. Students who succeed typically combine:

  • Strong organisation.
  • Good revision techniques.
  • Effective time management.
  • Attention to feedback.
  • Confident writing and analysis.

According to our 2024 Client Feedback Survey, 60% of respondents on a 2.1 achieved a full grade increase with The Profs’ support – typically with around 20 hours of tutoring. Boost your exam performance with personalised sessions delivered by our Study Skills Tutors and Undergraduate Tutors.

How are degrees graded at university?

Each university grading system uses a set of rules and grade boundaries to determine final class honours. Marks from different modules are weighted and combined, often giving more value to later years of study. A common structure looks like:

  • Year 1: 0% or 10% (depending on the course).
  • Year 2: 30–40%.
  • Final Year: 60–70%.

Final-year projects or dissertations can also carry more weight. Some universities apply classification thresholds strictly, while others allow for uplift policies or discretion in borderline cases.

If you’re aiming for a higher degree grade, our tutors can help you  secure a second class honours or even a first class honours degree. The Profs specialise in working with students on tight margins who want to push up into the next class degree.

What are the implications of your degree class?

Your class of degree can affect applications for graduate schemes, university and college admission, and international study. Some visa routes also require a degree or higher, with a minimum classification threshold.

In competitive job markets, the difference between a first class, 2.1, and 2.2 still matters – especially in fields like law, finance, science, and academia. Even in broader fields, your degree classification helps employers quickly assess your ability to manage workload, solve problems, and think critically.

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