Pursuing a master’s degree is an exciting academic journey, but understanding how your performance is assessed is equally important. Unlike undergraduate degrees, which use classifications like first-class honors or 2:1, master’s degrees follow different grading systems depending on the country.
This guide explains how master’s degrees are graded in the UK and compares grading systems in other countries, including the US and Europe.
- How Are Masters Degrees Graded in the UK?
- Assessments and Weighting In Uk Universities
- Masters Degree Grading Systems in Other Countries
- Taught vs. Research Masters: Does the Grading System Differ?
- What Happens If You Fail a Master’s Degree In UK?
- How Important Are Master’s Degree Grades?
- Final Thoughts
- Editor's Picks
How Are Masters Degrees Graded in the UK?
Master’s degree grading in the UK is based on a classification system that reflects your overall performance in coursework, exams, and dissertation projects. While grading scales may vary slightly between universities, the general classifications include:
1. Distinction
- Awarded for exceptional academic performance
- Typically requires an overall score of 70% or higher
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of the subject, critical thinking skills, and outstanding research ability
2. Merit (or Commendation)
- Awarded for above-average performance
- Usually requires a score between 60% and 69%
- Indicates a solid grasp of the subject with well-structured arguments and analysis
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3. Pass
- Awarded when the student meets the minimum requirements
- Generally requires a score between 50% and 59%
- Shows a satisfactory understanding of the subject, but with areas that need improvement
4. Fail
- Given that the overall score is below 50%
- Students may have the opportunity to resubmit coursework or retake assessments
Assessments and Weighting In Uk Universities
Taught master’s degrees in the United Kingdom are typically worth 180 credits, divided among several modules, some required and others optional.
masters modules typically range from 10 to 30 credits, depending on their length and the required testing.
Assessment Types
The grade for an individual module is determined by the weighting of the module’s assessments and the grades received in them. These could involve coursework (such as an essay) or exams that assess your fundamental topic knowledge.
Some masters programs may evaluate your participation in taught classes. You may be asked to give presentations or perform practical placements and internships. You may view the specific details for all masters courses in our database.
Weighting
Assessments may be ‘weighted’ differently for each module.
For example, a module could be evaluated using one exam and one piece of coursework, each representing 50% of the grade. In this scenario, if a student received 55% on the exam and 65% on the coursework, their total mark for the module would be 60%.
Alternatively, one evaluation may account for a smaller part of your overall module grade.
The dissertation
Most master’s programmes conclude with a postgraduate dissertation or thesis. This is a large piece of coursework based on your independent research or experience.
In the United Kingdom, a dissertation is often considered as a piece of written work. However, an external examiner (from a different university) is frequently assigned to evaluate your work. In Europe, the dissertation assessment may include an oral exam. This is where you will discuss and ‘defend’ your work (similar to the viva voce at the end of your PhD).
Your dissertation is typically worth approximately 60 credits (one-third of the total). The remaining modules make up the 120 credits required for a UK masters degree.
Masters Degree Grading Systems in Other Countries
Grading systems vary significantly between countries. Here’s how master’s degrees are graded in some other popular study destinations:
United States
Master’s degrees in the US are typically graded using the GPA (Grade Point Average) system, which is based on a 4.0 scale:
- 3.7 – 4.0 (A) – Excellent/High Distinction
- 3.3 – 3.6 (B+) – Very Good
- 3.0 – 3.2 (B) – Good/Satisfactory
- 2.7 – 2.9 (C+) – Pass (Some institutions may require higher grades)
- Below 2.7 – Fail
Some programs may require students to maintain a minimum GPA (usually 3.0) to graduate.
Germany
Germany uses a numeric grading scale from 1.0 to 5.0, with 1.0 being the highest:
- 1.0 – 1.5: Sehr Gut (Very Good)
- 1.6 – 2.5: Gut (Good)
- 2.6 – 3.5: Befriedigend (Satisfactory)
- 3.6 – 4.0: Ausreichend (Sufficient – Pass)
- 4.1 – 5.0: Nicht bestanden (Fail)
France
Master’s degrees in France are graded on a 20-point scale, with classifications as follows:
- 16 – 20: Très Bien (Very Good – High Distinction)
- 14 – 15.9: Bien (Good – Distinction)
- 12 – 13.9: Assez Bien (Satisfactory – Merit)
- 10 – 11.9: Passable (Pass)
- Below 10: Fail
Spain & Italy
Both Spain and Italy use a 0–10 grading system, where:
- 9 – 10: Excellent (Distinction)
- 7 – 8.9: Very Good (Merit)
- 6 – 6.9: Good (Pass)
- Below 6: Fail
READ ALSO: How To Choose A UK University As An International Student
Taught vs. Research Masters: Does the Grading System Differ?
Master’s degrees fall into two main categories: taught master’s and research master’s.
- Taught Master’s (e.g., MSc, MA, MBA) – These follow the classification systems outlined above, with grading based on coursework, exams, and a dissertation.
- Research Master’s (e.g., MRes, MPhil) – Instead of a classification, research-based master’s degrees are often graded as either Pass or Fail, depending on the quality of the research submitted.
What Happens If You Fail a Master’s Degree In UK?
Failing a master’s degree can be disappointing, but universities often allow students to resit exams or resubmit coursework within a specific timeframe. In some cases, students who do not achieve a full master’s degree may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), depending on how many credits they have completed.
If you fail your dissertation, your best bet is to get in touch with your supervisor. You may be asked to review and resubmit a revised work.
If you’ve only failed one or two modules, you may be able to resit some assessments to pull up your final grade. Try discussing this option with your tutor or supervisor.
How Important Are Master’s Degree Grades?
Your final classification can influence your future career or further studies. Many employers and PhD programs look for candidates with at least a Merit or Distinction. However, work experience, research projects, and professional skills also play a significant role in job applications and academic opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the master’s degree grading systems in the UK and other countries is essential for setting academic goals and planning your future career. Whether you aim for a distinction or simply want to pass, focusing on coursework, time management, and research quality can help you achieve the best possible results.
If you’re considering a master’s degree in the UK, US, or Europe, always check your university’s specific grading criteria to ensure you understand what is required for success.
