A curriculum vitae (CV) serves as your professional introduction. It highlights your qualifications, achievements and experiences to potential employers. Essentially, it tells them why you’re the best person for the job!

Crafting a compelling CV is essential for standing out in a competitive job market. So, what should you include?

One significant accomplishment is a First Class Honours degree. So if this applies to you, here’s how to write it correctly.

In this article, we’ll explore what a 1st Class degree means, why it’s important to include it on your CV, how to format it correctly, and when to include or exclude this achievement as your career progresses.

In this article:

What is a First Class Honours degree?

First Class Honours, often abbreviated as a “First”, “1st” or “1st Class”, represents the highest academic distinction awarded to undergraduate university students. Achieving this Honours degree shows exceptional academic performance, dedication and a deep understanding of your field of study. 

So if you’ve got a First Class Honours, firstly, congratulations!

A 1st Class degree is typically awarded to students achieving 70% or higher in their studies. But this threshold varies depending on the university. 

Here’s a rough breakdown.

• First Class Honours (1st): Awarded to students achieving 70% or higher. This classification reflects exceptional academic performance.
• Upper Second Class Honours (2:1): Awarded to students achieving between 60% and 69%. This classification indicates a high level of academic achievement.
• Lower Second Class Honours (2:2): Awarded to students achieving between 50% and 59%. This classification signifies a good level of academic performance.
• Third Class Honours (3rd): Awarded to students achieving between 40% and 49%. This classification represents a satisfactory level of academic performance.

Why include First Class Honours on your CV?

Including your First Class Honours degree on your CV highlights your dedication and intelligence. It shows employers you have a strong work ethic and mastery of your subject area. 

A First Class Honours is particularly advantageous if you’re applying for roles that value academic excellence – for instance, research, academia or competitive graduate programs. But for any job, it sets you apart from the crowd. So if in doubt, sing your praises! That’s what a CV is there for after all.

Here are just a few reasons why you should include your First Class Honours on your CV:

• Demonstrates academic excellence: A First showcases your exceptional academic abilities and commitment to your studies, proving you can perform at the highest level.
• Highlights dedication and work ethic: Your degree reflects your dedication, discipline and time management skills, which are highly valued by employers.
• Indicates mastery of subject area: Suggests a deep understanding and expertise in your field, making you a strong candidate for specialised roles.
• Enhances competitiveness: A First Class Honours sets you apart from other applicants, giving you an edge in competitive job markets and making your CV stand out.
• Appeals to employers in specific fields: It’s particularly beneficial for roles in research, academia, and other areas where academic excellence is a key requirement.

How do I write First Class Honours on my CV?

When listing your First Class Honours degree on your CV, clarity and proper formatting are key. It’s your chance to make a positive impression on future employers, so it’s important to avoid spelling and grammar errors.

Here’s how to write First Class Honours on a CV.

Capitalisation and grammar

First Class Honours should be capitalised as “First Class Honours” to maintain proper grammatical standards. It’s also acceptable to use “First-Class Honours” with a hyphen for consistency and clarity.

As well as this “long-form” method, you can list First Class Honours simply as a “First” or “1st Class”.

Aside from these basic considerations, there are a few different ways to write First Class Honours. Here are some examples and when you might choose them.

Direct format

Degree Title, First Class Honours

University Name, Year

Example: 

Bachelor of Science in Physics, First Class Honours

The University of St Andrews, 2024

If you’re going for the direct format, place this prominently in the education section of your CV. It’s a good option if you’re a recent graduate and want to highlight your academic achievements. 

To understand what BSc Hons and BA Hons mean (and the difference between the two), don’t miss our blogs explaining these important degrees.

Abbreviated numerical format

Shortened Degree Title (1st Class Honours)

University Name, Year

Example: 

BSc in Computer Science (1st Class Honours)

The University of Bath, 2022

This format is clear, concise and suitable for tight CV layouts. It’s slightly abbreviated, making it a great option if you’re trying to fit multiple academic qualifications into a small space.

Concise numerical format

Subject, Shortened Degree Title (1st)

University Name, Year

Example:

History BA Hons (1st)

University College London, 2028

This shortened format (for both the degree and your classification) communicates your achievement, but doesn’t take up too much space. It’s helpful if you’re also highlighting your professional experience alongside academic qualifications.

Percentages and subject breakdown

Including the percentage or subject breakdown of your degree on your CV isn’t necessary. However, it can add value if it strengthens your academic profile and highlights relevant skills. 

For instance, if you’re applying for a role involving generative AI, and you scored highly in relevant subjects, listing these will emphasise your expertise.

This could look something like:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, First Class Honours (82%)

Queen Mary University of London, 2026

Key Modules: Advanced Algorithms (90%), Data Structures (88%), Machine Learning (85%)

Partial completion or predicted grades

If you’re part-way through your degree and on track to achieve First Class Honours, you can indicate this with terms like “on target to achieve” or “predicted first-class honours.” This shows your current academic standing and commitment to high standards.

This could look something like:

BA Hons in Business Management, predicted First Class Honours

Loughborough University, 2027

Including a predicted grade is useful when applying for internships or graduate roles before your final results are out. It demonstrates your proactive approach and sets expectations for your final achievement.

Joint degrees

A First Class Honours in a joint degree is no mean feat. It shows excellence in two disciplines, which is particularly appealing to employers seeking versatile and hardworking candidates.

When listing a joint degree, ensure both subjects are mentioned along with the Honours classification.

The order is up to you, but this could look like:

Bachelor of Arts in English and History, First-Class Honours

BA Hons in English and History (1st Class)

Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in English and History

Just don’t forget to include your university and the year you graduated too!

When should I include or exclude First Class Honours on my CV?

While First Class Honours is a noteworthy achievement, its relevance may diminish over time as you gain professional experience. 

At this stage, we’d recommend moving it to a less prominent position on your CV (for instance, at the end rather than the start). This means employers see your professional achievements first, supported by your strong academic history.

But if you’ve got a 1st Class degree, it’s always a worthwhile addition to your CV. It demonstrates your intelligence and hard work over many years, which can never be a bad thing.

Here are some specific considerations for when to include, exclude or de-emphasise First Class Honours on your CV.

When to include:

• Early career: Prominently include your 1st Class Honours if you’re a recent graduate or early in your career. It provides a strong indicator of your capabilities and potential to prospective employers.
• Relevant to the job: Highlight a First Class Honours if the role values academic achievements, such as in research, academia, publishing or positions requiring specialised knowledge.
• Industry standards: In fields where academic qualifications are highly regarded (e.g., engineering, law, finance), keeping your 1st Class degree prominent can bolster your credentials.
• Graduate programs: When applying for competitive graduate programs or internships that prioritise academic excellence, showcasing your first-class honours sets you apart.

When to exclude or de-emphasise:

• Significant work experience: As you gain professional experience, shift the focus to your work achievements. Move your degree to a less prominent section to emphasise your practical skills and accomplishments.
• Different career focus: If you’re transitioning to a field where your academic background is less relevant than practical experience and skills, consider downplaying your 1st Class degree.
• Space constraints: If your CV is too lengthy, and you need to prioritise more recent and relevant experiences, consider briefly mentioning your degree in the education section without excessive emphasis.
• Career advancement: For senior positions, where professional accomplishments, leadership skills, and industry experience are more critical, place less emphasis on your academic achievements.
• Regular updates: Regularly update your CV to reflect your career progression and reassess the placement of your First Class Honours degree based on its relevance to the position you’re applying for.

How to write a 1st Class degree on your CV: In summary

A First Class Honours degree is a prestigious accolade that significantly enhances your CV. There are several ways to correctly write First Class Honours on your CV, including direct formats, abbreviated formats and shortened numerical formats.

By understanding how to present this achievement, you’ll effectively communicate your academic excellence to potential employers. As your career progresses, adapt your CV to reflect your most relevant qualifications and experiences. 

For help landing your dream job or internship, get in touch with our experienced team of early career and graduate coaches today. Let’s work together to give you the best chances of success.