In the academic world, degree classifications play a crucial role in distinguishing levels of student achievement. They’re essentially a shorthand way of saying what mark you got in your degree.

And among these classifications, a First Class Honours stands out as a major accomplishment. But what exactly does it mean to earn a 1st Class degree, and how does it impact your prospects? 

In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of First Class Honours degrees, their difficulty and reputation, implications for employment and CVs, as well as how they compare with other classifications. 

So if you’ve got a 1st Class Honours degree, well done! Here’s how to use it to your best advantage.

In this article:

First Class Honours: An Introduction

What does First Degree Honours mean?

First degree honours, or honours degrees, are undergraduate qualifications. They’re awarded with a classification to show your academic performance (i.e. how well you’ve done in your degree and what mark you achieved). Classifications range from First Class Honours to Third Class Honours, with First Class being the highest. 

This degree classification system is widely used in the UK, Australia and many other Commonwealth countries. In the US, you’ll find a different system based on Grade Point Averages, often with Latin honors like “summa cum laude”.

Achieving a First Class Honours from a UK university typically requires a score of 70% or above. But the exact mark will differ, depending on the institution and course.

What is a First Class Honours degree equivalent to?

A First Class Honours degree represents the highest level of academic achievement in an undergraduate program. This usually means you’ve studied for a BA Hons or a BSc Hons degree.

It’s comparable to “summa cum laude” in the United States (awarded to the top 1% to 1.5% of pupils with a GPA of 3.9 or more), signifying exceptional performance and a comprehensive understanding of your field of study. 

But a 1st Class Honours degree is recognised internationally. So whether you’re applying for jobs or graduate programs in the UK or further afield, you’ll know employers will appreciate your hard work.

For more information, here’s a comparison table of US, UK and European degree classifications.

Is a 2.1 a First Class Honours?

A 2.1 degree (or Upper Second Class Honours) is one step below a First Class Honours. 

A 2.1 typically represents an overall score of 60-69%, showing strong academic performance but not quite reaching the top tier of First Class Honours. 

While still impressive, a 2.1 suggests the student performed well in their studies but didn’t consistently achieve the highest marks.

If you just missed out on a 1st Class Honours, don’t worry. Most jobs and postgraduate programs only ask for a 2.1. While a First Class degree might give you an edge, there are plenty of other ways to bolster your CV like internships, work experience or volunteering.

What are the benefits of a First Class Honours degree?

If you’re on track to achieve a First Class Honours degree, here are some benefits to keep you motivated in your studies.

Enhanced career opportunities

A First Class Honours degree can make you a more competitive candidate for job positions and graduate programs. Employers rightly view it as a sign of your exceptional ability and dedication.

For instance, graduates with First Class Honours may find it easier to secure positions at top consulting firms, investment banks or tech companies (to name just a few sectors), where academic excellence is highly valued.

Scholarships and funding

If you’re thinking about staying in the world of academia, most scholarships and research grants favour applicants with the highest grades. A 1st Class Honours degree improves your chances of receiving financial support for further studies.

Higher starting salaries

Although most wage scales rise with experience (rather than academic achievement), some employers offer higher starting salaries to graduates with First Class Honours. You might also secure a higher-level position with increased pay.

Prestige and recognition

A First Class degree is a mark of excellence that enhances your professional reputation. It’s helpful in any field that values academic credentials. 

So this is pretty much any job, but you’ll find it particularly beneficial in sectors such as law, academia, engineering and research. For instance, a lawyer with a First Class Honours degree might find it easier to secure a position at a prestigious law firm or a place on a competitive LLM program.

First Class Honours: Difficulty and Reputation

How hard is it to get a First Class Honours degree?

Securing a First Class Honours degree is challenging. It requires consistent dedication, hard work and a deep understanding of your subject matter. This means excelling in final exams as well as producing high-quality assignments and coursework throughout the year. 

If you’re aiming for a 1st Class degree, time management, critical thinking and a proactive approach to learning are essential. Here are a few tips.

1. Stick to a steady study routine

Creating and sticking to a study schedule is your best friend for staying on top of coursework. 

This isn’t just about avoiding last-minute cramming. It’s about consistently managing your reading and assignments each week and having a solid plan as exams approach.

2. Show up to every class

It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people skip this crucial step. Attending all your classes gives you the chance to soak up your lecturers’ wealth of knowledge, which can make a huge difference.

3. Get involved

Don’t just sit passively in your lectures and seminars, jump in! Participate in discussions, ask questions and engage with the material. You’ll be amazed at how much more you understand and remember. 

And find a note-taking system that makes sense to you. Your future self will thank you.

4. Ask for feedback

Feedback is gold. Regularly ask your professors and peers for their input on your work and use it to improve. If something doesn’t make sense, don’t hesitate to ask your tutors. You could also consider working with a study skills coach. 

Clarifying doubts will ensure you’re ticking the right boxes for those top marks.

5. Use all the resources at your disposal

Make full use of everything your university offers: libraries, online databases and study groups (to name just a few ideas). There are no shortcuts to a 1st Class degree, so dive into your reading, research extensively and practise applying what you’ve learned.

6. Master the art of referencing

Accurate referencing will elevate your work and score you higher marks. 

Academic writing is all about using a variety of reliable sources. So instead of relying on just one or two key texts, mix it up and include quotes from materials outside the required reading list. This shows depth and originality that will impress your tutors.

What is the hardest degree to get a 1st in?

This is a tricky one to answer, as it depends on your skills and capabilities. But generally speaking, the more prestigious and highly ranked a university is (such as a Russell Group uni), the harder it is to secure a First Class degree. 

So for instance, a First from University College London or the University of St Andrews might represent a higher level of academic achievement than a First from Loughborough University or the University of Surrey.

Having said this, a 1st Class degree is always something to be proud of!

Some fields (for instance Engineering, Maths and Natural Sciences) are also considered harder, due to their rigorous coursework and practical assignments alongside demanding exams.

These subjects typically require a strong grasp of complex theoretical concepts, an inquisitive problem-solving mindset and the ability to apply your knowledge quickly and accurately.

How rare is a First Class degree?

While the exact percentage varies from university to university, First Class degrees are relatively rare. In recent years, about 30% of graduates achieved this classification, making it a significant accomplishment. 

Is First Class Honours impressive?

Yes! Earning a First Class Honours degree is an impressive achievement. It demonstrates exceptional academic ability, discipline and a strong work ethic, not just for a short time but throughout your degree. 

These are all qualities that are highly valued by both academic institutions and employers. 

So if you’re on track for a 1st Class degree, hold your head high. It’s impressive and rare, and will serve you in good stead for the rest of your career.

First Class Honours: Your Employment Prospects

Does having a First Class degree make a difference?

Having a 1st Class degree can make a substantial difference to your employment prospects. It opens doors to competitive job roles, prestigious graduate programs and professional networking opportunities. 

Employers frequently prioritise candidates with First Class Honours degrees for positions requiring high-level analytical and problem-solving skills. 

For instance, a First Class Honours graduate in Computer Science might be more likely to secure a role at a top global tech company like Google or Microsoft. With their pick of the best candidates, they prize academic excellence and technical expertise.

Do employers like First Class degrees?

Employers view a First Class degree as a testament to a candidate’s intelligence, diligence and capability. It sets you apart from other candidates and can be particularly useful in fields like finance, technology, law and academia.

As well as an indicator of your intelligence (and subject-specific knowledge), employers often see First Class graduates as having strong potential for leadership and innovation.

In banking and consultancy (for instance), firms often seek-out First Class graduates for their graduate schemes. Many recruiters believe these individuals possess the dedication, critical thinking and quantitative skills needed for complex financial analysis and management positions.

How do you write First Class Honours on a CV?

When listing a First Class Honours degree on your CV, a concise and well-presented format helps employers quickly recognise your academic achievements.

You’ve got a few options: “First Class Honours”, “First-Class Honours” (with a hyphen) or “1st Class” are all acceptable.

For detailed guidance on how to write First Class Honours on your CV, including formatting options, joint degrees, predicted grades and practical examples, read our in-depth blog.

If you’d like advice and support with your early career, contact our graduate coaching team today. From CV writing to interview technique, securing prestigious graduate programmes or jobs with leading employers – our expert academic coaches will help you succeed.