What does Oxford mean by a first-class or strong upper-second-class undergraduate degree with honours? (2024)

A 'First' is the highest grade achievable for a UK undergraduate degree. This typically represents a score of 70% or more.

An 'Upper second' (2:1) is the next highest band, typically representing a score of 60%-69%. A 'strong upper second' would typically be taken to mean 65% or more. Almost all current degrees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are 'Honours' degrees; an 'Ordinary' degree may either refer to a degree of a shorter duration or a passing grade below 3rd Class Honours. For Scotland, 'Honours' degrees refer to completing an additional fourth year.

Please note that these qualification grades are considered the minimum to be able to make a competitive application to Oxford, and are only one element of the assessment; a high proportion of successful applicants will hold grades at the top end of this range. Academic departments may set academic offer conditions that are above these minimum entry requirements.

If you are looking for information to help you understand whether you may be able to make a competitive application, please use our self-evaluation tool for guidance.