Masters Degree Grades in the UK

Most Masters in the UK are classified as Distinction, Merit, or Pass. These are typically decided through the following final grade boundaries:

• Distinction: 70%
• Merit: 60-69%
• Pass: 50-59%
• Borderline Pass/Fail: 40-49%

For more key information, see the section below. We also discuss how important your Masters grade is if that’s top of your mind. Alternatively, there’s also our short section on how Masters grading works in other countries, though you’ll find more detail in our country guides.

Masters degree grades – key information (UK)

In the UK, Masters degrees are classified as Distinction, Merit (or Commendation), Pass or Fail (with the exception of integrated Masters courses).

The following shows the Masters grading system in the UK.

Universities may use their discretion to accept grades of 0.5% lower than the stated requirement for each band. For example, if you receive an overall average score of 59.5%, your university might consider awarding a Merit.

Does this grading structure apply to all UK Masters degrees?

Most, but not all. Notable exceptions include:

• Integrated Masters (where a Masters is packaged with an Bachelors degree) are graded like Bachelors degrees (1st/2.1/2.2/3rd).
• Entirely research-based Masters (like an MPhil) are typically graded with ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’, similar to a PhD. This is due to their lack of taught modules to grade on.

How are Masters grades decided?

Taught Masters grades are decided through these mechanisms:

• Masters are split into modules (10 to 30 credits each out of 180 total).
• Each module is assessed (often by exams and / or coursework). If both are required, one may be weighted higher than the other for the final percentage.
• You’ll typically complete a postgraduate dissertation worth 60 credits (a third of the mark), a substantial piece of written work.
• All the grades are given a weighted average, and typically, all marks must hit a minimum to get that grade, e.g., none below 40 for a Pass. Alternatively, sometimes only the dissertation needs to hit the minimum for the grade.

With research Masters (like an MPhil or an MRes), there are either far less taught modules or none. In the former cases, much of the above still applies, though there will be a much greater emphasis on the research dissertation.

Finally, bear in mind that the above is standard but not universal. Universities vary somewhat in how they grade their courses—even courses at the same university may be graded differently. Check in with your university for the most accurate breakdown on your course.

How do I get a Distinction in my Masters?

There's no one formula to achieving a Distinction at Masters level, but we do have some tips that can help you increase your chances:

• Understand what assessments you'll be required to take at the beginning of your modules and plan ahead to meet deadlines. Many modules have coursework due on the same day, so finding time to give each piece its due attention is important to achieving the higher grades.
• Talk to your lecturers and seminar tutors. They have a wealth of knowledge that's there to help you. Be willing to discuss your ideas with them about your essay structure, argument and research starting points.
• Read your feedback carefully. Academics spend a considerable amount of time marking your work and providing feedback, so make sure to read it through and understand where you could have improved. Also, go talk to your marker if you're unsure about any comments.

Is getting a good Masters grade important?

It depends. For most people, though, the answer is ‘not really’.

• If you’re looking to complete a PhD after your Masters, a higher grade could be useful. Some programmes (especially those in Arts and Humanities) require a Merit or Distinction grade in your Masters degree, but many only require a Pass or only care about your Bachelors grade.
• For academic positions, a higher grade could be the differentiating factor, but it’s rare. Your publications, academic references and general experience will be far more important.
• In non-academic industries, it’s extremely rare for employers to care about your grade beyond a Pass. In highly competitive industries (such as law), your grade could be a deciding factor, but projects and work experience will still have a much bigger impact.

That all being said, this isn’t an excuse to slack off. Rather, it means you shouldn’t prioritise getting a Distinction above pursuing other opportunities. In most cases, work experience and connections will do you far more good than going from Merit to Distinction on your Masters.

Failing a Masters

If you’re worried about failing your Masters, there are a few strategies you may be able to take, depending on the university.

Talk to your tutor / supervisor if…

• You failed one or two modules. You may be able to resit the assessments.
• You failed your dissertation. You may be able to resubmit a revision in another assessment period, though the grade may be capped in this case.

Talk to your department if…

• You’re going to fail your entire Masters course. You may be able to convert to a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), if an equivalent of those exists at your university. These are shorter than Masters courses and require less credits.

Talk to your university if…

• Your work was affected by extenuating circumstances, such as illness and bereavement. There will be an existing process in place for these cases that you can proceed through.
• You disagree with a result. You may be able to submit an appeal for a remark or raise it through your university’s complaints process.

Masters grading in other countries

Masters grades are calculated differently across the world. Below, we have introduced some postgraduate (or ‘graduate’) grading systems used in America and Europe.

For detailed information on doing your Masters in a different country, visit our guides to postgraduate study abroad.

Frequently asked questions