Understanding the United Kingdom Education System
Gain insights into the United Kingdom higher education framework, academic culture, teaching methods, and grading system to prepare for your studies.
UK degree levels
Bachelor's degree with honours
3 years in England, for example the BSc at the University of Manchester; usually 4 years in Scotland
Level 6: the UK level of a course (6 is a bachelor's, 7 a master's). For example a BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons). Honours degrees get a grade.
Master's degree
Often 1 year full time for a master's with classes
Level 7. For example an MA or an MSc (master's in science). An integrated master's (a bachelor's and master's in one degree), such as an MEng, is also level 7.
Doctorate
Level 8. For example a PhD or DPhil.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland have 9 qualification levels. Degrees are levels 6, 7 and 8. Scotland has its own framework.
UK Degrees and Levels
England, Wales and Northern Ireland use 9 levels. Scotland has its own framework.
Academic Degree Structure
Level 6.
Key Characteristics:
- Graded by class: First, 2:1, 2:2 or Third
Level 7.
Key Characteristics:
- A bachelor's and master's in one degree
Level 7.
Key Characteristics:
- Imperial College London MSc Computing: 1 year
- University of Manchester MSc Advanced Computer Science: 12 months
Level 8.
How UK Degrees Are Graded
A UK bachelor's degree with honours gets a grade, called a class. Universities work it out from your average mark.
| Letter Grade | Percentage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| First Class (1st) | 70 and above | The highest class. |
| Upper Second (2:1) | 60 to below 70 | Upper second class, often written 2:1. Many master's courses ask for it. |
| Lower Second (2:2) | 50 to below 60 | Lower second class, often written 2:2. |
| Third Class | 40 to below 50 | The lowest honours class. |
Marks can differ
The UK Academic Year
Most universities start in late September and finish in June.
Autumn Term
28 September to 11 December 2026
Spring Term
11 January to 26 March 2027
Summer Term
26 April to 25 June 2027
Autumn semester teaching
28 September to 11 December 2026
Spring semester teaching
25 January to 7 May 2027
Start dates can differ by department.
Key Academic Dates
Application Deadlines
- •UCAS early deadline: 15 October 2026 (this date has passed)
- •UCAS main deadline: 13 January 2027
Major Academic Events
- •Welcome week (Birmingham): 21 to 25 September 2026
Arrive for welcome week
Choosing a Licensed University
For a Student visa, your university must be a licensed sponsor: a university the UK government approves for international students.
Where to Check
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the UK visa office, keeps the list.
Register of licensed sponsors: students
The list of places licensed to sponsor Student visas.
Check the list of licensed sponsors
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