Average UK Grade by Subject
Wondering if your 2:1 in Engineering is impressive? Compare your degree classification against national averages for your specific subject area using the latest HESA data.
Degree Classifications by Subject
Based on HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) graduating cohort data.
Overall UK Average: 30% First, 47% 2:1
| Subject Area | First Class (%) | Upper Second (2:1) (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Maths & Statistics | 40% | 45% |
| Physical Sciences | 38% | 48% |
| History & Philosophy | 38% | 50% |
| Economics | 37% | 47% |
| Languages | 36% | 51% |
| Education | 36% | 52% |
| Computer Science | 35% | 46% |
| Social Sciences | 34% | 50% |
| Art & Design | 32% | 50% |
| Psychology | 31% | 53% |
| Law | 28% | 55% |
| Business & Management | 28% | 54% |
| Engineering | 27% | 51% |
| Medicine & Dentistry | 26% | 57% |
| Architecture | 23% | 56% |
| Nursing | 19% | 62% |
| Veterinary Science | 18% | 61% |
Why are grades so different between subjects?
As the data shows, it is statistically "easier" to get a First Class degree in Mathematics (40%) than it is in Veterinary Science (18%) or Architecture (23%). Why?
- Objective vs. Subjective Grading: In Maths or Computer Science, an answer is either right or wrong. If you get all the answers right, you score 100%. In Humanities (History, English) or Arts (Architecture), grading is subjective. It is extremely rare for a professor to award an essay a mark above 80%, naturally capping the top end of grades in those subjects.
- Professional Regulations: Subjects like Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary Science are heavily regulated by professional bodies. They have strict competency standards, and assessments are often Pass/Fail or graded very conservatively, leading to massive clusters in the 2:1 and 2:2 bands and very few Firsts.