<P> A bachelor's degree can be an honours degree (bachelor's with honours) or an ordinary degree (bachelor's without honours). Honours degrees are classified, usually based on a weighted average (with higher weight given to marks in the later years of the course, and often zero weight to those in the first year) of the marks gained in exams and other assessments . Grade boundaries can vary by institution, but typical values are given below . </P> <Ul> <Li> First - class honours (1st, 1 or I)--typically 70% or higher </Li> <Li> Second - class honours; <Ul> <Li> Upper division (2: 1, 2i or II - 1)--typically 60--69% </Li> <Li> Lower division (2: 2, 2ii or II - 2)--typically 50--59% </Li> </Ul> </Li> <Li> Third - class honours (3rd, 3 or III)--typically 40--49% </Li> </Ul> <Li> First - class honours (1st, 1 or I)--typically 70% or higher </Li> <Li> Second - class honours; <Ul> <Li> Upper division (2: 1, 2i or II - 1)--typically 60--69% </Li> <Li> Lower division (2: 2, 2ii or II - 2)--typically 50--59% </Li> </Ul> </Li>

What does graduating with first class honours mean