<P> Recently, there has been concern over possible grade inflation due to increasing numbers of higher - class honours degrees awarded per annum . The number of first - class honours degrees has reportedly tripled since the 1990s . As with claimed grade inflation of A-levels, prospective employers or educational institutions have observed increased difficulty in selecting candidates . It is, however, unknown whether the rise in the number of first - class degrees is due to grade inflation of whether students are achieving higher levels than in the past, and university leaders have also pointed at the higher A-levels attained by students as evidence that higher degree grades should be expected . On the other hand, the practice of degree classification has been criticised for unduly stigmatising students and being unreflective of a graduate's success or potential for success, particularly in the workplace . </P> <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>

What is a uk first class honours degree