First-class degree (a First)

Neutral Neutral

What it really means

The top degree classification, for an average mark of 70 or above. People say "she got a First". It is genuinely hard to get — 70 in the UK is an excellent mark, not a C.

Chinese explanation

最高的学位等级，平均分70分以上，口语说"got a First"（拿了一等学位）。很难拿——在英国70分是优秀，不是刚及格。

Example conversation

A: How did your results go? B: I got a First! Still can't believe it.

A：你成绩怎么样？ B：拿了一等学位！到现在还不敢相信。

What you could say back

“Congratulations, that's brilliant!”

Related phrases

2:1 (upper second) Marks out of 100 (UK scale) Honours degree (Hons)

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.

Go deeper

Before You Arrive: A UK Pre-Departure Guide for International Students UK Academic Culture: Seminars, Turnitin and Why 65 Is a Good Mark

All University Words

Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake