How are master’s degrees graded?

Master's degrees are graded using classification systems that vary by country. In the UK, degrees are graded as Distinction (70%+), Merit (60-69%), or Pass (50-59%). The US uses a GPA scale (A=4.0 to F=0.0), while Australia uses High Distinction (85%+), Distinction (75-84%), Credit (65-74%), and Pass (50-64%). Canada employs letter grades (A+ to F) with percentage equivalents, and Europe uses the ECTS system (A to F). Understanding these systems is essential for international students planning their postgraduate studies, as the grading criteria and expectations differ significantly from undergraduate degrees.

Studying for a master’s degree involves time, energy and resources. Studying for a postgraduate degree demonstrates an interest and commitment to advancing your skills and knowledge in a particular subject area. Further, being accepted for a master’s degree usually means you have achieved academically in your undergraduate degrees. You’ll want to get the best result for your master’s degree, and one way to start is by understanding how the qualification is graded and assessed. We cover grading systems, taught and research degrees, how postgraduate differs from undergraduate grading and what you’ll need to qualify for a PhD. 

What grading system is used for a master’s degree?          

Master’s degrees can be graded slightly differently depending on your country of study. However, there is a general agreement on structure and criteria. This alignment is because degree recognition, classification and verification between countries are necessary for standardizing quality. For a master’s degree, you are usually marked using what is known as a rubric or exemplar with associated categories of achievement,. This is a guide used by examiners and markers to evaluate and grade your work. It is sometimes referred to as the master's degree grading scale. 

The rubric/exemplar categories are usually assigned a letter grade, percentage, and description. In some countries, this may include a unique grading scale that correlates to a percentage. The UK grading system for master’s degrees follows this structure with four distinct categories, namely:

• Distinction (70 to 100 per cent); (A)
• Merit (60 to 69 per cent); (B)
• Pass (50 to 59 per cent); (C)
• Fail (Below 50 per cent)

In the UK, you need a minimum of 50 per cent to pass a master’s qualification. This differs slightly from grading in the USA, where a minimum pass mark of 40 per cent is needed. The equivalent evaluation scale in the USA would be:

• 70 per cent and above (A)
• 60 to 69 per cent (B)
• 50 to 59 per cent (C)
• 40 to 49 per cent (D)
• Below 40 per cent (F) – Fail

Don’t forget that many universities in the USA also use the GPA grade scale to evaluate your performance during a master’s degree. Points are added to your score as your progress, and the average of these results contributes to your overall mark. The GPA score scale is structured in the following way:

• 3.7 to 4.0 (+70 per cent and above)
• 3.3 to 3.7 (60 to 69 per cent) 
• 2.7 to 3.2 (50 to 59 per cent) 
• 2.0 to 2.6 (40 to 49 per cent) 
• Below 40% (1.0 to 1.9 per cent) 

Find out more about the grading system in the UK and the grading system in Canada. 

What’s the difference between a taught and a research master’s degree?

The structure of your master’s degree may depend on your subject and the university at which you study. Some master’s degrees combine a taught component or compulsory and elective modules with a research report or dissertation. In this case, you will write assignments, compile a research report, participate in seminars and group projects, and sit for examinations.  

A research master’s degree involves the writing of a dissertation. You undertake focused and original academic research in a particular subject specialisation. You’re expected to be much more independent, taking care of your time management and study structure. You'll work in collaboration with an academic supervisor experienced in the field. 

Explore some of the techniques you can employ to write a successful dissertation. 

What is a weighted average?

Master’s degrees, like some undergraduate degrees, can be assessed using a weighted average. A weighted average is an overall mark combining marks for all modules studied during a qualification. With a weighted average, certain assignments, projects, or examinations may be worth more than others. It is not uncommon for a master’s degree research report to constitute over 50 per cent of your final mark, while coursework is usually between 40 and 50 per cent. 

Are you trying to decide between a master’s degree or an MBA? You can also discover more about studying a master’s degree in STEM or a master’s degree in engineering.  

How is a Weighted Average Calculated? (Example)

Most universities use a weighted average system to calculate your final master’s degree grade. This means that some modules or components are worth more than others. For example, your dissertation is often weighted more heavily than your coursework.

Here is a typical example of how a final grade is calculated:

• Coursework Component (60% of final grade):

  • Module 1: 68% (Merit)

  • Module 2: 75% (Distinction)

  • Module 3: 62% (Merit)

  • Coursework Average: (68 + 75 + 62) / 3 = 68.3%

• Dissertation Component (40% of final grade):

  • Dissertation Mark: 71% (Distinction)

Final Grade Calculation: (Coursework Average x 0.60) + (Dissertation Mark x 0.40) = Final Grade (68.3% x 0.60) + (71% x 0.40) = 40.98 + 28.4 = 69.38%

In this example, the final grade of 69.38% would be classified as a Merit in the UK system.

How does master’s grading differ from an undergraduate degree?

While you would have noticed some similarities between the categorisation of achievement, master’s degrees have distinct classifications. For example, if you achieved an over 70 per cent average for your undergraduate qualification in the UK, this would be categorised as a first-class degree. In the case of a master’s degree, this is defined as a distinction. 

Another difference between the marking of an undergraduate and postgraduate qualification is the higher level and standard required of students. At a master’s degree level, technical, language, referencing, and presentation errors are less acceptable. If you don’t get these right, you can lose marks. Examiners and lecturers expect you to have prior knowledge and understanding of your subject area and the requirements of academic study. 

Pre-masters courses can be a great way to get up to speed for degree study.

Undergraduate vs. Postgraduate Classification (UK)

Here is a table comparing the UK undergraduate and postgraduate classification systems:

What result do I need to study for a PhD?

Certain subjects are terminal at master’s degree level. This means that you are unable to pursue the academic discipline any further. For example, some professional degrees, such as a master’s degree in landscape architecture or a master of fine arts, are the final academic qualification in the subjects. 

If you want to study for a PhD in your chosen subject, you must have achieved a good result in your master’s degree. This would either be a distinction or a merit pass. In addition, you will have to submit a research proposal and identify an original area of research. A PhD is the highest level of study you can pursue and is an academic degree. 

Now that you know how master’s degrees are graded and marked, you’ll probably want to further your research. We’ve got some insights on the most popular postgraduate degrees, the best postgraduate degrees for employment and a guide to graduate education. 

Do Masters Grades Matter for Your Career or PhD?

This is a common concern for many students. The short answer is: it depends on your goals.

For Career Prospects:

• Most employers are more interested in the fact that you have a master’s degree and the skills you gained, rather than whether you achieved a Distinction or a Merit.

• A Merit is generally considered a very good grade and is highly respected by employers.

• A Distinction can be an advantage in highly competitive fields, but it is not usually a requirement.

• A Pass is still a valuable qualification and demonstrates a high level of knowledge and expertise.

For PhD Applications:

• A Distinction is often preferred for PhD applications, especially at top-tier universities. It demonstrates a strong aptitude for academic research.

• A Merit is also often sufficient to be accepted onto a PhD program, especially if you have a strong research proposal and references.

• Some universities may have a minimum grade requirement (e.g., Merit or 2:1 equivalent) for PhD entry.

Conclusion

Understanding how master’s degrees are graded is essential for navigating your postgraduate studies successfully. While the systems may seem complex, they are designed to provide a fair and standardized assessment of your academic achievement. By familiarizing yourself with the grading criteria in your chosen country and program, you can set realistic goals and work towards achieving the best possible outcome for your future career and academic aspirations.

If you need help choosing the right master’s degree or understanding the entry requirements, our expert counsellors at IDP Education can provide you with free guidance and support. Get started with your free consultation today!