Almost every UK masters course states its entry requirement in British terms: "a 2:1 in a relevant subject" or, for less competitive courses, "a 2:2". If you studied elsewhere, the first job is working out what that means for your transcript.
Rough equivalents by country
These are indicative only. Every university publishes its own country by country table, and that table is what counts.
- United States: a 2:1 is commonly treated as a GPA of about 3.2 to 3.5 out of 4.0, and a 2:2 as roughly 2.8 to 3.0. Selective courses often ask for 3.5 or above.
- India: a 2:1 is often 60 to 65 percent or a CGPA of about 6.5 to 7.5 out of 10, with higher bars for some institutions and lower ones for others.
- Nigeria: a UK 2:1 usually maps to a second class upper.
- Canada: around a 3.3 GPA or a B plus average.
- China: typically 75 to 85 percent, varying significantly by the tier of your university.
- EU countries: mapped from the national scale, for example roughly 7 out of 10 in the Netherlands or 2.5 in the German system.
Subject relevance and prerequisites
"In a relevant subject" is doing real work in that sentence. Conversion masters courses, common in computer science, law, management and psychology, are designed for applicants from other backgrounds. Specialist courses are not: a finance masters may require prior calculus and statistics, and a data science masters may require programming.
If you have covered the material under a different module name, say so explicitly in your application. Admissions staff will not infer it from a transcript.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language and your degree was not taught in English, you will need a test. Typical requirements:
- Taught masters, most subjects: IELTS 6.5 overall, no component below 6.0.
- Law, journalism, education, healthcare: often 7.0 overall.
- Alternatives: TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Duolingo are accepted by many but not all universities. For the visa you may need a UKVI approved test, so check before you book.
If your entire degree was taught and assessed in English, many universities will waive the test on receipt of a letter from your institution. Ask; it saves time and money.
References
Two references, normally at least one academic. If you graduated several years ago, a professional reference from a manager who can speak to your analytical ability is usually accepted. Give referees three weeks and send them the course description and your statement.
If you are just below the requirement
- Pre masters courses bridge the gap over one or two terms and usually lead into the masters.
- Relevant work experience is formally considered by many universities and can offset a lower classification.
- Less competitive courses at strong universities often accept a 2:2 in the same subject area.
Always ask the admissions team directly before ruling yourself out. Published requirements are a starting point, not an absolute filter.
