What to Do if You Get a 2:2 Degree

What actually is a 2:2?

A 2:2 (also known as a second lower-class honours degree) is awarded when you finish university with an overall average between 50% and 59% and sits below a 2:1 (60-69%) but above a third (40-49%).

More people graduate with a 2:2 than you might think. Ignore the redditors or anyone who tells you that a 2:2 means your professional career is over before it started. It is a legit grade, and there’s still a lot you can do with one.

Is my life over if I get a 2:2?

Not at all. But if you're disappointed, we get it.

What might surprise you is how little your grade actually affects your chances of finding work in the longrun. Government research shows that there’s a pretty small gap in employment rates between 2:1 and 2:2 graduates. 

There are plenty of reasons why someone ends up with a 2:2, and it says nothing about your intelligence or what you're capable of. 

If you're still studying and worried about your predicted grade, there's still time to push for a 2:1. Your university's support services are a good place to start. Talk to your professors and lecturers, too. They’ll know better than anyone how you can get up there.

Either way, your dream career is far from a dead end.

Do employers actually care about grades?

It depends on the industry and the role. 

In competitive industries like investment banking and schemes at magic-circle law firms, a 2:1 is usually required. But plenty of employers (especially smaller companies or creative, commercial or tech industries) actually want to know more about your skills, any experience you’ve had and your passion.

The further you get into your career, the less it matters. Many experienced professionals will tell you that no one has asked about their degree in ages.

Meet Ruby

Meet our People Director (and Board Member), Ruby. She finished university with a 2:2 and has hired loads of students with the same grades. Here’s her advice:

• TIP ONE: Submit the application! Employers like us focus on skills and strengths, and get to know the whole person during the interview process to find the best fit for the role.

• TIP TWO: Focus on doing your best to demonstrate those skills and the fact that you can do the job, regardless of the grade you got. 

• TIP THREE: Employers rarely ask outright about your grade, but you might get a question about overcoming challenges. If you want to address it, being honest and self-aware about why you got a 2:2 (whether that's balancing a part-time job, struggling with the learning style, or just finding the subject genuinely tough) could be a great option. But you don’t have to

Unless it's advertised specifically that a certain grade or higher is needed, you have as much chance of getting the job as someone who got a 2:1 or a first.

Ruby People Director at Higherin

Can I get a graduate scheme with a 2:2?

Yes, you can. And you have more options than you might think. 

There are loads of graduate schemes with big and small companies that accept students with lower grades. You’ll find schemes with Lloyds Banking Group, The Civil Service, British Airways, Network Rail, EY, MI5 and more.

Some schemes don’t have specific requirements, but will want you to have a degree and a real interest in the scheme.

Some employers prefer a 2:1 but will consider strong candidates regardless of grade, especially if you’ve done a placement year or internship at the company. There’s nothing wrong with getting in touch to check. It could get you noticed by showing an employer your initiative.

Outside of graduate schemes, the wider job market is pretty open. Graduate jobs work differently from schemes and often don’t need you to have a specific classification.

Should I put my 2:2 on my CV?

Yes. Most application forms will ask you to include your degree classification anyway. If you’re applying for a graduate scheme or job that asks for a minimum of 2:2, employers are going to assume you have that.

If you’re asked about your grade in an interview, be honest and brief. You don’t have to go into great detail if it’s not relevant.

Your degree grade is one line on your CV. Instead, highlight all the skills you picked up and projects you got involved in.

Can I do a master’s with a 2:2?

Absolutely, many postgraduate courses accept students with a 2:2 in a similar degree. It all depends on the university and the course you want to do.

Some courses, especially with Russell Group universities, might be a lot harder to get into. But it’s always worth double-checking their entry requirements or even getting in touch with course leaders directly.

If you have a really strong application and some work experience to back it up (like an internship, placement year or even personal projects), it’ll improve your chances.

All universities will also have other entry requirements. For example, if you’re applying for a creative postgrad, you’ll need a portfolio. 

Make sure you’re doing a master’s because it’ll genuinely add value to your career path, not just to try and ‘cancel out’ a 2:2. You don’t have to do that.

What can I do now?

Okay, so you have the grade. What’s next? Here’s what you can focus on.

Get work experience

Even if you’re at the end of your degree, that doesn’t mean work experience is closed off to you. Internships are a great way of getting meaningful work experience in a short amount of time.

Sort your CV

Try to write a CV that focuses on your skills and experiences rather than just your academic achievements. 

Work for a smaller company

From getting well-rounded work experience to easier career progression, working for an SME (small to medium-sized employer) has some serious advantages.

Build your network

LinkedIn, industry events and reaching out directly to people in roles you're interested in can work wonders.

Consider an apprenticeship

Degree apprenticeships have become a really popular route into a career. You’ll work towards a degree, build several years of work experience and earn a wage (the average salary for a degree apprentice is £26,000 per year). There’s no tuition fee to pay either, so you won’t be adding to any student debts you already have.

A 2:2 isn’t the dealbreaker you might think it is. Yes, the graduate market is really competitive at the moment, but there are still opportunities out there to build a career. You’ve got this.