Open University Degree Classification Calculator (OU)

OU uses stage weighting: Stage 3 counts double. Enter your Stage 2 and Stage 3 averages to see your predicted honours classification.

Open University uses stage weighting. Enter your best-scoring credits at Stage 2 and Stage 3.

Stage 2 (usually weighted 1)

Weighted average % at Stage 2

Stage 3 (usually weighted 2)

Weighted average % at Stage 3

How the Open University classifies degrees

The Open University uses stage weighting rather than the year-based weightings of most other UK universities. Your honours classification is worked out from your best-scoring credits at each stage — usually 120 credits from Stage 2 and 120 credits from Stage 3 of your named degree.

The OU weighting formula

For most OU honours degrees:

Overall % = (Stage 2 average × 1 + Stage 3 average × 2) ÷ 3

In other words, Stage 3 counts double. So if you averaged 62% at Stage 2 and 71% at Stage 3, your overall is (62 + 71×2) ÷ 3 = 68% — a 2:1.

OU classification boundaries

Once you have the weighted overall, the standard UK honours boundaries apply:

Class	Weighted overall
First-class honours	70%+
Upper second (2:1)	60–69%
Lower second (2:2)	50–59%
Third-class	40–49%

Borderline cases

The OU applies discretion at borderlines. If your weighted average is within a small band below the next classification (typically 1–2%), the exam board may look at the pattern of your individual module scores. Consistently high Stage 3 marks help push you into the higher class.

What counts?

OU uses the best-scoring 120 credits at Stage 2 and the best-scoring 120 credits at Stage 3, provided they qualify for your named degree. Some optional modules may not count if they're outside your degree pathway — always check the current classification rules on the OU StudentHome site for your specific degree programme.

OU vs traditional universities

Traditional UK universities often weight final year 60–67% and second year 33–40%; OU uses a cleaner 2:1 (Stage 3 : Stage 2). This means Stage 3 performance is even more critical at the OU than in a comparable brick university.

Master's-level Open University

OU Master's degrees follow the standard UK Distinction/Merit/Pass system. See our UK Masters Calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How does Open University calculate degree classification?

OU uses stage weighting: your Stage 2 average counts once and your Stage 3 average counts twice. The formula is (Stage 2 + Stage 3 × 2) ÷ 3.

Does Stage 1 count towards my OU classification?

No. Stage 1 modules are foundational and don't count towards your final honours classification.

Which credits does the OU use?

Your best-scoring 120 credits at Stage 2 and best 120 credits at Stage 3 that qualify for your named degree.

What is a good OU classification?

A 2:1 (60% weighted overall) is the standard target and meets most employer requirements. A First requires 70%+, which is challenging given Stage 3 counts double.

Are OU degree classifications the same as brick universities?

The class names and boundaries are the same (First, 2:1, 2:2, 3rd). The main difference is the weighting method — OU uses stage weighting instead of year weighting.

Rules can differ by degree programme. Always check your official OU degree regulations.

Open University Degree Classification Calculator