15 Top UK Universities Accepting 3rd Class

If you want to study in the UK with a third class degree, some universities accept it for masters. International students with a third-class grade can study at UK universities, but there are further prerequisites. A third-class grade doesn’t mean you’re a failure; you can still study. It doesn’t matter if you graduate with a third class—you can still achieve your academic goals. Graduating with a third-class degree doesn’t indicate you’re dumb; it just means you need to study harder in school.

Prince Charles, the current King of England, graduated with a third class from Cambridge in 1970. Famous TV presenter Mel Giedroyc also earned a third-class degree from Cambridge. J.K. Rowling, the world’s first billionaire author, graduated with a third class from Exeter UK, as did many other top professionals.

If you believe in yourself and are diligent and committed to your goals, a third-class degree can help you achieve more. You must meet certain requirements to pursue a master’s degree at any UK university that accepts 3rd class for masters.

International students, can be asked to meet English language proficiency requirements to enrol at UK universities accepting third-class degrees. International students can reach the UK university’s cut-off point for English proficiency by taking IELTS or TOEFL.

More crucially, international students pursuing a master’s degree with a third class in any UK university must complete a one-year post-graduate before starting their selected MSC programme. If you’re curious about UK universities that accept 3rd class for masters, read this page carefully. It will answer your question.

UK Masters Schools Accepting 3rd Class

Below are UK universities that accept international students with a third-class degree. Visit the university’s website to find out the requirements for admission to your selected Master’s programme.

• University College London
• University of Bristol
• University of Warwick
• University of Birmingham
• University of Bradford
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• West England University
• University of Sunderland

1 University College London

University College London link

First on the list of UK universities that accept 3rd class for masters is University College London, founded in 1826. This first and oldest London university was also the first secular university to accept international students of any religion. University College London ranks second in the UK for research power in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. Interesting, University College London is the eighth top university in the QS World University Ranking 2023 and one of the first UK universities to admit women.

The University College London includes around 30 Nobel Prize laureates among its alumni and faculty. Actually, University College London is one of the top IT universities in the UK, teaching students how to design software to revitalise computer use. The University College London master’s degree programme is available in 12-month full-time and 2-year part-time formats. More notably, online master’s degree applicants at University College London must pay £90, whereas paper applicants must pay £115.

University College London Master’s Degree Requirements

• International students must speak English.
• Two years of university study are required before applying for a master’s.
• A minimum third-class degree is required for all university master’s programmes.
• A well-written CV/Resume highlighting your preference programme experience
• Previous study results transcript
• Letters of recommendation
• Valid UK passport/visa
• Student research statements

2 Bristol University UK

Bristol University UK master’s programme link

Bristol University, one of the oldest and largest UK research universities, accepts 3rd class for master’s. Bristol University, founded in 1876, is a top UK university allowing overseas students with third-class masters degrees. According to QS World University Rankings 2023, University of Bristol UK is the 9th best university in the UK and one of the top 5 for research. Post-graduate programmes at Bristol are taught, research-intensive, or professional doctorate. International students with a third-class degree who choose the school’s taught programmes will learn from experienced academics who will develop the curriculum. 70% of Bristol University taught programmes lead to an MA, MSC, MRes, or LLM. The research-based post-graduate programme prepares students for P.hd. Bristol University has six faculties offering exceptional master’s degrees: Arts, Health Sciences, Social Science and Law, Engineering, Life Sciences, and Science.

Masters programmes for 3rd class at Bristol University, UK

• The Science Faculty
• Faculty of Arts
• Faculty of Life Sciences
• Faculty of Engineering
• Health Sciences College
• School of Law and Social Sciences

3 Warwick University

Official Warwick University website

Third-class students can also attend the University of Warwick, 3 miles from Coventry in central England. University of Warwick is a top UK research university with outstanding master’s degree programmes delivered in English. The institution offers virtual and face-to-face lectures depending on the programme, however not all post-graduate programmes are online. It’s the 10th finest UK institution, but prominent experts recognise it as an international centre of research excellence. The QS world university ranking 2023 ranks Warwick UK 64th. Interesting, the University is one of the cheapest UK universities offering high-quality master’s degrees. Visit the school’s website for details.

Requirements

• International students must speak English.
• Two years of university study are required before applying for a master’s.
• A minimum third-class degree is required for all university master’s programmes.
• A well-written CV/Resume highlighting your preference programme experience
• Previous study results transcript
• Letters of Recommendation
• Valid UK passport/visa
• Student research statements

4 Birmingham University

University of Birmingham link

Next on the list of UK universities that accept 3rd class for masters is Birmingham University, founded on 31 May 1900. Birmingham University, England’s first civic university, allows third-class students from any country. University of Birmingham UK is another top UK technological institution. The university has excellent technical programmes.

If you want to learn more about tech programmes like AI and data science, you should consider studying at Birmingham. As of 2023, this UK institution got £1.2m for AI and data science scholarships, which fund 120 master’s degree students and give each student close to £10,000. Birmingham University operates a branch campus in Dubai to offer international students a superior education. Among the top 50 universities in the world by QS world university ranking by subjects, this UK university is among the best research-intensive universities.

Masters programme for 3rd-class Birmingham University students

• Accounting and Finance MSc
• Financial Management MSc
• MSc Economics
• Financial Economics MSc
• International Banking MSc
• MSc Finance, Banking, and Money
• MSc Marketing
• MSc Human Resources
• Sustainable Innovation Entrepreneurship MSc
• MSc Supply chain management

5 Bradford University

Bradford University UK masters programme’s link

Annual tuition: £1,926–£23,028

Bradford UK, the next UK university that admits 3rd class for masters, accepts international students from any country. Since 1832, Bradford University has been noted for its excellent research. It ranks 49th in the UK for research funding. The University of Bradford UK invested in 21 research initiatives that helped investigate and respond to the COVID-19 epidemic. The Guadian University League tables 2023 rank the university second in the UK for its remarkable physiotherapy programme. University of Bradford ranks first in England for social mobility implications by higher education policy institute. Bradford University offers all master’s programmes in English.

Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Metropolitan University UK link

Manchester Metropolitan University, founded in 1824, is sixth on the list of UK universities that accept 3rd class for masters. Manchester Metropolitan University is a top UK research university committed to world-class research. At the Educate North Award 2023, the University earned the business school and nurse education awards. The university’s strong ties to big international firms help shape its curriculum to fit industry needs. Manchester Metropolitan University provides MSc programmes in business, arts, politics, natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, etc.

Manchester Metropolitan University Masters Programme

• Master of Engineering
• Mastering Education
• Diet and Nutrition
• Fashion
• Nursing
• History
• Law
• Computing
• Medical Science
• Business and Management
• Chemistry
• Political and International Relations
• Medicine
• Physiotherapy
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Language and Speech Therapy

7 University of West England

University of West England Master’s programmes link

The University of West England, placed 24th in the Guardian League Table 2023, accepts 3rd class for Masters. The University of West England has a large international student community and provides outstanding masters programmes to international students having a 3rd class degree from any country. According to Graduate Outcomes Survey, University of West England is among the top 30 UK universities for graduate employability.

The University of West England is committed to providing high-quality, career-relevant master’s programmes with an all-encompassing higher education and creative, internationally recognised research. The University of West England is another renowned UK university that offers cheap master’s degrees to third-class graduates.

8 University of Sunderland

Official Sunderland University website

Last on the list of UK universities that accept 3rd class for masters is Sunderland, founded in 1901. However, the University of Sunderland’s Master’s Degree programme may be a taught course or a research degree that improves critical thinking and analysis. Honestly, University of Sunderland master’s programme learners may expect superior instruction from knowledgeable professors and sophisticated educational facilities. All post-graduate or master’s degree programmes at University of Sunderland are career-focused and professionally taught to give students industry-relevant skills.

Actually, prominent employers linked with professional associations co-design all University of Sunderland masters degree courses. The University of Sunderland offers an online Distance Learning Master’s degree for international students who want to study from home. International students could work while obtaining a master’s degree at Sunderland UK through the School’s online programme.

9 London Metropolitan University

Official University’s link

London Metropolitan University is known for its comprehensive admissions. The university examines more than academic grades when selecting applicants. This includes motivation for higher education, suitable work experience, and field-specific devotion. This method seeks candidates with success potential beyond academic benchmarks.

10 Anglia Ruskin Universities

Official University’s link

Anglia Ruskin University’s flexible admissions strategy recognises that academic performance is only one part of a candidate’s potential. The university considers a variety of talents and experiences, including work-related expertise. Anglia Ruskin wants a diverse student body to enrich the academic community with different ideas and talents.

11 University of Bolton

Official University’s link

Pragmatic Admissions: The University of Bolton evaluates each applicant individually. This personalised approach lets the university assess applicants’ abilities, experiences, and potential contributions to the university community beyond academic results. This inclusivity represents the concept that variety improves learning.

12 University of East London

Official University’s link

Academic Potential is Not Just Grades: The University of East London recognises that academic potential is not just grades. It evaluates applicants using work experience, personal statements, and recommendations. The institution hopes this multidimensional approach will create an inclusive learning environment that recognises students’ different origins and achievements.

13 Bedfordshire University

Official University’s link

The University of Bedfordshire accepts applicants with different academic backgrounds, including third-class degrees. Practical talents and experiences beyond the classroom are valued by the school. This inclusive approach fosters a diverse learning environment that prepares pupils for real-world difficulties.

14 John Moores University

Official University’s link

Liverpool John Moores University considers applications beyond academic grades. Diverse students improve the educational experience, thus the university honours their contributions. This method promotes an inclusive and supportive academic community.

15 The Staffordshire University

Official University’s link

Staffordshire University emphasises personalised admissions. The school considers personal qualities beyond academic measures. Staffordshire hopes to offer a learning atmosphere where students are respected for their individual qualities and may succeed academically and personally.

FAQs:

What is 3rd class?

The lowest bachelor’s honours degree is a third class, with a 40%–50% honours mark and a 2.0–2.4 CGPA.

Does UK universities accept 3rd class for masters?

Yes, some UK universities grant master’s degrees to 3rd-class students who complete additional prerequisites. Some UK universities mandate a one-year compulsory post-graduate programme before letting students choose their preferred programme.