Waiting for your degree results may seem like it takes a lifetime. Many people can get confused about when exactly they will receive their results. This article will look at when you receive your results and the different circumstances under which you will receive them. It will also delve into how this differs from exam results you may have received in the past.
In short, the answer is that all universities release their results at different times. Not only different universities, but different departments release their results at different times. This means there is no ‘results day’ like with GCSEs or A-Levels.
Now you know the simple answer, keep reading to find out the different ways in which you can get your degree results. Also, read more details about the results you’ll receive.
Table of Contents
When Do University Results Come Out?
University degree results come out at different times depending on the university and the department. The date you started your course will also have an effect on your degree results. There is no specific date that I can give that is certain to be the day you will receive your degree results. However, there are a few dates that could be key for a lot of you reading this article.
The vast majority of courses or semesters end around June or July. These dates will be a good indicator as to when you may get your results. However, there is also a chance it may be months afterwards. For example, LSE gives out degree results in the winter. The important thing to do is check the specific website of your university and department to get the right date.
Another point worth remembering is the day you receive your degree may not be the day you receive your results. Often, certain universities will release the results to you prior to you being formally given your degree, either online or in person. We’ll get into that more a bit later. Overall, the most important message is to check the website of your specific university to find your specific results day.
What Will Happen on University Results Day?
Now that you know when to expect your results, it’s only natural your mind would turn towards graduation day. It is a day many people look back on fondly, and certainly one you will remember for a long time.
In a normal year, it is expected that there will generally be some talks from university faculty. This will happen before each student in turn is called up to receive their degree. I’m sure there will be several formalities you have to follow at this point. Normally involving walking onto the stage in alphabetical order. Shaking hands with the governor and receiving your degree. But they are specific to each university, so you’ll have to look into that yourselves.
However, after this, you will be let out to take any photos you want, and there will probably be an after party, or you can simply make your own of course. Believe it or not, the gowns, fancy hats and rolls of paper that some believe are only made for TV shows are actually real. In most cases, you’re expected to wear them even today! So, you’ll be able to look the part while celebrating your success. Of course, it is worth pointing out that every university may do things slightly differently. This is just a general guide as to what you can expect on the day you receive your degree and graduate.
What Will Your University Results Look Like?
There may be some of you wondering what exactly the result will show and how to know if you’ve done well, or what to aim for. It’s not quite as simple as results from school with a simple number or letter to show you how well you’ve done. However, the system isn’t as complex as it first appears.
A degree can have 4 different classifications: 1st class, 2:1, 2:2 or 3rd class. 3rd class is the lowest, but it is still a pass. In other words, you still get a full degree with a 3rd. It’s just not as high as the other classes.
2nd class degrees are split into 2 sections, as this is what the majority of students achieve. This is why it’s split into 2:1 and 2:2. Essentially, a 2:1 is better than a 2:2, but they are both very similar.
A 1st class degree is the best you can get at undergraduate level – you have done amazingly if you achieve this.
You need over 70% of the marks (roughly, this will change depending on the university and the year, this data was collected from imperial 2019) for a 1st, at least 60% for a 2:1, at least 50% for a 2:2 and at least 40% for a 3rd. Anything below this is a fail. Meaning you will not get a degree, so try and ensure this doesn’t happen.
Do Your University Result Actually Matter?
Based on what I’ve just said, you may be thinking the result of your degree doesn’t really matter as long as you get the degree. But is that the case?
Well, it depends on what you want to use the degree for. For example, if you want to take a masters in your subject, this will usually require at least a 2:2. Likewise, certain jobs will ask for a specific level of degree, or they may simply say ‘a good honours degree,’ which usually means a 2:1.
Considering you made the choice to go to university, it’s safe to assume a lot of you are looking to do something competitive and difficult. If you are competing with other people, you want to have the best result you possibly can in order to ensure that you achieve success in your endeavours, whatever they may be.
While it is true that whatever the level of degree is, you still have a degree from whatever uni you attended. There is a competitive edge to the results of the degree just as there is for any other exam you have taken. So, while it may not be a requirement for the specific job you are after, it will be very helpful and useful to have the best degree possible.
What If Your University Results Aren’t What You Wanted?
It can be very frustrating to get the results back and for them not to be what you wanted or needed. This is of course disappointing. Poor exam results, or ones below your expectations are always disappointing, but you need to remember it is not the end of the World.
Yes, it is upsetting, but it is very rarely as bad as it first seems. If you got a level of degree below what you wanted, remember that you still have a degree, and the years of work have not gone to waste. If you failed to get a degree at all, the first thing you should do is figure out why. Once you know then adjust your approach. It could be seen as an important lesson for you.
There are various ways in which you can appeal a result. So, if you feel hard done by, there are ways that you can attempt to get the result overturned. You also have the option to retake your final year at university. Check out this Think Student article to find out more about 3rd year retakes.
What To Do After You Get Your University Results?
So now you have your results and you’ve had a big graduation day celebration (assuming you did well). But what do you do now?
Well, leaving university can be daunting, but if you have achieved a degree, you really have nothing to fear. After you’re finished at uni, you have multiple options as to what you can do.
You could take a break, maybe go travelling. After all you deserve it after all the hard work you put in. You could continue your studies to a masters or PhD level, or you could follow the most common route and look for a job.
With your degree under your belt, you should be able to find a job in the career area that relates to your degree. How easy this is for you will depend on your degree level, but any degree at all puts you in with a great chance of getting the job.
It really depends on what you want to do and why you wanted the degree in the first place. But leaving uni should be the exciting part where the results you worked so hard for can be put to good use. With a solid degree under your belt a host of opportunities become available to you, so go out there and look for the ones you want to take.