What is an “Honours” degree in Malaysia?
UK & Malaysia Honours Degree Classification

Weng Hang, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
In the UK university system, you will study for 3 years after Foundation/Pre-U/STPM/A-Levels and then obtain an “Honours” degree. The “Honours” title is indicated in their name. For example, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering.Basically most people will graduate with an honours degree unless you obtain a Pass Degree, which means you just passed. The grading and classification of what degree you will get is below. The grading will vary from university to university, it is just a guide:
- First-Class Honours (First or 1st) (70% and above)
- Upper Second-Class Honours (60-70%)
- Lower Second-Class Honours (50-60%)
- Third-Class Honours (Third or 3rd) (40-50%)
- Ordinary degree (pass)
- Fail (no degree is awarded)
Australia/New Zealand Honours Degree System
In these systems, you will study for 3 years and obtain a degree with no title “Honours” upon graduation. In order to obtain an “Honours” degree, you will have to apply to enter into a 4th year. Generally, you will need a grade average of 75% or higher to enter. This will vary from university to university and programme to programme. The honours year will probably include a coursework (including seminars or tutorials) and a research thesis of 15,000 to 20,000 words.
USA Universities Honours Degree Equivalent

Wen Hao, Biotechnology at UCSI University
There is no “Honours” title in the American education system. You will study for 4 years after SPM and then obtain a degree. How well you do in the degree programme is indicated by the award given with your degree upon graduation. If you do well at the university, you will get titles depending on the grades. Below is just a sample:
· Cum Laude – for grade point averages of 3.25 through 3.499;
· Magna Cum Laude – for grade point averages of 3.5 through 3.749; and
· Summa Cum Laude – for grade point averages of 3.75 and above
From the above you can see that the British “Honours” title does not mean that the degree is of higher quality than the Australian or American degree.
While the Australian “Honours” degree will indicate that the person has completed more work and is of higher level.
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