In the 1960s and 70s British honours degrees were first, upper second, lower second and third, with a pass for either slightly shorter degrees or people who failed a subject in the final year. I have now discovered London University issued honours only for firsts and seconds (Oxford did not split their seconds like others used to in the past), and had no third but a pass for all below. Was this something unique to them and either way when did British universities start to share the same systems for grading honours degrees?

bloomsby

You'll find an answer to part of your question at: http://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question82381.html Edited to add: Oxford had abolished the division within the 2nd class with effect from 1825, having introduced the division with effect from 1810. The first classified degree results were introduced at Oxford in 1807 and the names within each class were listed alphabetically. From 1801-1806 degree examinations could only be passed with honours (or without) and the names of those passing with honours appeared in order of merit. Note that the source give a little more detail, which is not reproduced here. Source: "The Oxford University Calendar 1842", Oxford 1842, pp. 115-6 and 150-1. Cambridge listed its maths students' (Wranglers') results in rank order, apparently from 1748-1909. According to this source, the second class in maths finals was not subdivided at Cambridge till 1995. (Scroll down to the section on 'Optimes'. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrangler_(University_of_Cambridge) Apr 27 12, 5:50 PM