This I have come across so many times under the section: entry requirements, but... what does it really mean, first class degree, upper secondary class degree? I'm not all that familiar with the English grading system, but perhaps someone could give a hint?

Hi. I know, it is confusing for those out of the UK. What I do know is that a 2:1 degree in the UK is equivalent to what we call a first class in INdia, or an aggregate of 60% and above. Which country are you from?

I may have gotten that one wrong.... but all this about honour degrees and first class, second class... I'm from Sweden and I feel quite confused over that. Perhaps I should just ignore, send my grades and hope for the best.

Johansson,
I like your country.

I can't respond to your question directly, but you may want to take a look at the part of KCL's site I have linked to below, if you haven't already. It lists the entry requirements for King's College from Sweden. It's not much, but it may help you get a start. Other schools may have something similar.

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/schools/law/apply/pgrad/llm/apply/entry/europe/sweden.html

PMartini

For heaven's sake!

Look through some of the old postings. I posted this ages ago:

http://llm-guide.com/board/10603

A First Class paper is one that is graded 70%+. The Second Class runs from 50% - 60%, but there is a cleavage between the 'Upper' Second Class (60%+) and the 'Lower' Second Class (50%+). So a '2.1' is an Upper Second and a '2.2' is a Lower Second. A Third is anything below 50%.

Firsts are very difficult to achieve. You will hear many people in the UK saying things like 'Strong 2.1', or 'Good 2.1'. That means that they will have been awarded a cluster of marks in 65%+ region.

A 2.1 is the most common mark, and the low numbers of students attaining Firsts or 2.2s has led to charges against universities of grade inflation and/or poor differentiation between able students. But the reason why so many people get 2.1s is that, realistically, you need a 2.1 for a decent job.