Which UK universities are awarding the most first-class degrees? The latest data provided by ONS found that universities in the midland and the north tend to be more generous, with nine of the top ten unis giving out the most firsts being in one of those two regions. 

This just shows, you don’t have to be studying at Oxbridge to come out as a top graduate. While some attribute the rise in Firsts to improved academic performance, others point to grade inflation and shifting assessment styles. But what’s clear is that the unis in this list aren’t necessarily all Russell Group unis.  For more context, explore how this trend compares to rankings like our list of unis with the highest dropout rates.

How did we compile the list?

We used the latest available ONS statistics to collect the number of firsts awarded per institution (as of Jan 2026, for the academic year 2022/2023). We then compiled two ranking systems; one being the universities that gave out the most firsts overall, and two being the universities that gave out the most firsts in proportion to their total number of students (i.e. the highest percentage of firsts).

Universities giving out the most firsts overall

10. University of the West of England

First-class graduates: 4,390

UWE Bristol rounds out the top 10, reflecting both its large student population and strong focus on applied, career-led degrees. With thousands of students graduating across health, business, engineering, and creative subjects, it’s no surprise UWE produces a high volume of First-class degrees each year.

9. University of Birmingham

First-class graduates: 4,395

A major Russell Group institution, the University of Birmingham combines academic rigour with scale. Its wide range of courses and large graduating cohorts contribute to a substantial number of students achieving First-class honours annually.

8. University of Manchester

First-class graduates: 4,470

One of the UK’s biggest universities by enrolment, Manchester’s place on this list reflects its sheer size. With tens of thousands of students across science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences, the university awards a high number of Firsts each year — even without having the highest proportion.

7. Birmingham City University

First-class graduates: 4,495

Birmingham City University continues to climb when it comes to First-class degree output. Its strengths in creative industries, education, and health courses — alongside large cohorts — result in a significant number of top-grade graduates.

6. Sheffield Hallam University

First-class graduates: 4,645

Known for its vocational and professionally accredited courses, Sheffield Hallam awards a high number of Firsts across subjects such as nursing, business, sport, and engineering. Its emphasis on coursework and applied assessment may also play a role.

5. University of Leeds

First-class graduates: 4,930

The University of Leeds sits comfortably in the top five. As a large Russell Group university with strong teaching and research credentials, Leeds consistently produces thousands of high-achieving graduates every year.

4. Liverpool John Moores University

First-class graduates: 4,940

Liverpool John Moores University narrowly beats Leeds in terms of raw First-class numbers. Its strengths in health sciences, sport, and applied disciplines contribute to a strong showing in the 2022–23 data.

3. University of Nottingham

First-class graduates: 5,490

Nottingham takes third place, combining Russell Group prestige with large graduating cohorts. With strong performance across STEM, humanities, and social sciences, the university awards a substantial number of First-class degrees each year.

2. Manchester Metropolitan University

First-class graduates: 6,280

MMU ranks second overall, reflecting its status as one of the UK’s largest universities. With a broad subject offering and a strong focus on teaching and employability, thousands of MMU students graduate with First-class honours annually.

1. Nottingham Trent University

First-class graduates: 7,050

Taking the top spot is Nottingham Trent University. With the highest number of First-class graduates in the UK for 2022–23, NTU’s position is driven by its huge student population, diverse courses, and strong academic support structures.

Universities giving out the most firsts (proportional)

This list includes the universities who give out the most firsts when looking at the percentage of graduates with a first compared to total number of graduates. 

1. The Royal Academy of Music (59.6%)
2. Royal Northern College of Music (56.2%)
3. Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine (53.1)
4. Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (51%)
5. Northern School of Contemporary Dance (50%)
6. Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance (48%)
7. Courtald Institute of Art (47.5%)
8. Contemporary Dance Trust Limited (45.7%)
9. Guildhall School of Music & Drama (44.8%)
10. The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (44.4%)

These higher education institutions are definitely on the smaller scale compared with larger universities. This may be something to think about if you’re desperate for a first; head to a subject-specialising, small college over a larger red brick uni. 

Are more graduates receiving firsts?

Well not really. There was a growing trajectory of higher proportions of graduates being awarded first class degrees, rising each year until 2020/2021. However the subsequent years have the seen a decrease in trajectory.  

Universities UK have made it clear that grades should be ‘meaningful…to improve transparency, fairness and reliability in the way they award degrees’, wish could potentially explain why less firsts are being given out (that is – they don’t want to make it too easy that they lose meaning). Who knows…

Regardless, if you are desperate for that first, you know which unis to head to. If this has got you feeling driven, competitive (or desperate) – here’s our tips on how to get a first.