Editing Academic degree (section)

===== Scotland =====
The standard [[Undergraduate degree|first degree]] for students studying arts or humanities in [[Scotland]] is either a [[Bachelor of Arts]] or a [[Master of Arts (Scotland)|Master of Arts]] (the latter traditionally awarded by the [[Ancient Universities of Scotland]] for a first degree in an arts/humanities subject). The standard undergraduate degree for natural and social science subjects is the [[Bachelor of Science]].<ref>{{citation | last = Scottish qualifications framework, forming part of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework | url = http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/FHEQ-Scotland.aspx | title = The framework for qualifications of higher education institutions in Scotland (FHQEIS) | website = Qaa.ac.uk | access-date = 12 March 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121118091832/http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/FHEQ-Scotland.aspx | archive-date = 18 November 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

Students can work towards a first degree at either ordinary or honours level. A general or ordinary degree (BA/MA or BSc) takes three years to complete; an honours degree (BA/MA Hons or BSc Hons) takes four years. The ordinary degree need not be in a specific subject, but can involve study across a range of subjects within (and sometimes beyond) the relevant faculty, in which case it may also be called a general degree. If a third year or junior honours subject is included, the ordinary degree in that named discipline is awarded. The honours degree involves two years of study at a sub-honours level in which a range of subjects within the relevant faculty are studied and then two years of study at honours level which is specialised in a single field (for example classics, history, chemistry, biology, etc.). Not all universities in Scotland adhere to this; in some, one studies in several subjects within a faculty for three years and can then specialise in two areas and attain a joint honours degree in fourth year.

This also reflects the broader scope of the final years of [[Education in Scotland|Scottish secondary education]], where traditionally five [[Higher (Scottish)|Highers]] are studied, compared to (typically) three English or Welsh [[Advanced Level (UK)|A-Levels]]. The Higher is a one-year qualification, as opposed to the two years of A-Levels, which accounts for Scottish honours degrees being a year longer than those in England. [[Advanced Higher (Scottish)|Advanced Highers]] add an optional final year of secondary education, bringing students up to the level of their A-Level counterparts – students with strong A-Levels or Advanced Highers may be offered entry directly into the second year at Scottish universities.

Honours for MA or bachelor's degrees are classified into three classes:
* First class honours
* Second class honours, divided into:
** Division one (2:1) [Upper Second Class Honours]
** Division two (2:2) [Lower Second Class Honours]
* Third class honours
Students who complete all the requirements for an honours degree, but who do not receive sufficient merit to be awarded third-class honours, may be awarded a ''Special Degree'' (ordinary degree – bachelor's level SCQF Level 9).

In most respects, the criteria for awarding qualifications at honours level and above are the same as in the rest of the UK (see above under England, Wales and Northern Ireland). Postgraduate qualifications are not designated Master of Arts, as in the rest of the UK, as this is an undergraduate degree. Postgraduate degrees in arts and humanities subjects are usually designated [[Master of Letters]] (M.Litt.) or, in natural and social sciences, [[Master of Science]] (M.Sc.). Non-doctoral postgraduate research degrees are usually designated [[Master of Philosophy]] (M.Phil.) or [[Master of Research]] (M.Res.). The postgraduate teaching qualification is the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

Postgraduate qualifications are classified into four classes:
* Distinction
* Credit
* Merit
* Pass