UK University Transcript
A UK academic transcript lists modules, percentage marks, credit values, and the final honours classification. It contains no GPA, UK universities use a classification system based on weighted percentage averages. Most institutions also issue a HEAR (Higher Education Achievement Report), the UK digital equivalent of the Bologna Diploma Supplement, at graduation.
What Goes on a UK Transcript
Four sections that together constitute a complete UK academic record.
Student identification
- Full legal name
- Student ID number
- Programme title and UCAS code
- Department and faculty
- Date of registration
- Date of award
Per-year academic record
- Module code and full title
- Credit value (UK credit or ECTS credit)
- Mark achieved (percentage)
- Grade boundary band (if applicable)
- Year of study in which module was taken
- Status (passed / failed / excused)
Degree classification
- Final honours classification (First, 2:1, 2:2, Third, Pass)
- Calculated weighted average mark
- Final year credit weighting applied
- Degree title as conferred
- Awarding body and date of award
Institutional attestation
- Registrar signature and seal
- University letterhead
- Issue date and reference number
- Security paper or electronic signature for digital transcripts
The HEAR: Higher Education Achievement Report
The HEAR is the UK digital transcript that combines academic results, a Diploma Supplement, and a co-curricular record in a single verified document.
Section 1, Personal information
Student name, date of birth, student ID, and nationality.
Section 2, Qualification information
Title, level (QAA FHEQ level 6 for undergraduate), credits, awarding body, date of award.
Section 3, Information on the level of qualification
Context of the qualification within the national framework and European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
Section 4, Information on the contents and results
Module list with marks, credits, and year. This mirrors the academic transcript content.
Section 5, Information on the function of the qualification
Access to further study and professional recognition (e.g. PSRB-accredited programmes).
Section 6, Additional information
Co-curricular record: societies, volunteering, placements, prizes, and awards not recorded elsewhere.
Section 7, Certification of the supplement
Institution signature confirming the document is authentic and belongs to the named holder.
Section 8, Information on the national higher education system
Description of the UK higher education system for international readers and credential evaluators.
UK Transcript vs US Transcript
Key differences that affect international students applying between the two systems.
| Dimension | UK Transcript | US Transcript |
|---|---|---|
| Grade format | Percentage marks (e.g. 68%) and band label (Upper Second) | Letter grade (A, B+) and numerical GPA (3.3) |
| GPA on transcript | No GPA; CWA (credit-weighted average) shown on some, not all | Semester GPA and cumulative GPA printed for every semester |
| Credit system | UK credits (120/year) or ECTS (60/year); listed per module | Credit hours (semester or quarter); listed per course |
| Degree classification | Printed on transcript: First, 2:1, 2:2, Third, Pass | Degree title printed; Latin honours (if any) stated separately |
| Re-sit history | Re-sit marks shown; capped mark policy stated | Grade forgiveness may replace original; both may show with annotation |
| Verification | HEDD (Higher Education Degree Datacheck) for employers | National Student Clearinghouse for enrollment/degree confirmation |
How to Request a UK Transcript
Four steps from SITS portal to certified official transcript delivery.
Log in to your SITS or student portal
Most UK universities use SITS:Vision as their student records system. Transcripts are requested through the self-service portal, either directly in SITS or via a branded overlay (e.g. MyUoN at Nottingham, UCL Go at University College London).
Choose official or unofficial
Official (sealed) transcripts are sent directly to a receiving institution or employer, often via post on security paper or via Digitary/Parchment electronically. Unofficial transcripts are printable PDFs for personal reference, not acceptable for formal applications.
Pay the fee and confirm recipient
Most UK universities charge £10–30 per transcript. Electronic delivery is typically cheaper (£10–15) than paper. You specify the recipient address or email. Processing takes 5–10 working days; express services (2–3 days) are available at some institutions.
Request HEAR if required
The HEAR is issued at graduation by most post-92 and many Russell Group universities. It can be requested separately through Digitary or the alumni portal. Employers verify HEAR documents via the Digitary Open Badges or institutional verification link.
How OpenEduCat Generates UK Transcripts
The UK module includes honours classification logic, ECTS conversion, and HEDD-compatible verification, all generated from published gradebook data.
UK credit and ECTS dual-column layout
The UK module outputs transcripts with both UK credit and ECTS values per module. This simplifies Bologna recognition and eliminates manual conversion for students applying to European postgraduate programmes.
Honours classification auto-computed
The honours boundary engine applies final-year credit weighting (typically 66% or 75%) and runs borderline uplift checks automatically. The computed classification is printed on the transcript at the point of generation.
HEDD-compatible verification QR
When the verification bridge is enabled, each transcript PDF carries a QR code linked to a secure hash. Employers and HEDD-connected systems resolve the QR to confirm the document is authentic without contacting the registrar.
Re-sit capped mark annotation
UK re-sit grades are printed with a "capped" annotation showing the original and capped mark, conforming to the standard that re-sit passes are recorded at the module pass mark (40%) unless a higher uncapped result applies.
Related UK Gradebook Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UK university transcript format and HEAR.
Generate UK-compliant transcripts automatically
The UK gradebook module includes honours classification logic, ECTS dual-column layout, and HEDD-compatible QR verification, ready for your graduating cohort.