NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

As mentioned, there will generally be an examination in each subject following completion of each academic year. Where
there is a choice between Honours and general degrees (see below), selection for Honours is often made on the basis of firstor
second-year examination results.
Within the marking system of the universities there is a differentiation made between general and Honours degrees. This
differentiation is made in some faculties, notably arts and science.
The choice between general and Honours degrees is with Bachelor degrees only. Thus, a Bachelor degree may be conferred as
either a general degree or an Honours degree:
General degrees
These do not involve as much specialisation as Honours degrees, and may therefore cover a broader range of subjects. They
are awarded in the following classes:
distinction
credit
pass.
A general degree is normally of three years in duration.
Bachelor (Honours) degree
The Honours degree generally necessitates a more in-depth study of a particular subject; it may involve more optional courses,
project work or a dissertation and possibly a longer course duration, usually four years.It is also possible to obtain an Honours
degree from certain three year courses. Honours degrees may be awarded in the following classes:
First Class Honours
Second Class Honours, grade I
Second Class Honours, grade II
Third Class Honours
Pass.