The First Class Student: How to Get a First in Any Degree

by Kate Mercer

The book your university forgot to give you.

You worked hard to get here. Now the real work begins.

Most students spend several years figuring out what first-class students knew from the start. This book puts you in that position from day one. Whether you are a fresher, a mature student juggling work and family, an international student navigating a new system, or a parent giving their child the best possible start, this book was written for you.

It covers everything your degree demands and everything nobody thought to tell you. How to read strategically. How to write analytically. How to use AI on the right side of the line. How to manage your time, your wellbeing, and your final year. And how to make a first-class degree work for you long after graduation.

First-class students aren’t born. They’re made.

The First Class Student is the first book in the They Don’t Teach You This series by Kate Mercer.

162 pages, Paperback

Published June 3, 2026

Reviews

[Mery Kinsington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought it'd be another boring study guide but it's actually proper useful. The exam technique bit is sick — went from 64 to 71 using her method. Read it in an afternoon, thank me later.

[George Pembroke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graduated last month with a first in history and I 100% would not have without this. I was scraping 2:2s in first year and my personal tutor basically told me to get my act together. Found this book in waterstones during reading week and the chapter on essay structure is genuinely the only reason I improved. Mercer doesn't mess about — she tells you exactly what markers are looking for and it's depressing how obvious it is once someone points it out. The AI chapter is good too, not preachy like some lecturers are. If you're in second year and panicking, buy this instead of another night out. You'll thank yourself later.

[Jenna K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just about to start my degree and already this has changed how I’m thinking about it. Practical advice you won’t get from your university , wish every fresher knew this stuff from day one.

[N Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a game changer, every student must have

[G Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[D Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish we knew about this before I started my studies but it’s never too late

[E McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book belongs on every students bookshelf

[H Ashford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really in-depth knowledge

[Kirsty Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing stuff in this book

[Eilidh Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good guide for any students wanting to progress

[I McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

The knowledge what you need is in this book, well done Kate 👍🏼

[Moeez Alam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book, would definitely recommend

[Mahira Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work Kate

[Evan Rotherham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended

[Lily Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profundly moving

[Ellie Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

very very helpful

[Connor Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

really helpfull

[Luke Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

love this book

[Elsie Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

anyone early career would benefit

[Nathan Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice one

[Dylan Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

worth every penny

[Sara Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

helpful. recommend

[Saiid Kobecy · Rating 4 out of 5]

masterbook

[Linda Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent informative book

[George B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for students

[Melice Pem · Rating 5 out of 5]

usefull tips and tricks

[Alberto Limo · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book

[Lee Kobce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome

[Jim Koce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bunch for education helped me childrens in studies good book thanks kate

[Mike Bemano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really appreciated this book.helping a lot in studies