Language requirements

The University accepts a number of English language tests and other qualifications as proof of English language proficiency. The tables below provides an overview of typical requirements for degree programme entry in relation to the most widely-used tests.

Please note that some academic schools and departments set higher entry requirements for specific degree programmes, including entry to Pre-sessional courses:

>> More about specific language entry requirements

International students from outside the European Union, who require a visa in order to study at the University, in addition to fulfilling the English language requirements of their chosen programme, are also required by the UKBA to hold a 'secure' - approved - English language test certificate for the purposes of a Tier 4 student visa application.

>> More about secure English language tests

Prospective students who wish to apply to study on a foundation programme should refer to the foundation entry requirements webpage.

Degree programme entry

	Postgraduate	Undergraduate
IELTS	7.0	6.5 - 7.0
TOEFL IBT	100	90 - 100
Cambridge CPE	B	B
Cambridge CAE	A	A
SQA Higher ESOL	B	B
CIE IGSCE	B+	B+
TEEP	7.0	7.0

Pre-sessional entry

You may be asked to complete a Pre-sessional course as a condition of your offer from the University. The minimum entry requirements for both courses are as follows:

	4-week Pre-sessional	10-week Pre-sessional
IELTS	6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each paper	6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each paper
TOEFL IBT	90 - 100	80 - 90
Cambridge CPE	C	-/-
Cambridge CAE	B	-/-
SQA Higher ESOL	B	-/-
CIE IGSCE	C+	-/-
TEEP	6.5	-/-

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Key to qualification type

IELTS (University of Cambridge ESOL)

Scores candidates in a range from 1 - 9. More information about band descriptors.

TOEFL IBT (ETS)

Internet-based test that scores candidiates on four skills (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) with grades out of 30 for each component, thus a total possible of 120. The institutional D.I. code for the University is 0861. More information about scores.

Cambridge CPE (Cambridge ESOL)

Tests English proficiency in Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Use of English at level C2 of the European Framework. More information about reference scales.

Cambridge CAE (Cambridge ESOL)

Exam consisting of five papers, as above, benchmarked at level C1 of the Eurpean Framework.

SQA Higher ESOL (Scottish Qualificiations Authority)

New qualification at levels Intermediate 2 and Higher, which can be accepted as meeing the English language requirement.

CIE IGSCE (University of Cambridge International Examinations)

Candidates taking international GCSE or A-Level qualifications may offer English language as part of the overall set of examinations.

TEEP (CALS, University of Reading)

Test of English for Educational Purposes, graded from 1 - 9, was developed to test candidates' language skills for academic purposes.