English Language Entry Requirements

English language requirements for non-native English speakers

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to show us that you have the language skills to meet our English language requirements confidently. We assess language ability across all four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Why we ask for evidence of your English language level

All our programmes are taught in English, so it’s important that you’re able to engage fully with your studies – following lectures, contributing to discussions, completing assignments and getting the most out of your time with us. Asking for evidence of your English language ability helps us to make sure you’ll be able to follow your course, take part in discussions and complete your assessments with confidence from the start.

Not sure if you meet our degree entry requirements?

We understand that not everyone’s educational journey looks the same, and every application is considered, taking all contextual factors into account. If you believe you meet the required standard but don’t hold one of the qualifications listed above, tell us about it in your application and we’ll review your circumstances on a case-by-case basis. We’re happy to consider alternative evidence of your English proficiency.

For online students

In order to meet the English language requirements for our online programmes, you typically need to evidence English proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2-C1.

International students studying an online programme with us, do not need a student route visa, which means we can accept a wider range of English qualifications – these are set out below.

For on-campus students

Generally, the same English requirements apply for our on-campus programmes, as for our online programmes. However, if you’re an international student who requires a UK Student Route visa to study with us on campus, you will also need to meet the Home Office’s English language requirements. In some cases, this means taking an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). Full details of the English language criteria for international students can be found here: Admissions Requirements for International students.

Meeting our English language requirement: tests we accept

As a general rule, the minimum English language requirement for entry to any of our programmes is CEFR B2, more commonly known as upper-intermediate level. You can find a detailed overview in our Admissions policy.

Some courses ask for a slightly higher level. You’ll find the requirement for your specific course on the relevant course page, and a summary by test and programme type below. We accept the Academic version of each test unless stated otherwise.

Please note: most test results must normally be dated within two years of your course start date. If you’re unsure whether your test is still in date, please contact our admissions team.

English language test	MBA (online only)	Master’s – MSc/MA (online and on-campus)
IELTS (Academic)	6.5 or above overall, with no element below 6.0	6.0 overall with no element below 5.5
TOEFL iBT®	88 overall (with 18 in reading, 19 in listening, 19 in speaking and 23 in writing)	79 overall (with 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 21 in writing)
Duolingo English Test	Overall minimum score of 120 with no component score below 110	Overall minimum score of 110 with no component score below 100
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency (C2 Proficiency) or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (C1 Advanced)	176 overall, with 169 in each component	Evidence of a score of 170 overall, with 160 in each component
Pearson PTE Academic	65 with min 62 in each component	59 with min 59 in each component
Language Cert (Academic)	70 overall with no individual skill under 65	65 overall, with no individual skill under 60
Skills for English UKVI B2 (PSI Service UK Ltd)	B2 Pass with Merit	B2 Pass
Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English	ISE II with distinction in all four components	ISE II, with distinction in all four components
AS/A Level English Language and/or Literature	Grade C	Grade C
GCSE/IGCSE as a First or Second Language	Grade C	Grade C
International Baccalaureate Standard Level	Grade 5	Grade 5
International Baccalaureate Higher Level	Grade 4	Grade 4
Password Skills Plus At-home Test	6.5 with min 6.0 in all components	6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each band
Kaplan KTE	478 overall with min 444 in each component	444 overall with min 410 in each component
Oxford ELLT	7 overall with min 6 in each component	6 overall with min 5 in each component

Exceptions: when you might not need to take a test

You may not need to provide a separate English language qualification if any of the following apply to you.

You’re a national of a majority English-speaking country
If you’re a national of one of the countries on the UKVI list of majority English-speaking countries, and your education was delivered in English, you won’t need to provide a separate English language qualification.
You hold a degree taught in English
If you’ve successfully completed a qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree (or higher) at a recognised university, where teaching and assessment were carried out entirely in English, we may be able to exempt you from providing another proof of your English level subject to provision of satisfactory evidence, such as a formal letter from your institution confirming the language of instruction or the medium of instruction is clearly documented on your transcripts.
You hold a UK school qualification in English
If you have a GCSE, IGCSE, A Level, Scottish National Qualification (Level 4 or 5), Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English Language or English Literature – awarded by an Ofqual, SQA, Qualifications Wales or CCEA regulated body, and completed while you were under 18 and studying at a UK school – no further evidence of English language is required.