English language requirements
The United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) has regulations concerning English language qualifications. These regulations require all applicants entering into the UK with a Tier 4 visa to reach a minimum standard in English.
- The rules state that applicants wishing to study at degree level must have achieved a B2 level in each of the four language components.
- Further Tier 4 policy guidance is available on the UKBA website.
Applicants who need to improve their English language skills may be able to attend a pre-sessional course during the summer with the English Language Centre.
Minimum requirements
The UKBA's minimum English language requirements are:
- IELTS: 6.0 (in the 'Academic' test)
- Listening – 5.5
- Speaking – 5.5
- Reading – 5.5
- Writing – 5.5
- TOEFL: internet-based (iBT) 87
- Listening – 21
- Speaking – 23
- Reading – 22
- Writing – 21
It is important to note that whilst you have to reach these minimum scores for visa purposes all of our postgraduate programmes have higher minimum requirements of at least IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6 in each component and many require 7.0 with 6.5 or 7.0 in each component.
You must provide confirmation of all test results.
Only English language tests taken up to two years prior to the date that you are due to start your studies are valid for entrance purposes.
Check the requirements for individual courses in the postgraduate prospectus.
Equivalent grades
The table below shows the equivalent grades for the IELTS, TOEFL and PTE Academic.
| IELTS | TOEFL | PTE Academic | |
| IELTS 6.0 | With no less than 6.0 in the writing element and no less than 5.5 in each other component |
|
59 with no less than 51 in any component |
| IELTS 6.5 | With no less than 6.0 in each component |
|
62 with no less than 59 in any component |
| IELTS 7 | No less than 6.5 in each component. Some programmes require 7.0 in each component. |
|
69 with no less than 62 in any component |
