Accepted tests
Secure English Language Test (SELT)
If you are applying for an in-person pre-sessional (PSE) course via the standalone pathway, you must provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Non-SELT language tests are not valid for the standalone in-person PSE course. They can be used for an online PSE course. They can also be used for a combined offer but only if the scores equate to IELTS overall 5.5 with all component scores at 5.5 or higher.
Your certificate must be dated within two years of the PSE course start date.
Accepted SELT tests are:
- IELTS for UKVI (including One Skill Retake)
- Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
- Skills for English SELT
Non-SELT tests
If you receive a combined offer or an online PSE offer, you are advised to apply with a SELT, but you can also submit these additional tests:
- IELTS Academic (including One Skill Retake)
- Pearson PTE Academic (we do not accept the PTE Academic online test)
- Cambridge Certificate of proficiency in English (CPE) or Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)
- TOEFL iBT/TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- LanguageCert International ESOL or Language Cert Academic
- Trinity College London
- Duolingo
The following table shows the equivalents to IELTS in alternative tests.
If your qualification is not listed, please email pgtadmissions@bath.ac.uk and we will advise you.
Entry requirements
| Test accepted | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI or Academic including One Skill Retake | IELTS 5.5 with no less than 5.5 in each band | IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each band | IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band | ||
| Below are the approximate equivalents to IELTS in: | |||||
| Pearsons PTE Academic UKVI or Pearsons PTE Academic | 55 with no less than 55 in any component | 59 with no less than 55 in any component | 62 with no less than 59 in any component | ||
| Cambridge Certificate of proficiency in English (CPE) or Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) | 162 overall with no less than 162 in all elements | 169 overall with no less than 162 in all elements | 176 overall with no less than 169 in all elements | ||
| TOEFL iBT/TOEFL iBT Home Edition (taken before 21 January 2026) | 72 overall with no less than 17 in listening and writing, 18 in reading and 20 in speaking | 72 overall with no less than 17 in listening and writing, 18 in reading and 20 in speaking | 90 overall with no less than 21 in any element | ||
| TOEFL iBT/TOEFL iBT Home Edition (taken on or after 21 January 2026) | 4.0 with no component under 4.0 | 4.0 with no component under 4.0 | 4.5 with no component under 4.0 | ||
| LanguageCert Academic SELT or LanguageCert Academic | B2 Communicator High Pass with no less than 60 in each component | B2 Communicator High Pass with no less than 60 in each component | B2 Communicator High Pass with no less than 65 in each component | ||
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 or LanguageCert International ESOL | B2 Communicator Pass with no less than 33 in each component | B2 Communicator Pass with no less than 33 in each component | B2 Communicator High Pass with no less than 33 in each component | ||
| Skills for English SELT | B2 Pass overall and in all four components | B2 Pass overall and in all four components | B2 Pass with Merit overall and in all four components | ||
| Trinity College London | ISE II with Pass in all four components | ISE II with Distinction in all four components | ISE III with Pass in all four components | ||
| Duolingo (taken on or after 1 July 2024) | 100 overall with 100 in reading and 95 in all other components | 105 overall with 100 in reading and 95 in all other components | 120 overall with 105 in listening and 110 in all other components |