International English language tests

We accept a variety of international tests, including the IELTS academic test, that enable you to demonstrate your English language ability.

IELTS

Many international students provide evidence of their English language ability through an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test certificate.

IELTS is one of the world's most popular English language proficiency tests, run by the British Council. An IELTS test assesses your skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking in English.

Our IELTS requirements vary by course and typically state an overall IELTS score, as well as a minimum score in each of the four components.

Typical IELTS requirements for undergraduate courses

Most of our undergraduate courses require one of:

• IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component less than 5.5, or equivalent
• IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component less than 5.5, or equivalent
• IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component less than 6.5, or equivalent.

Check the specific English language requirements for your course

You should refer to individual course pages to see which of these IELTS requirements apply for your intended degree.

There are exceptions where undergraduate degrees may require an IELTS score that's different to those listed above.

A small number of our courses have higher IELTS requirements. This includes undergraduate degrees in Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Science.

Typical IELTS requirements for master's courses

Most of our master's courses require one of:

• IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component less than 5.5, or equivalent
• IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component less than 6.0, or equivalent
• IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component less than 6.5, or equivalent.

Check the specific English language requirements for your course

You should refer to individual course pages to see which of these IELTS requirements apply for your intended master's.

There are exceptions where master's programmes may require an IELTS score that's different to those listed above.

A small number of our courses have higher IELTS requirements. This includes master's in Investigative and Forensic Psychology and Research Methods in Psychology.

Typical IELTS requirements for postgraduate research courses

Most of our postgraduate research courses require one of:

• IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component less than 5.5, or equivalent
• IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component less than 6.0, or equivalent. Some courses stipulate that the writing component must be no less than 6.5 too
• IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component less than 6.5, or equivalent.

Check the specific English language requirements for your course

You should refer to individual course pages to see which of these IELTS requirements apply for your intended postgraduate research course.

There are exceptions where postgraduate research programmes may require an IELTS score that's different to those listed above.

A small number of our courses have higher IELTS requirements.

IELTS certificates are valid for two years. If you have an IELTS certificate, you need to ensure it remains valid on the first day of your course. 

Other international English language tests

It's not just IELTS that can demonstrate your English language ability. We accept a variety of international English language tests and qualifications for entry to undergraduate, master's and postgraduate research study.

Undergraduate degrees

The international English language tests we accept, as an alternative to IELTS, for our undergraduate degrees include:

• Duolingo English Test
• International Baccalaureate English B/English Language and Literature/English Language
• TOEFL iBT (excluding TOEFL Home Edition which is not accepted)
• Pearson PTE Academic
• Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500
• Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990
• Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511
• Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991
• Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced
• LanguageCert Academic
• Kaplan Test of English
• LRN International iGCSE and International AS/A levels.

Check the specific English language requirements for your course

Master's courses

The international English language tests we accept, as an alternative to IELTS, for our master's courses include:

• LanguageCert Academic
• Pearson PTE Academic
• PSI Skills for English
• TOEFL iBT (excluding TOEFL Home Edition which is not accepted)
• Duolingo English Test
• Oxford Test of English
• Cambridge English
• Trinity College London
• Kaplan Test of English
• LRN International iGCSE
• Cambridge International iGCSE.

Check the specific English language requirements for your course

Postgraduate research courses

You should check our individual course pages for details of the international English language tests we accept as an alternative to IELTS for your intended postgraduate research programme.

Each course page has a list of the English language qualifications accepted for that particular course and show the score or grade you need to achieve.

Check the specific English language requirements for your course