If English is not your first language, or if your previous education was not conducted fully in English, you will need to provide documented evidence of your English language competence to study a course with us.

If you do not meet the requirements below, you could choose to learn English by taking one of our English language courses.

Undergraduate courses

We will accept a range of English language tests. Popular tests include:

• IELTS
• Pearson PTE Academic  
• TOEFL

The standard requirement is at a level B2 in accordance to the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR). We require a level B2 standard in all of the elements:

• reading
• writing
• speaking
• listening.

Using IELTS to demonstrate, international students normally need to meet our English language requirement of an overall IELTS 5.5, with a score of 5.5 in all elements.

We will accept other English language tests which meet the IELTS equivalence.

Please check with the International Office if we will accept a test or an English language course that you have studied which is not a Secure English Language Test (SELT).

See a full list of Secure English Language Tests (SELTs).

The above English language requirements are for non-EU applicants. For EU applicants we will require an overall IELTS score of 5.5, or equivalent English language test score.

If you do not meet the English language requirement you may be eligible to study an English programme, such as the 13 week pre-sessional in English language.

Postgraduate courses

For postgraduate entry, international students normally need to meet our English language requirement at IELTS 6.5 overall and no less than IELTS 5.5 in each element.

This does vary for different courses, please check by e-mailing us int.app@uwl.ac.uk

If you have studied a degree in a predominantly English speaking country, you may be exempt and not require an English language qualification.

Pre-masters qualifications studied within the UK may also be accepted.