Undergraduate English language requirements

We welcome undergraduate applications from all candidates offering A level or equivalent overseas qualifications (including the International Baccalaureate or a recognised Foundation Programme). All candidates must achieve appropriate grades in their examinations.

Academic requirements

The A level requirements are listed next to the programme entry in the course finder. To find out what the grade requirements would be for a qualification that you have studied in your own country, please see your individual country page information.

English language requirements

In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that a suitable level of English proficiency. You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications. The sections below will tell you what grades you need in these qualifications for the subject area you want to study. Please note that English tests/qualifications normally need to have been taken within two years of the start date of your programme.

For entry to foundation degree programmes

Foundation programme English language requirements
 TOEFLIELTSPearson Test of English (Academic)EmSAT

Bachelor's Degree with Integrated Foundation Year

72 overall with 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing

5.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band

A minimum of:

Listening - 51

Reading - 51

Writing - 51

Speaking - 51

1,250-1,375

For entry to undergraduate (Bachelor) degree programmes

Programme group A

  • Computer Science
  • Computer Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Programme group B

  • Business, including Economics
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Biomedical
Undergraduate programme English language requirements
Programme groupTOEFL IELTS*Pearson Test of English (PTE)Cambridge English 
(exams taken from 2015)***
EmSAT
A 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing

6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band

PTE 51 in all four skills Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum
overall score of 169, with no less than 162
in any component
1,400-1,525
B 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing

6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band

PTE 59 in all four skills Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum
overall score of 176, with no less than 169
in any component

1,550-1,650

 *** For more information on Cambridge English exams, please visit their website. For Cambridge English exams taken before 2015, please see under Alternative Qualifications for the accepted grades.

* For more information on IELTS visit their website.

For 2024 entry onwards, we accept IELTS One Skill Retakes.

** For more information on the Pearson Test of English visit their website.  

Alternative qualifications for undergraduate programmes

QualificationMinimum University requirement
GCSE English (or Edexcel IGCSE English) Grade C or above
GCE O Level English Grade C or above

Cambridge International Examinations
(CIE) IGCSE English (first language)

Grade C
Cambridge International Examinations
(CIE) IGCSE English (second language)
Grade C 
International Baccalaureate English,
Standard or Higher Level, First or
Second Language
5 or above
HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of
Secondary Education) English
Level 3 or above
India Standard XII (CBSE/CISCE/West Bengal) 75% or above
India Standard XII (other Indian state boards) 80% or above
Malaysian SPM 1119 (Cambridge O Level) Grade C or above
ESOL Cambridge CAE (Certificate in
Advanced English) (tests taken before January 2015)
Grade C with a minimum of Borderline in all 4 skills
ESOL Cambridge CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) (tests taken before January 2015) Grade C with a minimum of Borderline in all 4 skills

Please note that the grades stated above are the University minimum and some degree programmes will have higher requirements. Always check your offer letter for full details of your conditions.

Learn more

For advice on entry requirements or English language requirements for specific courses, you can contact the Admissions Tutor listed against the course entry in the course finder or visit the relevant department's website.

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