Accepted qualifications and English tests
We accept a range of English language qualifications as evidence of your abilities. These qualifications are all checked by our International Centre for English to ensure they meet our requirements.
Their syllabuses are mapped against the four components of listening, reading, writing and speaking to ensure they are comparable to CEFR level B2 in each of these components.
For the majority of our courses, an IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no band below 5.5) is required, however, please note that some courses may require a higher IELTS score. Please check with the University if you are unsure.
Important information to note:
-
Qualification expiry dates
Some of these qualifications may have a validity of two years from the date of the test.
-
Exceptions
If you have a UK Bachelor Degree or an equivalent qualification that was studied in a majority English speaking country, depending on the course you have applied for to study with us you may not be required to hold one of these English language qualifications.
English tests we accept
Unless otherwise stated, the results of English tests have a validity of 2 years from the date of issue.
English tests and qualifications we do NOT accept
Please check your qualifications against this list carefully. These are the English proficiency qualifications that are not accepted by BCU. If you're unsure of your current qualifications, take the BCU English Proficiency Test.
-
Pearson test of English (PTE Academic Online) is not accepted
-
PSI Skills for English: Global is NOT accepted
English qualifications accepted
Please note that the grades below are equivalent to IELTS 6.0, with no skills lower than 5.5. If higher scores are required from your course, you must achieve higher grades in your qualification.
(Cambridge syllabus 1123 is NOT accepted)
For Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes, you will be required to complete a BCU in-house English Language test if you do not hold a GCSE grade C/4 or above or an approved Level 2 equivalent in English Language. You would need to obtain an IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 with no bands below 6.5. This will also be the same for Mathematics and Science.