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.
Please note:
- Some of these qualifications may have a validity of two years from the date of the test.
- 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 accepted
Unless otherwise stated, results of English tests have a validity of 2 years from the date of issue.
English Test Grade and Information
BCU English Proficiency Test
Online Pre-sessional: Yes
On-Campus Pre-sessional: No
Direct Entry January 2024: Yes
Direct Entry September 2024: Yes
IELTS Academic & IELTS UKVI (Academic)
Online Pre-sessional: Yes
On-Campus Pre-sessional: Yes if SELT UKVI version (No to non-SELT)
Direct Entry January 2024: Yes
Direct Entry September 2024: Yes
IELTS 6.0 with no banding below 5.5
Please note select courses require higher IELTS
IELTS Academic online
Online Pre-sessional: Yes
On-Campus Pre-sessional: No
Direct Entry January 2024: Yes
Direct Entry September 2024: Yes
IELTS Academic - One Skill Retake
Book IELTS Academic One Skill Retake
Validity: 2 years from the original test date.
Pearson test of English (PTE) - Academic (PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted)
Online Pre-sessional: Yes
On-Campus Pre-sessional: Yes if SELT UKVI version (No to non-SELT)
Direct Entry January 2024: Yes
Direct Entry September 2024: Yes
| IELTS & BCU EPT Band Equivalence | PTE Academic |
|---|---|
| 4.0 | 43 |
| 4.5 | 48 |
| 5.0 | 53 |
| 5.5 | 59 |
| 6.0 | 64 |
| 6.5 | 70 |
| 7.0 | 76 |
Test results validity: 2 years from exam date
TOEFL iBT (if taken at test centre outside the UK) - Requirements based on IELTS equivalent (TOEFL iBT Home Edition is NOT accepted)
Online Pre-sessional: Yes
On-Campus Pre-sessional: No
Direct Entry January 2024: Yes
Direct Entry September 2024: Yes
| IELTS equivalent | TOEFL Total/overall | TOEFL reading | TOEFL Listening | TOEFL Speaking | TOEFL writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | 48 | 6 | 11 | 17 | 14 |
| 4.5 | 56 | 10 | 13 | 18 | 15 |
| 5.0 | 64 | 14 | 15 | 19 | 16 |
| 5.5 | 72 | 18 | 17 | 20 | 17 |
| 6.0 | 80 | 20 | 18 | 21 | 19 |
| 6.5 | 88 | 22 | 20 | 23 | 21 |
| 7.0 | 95 | 24 | 22 | 25 | 24 |
LanguageCert Academic SELT (SELT only)
| LanguageCert Academic score (Overall, Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) | CEFR equivalence | IELTS equivalence |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | Low B1 | 4.0 |
| 50 | Mid B1 | 4.5 |
| 55 | High B1 | 5.0 |
| 60 | Low B2 | 5.5 |
| 65 | Mid B2 | 6.0 |
| 70 | High B2 | 6.5 |
| 75 | Low C1 | 7.0 |
Validity: 2 years from test date.
LanguageCert International ESOL B2 (SELT only)
| LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Score (SELT only) | ||
|---|---|---|
| IELTS/ BCU EPT Band Equivalence | Overall | Writing, Reading, Listening, Speaking |
| 6.5 |
|
38-50 |
| 6.0 |
|
33-37 |
| 5.5 |
|
25-32 |
Please note "Pass" and "High Pass" are not considered.
Results are accepted ONLY when both Written and Spoken exams are taken within 14 days of each other.
The qualification should be valid for two years from the date of issue, and should still be valid on the date of enrolment onto a BCU course.
LanguageCert International ESOL B1 (SELT only)
| LanguageCert International ESOL B1 Score (SELT only) | ||
|---|---|---|
| IELTS/ BCU EPT Band Equivalence | Overall | Writing, Reading, Listening, Speaking |
| 5.0 |
|
38-50 |
| 4.5 |
|
33-37 |
| 4.0 |
|
25-32 |
Please note "Pass" and "High Pass" are not considered.
Results are accepted ONLY when both Written and Spoken exams are taken within 14 days of each other.
The qualification should be valid for two years from the date of issue, and should still be valid on the date of enrolment onto a BCU course.
Cambridge B2 First (formerly Cambridge English: First/FCE)
Online Pre-sessional: Yes
On-Campus Pre-sessional: No
Direct Entry January 2024: No
Direct Entry September 2024: No
For online Pre-sessional Courses only and not for direct entry:
| IELTS band score | Cambridge English scale score |
|---|---|
| 5.5 | 162 |
| 5.0 | 154 |
| 4.5 | 148 |
| 4.0 | 142 |
Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English: Advanced/CAE)
Online Pre-sessional: Yes
On-Campus Pre-sessional: No
Direct Entry January 2024: Yes
Direct Entry September 2024: Yes
| IELTS | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 162 | 169 | 176 | 185 |
| Listening | 162 | 169 | 176 | 185 |
| Speaking | 162 | 169 | 176 | 185 |
| Writing | 162 | 169 | 176 | 185 |
| Overall | 162 | 169 | 176 | 185 |
Validity: two years
Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge English: Proficiency/CPE)
Online Pre-sessional: Yes
On-Campus Pre-sessional: No
Direct Entry January 2024: Yes
Direct Entry September 2024: TBC
| IELTS | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 162 | 169 | 176 | 185 |
| Listening | 162 | 169 | 176 | 185 |
| Speaking | 162 | 169 | 176 | 185 |
| Writing | 162 | 169 | 176 | 185 |
| Overall | 162 | 169 | 176 | 185 |
Validity: two years
PSI Skills for English – SELT (Levels B1, B2, C1 and C2) (Skills for English: Global is NOT accepted)
Online Pre-sessional: Yes
On-Campus Pre-sessional: Yes
Direct Entry January 2024: Yes if B2 to C2
Direct Entry September 2024: Yes if B2 to C2
| IELTS & BCU EPT Equivalent | Skills for English |
|---|---|
| 4.5 | B1 Pass* |
| 5.0 | B1 Pass with Merit* |
| 5.5 | B2 Pass |
| 6.0 | B2 Pass with Merit |
| 6.5 | B2 Pass with Merit |
| 7.0 - 8.0 | C1 Pass |
| 8.5 - 9.0 | C2 |
Results validity: 2 years from exam date
*B1 level test takers must have taken all four components of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.
English Qualifications accepted
Please note the grades shown below are equivalence to IELTS 6.0 with no skills lower than 5.5. If higher scores are required from your course, you will need to achieve higher grades in your qualification.
(Cambridge syllabus 1123 is NOT accepted)
Brunei Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary level – syllabus 1120
- C6 - For courses requiring IELTS 6.0 overall
- C5 - For courses requiring IELTS 6.5 overall
- B3 - For courses requiring IELTS 7.0 overall
Bulgarian High School Diploma 5.0 English
Foreign Language I
European Baccalaureate
| IELTS equivalent band (overall) |
|||
| EB English Language | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| L1 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| L2 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| L3 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 9.0 |
GCSE: AQA Board
| AQA GCSE Grade Requirement |
BCU course entry requirement |
| A/7 WITH Distinction in speaking and listening |
IELTS 7.0 overall |
| B/5 WITH Pass in speaking and listening |
IELTS 6.5 overall |
| C/4 WITH Pass in speaking and listening |
IELTS 6.0 overall |
GCSE: Pearson Edexcel Board
| Pearson EdExcel GCSE Grade Requirement |
BCU course entry requirement |
| A/7 WITH Distinction in speaking and listening |
IELTS 7.0 overall |
| B/5 WITH Pass in speaking and listening |
IELTS 6.5 overall |
| C/4 WITH Pass in speaking and listening |
IELTS 6.0 overall |
GCSE: OCR Board
| OCR Board GCSE Grade Requirement |
BCU course entry requirement |
| A/7 WITH Distinction in speaking and listening |
IELTS 7.0 overall |
| B/5 WITH Pass in speaking and listening |
IELTS 6.5 overall |
| C/4 WITH Pass in speaking and listening |
IELTS 6.0 overall |
GCSE: WJEC Board
| WJEC GCSE Grade Requirement |
BCU course entry requirement |
| A/7 | IELTS 7.0 overall |
| B/5 | IELTS 6.5 overall |
| C/4 | IELTS 6.0 overall |
German Allegmeine Hochschulreife (Abitur) – English advanced level (Englisch eA/LK)
|
BCU/ IELTS overall equivalent |
German Allegmeine Hochschulreife (Abitur) – English advanced level (Englisch – eA/LK) |
||
| 4.5 | 4 - 5 | ||
| 5.0 | 6 | ||
| 5.5 | 7 - 9 | ||
| 6.0 | 10 - 11 | ||
| 6.5 | 12 - 15 | ||
| 7.0 | N/A | ||
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education
All four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) must be assessed and with scores shown on certificate.
|
HKDSE English Language Subject Level |
Overall IELTS Band Score Equivalent Range |
BCU courses overall IELTS requirement |
|
5** |
7.51 - 7.77 |
7.5 |
|
5% |
7.16 - 7.32 |
7.0 |
|
5 |
6.81 - 6.99 |
6.5 |
|
4 |
6.31 - 6.51 |
6.0 |
|
3 |
5.48 - 5.68 |
5.5 |
|
2 |
4.79 - 5.07 |
5.0 |
IGCSE: Cambridge Board (1st Language)
Syllabus 0627/0522
Grade C/4 with Pass in Component 3 (speaking and listening)
Syllabus 0500
Grade C/4 with grade 3 (1 highest) in Component 4 (speaking and listening)
Syllabus 0990
Grade C/4 with Pass in Component 4 (speaking and listening)
(Syllabus 1123 is NOT accepted)
IGCSE: Cambridge Board (2nd Language)
Before March 2017 – Grade 7 (Grade A)
After March 2017 –
Syllabus 0510 – Grade C with grade 2 or grade 1 for Speaking
Syllabus 0511 – Grade C
Syllabus 0991 - Grade 4
Syllabus 0993 - Grade 4 with distinction for Speaking
(Syllabus 1123 is NOT accepted)
IGCSE: Pearson EdExcel (Specification A)
| BCU Overall IELTS requirement | English Language (Specification A) grade requirement |
| 7.0 | A/7 WITH Distinction in Spoken language |
| 6.5 | B/6 WITH Merit in Spoken language |
| 6.0 | C/4 WITH Merit in Spoken language |
Indian Standard XII
Accepted boards: Andhra Pradesh, Central Board Secondary Education (CBSE), CISCE, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu
65% - For courses requiring IELTS 6.0 overall
70% - For courses requiring IELTS 6.5 overall
80% - For courses requiring IELTS 7.0 overall
International Baccalaureate Diploma
| IELTS equivalent band (overall) |
||||
| IB Diploma English Language course | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| English B SL | 5 | 6 | 7 | N/A |
| English B HL | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| English A: Language and Literature SL | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| English A: Language and Literature HL | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
INTO – University of East Anglia (UEA) Requirements based on IELTS equivalent
|
English Language and Study Skills |
IELTS |
|
55% |
5.5 |
|
60% |
6.0 |
|
65% |
6.5 |
|
70% |
7.0 |
INTO – University of Exeter Requirements based on IELTS equivalent
Overall 6.0 with no banding below 5.5
INTO – London Password Skills Solo
| IELTS Equivalence | INTO London Password Skills Solo |
| 4.0 | 4.0 |
| 4.5 | 4.5 |
| 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7.0 | 7.0 |
Test scores are valid for 2 years
Kaplan EAP
| Kaplan KIC band (EAP module) | |
| IELTS equivalent | Overall, Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
| 5.5 | 55 |
| 6.0 | 60 |
| 6.5 | 65 |
| 7.0 | 70 |
Kaplan EAP scores are valid for 2 years.
Kaplan Pre-sessional English and Academic Skills (PS) in Thailand, on campus
| BCU courses overall IELTS requirement | Kaplan band | Research project % |
| 6.0 | 60 or above (no less than 55 in each skill) | 40% or above |
| 6.5 | 65 or above (no less than 60 in each skill) | 50% or above |
| 7.0 | 75 or above (no less than 70 in each skill) | 65% or above |
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) - English
- C (Plain) - For courses requiring IELTS 6.0 overall
- B- (Minus) - For courses requiring IELTS 6.5 overall
- B (Plain) - For courses requiring IELTS 7.0 overall
Kings Education Advanced Level Foundation Year-English for Academic Purposes (UK Colleges: Bournemouth, Brighton, London, Oxford, Thailand: Bangkok)
|
BCU Overall IELTS English Language Requirement |
Kings Education CSS Module Final Grade |
|
6.0 |
60% |
|
6.5 |
65% |
|
7.0 |
70% |
Test scores are valid for 2 years.
Latvian High School Diploma / Certificate of General Secondary Education (Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu) - English
| Required IELTS band (overall) | Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu - English score | CEFR level |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 70% | B2 |
| 6.0 | 80% | B2 |
| 6.5 | 87% | B2 |
| 7.0 | 95% | C1 |
Lithuanian High School Diploma / Brandos Atestatas (Secondary School Leaving Certificate / Maturity Certificate)
Pre 2012/2013:
| Grade | IELTS Equivalence |
|---|---|
| 10 | 7.0 |
| 9 | 6.5 |
| 8 | 6.0 |
2012/2013 onwards:
| BCU Overall IELTS requirement | Brandos Atestatas (Reading, Writing, Listening) |
|---|---|
| 5.5 6.0 6.5 |
B2 |
| BCU Individual skills IELTS equivalence (Speaking only) | Brandos Atestatas English language Speaking Grade | CEFR equivalence |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 7 | Low B2 (B2-) |
| 6.0 | 8 | Mid B2 (B2) |
| 6.5 | 9 | High B2 (B2+) |
Malaysia 1119
Malaysia Cambridge GCE O Level 1119 – 1-6 before 2008/ Grade C or above after 2008
SPM Bahasa Inggeris 1119 after March 2022 – See table below
| SPM Bahasa Inggeris 1119 (Overall Grade) | Comparability to CEFR | IELTS equivalence |
|---|---|---|
| A | High B2 (B2+) | 6.5 |
| A- | Mid B2 (B2) | 6.0 |
| B+ | Low B2 (B2-) | 5.5 |
Mauritius Cambridge International General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level – syllabus 1125/1126
- C - For courses requiring IELTS 6.0 overall
- B - For courses requiring IELTS 6.5 overall
- A - For courses requiring IELTS 7.0 overall
Navitas Academic English 2 (AE2) and Academic English 3 (AE3)
Overall pass of 55% in AE2 for programmes requiring IELTS 5.5
Overall pass of 60% in AE3 for programmes requiring IELTS 6.0
Overall pass of 65% in AE3 for programmes requiring IELTS 6.5
Overall pass of 70% in AE3 for programmes requiring IELTS 7.0
NCUK, English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Syllabus Requirements based on IELTS equivalent
|
NCUK EAP |
IELTS |
|
D (40 - 49%) |
5.5 |
|
C (50 - 59%) |
6.0 |
|
B (60 - 69%) |
6.5 |
|
A (70-79%) |
7.0 |
Nigerian Senior School Certificate, National Examinations Council (NECO)
Awarded from 2000 onwards, with English Language grades as follows:
A1 to C6 (1 – 6)
- C6 - For courses requiring IELTS 6.0 overall
- C5 - For courses requiring IELTS 6.5 overall
- B3 - For courses requiring IELTS 7.0 overall
Romanian Baccalaureate
|
BCU overall IELTS requirement |
RB (English) |
|
5.5 6.0 6.5 |
B2 in all components |
|
7.0 |
N/A |
Singapore Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary level – syllabus 1127 and 1128
C6 - For courses requiring IELTS 6.0 overall
C5 - For courses requiring IELTS 6.5 overall
B3 - For courses requiring IELTS 7.0 overall
Sri Lanka General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level English Language
- C - For courses requiring IELTS 6.0 overall
- B - For courses requiring IELTS 6.5 overall
- A - For courses requiring IELTS 7.0 overall
South and City College Birmingham, Pre-Sessional English
| IELTS equivalent | SSCB Pre-sessional English Final Assessment |
| 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7.0 | 7.0 |
Swedish Higher Education Preparatory Diploma – English 6 and 7 (Högskoleförberedande Examen – Engelska 6 and 7)
|
BCU/ IELTS overall equivalent |
Swedish Higher Education Preparatory Diploma – English 6 or English 7 (Högskoleförberedande Examen – Engelska 6 or 7) |
||
| 4.5 | Grade E | ||
| 5.0 | Grade D | ||
| 5.5 | Grade C | ||
| 6.0 | Grade B | ||
| 6.5 | Grade A | ||
| 7.0 | N/A | ||
The Study Group: Academic English Skills (Previously English and Skills for University Study (ESUS) modules 1-3)
Requirements for overall score:
| IELTS band score equivalence (Overall score) | Study Skills AES | CEFR equivalence |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 50% | B2 |
| 6.0 | 55% | B2 |
| 6.5 | 60% | High B2 |
| 7.0 | 70% | C1 |
Requirements for individual skills scores:
| IELTS band score equivalence (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) | Study Skills AES | CEFR equivalence |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 40% | Low B2 |
| 6.0 | 50% | B2 |
| 6.5 | 60% | High B2 |
| 7.0 | 70% | C1 |
WASSCE (West Africa Senior Schools Certificate Examination): West African Examination Council (WAEC)
A to C or 1 to 6. We only accept qualifications obtained from 2000 onwards.
C6 – For courses requiring IELTS 6.0 overall
C5 – For courses requiring IELTS 6.5 overall
B3 – For courses requiring IELTS 7.0 overall
Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education English Language Syllabus (1122) (ZIMSEC)
- C - For courses requiring IELTS 6.0 overall
- B - For courses requiring IELTS 6.5 overall
- A - For courses requiring IELTS 7.0 overall
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.