You must demonstrate that you have a good level of English to study at UAL. Most students from outside of the UK will need to submit results from an English language test. The IELTS test is one example of a test that UAL accepts.
You do not need to take an English language test before you apply.
Please see the information below regarding the English language requirements process.
Some downloadable documents on this page may not be accessible. If you require an alternative format, please request it using the 'contact us' button in your UAL portal.
1. Confirm the English language level you need
Each course at UAL has a minimum English language requirement. Check the entry requirements section on the relevant course page.
The English language requirement is expressed as an overall IELTS score between 5.0 and 7.5. There are also minimum skill requirements.
We accept several other English language tests in addition to IELTS.
Pre-sessional English courses
If you do not currently have the language test score that you need, you will need to take another test. We offer pre-sessional English courses to improve your English level. You can check your eligibility by taking our questionnaire.
We accept pre-sessional course results from some other UK universities. But there are some important conditions which you should check in other institutions' presessional English language courses (PDF 77KB). We do not accept online pre-sessional courses from any other institution.
If you have taken a pre-sessional course at another institution, get in contact by selecting the ‘Contact Us’ button in your UAL Portal. You can access the UAL Portal after you have applied for your course.
UAL's Progress Test
If you are a current UAL student, you can take UAL’s Progress Test instead of IELTS or another external test. Your current test result must be less than 2 years old on the start date of your course.
2. Check if you’re exempt from testing
If you meet all the requirements of one of the below categories, you don’t need to take an English language test.
Category 1
- You are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Majority English speaking countries are designated by UK Visas and Immigration. Check the list on GOV.UK
- You have completed full secondary-level education in a majority English-speaking country. If you took only part of your secondary education in the UK or a majority English speaking country, you are not exempt from taking a test.
Category 2
- You are a non-UK national who is permanently and legally resident in the UK.
- You have an existing immigration status that permits study and you will not require a student visa during your studies with us.
- You have completed full secondary-level education in the UK or in a majority English-speaking country. If you took only part of your secondary education in the UK or a majority English speaking country, you are not exempt from taking a test.
Category 3
- You hold a qualification equal to a UK undergraduate degree or higher which was taught in English.
- Your proposed course of study at UAL will be at least RQF Level 6 (BA, MA or above).
We set minimum grades for each qualification. Please see degree qualifications or above (PDF 196KB). If your degree is not listed, get in touch using the ‘Contact Us’ button in your UAL Portal after you have applied.
Qualifications are only valid for 3 years after they have been issued. They must be valid on the start date of your course. We are not able to give extensions.
Category 4
If you completed one of the following English Language or Literature qualifications in the UK when you were 18 years old or younger, you may be exempt from taking an additional test:
- GCSE
- A-level
- Scottish National Qualification
- Scottish Higher
- Advanced Higher
After you have applied, contact the Admissions team using the ‘Contact Us’ button in your UAL Portal. We will ask you to upload your certificate.
These qualifications are valid for 3 years from the date of issue and must be valid on the start date of your course. We set minimum grades for each qualification. You can check the minimum grades required for each qualification in alternative English language qualifications (PDF 260 KB)
3. Tests accepted by UAL
- We do not accept online at home English language tests.
- For pre-degree and foundation level courses (courses below RQF6), we only accept Secure English language Tests (SELTs). SELTs are tests which are approved by the UK government. Check on GOV.UK for a list of approved test providers.
- For undergraduate and postgraduate courses, we accept a range of tests in addition to SELTs. Please check the tables at the bottom of this page for more details.
Test validity
- Your English language test must be valid on the start date of your course. Check the tables below to confirm how long your test result is valid for. We can’t give extensions under any circumstances.
Minimum skills requirements
- You must achieve 5 language scores. One is an overall score, and the rest are for listening, reading, writing, and speaking. There are minimum scores you must achieve for each skill, which are listed in the tables below.
- You must achieve your scores from a single sitting of a test. We do not accept results from tests taken at different times or 'best of' results.
- Your test provider might exempt you from sitting a skill if you have a disability. Check with your test provider whether they offer disability accommodated tests. They may need several weeks to arrange this, so consider booking early.
IELTS Academic for UKVI
If your condition includes 'IELTS Academic for UKVI', you must provide a certificate for this test or another UKVI approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). We cannot accept:
- IELTS Academic (non-SELT)
- IELTS General (non-SELT)
- IELTS General (SELT)
IGCSEs
If you take a Cambridge IGCSE, you must:
- Check you have taken a syllabus that assesses all 4 skills separately (listening, reading, writing and speaking) and gives a score for each skill. We have listed IGCSE syllabus numbers we accept in the tables at the bottom of this page.
- Provide 2 documents: the certificate and the certifying statement from the exam body, which will include a score for all 4 skills. You will need to request the certifying statement and pay the fee. It can take up to 28 days to provide.
Please note, if you took an IGCSE between 2020 and 2022 you may not have been externally assessed in every skill.
4. Check if we can accept an alternative English language qualification
We can only accept an alternative English language qualification if:
- You are a national of a majority English speaking country. The UK Home Office defines this list and you can find this on GOV.UK: Student visa.
- You do not require a student visa to study at UAL.
If one of these apply to you, check alternative English language qualifications (PDF 260KB).
5. Check which test scores are required
Minimum scores required for:
- Courses that require IELTS 5.0 (minimum 4.5 in each skill)
- Courses that require IELTS 5.5 (minimum 4.5 in each skill)
- Courses that require IELTS 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each skill)
- Courses that require IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each skill)
- Courses that require IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6 in each skill)
- Courses that require IELTS 7.5 (minimum 6.5 in each skill)
For courses which require non-standard scores which are not listed above
Courses that require IELTS 5.0 (minimum 4.5 in each skill)
This breakdown of minimum scores is intended as a guide only. Please check individual course pages for specific requirements.
Test | Score Required | Minimum | Minimum | Minimum | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IELTS Academic for UKVI (valid for 2 years). | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
PTE Academic UKVI (valid for 2 years). | 43 | 43 | 43 | 43 | 43 |
Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years). | ISE II Pass | ISE II Pass | ISE II Pass | ISE II Pass | ISE II Pass |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1 (valid for 2 years). Online at home tests and LanguageCert Academic are NOT accepted. | High Pass | High Pass 33 | High Pass 33 | High Pass 33 | High Pass 33 |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (valid for 2 years). Online at home tests and LanguageCert Academic are NOT accepted. | Pass | Pass 33 | Pass 33 | Pass 33 | Pass 33 |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 (valid for 2 years). Online at home tests and LanguageCert Academic are NOT accepted. | Pass | Pass 33 | Pass 33 | Pass 33 | Pass 33 |
PSI Skills for English B1 (valid for 2 years). | Pass with Merit | Pass with Merit | Pass with Merit | Pass with Merit | Pass with Merit |
Courses that require IELTS 5.5 (minimum 4.5 in each skill)
This breakdown of minimum scores is intended as a guide only. Please check individual course pages for specific requirements.
Test | Score Required | Minimum | Minimum | Minimum | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IELTS Academic for UKVI (valid for 2 years). | 5.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
PTE Academic UKVI (valid for 2 years). | 43 | 43 | 43 | 43 | 43 |
Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years). | ISE II Pass | ISE II Pass | ISE II Pass | ISE II Pass | ISE II Pass |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (valid for 2 years). Online at home tests and LanguageCert Academic are NOT accepted. | Pass | Pass 33 | Pass 33 | Pass 33 | Pass 33 |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 (valid for 2 years). Online at home tests and LanguageCert Academic are NOT accepted. | Pass | Pass 33 | Pass 33 | Pass 33 | Pass 33 |
PSI Skills for English B2 (valid for 2 years). | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass |
Courses that require IELTS 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each skill)
This breakdown of minimum scores is intended as a guide only. Please check individual course pages for specific requirements.
Test | Score Required | Minimum | Minimum | Minimum | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) (valid for 2 years). | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
PTE Academic (valid for 2 years). PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted. | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 |
Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years). | 169 | 162 | 162 | 162 | 162 |
Cambridge Advanced (CAE) from Jan 2015 (valid for 2 years). | 169 | 162 | 162 | 162 | 162 |
Cambridge B2 First (valid for 2 years). | 169 | 162 | 162 | 162 | 162 |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0510 (valid for 3 years). | C | A | D | D | 2 |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0511 (valid for 3 years). | C | A | D | D | C |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0500 (valid for 3 years). | C | 2 | E | E | 2 |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0522 (valid for 3 years). | C | D | E | E | D |
Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years). | ISE II Merit | ISE II Merit | ISE II Merit | ISE II Merit | ISE II Merit |
TOEFL ibt TOEFL iBT Home Edition is NOT accepted. | 80 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 20 |
PSI Skills for English B2 (valid for 2 years). | Pass with Merit | Pass with Merit | Pass with Merit | Pass with Merit | Pass with Merit |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2(valid for 2 years). Online at home tests and LanguageCert Academic are NOT accepted. | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 (valid for 2 years). Online at home tests and LanguageCert Academic are NOT accepted. | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
Courses that require IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each skill)
This breakdown of minimum scores is intended as a guide only. Please check individual course pages for specific requirements.
Test | Score Required | Minimum | Minimum | Minimum | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) (valid for 2 years). | 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
PTE Academic (valid for 2 years). | 58 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 |
Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years). | 176 | 162 | 162 | 162 | 162 |
Cambridge C1 Advanced (valid for 2 years). | 176 | 162 | 162 | 162 | 162 |
Cambridge B2 First (valid for 2 years). | Not valid | Not valid | Not valid | Not valid | Not valid |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0510 (valid for 3 years). | C | A | D | D | 2 |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0511 (valid for 3 years). | C | A | D | D | C |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0500 (valid for 3 years). | C | 2 | E | E | 2 |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0522 (valid for 3 years). | C | D | E | E | D |
Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years). | ISE III Pass | ISE III Pass | ISE III Pass | ISE III Pass | ISE III Pass |
TOEFL ibt (valid for 2 years). TOEFL iBT Home Edition is NOT accepted. | 90 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 20 |
PSI Skills for English C1 | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 (valid for 2 years). Online at home tests and LanguageCert Academic are NOT accepted. | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
Courses that require IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6 in each skill)
This breakdown of minimum scores is intended as a guide only. Please check individual course pages for specific requirements.
Test | Score Required | Minimum | Minimum | Minimum | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) (valid for 2 years). | 7.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
PTE Academic (valid for 2 years). PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted. | 65 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 |
Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years). | 185 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
Cambridge C1 Advanced (valid for 2 years). | 185 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
Cambridge B2 First (valid for 2 years). | Not valid | Not valid | Not valid | Not valid | Not valid |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0510 (valid for 3 years). | B | A | C | C | 2 |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0511 (valid for 3 years). | B | A | C | C | C |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0500 (valid for 3 years). | B | 2 | D | D | 2 |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0522 (valid for 3 years). | B | C | D | D | C |
Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years). | ISE III Merit | ISE III Merit | ISE III Merit | ISE III Merit | ISE III Merit |
TOEFL ibt TOEFL iBT Home Edition is NOT accepted. | 100 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
PSI Skills for English C1 | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 (valid for 2 years). Online at home tests and LanguageCert Academic are NOT accepted. | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
Courses that require IELTS 7.5 (minimum 6.5 in each skill)
This breakdown of minimum scores is intended as a guide only. Please check individual course pages for specific requirements.
Test | Score Required | Minimum | Minimum | Minimum | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) (valid for 2 years). | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
PTE Academic (valid for 2 years). | 73 | 58 | 58 | 58 | 58 |
Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years). | 191 | 176 | 176 | 176 | 176 |
Cambridge C1 Advanced (valid for 2 years). | 191 | 176 | 176 | 176 | 176 |
Cambridge B2 First (valid for 2 years). | Not valid | Not valid | Not valid | Not valid | Not valid |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0510 (valid for 3 years). | B | A | B | B | 2 |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0511 (valid for 3 years). | B | A | B | B | B |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0500 (valid for 3 years). | B | 1 | C | C | 2 |
Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0522 (valid for 3 years). | B | B | C | C | C |
Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years). | ISE III Merit | ISE III Merit | ISE III Merit | ISE III Merit | ISE III Merit |
TOEFL ibt TOEFL iBT Home Edition is NOT accepted. | 110 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 (valid for 2 years). Online at home tests and LanguageCert Academic are NOT accepted. | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |