The IELTS and TOEFL standard of English Language levels listed below are applicable to all postgraduate courses except our MA English Literature by Research where the minimum grade for IELTS is 7.0 (with 6.5 or above in each component). The table also lists the equivalents from other test providers.
Minimum entry requirements for postgraduate entry
| Examination | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Average of 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component) |
| TOEFL* (Internet-based) | 90 |
| TOEFL* (Paper-based) | 570 (essay rating of 4.5 and no section less than 54) |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) | B |
| International GCSE English as a Second Language | B on extended curriculum |
| London University GCE O level Syllabus B in English Language | B |
| Oxford-ARELS Examination – Higher Level | Distinction |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | 69 |
| Country Specific Qualifications | Minimum Grade |
| India CBSE, ISC or leading state board XII Standard exams | 65% or above in English |
| West African Examinations Council (WAEC) / NECO | Grade C5 or better |
| Singapore GCE O Level | Grade C or above |
| Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education | C or better |
| Sri Lankan A level | C or better |
| Mauritian GCE O level | C or better |
* Please use code 8775 when indicating The University of Buckingham as a score recipient. We will then receive your results directly.
Visa requirements
The UKBA has clear guidelines and requirements. All applicants must achieve the minimum requirements in all 4 components (listening, reading, speaking and writing). The minimum entry requirement for a degree level course is a Common European Framework grade of B2. IELTS, TOEFL and Pearson equivalents are shown below.
For the full list please visit the UKBA comparison table.
| Common European Framework (CEF) |
IELTS | TOEFL (Internet-based) | Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B2 | Overall score 6.0 – 6.5
All 4 components at a minimum of 5.5 |
Overall score 87-96
Listening 21 Reading 22 Speaking 23 Writing 21 |
Overall score 59–65
All 4 components at a 59 minimum |
| C1 | Overall score 7.0 – 8.0
All 4 components at a 7.0 minimum |
Overall score 110-120
Listening 26 Reading 28 Speaking 28 Writing 28 |
Overall score 76-84
All 4 components at a 76 minimum |
| C2 | Overall score 8.5 – 9.0
All 4 components at a 8.5 minimum |
Overall score 85-90
All 4 components at a 85 minimum |
Additional information
- International Baccalaureate (IB) English Language score of 4 or above will be accepted.
- Other English language qualifications may be recognised. Please submit full details, including your examination results, with your application.
- Your language certification must be recent: TOEFL and IELTS results are valid for two years.
- All aspects of your academic record, including your English language level, will be taken into account when your application is being considered.
English Language Course at Buckingham
We offer English foundation courses which are designed to prepare you for university study. Successful completion of these allows progression to various degrees at the University of Buckingham if the relevant academic requirements have been met.
Contact
Please contact our Admissions Office if you need any more information.
