Undergraduate language requirements

The IELTS and TOEFL standard of English Language levels listed below are applicable to all undergraduate courses except:

  • Art History
  • Business and Management (except for Business and Management with Communication Studies EFL/ESL)
  • Business Enterprise
  • Economics
  • English Literature
  • History
  • International Studies
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Marketing
  • Politics
  • Psychology

where the minimum grade for IELTS is 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component). The table also lists the equivalents from other test providers.

Minimum entry requirements for undergraduate entry

Examination Minimum Grade
IELTS Average of 6.0 (with 5.5 or above in each component)
TOEFL* (Internet-based) 79-80
TOEFL* (Paper-based) 550
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) C or higher
International GCSE English as a Second Language C or higher on extended curriculum
London University GCE O level Syllabus B in English Language C or higher
Oxford-ARELS Examination – Higher Level Credit or Distinction
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) 51
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 – 6.5All 4 components at a minimum of 5.5 Overall score 87-96Listening 21Reading 22Speaking 23Writing 21 Overall score 59–65All 4 components at a 59 minimum
C1 Overall score 7.0 – 8.0All 4 components at a 7.0 minimum Overall score 110-120Listening 26 Reading 28Speaking 28Writing 28 Overall score 76-84All 4 components at a 76 minimum
C2 Overall score 8.5 – 9.0All 4 components at a 8.5 minimum Overall score 85-90All 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.