English language entry requirements
The TESOL Centre offers a variety of English language courses for students who need more tuition to reach the required standard.
English Language entry requirements are listed in the entry requirements section of the online prospectus. The information provided below is intended to help you understand the different English Language qualifications we will accept.
Courses at NQF Level 6 and above (includes BA, BSc, MA, MSc, MPhil, PhD)
We consider the following English language qualifications for courses at degree level (NQF Level 6) or above requiring
an IELTS for UKVI* 6.0 or equivalent entry requirement (*IELTS may be accepted if you do not require a Student visa)
| Qualification | Result required |
| IELTS for UKVI* | IELTS for UKVI* 6.0 Listening: minimum level 5.5 Speaking: minimum level 5.5 Reading: minimum level 5.5 Writing: minimum level 5.5 |
| TOEFL Internet based (including TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition) | 79 Listening: minimum level 17 Speaking: minimum level 20 Reading: minimum level 18 Writing: minimum level 17 |
| Pearson | 52 Listening: minimum level 51 Speaking: minimum level 51 Reading: minimum level 51 Writing: minimum level 51 |
| Cambridge IGCSE English as a First Language (Syllabus 0500 and 0522) | Grade C Listening: minimum Grade D (0522) or 2 (0500) Speaking: minimum Grade D (0522) or 2 (0500) Reading: minimum Grade E Writing: minimum Grade E |
| Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Syllabus 0510 and 0511) | Grade C Listening: minimum Grade A Speaking: minimum Grade C (0511) or 2 (0510) Reading: minimum Grade D Writing: minimum Grade D |
| Cambridge English C1 Advanced (Formerly: Certificate in Advanced English) | Grade C Listening: minimum score 162 Speaking: minimum score 162 Reading: minimum score 162 Writing: minimum score 162 |
| City and Guilds International ESOL Diploma | Communicator Level Listening: minimum score 15/30 Speaking: minimum score 6/12 Reading: minimum score 15/30 Writing: minimum score 12/24 |
| Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) | Score 80 |
| Michigan Test: Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE) | Pass |
| IGSE English as a Second Language | Grade C or above |
| Completion of Sheffield Hallam University pre-sessional English course | Pass |
an IELTS for UKVI* 6.5 entry requirement (* IELTS may be accepted if you do not require a Student visa)
| Qualification | Result required |
| IELTS for UKVI* | IELTS for UKVI* 6.5 Listening: minimum level 5.5 Speaking: minimum level 5.5 Reading: minimum level 5.5 Writing: minimum level 5.5 |
| TOEFL Internet Based (Including TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition) | Overall score 90 Listening: minimum level 17 Speaking: minimum level 20 Reading: minimum level 18 Writing: minimum level 17 |
| Pearson Test of English Academic | Overall score 60 Listening: minimum score 51 Speaking: minimum score 51 Reading: minimum score 51 Writing: minimum score 51 |
| Cambridge English C1 Advanced (Formerly: Certificate in Advanced English) | Grade B Listening: minimum score 162 Speaking: minimum score 162 Reading: minimum score 162 Writing: minimum score 162 |
| Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (Formerly: Certificate of Proficiency in English) | Grade C Listening: minimum score 162 Speaking: minimum score 162 Reading: minimum score 162 Writing: minimum score 162 |
| City and Guilds International ESOL Diploma | Expert Level Listening: minimum score 15/30 Speaking: minimum score 6/12 Reading: minimum score 15/30 Writing: minimum score 12/24 |
| Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) | Score 80 |
| Michigan Test: Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE) | Pass |
| Completion of Sheffield Hallam University pre-sessional English course | Merit |
an IELTS for UKVI* 7.0 entry requirement (* IELTS may be accepted if you do not require a Student visa)
| Qualification | Result required |
| IELTS for UKVI* | IELTS for UKVI* 7.0 Listening: minimum level 5.5 Speaking: minimum level 5.5 Reading: minimum level 5.5 Writing: minimum level 5.5 |
| TOEFL Internet Based (including TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition) | Overall score 100 Listening: minimum score 21 Speaking: minimum score 23 Reading: minimum score 22 Writing: minimum score 21 |
| Pearson Test of English Academic | Overall score 67 Listening: minimum score 59 Speaking: minimum score 59 Reading: minimum score 59 Writing: minimum score 59 |
| Cambridge English C1 Advanced (Formerly: Certificate in Advanced English) | Grade A Listening: minimum score 162 Speaking: minimum score 162 Reading: minimum score 162 Writing: minimum score 162 |
| Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (Formerly: Certificate of Proficiency in English) | Grade B Listening: minimum score 162 Speaking: minimum score 162 Reading: minimum score 162 Writing: minimum score 162 |
| City and Guilds International ESOL Diploma | Expert Level Listening: minimum score 15/30 Speaking: minimum score 6/12 Reading: minimum score 15/30 Writing: minimum score 12/24 |
| Trinity College London: Level 2 Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life | Level 2 Reading: pass Listening: pass Speaking: pass Writing: pass |
| Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) | Score 90 |
| Michigan Test: Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE) | Honours Pass |
| Completion of Sheffield Hallam University pre-sessional English course | Distinction |
Courses at NQF Level 5 or below (includes HND)
English Language Requirements for
- Courses at NQF Level 5 or below
- English Language Courses
- Joint CAS where progression to the main course of study is dependent on passing the English course
If you require a visa to study in the UK you will need to prove your English Language Level with a UKVI approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). The list of approved tests can be found here.
- Levels of English Language required for your course are listed in the entry requirements section of the online prospectus or on the on the English Language Courses pages.
Online English language tests for direct entry in the academic year 2022/23
For September 2022 and January 2023 intakes we will accept a small number of online English language tests as alternatives to IELTS and other UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELTS). The following online English Language tests are accepted as evidence of English language competence for direct entry. English language would need to be evidenced at the equivalent levels to the published IELTS entry requirements for your degree course.
- Password Solo
- Duolingo
- IELTS indicator
- Language Cert online
- TOEFL IBT (at home)