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.
The information provided below is intended to help you understand the different English language qualifications and minimum levels we will accept. English language entry requirements for each course are listed in the entry requirements section of the online prospectus.
For country specific entry requirements, please visit our International web page and select your country from the list available.
The majority of English language tests will normally only be considered valid if awarded within two years of the start date of your course.
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) Academic* | 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 at Home Edition) | 79 overall score Listening: minimum level 17 Speaking: minimum level 20 Reading: minimum level 18 Writing: minimum level 17 |
| Pearson Test of English - Academic | 52 overall score 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) | Grade C Listening: minimum Grade D Speaking: minimum Grade D 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 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 |
| IGSE English as a Second Language | Grade 4 or grade C or above |
| Completion of Sheffield Hallam University pre-sessional English course | Pass |
| Password Solo | 6.0 overall score Listening: minimum level 5.5 Speaking: minimum level 5.5 Reading: minimum level 5.5 Writing: minimum level 5.5 |
| Duolingo | 105 overall score Comprehension: minimum score 95 Conversation: minimum score 95 Literacy: minimum score 95 Production: minimum score 95 |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking | 132 overall score Listening: minimum level 25 Speaking: minimum level 25 Reading: minimum level 25 Writing: minimum level 25 |
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) Academic* | 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 at Home Edition) | 90 overall score Listening: minimum level 17 Speaking: minimum level 20 Reading: minimum level 18 Writing: minimum level 17 |
| Pearson Test of English - Academic | 60 overall score Listening: minimum level 51 Speaking: minimum level 51 Reading: minimum level 51 Writing: minimum level 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 |
| Completion of Sheffield Hallam University pre-sessional English course | Merit |
| Password Solo |
6.5 overall score Listening: minimum level 5.5 Speaking: minimum level 5.5 Reading: minimum level 5.5 Writing: minimum level 5.5 |
| Duolingo |
120 overall score Comprehension: minimum score 105 Conversation: minimum score 105 Literacy: minimum score 105 Production: minimum score 105 |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 |
152 overall score Listening: minimum level 33 Speaking: minimum level 33 Reading: minimum level 33 Writing: minimum level 33 |
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) Academic* | 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 at Home Edition) | 100 overall score Listening: minimum level 21 Speaking: minimum level 24 Reading: minimum level 23 Writing: minimum level 23 |
| Pearson Test of English - Academic | 67 overall score Listening: minimum level 59 Speaking: minimum level 59 Reading: minimum level 59 Writing: minimum level 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 |
| Completion of Sheffield Hallam University pre-sessional English course | Distinction |
| Password Solo |
7.0 overall score Listening: minimum level 5.5 Speaking: minimum level 5.5 Reading: minimum level 5.5 Writing: minimum level 5.5 |
| Duolingo |
130 overall score Comprehension: minimum score 120 Conversation: minimum score 120 Literacy: minimum score 120 Production: minimum score 120 |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking |
100 overall score Listening: minimum level 25 Speaking: minimum level 25 Reading: minimum level 25 Writing: minimum level 25 |
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.