Foundation or extended programmes
International Foundation Year (Science and Engineering): Huikao with a minimum graduation mark of 80% in each subject
International Foundation Year (Business and Computing): Huikao (Chinese senior secondary school graduation certificate) with a minimum graduation mark of B or 70% in each subject
Note: International Foundation Year programmes need an IELTS score of between 4.5 and 5.5 (or equivalent) for a September start. If you have an IELTS of 5.5 (minimum) you may be eligible to start the International Foundation Year in February and study for half an academic year
Extended programmes (science and engineering programmes with an integrated foundation year): Huikao (Chinese senior secondary school graduation certificate) with a minimum graduation mark of B or 70% in each subject and IELTS 5.5 minimum in all bands (or equivalent)
Undergraduate programmes
Bachelor degree: Gaokao (Chinese university or college entrance exam) with a minimum score of 500
Bachelor degree: Huikao (Chinese senior secondary school graduation certificate) and a recognised international foundation qualification
Higher National Diploma: Gaokao with a minimum score of 450
Integrated Master of Engineering – MEng (Hons): Gaokao with a minimum score of 550
Undergraduate top-up programmes (third-year entry)
Dazhuan (three-year college graduation diploma) with a minimum of 70% average
SQA Higher National Diploma with BBC as minimum
Edexcel Higher National Diploma – standard UK entry requirements
UK accredited foundation degree
Postgraduate programmes
A minimum of 75% from a recognised four-year bachelor degree
English language Requirements
To study at a British university, you need a high level of English to write academic essays and reports, listen to lectures and take notes, summarise academic texts, give academic presentations and take part in discussions and seminars.
If your English language skills are not at the required level, we have a range of courses for you before you start your academic programme. They will help build your confidence using English in the classroom and in your social life. They will also help you to get to know the University and local area, adapt to life in the UK and make friends before you start your programme.
Which secure English language tests are accepted?
IELTS
At present, the only secure English language test approved for UK immigration applications is IELTS, taken at an approved centre.
TOEFL, Pearson PTE (Academic), Cambridge English scale and Trinity Integrated Skills in English
TOEFL, Pearson PTE (Academic), Cambridge English scale and Trinity Integrated Skills in English taken overseas are no longer on the UK Visas and Immigration approved secure English language tests list.
We will continue to accept these tests for admission to programmes at degree level and above in conjunction with a video interview on Skype or equivalent. Trinity Integrated Skills in English tests, taken in the UK at UKVI approved centres, continue to be accepted for visa purposes for study at all levels.
Other English tests
For some international student applications, we are able to consider other English test scores with supporting evidence of your ability in English. Please note that certificates from private language schools will not be accepted.
| IELTS | PTE (Academic) | Cambridge English scale | Trinity Integrated Skills in English | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the above tests taken up to and including 5 April 2015, submitted with applications until 5 November 2015* | ||||
| Undergraduate | ||||
| Law, crime and investigation | 6.0 | 52 | 169-175 | ISE II Merit |
| Business, English, history, sport, psychology, criminology, sociology, youth studies, education | 6.0 | 52 | 169-175 | ISE II Merit |
| Health | 6.0-7.0 | 52-66 | 169-190 | ISE II Merit - ISE III Pass |
| Fine art, design, media production, performing arts, engineering, science, computing, media studies, journalism | 5.5 | 51 | 162-168 | ISE II Pass |
| Undergraduate Year 2 and 3 entry where permitted | ||||
| Business, fine art, design, performing arts, media production, engineering, science, computing, journalism, media studies | 6.0 | 52 | 169-175 | ISE II Merit |
| English, history | 6.5 | 58 | 176-184 | ISE II Distinction |
| Postgraduate (Taught) | ||||
| Law (PgDip) | 7.5 | 74 | 191-199 | ISE III Merit |
| DBA | 7.0 | 66 | 185-190 | ISE III Pass |
| Health | 6.5-7.0 | 58-66 | 176-190 | ISE II Distinction |
| MBA, education, English, law (LLM), history, psychology, criminology, sociology, youth studies, criminal investigation, human resource management | 6.5 | 58 | 176-184 | ISE II Distinction |
| Art and design, business (except MBA and HRM), computing, sport, engineering, science, TV production, journalism, multimedia public relations, mass communications | 6.0 | 52 | 169-175 | ISE II Merit |
| Research degrees | 6.5 | 58 | 176-184 | ISE II Distinction |
If your level of English is lower than IELTS 4.0, you will need to take English classes in your own country to improve your IELTS score. If your level of English is lower than the level required by the university, but not lower than IELTS 4.0, you can take one of our pre-sessional English courses
Please note that in addition to achieving the overall score, you must obtain a minimum score in each band of the test.
For degree level and above, the minimum band score must be:
IELTS - 5.5 in each band
For tests taken up to and including 5 April 2015, submitted with applications until 5 November 2015
Pearson Test of English (PTE) - 51 in each band
Cambridge English scale - 160 in each band
Trinity Integrated Skills in English ISE II - Pass in each band
For courses below degree level, such as pre-sessional English, foundation programmes and HNDs, the minimum band score must be:
IELTS - 4.0 in each band
For tests taken up to and including 5 April 2015, submitted with applications until 5 November 2015
Pearson Test of English (PTE) - 36 in each band
Cambridge English scale - 140 in each band
Trinity Integrated Skills in English ISE I - Pass in each band
