How to demonstrate your English language level
There are a number of different ways you may be able to demonstrate your English language level, for example, by your nationality, with a degree taught in English or with an English language qualification or test. What you can use will depend on the course you are going to be studying and whether or not you will need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) visa.
Please read the information below carefully to see how you can meet the English Language requirements for your course.
Demonstrating your English language level using a qualification from a ‘majority English-speaking’ country
You can demonstrate your English Language level by providing a UK degree or an academic qualification that is equivalent to a UK degree (this needs to be confirmed by UK NARIC) that was taught in any of the following countries:
Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; The Bahamas; Barbados;Belize; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; New Zealand; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; USA.
Demonstrating your English language level with your nationality
You can also demonstrate your English Language level by providing your passport showing you are a national of Canada or any of the countries in the list above.
Other ways to meet the English language requirements for a Tier 4 (General) visa
- you are ‘moving from Tier 4 (Child) into Tier 4 (General)’ OR
- you are ‘applying under Tier 4 (General) to undertake a short-term study abroad programme in the UK as part of your course at an overseas Higher Education Institution in the USA which leads to a qualification of at least equivalent level to a UK bachelor’s degree’
Acceptable English language tests for direct entry to UG/PGT and PGR courses at Edge Hill University
The scores listed below are standard scores for the different programmes but please check with your department as they may ask for higher scores. Please check individual websites for more information and test fees.
| International Foundation Year | Undergraduate (UG) | Postgraduate (PGT) | Postgraduate (PGR) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (UKVI Approved Test) | Overall 5.0 with no element below 4.0 | Overall 6.0 with no element below 5.5 | Overall 6.5 with no element below 6.0 | Overall 7.0 with no element below 6.5 |
| IELTS Academic (Standard Test) | Overall 6.0 with no element below 5.5 | Overall 6.5 with no element below 5.5 | Overall 7.0 with no element below 6.5 | |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based (iBT | Overall score of 80 or above with minimum elements of listening 17, reading 18, speaking 20 and writing 17. | Overall score of 90 or above with minimum elements of listening 21, reading 22, speaking 23 and writing 21. | Overall score of 100 or above with minimum elements of listening 22, reading 24, speaking 25 and writing 24. |
|
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) | Overall score of 169 or above with at least 162 in each element. | Overall score of 176 or above with at least 169 in each element. | Overall score of 185 or above with at least 169 in each element. | |
| Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) | Overall score of 169 or above with at least 162 in each element. | Overall score of 176 or above with at least 169 in each element. | Overall score of 185 or above with at least 169 in each element. | |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) | Scores of 58 or higher with no element lower than 51. | Scores of 65 or higher with no element lower than 59. | Scores of 73 or higher with no element lower than 66. | |
| Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) (UKVI Approved) | ISE Level II with Distinction in each element. | ISE Level III with Pass in each element. | ISE Level III or IV with Pass in each element. | |
| Euroexam Academic | Overall score of 60% with no sub-skill below 40% | Overall score of 60% with no sub-skill below 40% | Overall score of 60% with no sub-skill below 40% |
Other English language qualifications accepted at EHU
The qualifications in this list are acceptable for undergraduate entry with the scores stated. If you are a postgraduate student, please note that a higher score may be required by your department. If you took one of these qualifications more than 5 years ago, from the point of application, you will need to take an IELTS test or one of the equivalent tests in the table above instead. If you have an English language qualification which does not appear in the list below, please contact the International Office international@edgehill.co.uk
| Qualification | Country | Score or Grade |
|---|---|---|
| West African Senior School (WASSC) | Ghana | English Grade C6 |
| GCE O-Level in English | Ghana | English Grade C |
| Hong Kong Diploma in Secondary Education (HKDSE) | Hong Kong | English Language Grade 3 |
| Malaysian 1119 (UCLES) | Malaysia | English Grade C or above |
| West African Examination Council (WAEC) National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) | Nigeria | English Grade C6 |
| iGCSE in English | All | English Language Grade C or above |
| GCSE in English | All | English Language Grade C/Level 4 or above |
| A Level in English Language | All | English Language Grade C or above |
| International Baccalaureate Standard or Higher English Language Syllabus A | All | Grade 4 |
| International Baccalaureate Standard or Higher English Language Syllabus B or English Language and Literature (combined) or English Literature | All | Grade 5 |
| National Senior Certificate (NSC) | South Africa | Grade 5 in English as First/Home language |
| Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) O Level | Zimbabwe | English Language grade C or above |
| Secondary School Certificate English Standard XII | Indian | 70% or higher |
| German Arbitur English | Germany | Grade 12 or above |
| French Baccalaureate (I'option Internationale English) | France | Grade 12 or above |
| Netherlands VWO English | Holland | Grade 7 or above |
What if you do not currently meet the English language level for your course?
You may be able to do a pre-sessional course before your chosen main course in order to improve your English language to the required level.
Pre-sessional Academic English course (6 Weeks)
If you have an unconditional offer for your main course, except for your English language level, then you may be able to do a pre-sessional course to meet the English language requirement. If you need to apply for a Tier 4 visa, we can give you a CAS to cover both the pre-sessional course and your main course – if you meet all the other UKVI requirements.
- You will need to have IELTS 5.5 overall with no score lower than 5.5, or equivalent
The fee for the Standard IELTS test is approximately £165; for the Home Office approved IELTS test the fee is approximately £200. Please check with the relevant test centre as fees may vary.
Edge Hill permits students to join its Pre-sessional Academic English course if a student has taken the IELTS test and is half a band lower than the entry requirements (overall or in one or two elements) at the point of application. This applies to both undergraduates and postgraduates.
The Pre-sessional course enables students to raise their overall English language proficiency and learn important academic skills before joining their main course.
The Pre-sessional provides an orientation to the campus and its learning facilities.
The Language Centre assess all four skills and provides a report on exit. The Edge Hill Pre-sessional course is 6 weeks and details can be found on the Language Centre website.