English Language requirements
How to demonstrate that you have the required level of English to study with us
Who needs an English Language qualification?
If you're an international student who’s about to start studying with us, you may need to demonstrate that your English language skills are sufficient to study for a degree at a UK university.
Unless you’re a national of a majority English speaking country, you'll need to submit an English language qualification that's recognised by the University. Your English language qualifications must have been achieved within two years of the course start date.
Study English in your home country
If you need to improve your English language score or you want to be more prepared before you start your studies, there are many opportunities to study English in your home country.
The British Council provides English language teaching and preparation for the IELTS examination. Our Regional Offices can also help you find accredited IELTS examination centres in your country.
IELTS requirements
For most Undergraduate and a few Postgraduate courses:
You’ll need 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
For most Postgraduate courses:
You’ll need 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
For a few Postgraduate courses:
You’ll need 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
OR you’ll need 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
Please check your offer or course webpages to see the specific requirement for your course. See below for more tests and alternative qualifications that we accept.
Other tests and scores that we accept
TOEFL iBT
| Where the following IELTS grades are required: | TOEFL iBT grades required: |
| IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5. in each element | 72 overall with minimums of 17 for Listening, 18 for Reading, 17 for Writing and 20 for Speaking |
| IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5. in each element | 81 overall with minimums of 17 for Listening, 18 for Reading, 17 for Writing and 20 for Speaking |
| IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0. in each element | 81 overall with minimums of 17 for Listening, 18 for Reading, 17 for Writing and 20 for Speaking |
| IELTS 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0. in each element | 91 overall with minimums of 17 for Listening, 18 for Reading, 17 for Writing and 20 for Speaking |
Please send your scores to the University through your TOEFL iBT account online account.
Bath Spa accepts both the TOEFL iBT test and TOEFL iBT Home Edition test.
Pearson PTE Academic Language Test
| Where the following IELTS grades are required: | PTE Academic grades required: |
| IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5. in each element | 59 overall with minimums of 50 for Reading and Listening, and 55 for Speaking and Writing |
| IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5. in each element | 65 overall with minimums of 50 for Reading and Listening, and 55 for Speaking and Writing |
| IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0. in each element | 65 overall with minimums of 55 for Reading and Listening, and 60 for Speaking and Writing |
| IELTS 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0. in each element | 75 overall with minimums of 55 for Reading and Listening, and 60 for Speaking and Writing |
Duolingo
| Where the following IELTS grades are required: | Duolingo grades required: |
| IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5. in each element | 110 overall, with a minimum of 100 in each component, including sub-scores. |
| IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5. in each element | 120 overall, with a minimum of 100 in each component, including sub-scores. |
| IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0. in each element | 120 overall, with a minimum of 110 in each component, including sub-scores. |
| IELTS 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0. in each element | 130 overall, with a minimum of 110 in each component, including sub-scores. |
Please provide your Candidate ID Number and Candidate secret number to allow the results to be verified online.
Kaplan Test of English
| Where the following IELTS grades are required: | Kaplan grades required: |
| IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5. in each element | 444 overall, with a minimum of 410 in each component |
| IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5. in each element | 478 overall, with a minimum of 410 in each component |
| IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0. in each element | 478 overall, with a minimum of 444 in each component |
| IELTS 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0. in each element | 510 overall, with a minimum of 444 in each component |
LanguageCert (Academic) Test
| Where the following IELTS grades are required: | LanguageCert grades required: |
| IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5. in each element | 65 overall with a minimum of 60 in each component |
| IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5. in each element | 70 overall with a minimum of 60 in each component |
| IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0. in each element | 70 overall with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| IELTS 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0. in each element | 75 overall with a minimum of 65 in each component |
Bath Spa ONLY accepts in-person LanguageCert tests.
Oxford ELLT Test
| Where the following IELTS grades are required: | Oxford ELLT grades required: |
| IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5. in each element | 6 overall with a minimum of 5 in each component |
| IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5. in each element | 7 overall with a minimum of 5 in each component |
| IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0. in each element | 7 overall with a minimum of 6 in each component |
| IELTS 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0. in each element | 8 overall with a minimum of 6 in each component |
Trinity B2 English test (ISE II)
| Where the following IELTS grades are required: | Trinity B2 (ISE II) grades required: |
| IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5. in each element | Minimum of 88 |
| IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5. in each element | Minimum of 96 |
| IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0. in each element | Minimum of 96 |
| IELTS 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0. in each element | Minimum of 96 |
Alternative qualifications
A degree from a majority English speaking country
To qualify, you must hold a degree awarded by a recognised institution in a majority English speaking country, listed under 'Exceptions' on the Student Route visa page.
West African Examinations Council
This requires a minimum of 5 subjects (one of which must include English) at C6 level.
iGCSE
This requires a minimum of 6 subjects, at A*-C including English, at A*-C.
International Baccalaureate
This requires a score of 32 overall, and it must include English Language (Higher or Standard) with a minimum of Higher 5.
Foundation years and A-levels
These could have been studied in the UK or in a majority English speaking country.
Cambridge CAE and CPE
Undergraduate - 169 overall with no less than 162 in each skill.
Pre-Sessional English courses
If your qualification doesn't meet our English language requirements, you can join our Pre-Sessional English course before you begin your degree. These courses improve your English language skills and confidence, so that you have the best chance to succeed.
Applicants applying for a Pre-Sessional English course will require a Home Office approved 'Secure English Language Test (SELT). There are two qualifying qualifications:
English Language support while you study
Studying in a different language can be a challenge, adding to the pressure of completing your degree. We can support you throughout your journey at Bath Spa University.
The English Language Unit
The English Language Unit is a free service that runs throughout the year, available to all students whose first language is not English. Through one-to-one tutorials and short courses, the ELU can help you improve your English skills and confidence in writing and speaking.
The Academic Skills service (ASk)
The University’s Academic Skills service (ASk) offers individual sessions, workshops and courses to help you improve your academic skills. They can help with the transition to university and returning to your studies after a break. They cover a variety of topics, including:
- Reading and writing
- Referencing
- Digital literacy
- Critical thinking.