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11 English language requirements at Master’s level

The level of proficiency (or competence) in the use of English required at Master’s level may vary by programme, and you should always check your intended qualification details for specific requirements. However, broadly speaking, if English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that your spoken and written command of English is adequate for the programme for which you are applying. This is to ensure that language is not a barrier to your academic progress or social engagement and integration with other students during your studies.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS-Academic Version) is frequently used to gauge proficiency in the use of Academic English. This system tests performance in written and spoken language skills across four categories: (i) task achievement, (ii) coherence and cohesion, (iii) lexical resource, and (iv) grammatical range and accuracy. The ‘typical’ requirement at Master’s level is to have achieved an overall test score of 6.5 (65%) or higher, and usually not less than a score of 5.5 in any category in this test. The IELTS band descriptors are provided in Table 2, for reference. Table 3 shows a comparison of the IELTS score (equivalent requirements) with other formal English language testing systems commonly accepted by higher education institutions in the UK. However, you should be aware that different courses may require different levels of achievement in specific qualifications, and you should check the requirements for your intended programme.

If English is your native language, or you have demonstrated proficiency by completing your first degree in English, you would normally be expected to be able to operate at a level that is suitable for transition to Master’s study. This would imply that you have ‘effective’ to ‘full’ operational command of the language. If you are uncertain, then do check with your institution.

Full descriptors for writing (tasks 1 and 2) and reading are available on the IELTS website [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .

Table 2 IELTS band descriptors (summary)
BandDescriptorProficiency
9Expert userHas full operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
8Very good userHas full operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies; misunderstandings occur in unfamiliar situations; handles complex detailed argumentation well.
7Good userHas operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations; generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6Competent userHas generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings; can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5Modest userHas partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes; should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
4Limited userBasic competence is limited to familiar situations; has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
3Extremely limited userConveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations; frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
2Intermittent userNo real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs; has great difficulty in understanding spoken and written English.
1Non-userEssentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
0Test not attemptedNo assessable information provided.
Table 3 IELTS equivalent testing system scores for comparison
CEFRComponentIELTS-ACPE and CAEPTE-ATOEFL-IBT
C1Listening 8.02007626
C1Reading8.02007628
C1Speaking8.02007628
C1Writing8.02007628
C1Total8.020076110
C1Listening 7.51917224
C1Reading7.51917226
C1Speaking7.51917227
C1Writing7.51917226
C1Total7.519172103
C1Listening 7.01856722
C1Reading7.01856724
C1Speaking7.01856725
C1Writing7.01856724
C1Total7.01856795
B2Listening 6.51766121
B2Reading6.51766122
B2Speaking6.51766123
B2Writing6.51766122
B2Total6.51766188
B2Listening 6.01695619
B2Reading6.01695620
B2Speaking6.01695622
B2Writing6.01695619
B2Total6.01695680
B2Listening 5.51625117
B2Reading5.51625118
B2Speaking5.51625120
B2Writing5.51625117
B2Total5.51625172

Footnotes  

Abbreviations: CEFR: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages; IELTS-A: International English Language Testing System – Academic Version; CPE: Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English; CAE: Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English; PTE-A: Pearson Test of English – Academic Version; TOEFL-IBT: Test of English as Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test.