English language entry requirements

For most postgraduate degrees (Master's and PhD), we expect successful applicants to demonstrate the following levels of English language by the time they expect to start their studies:

General requirements for postgraduate and MPhil/PhD courses

• IELTS 6.5 (with 6.0 in each of the sub tests)
• TOEFL Internet-based test: 92 (with at least 24/30 in reading and writing sub-tests)
• TOEFL Paper-based test: 580, plus 4 in Test of Written English
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: Pass at Grade C
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English: Pass at Grade B
• Please note: the Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life or TOEIC qualifications would not normally be accepted.
• If you would like to enquire about the equivalence of other English Language qualifications not listed above, such as pre-sessional or pre-Master's programmes from other universities, please contact the International Students Administration Team: isa@bbk.ac.uk

Requirements for courses in Arts Policy, English Literature, Law and Psychology

• IELTS 7.0 (with 6.0 in each of the sub tests, Arts Policy requires a minimum of 7.0 in all sub-tests)
• TOEFL Internet-based test: 100 (with at least 24/30 reading and writing sub-tests)
• TOEFL Paper-based test: 600, plus 5 in Test of Written English
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: Pass at Grade B
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English: Pass at Grade A
• Please note: the Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life or TOEIC qualifications would not normally be accepted.
• If you would like to enquire about the equivalence of other English Language qualifications not listed above, such as pre-sessional or pre-Master's programmes from other universities, please contact the International Students Administration Team: isa@bbk.ac.uk

If you have already studied in English

• If you have recently studied successfully for an academic qualification taught in English, you may not be required to submit a language test. If this is the case, please indicate in your application that you wish to have exemption from an English Language test.

If you are still improving your English

• It is possible to apply to Birkbeck while you are working to improve your English, as long you reach our minimum requirements by the time you start your course.
• It may sometimes be possible to be accepted onto an academic programme with less than the above scores on the condition that you attend a pre-sessional programme approved by Birkbeck. Each case will be considered on its own merits.
• Find out about the English language and study skills courses offered at Birkbeck, University of London.