English language requirements
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English: you will be asked to demonstrate competence in the English language. Although we can consider a variety of tests, our normal requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
These are minimum requirements, and Birkbeck reserves the right, in individual circumstances, to specify an additional language requirement for an applicant. Please note that test scores must be achieved from one sitting of the relevant qualification. We will not accept individual component scores from multiple tests.
The test result or qualification must have been awarded no more than two years prior to the proposed date of enrolment.
Minimum IELTS score required
- Although we can consider a variety of tests, our normal requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
Minimum TOEFL score
- The main alternative to IELTS is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). We would look for a TOEFL score of:
- 91 in the Internet-based test, with at least 24 out of 30 in the reading and writing sub-tests, and 23 out of 30 in the listening and speaking sub-tests.
TOEFL DI code
- Please note that to have your results sent to Birkbeck directly, you will need to quote our DI code which is 9961.
Courses that require higher scores
- Some courses may require higher scores. For example, arts management, English, humanities, law and management require:
- IELTS 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in each of the sub-tests
- TOEFL 100 in the Internet-based test, with at least 24 out of 30 in the reading and writing sub-tests, and 23 out of 30 in the listening and speaking sub-tests.
English language, academic writing and study skills support
- We offer a range of academic support courses covering
- Many of these are designed specifically for postgraduate-level students and include courses on how to prepare a dissertation.
Please note that all students who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK will need to provide evidence that they meet the UK Border Agency minimum English language requirement of CEFR Level B2. This is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 5.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the subtests. See full details of the English language tests accepted by the UKBA.
If you are a national of, or have obtained a degree at a ‘majority English-speaking country’ as defined by the UKBA, then this requirement can be waived.
