Frequently asked questions - English language requirements
What are the English language requirements?
Most of our courses will ask you to have a minimum of the following IELTS or TOEFL scores:
- IELTS 6.0 (with no contributing band at less than 5.5)
- TOEFL internet based 80
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) 54.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a Tier 4 student visa for studying in the United Kingdom you will need to meet minimum (UKBA) English language requirements. These are based on the Common European Framework of References level (CEFR). These are the minimum levels but you will also need to meet the university's English language entry requirements. For undergraduate and postgraduage degree courses you will need to be at least at B2 level. However, for courses with an entry requirement of IELTS 7.0 or 7.5, you will need to be at least at C1 level.
In certain circumstances we can accept other English language examinations and you should contact us for details or see standard and non-standard equivalences tables below.
My IELTS score is 5.5 can you help me?
We offer a 7 week standard Pre-sessional course if you have attained an IELTS score of 5.5 (with no less than 5.0 in all bands).
The course fee is £950.
My IELTS score is 5.0 can you help me?
We offer an 11 week Pre-sessional PLUS course if you have attained an IELTS score of 5.0 (with only one band acceptable at 4.5). The course fee is £2,000.
My IELTS score is 4.5 - can you help me?
We offer a 9-month Diploma in Foundation English for Academic Purposes (DipFEAP). The DipFEAP is one of the few foundation courses, in the UK or Ireland, which offers you the opportunity to obtain a university award. If you wish to improve your English language ability in order to meet university English language requirements then this may be the course for you! You can find out more information here.
Can I improve my English language ability when I am studying at the University of Ulster?
When you are a student at Ulster you will be able to participate in English language modules that are designed to help you to improve your academic writing, reading and listening skills.
Standard requirements
Test |
Score |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (An IELTS certificate is only valid for 2 years) |
6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any one band |
TOEFL Internet-based test (ibt) (A TOEFL ibt certificate is only valid for 2 years) |
80.0 overall with no less than 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) – Academic (A PTE Academic score is only valid for 2 years)
|
54 overall with a minimum of 51 in listening, reading, speaking and writing |
Non-standard English language requirements
|
IELTS score |
IELTS details |
MA Journalism |
7.5 |
with a minimum of 7.5 in each band score |
PgDip/MSc Political Lobbying and Public Affairs |
7 |
|
PgDip/MSc Nursing |
6.5 |
with a minimum of 6.5 in each band score |
PgDip/MSc Communication, Advertising and Public Relations |
7 |
with a minimum of 6.0 in each band score |
PgDip/MSc Palliative Care |
7.0 |
with a minimum of 7.0 in each band score |
PgDip/MSc Specialised Midwifery Practice |
7.0 |
with a minimum of 7.0 in each band score |
PgDip/MSc Interdisciplinary Dementia Studies |
7.0 |
with a minimum of 7.0 in each band score |
PgDip/MSc Community and Public Health Nursing |
7.0 |
with a minimum of 7.0 in each band score |
If you have not taken IELTS, TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic, please note that other equivalent English language qualifications are also acceptable. Please contact us for further details of these qualifications and requirements.