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The University of Southampton
Student and Academic AdministrationAdmissions

English Language Proficiency

All courses at the University of Southampton are taught in the medium of English (other than in Modern Languages where instruction is in English, and the language(s) being taught). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate that they possess a minimum standard of English language proficiency in order to be admitted to a course at the University.

The minimum standard of English Language proficiency required is a GCSE grade 4 or C (or equivalent) in English. Please note that this is a minimum requirement and some of our courses may require a higher grade or score.

All courses stipulate a level of English proficiency which equates to one of the University's English Language bands, details of which can be found in the Useful downloads section at the bottom of this page. 

If you receive an offer from us, and that offer is conditional on achieving English language, we will tell you which University of Southampton (UoS) band you need to meet. Each individual course page also lists the IELTS scores required. This web page sets out the different tests and qualifications we accept to meet the required level of proficiency.

Please note that we will always consider the whole application and accompanying documents to assess an applicant’s level of competence in English Language. We therefore reserve the right to ask for additional evidence of English language if we have concerns about an applicant’s level of proficiency.

Applicants who require a visa to study in the UK

The University of Southampton holds a sponsor licence issued by the Home Office, permitting us to recruit students who require a visa to study in the UK. In addition to the University’s own English language requirements, the UK Home Office sets its own minimum standards for applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK.

If you are required to study the University’s Pre-sessional English course, you must obtain a UKVI approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS. A full list of UKVI approved SELTs can be found listed below.

If you are studying above degree level i.e. Bachelor’s level or higher or are not required to pass the University’s Pre-sessional English course for entry on to your substantive programme, you may take any of the tests or qualifications listed on this webpage.

Applicants from majority English-speaking countries

If you are from a majority English-speaking country (as defined by the Home Office) you must have at least a GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language. Please note that some of our courses require a higher level of English language proficiency, so please check our individual course pages for full details. This webpage also sets out the alternative qualifications we accept if you don’t possess a GCSE in English Language.

Applicants from non-majority English-speaking countries

If you are from a non-majority English-speaking country, you can meet the English Language requirements of a course by:

Our Pre-sessional English courses

Pre-sessional courses are a way to develop your English for academic purposes before starting a degree at Southampton. Successfully passing one means that you will meet the English conditions of your offer. Please note the Pre-sessional is not accepted for all courses.

You can find more information about what the Pre-sessional courses cover and how to apply for a course on our Pre-sessional English courses webpage. You can also find more information about the Pre-sessional entry requirements in the Useful downloads section at the bottom of this page.

Accepted English Language Tests

All English Language Tests must be dated within the two years immediately preceding the course start date as set out in your offer letter. Applicants whose tests fall outside this timescale will need to retake a Southampton approved English language test. We are unable to combine scores from multiple tests, as we require all applicants to meet the requirements through one sitting of a test.

The following English language tests are accepted for entry to our degree courses.

UKVI Secure English Language Tests:

Tests taken at a test centre:

Online English Language Tests:

All scores will be verified with the test provider before they are accepted.

Approved UK, European and Worldwide Academic Qualifications

We will not normally insist that you provide an English Language Test if you have taken one of the following qualifications to at least the standard indicated, no more than three years before the proposed date of enrolment.

UK qualifications

For IGCSE English requirements, see the section International Qualifications below. 

Qualification Required grade
GCSE in English or English Language  Grade C or Grade 4, or above  
A Level or AS Level English Language, English Literature or English Language and Literature Grade C or above
GCE O-Level in English Language   Grade C or above
International O-Level in English Grade C or above
SQA Scottish Standard Grade in English Grade 3 or above
SQA Scottish Intermediate 2 or National 5 English Grade C or above
SQA Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher Grade in English Grade C or above

 

European Qualifications

Country Qualification Required grade
Finland Ylioppilastutkintotodistus/Studentexamensbetyg - English Grade 4 or above
France Baccalauréat l'Option Internationale - English or Baccalauréat Français Internationale - English Grade 11 or above
Germany    Abitur - English (or 2/6 in English Language as a Leistungkurs) Grade 11 or above
Ireland Irish Leaving Certificate in English Grade C or O4, or above
Netherlands    Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs - English Grade 8 or above
Norway Vitnemål - English Grade 4 or above
Sweden Högskoleförberedande Examan - English Grade VG or Grade C, or above
Various European Baccalaureate where English is a compulsory subject or a full option 7.5 or above

 

International Qualifications

Qualification Required grade   
IGCSE English First Language CIE/CAIE (Specification 0500) Grade C with Speaking and Listening at grade 2
IGCSE English First Language CIE/CAIE (Specification 0990) Grade 4 with Speaking and Listening at grade 2
IGCSE English First Language CIE/CAIE (Specification 0524) Grade C with Speaking and Listening at grade 2
IGCSE English Second Language CIE/CAIE (Specification 0511) Grade A
IGCSE English Second Language CIE/CAIE (Specification 0510) Grade A with Speaking and Listening at grade 2
IGCSE English as a Second Language CIE/CAIE (Specification 0991) Grade 7
IGCSE English Second Language CIE/CAIE (Specification 0993) Grade 7 with Speaking and Listening at 2
IGCSE English Language A Pearson/Edexcel (4EA1) Grade 4 with Merit in the spoken language endorsement
IGCSE English Second Language Pearson/Edexcel (Specification 4ES1) Grade 7 with Merit in the spoken language endorsement
IGCSE English Language B Pearson/Edexcel (4EB1) Grade 4 with Merit in the spoken language endorsement
Oxford AQA IGCSE English Language (Specification 9270) Grade 4 with Merit in the speaking and listening endorsement
Oxford AQA IGCSE English as a Second Language (Specification 9280) Grade 7
 
For all IGCSEs, we require a copy of both the official certificate and statement of results. This documentation allows us to confirm your grade and syllabus studied.
 
 
Other international qualifications
 
QualificationRequired grade
Cambridge International Examinations, Ordinary Level English Grade C or above
Cambridge International Examinations, Advanced Level English Grade C or above
Hong Kong (HKDSE) English Grade 4 or above
Indian Standard XII in English Language (CBSE and ISC Boards) 70% or above
International Baccalaureate English Language Syllabus A Standard or Higher Grade 4 or above
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature Standard or Higher Grade 4 or above
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature and Language Standard or Higher Grade 4 or above
International Baccalaureate English Language Syllabus B Standard Grade 6 or Higher Grade 4 or above
International Baccalaureate Language B: English Standard Grade 6 or Higher Grade 4 or above
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in English Grade B or above
Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia 1119 English Language (GCE-O grade only) (up to and including 2020) Grade C or above
Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (2021 onwards) CEFR Level B2 or above
South African National Senior Certificate Grade 3 or above
West African Examinations Council Year 12 Certificate (WASSCE) - English Grade C6 or above

 

Other accepted tests or qualifications

University of Reading - Test in English for Education Purposes   Pass at required IELTS (Academic)-equivalent grade      
Northern Consortium English Exams EAP (NCUK EAP Global) Pass at required IELTS (Academic)-equivalent grade
Warwick International Foundation Programme Pass at required IELTS (Academic)-equivalent grade

 

Applicants who have studied a qualification taught and assessed in English

To evidence any of the above, we require an official letter from the awarding institution confirming that you have been taught and assessed in the medium of English. The letter should be on headed paper, and should be stamped, dated and signed by your institution.

We will consider your whole application and accompanying documents when assessing your English language ability. We reserve the right to ask for additional evidence of English language if we have concerns about an applicant's abilities.

The information above may be varied at any time without notice and is correct as of December 2023.

Useful downloads

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