English Language Requirements

All courses at the University of Dundee are taught in English. You must have a very good standard of English in order to be successful in your academic studies. The UK Borders Agency also has rules about the level of English required before a visa can be issued in order to study in the UK.

We need to see your English language qualifications. Where possible, you should send a copy of your certificate with your application.

Postgraduate Courses: The IELTS standard of English Language for each postgraduate/masters course is shown on the respective course page, under Entry Requirements, the table below shows the equivalents from other test providers.

Postgraduate Research: The IELTS standard of English Language for postgraduate research is typically 6.5 overall, with no component less than 5.5. The table below shows the equivalents from other test providers.

IELTS equivalents

The UKBA has clear guidelines and requirements, all applicants must achieve the minimum requirements in all 4 components of the UKBA approved English Language tests. The minimum entry requirement for a degree level course is equivalent to the Common European Framework grade of B2.

IELTS, TOEFL and Pearson equivalents are shown below:

Common European Framework (CEF)	IELTS	TOEFL (Internet-based)	Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
B2	Overall score 6.0 - 6.5 Minimum 6.0 in writing and speaking components and minimum 5.5 in the other components	Overall score 72 Listening 17 Reading 18 Speaking 20 Writing 17	Overall score 51 All 4 components at a 51 minimum
C1	Overall score 7.0 – 8.0 All 4 components at a 7.0 minimum	Overall score 95 Listening 22 Reading 24 Speaking 25 Writing 24	Overall score 67 All 4 components at a 67 minimum
C2	Overall score 8.5 – 9.0 All 4 components at a 8.5 minimum		Overall score 80 All 4 components at a 80 minimum

You can check the full list of UKBA approved English Language tests on the UKBA website.

Additional Information

• International Baccalaureate (IB) English Language score of 4 or above will be accepted.
• Your language certification must be recent: TOEFL and IELTS results are valid for two years only.
• All aspects of your academic record, including your English language level, will be taken into account when your application is being considered.

 

Preparation for Postgraduate Study

The following University of Dundee courses are designed to prepare international students for the demands of postgraduate study in the UK. Successful completion of these programmes guarantees progression to various postgraduate degrees at the University of Dundee.

* For example, if your degree programme requires IELTS at 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 (in each component), and you have IELTS 5.5 overall, OR if your degree programme requires IELTS at 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in the writing and speaking components, and you have IELTS 6.0 overall. Please check your degree course webpage for more information regarding English Language Requirements.

International students who are fully matriculated on a degree programme at the University may also have the opportunity to access the in-sessional English support programme.

Alternative English Language Centres

If your current level of English does not meet the requirements for our Pre-Sessional courses, you may wish to consider alternative English Language Centres. You can study with them to improve your English to meet our requirements, and then come to study your degree course at the University of Dundee. We currently have links with Edinburgh Language Academy (ELA).

Edinburgh Language Academy (ELA)

Edinburgh Language Academy is a UKBA Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) and can offer English language programmes for students who wish to study at the University of Dundee but who first need to upgrade their English language skills. ELA offers courses designed to help students meet the cultural and academic challenges of living and studying in an English speaking environment. Each core unit of ELA's Academic English programme focuses on developing the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in academic contexts. Pronunciation and vocabulary skills are also integrated into the lessons.

Essential skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, using the internet for academic study, research and essay writing are also important parts of ELA's Academic English programmes. All of ELA's English language programmes include integrated sessions on study skills as well as project work designed to ensure students gain maximum benefit from their language course. Students will engage in practical tasks designed to provide real language practice in authentic contexts.

Key features:

• Prepares students for study in an English-only environment
• Develops academic skills in English
• Develops reading, writing, speaking and listening skills
• Prepares students for the IELTS exam

ELA is a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS), for further information, please view www.elacademy.co.uk.

University of Dundee Contact

International Office
Admissions and Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 388 111 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 388 111 (from outside the UK)

Fax: 01382 385 500 (from the UK)
Fax: +44 1382 385 500 (from outside the UK)

Email: international@dundee.ac.uk