Published June 2015
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY ENGLISH LANGUAGE POLICY AND GUIDANCE
CONTENTS
Introduction
2
SECTION 1 Policy
1
English Language Policy: Flow diagram for schools
3
2
Cardiff University English Language Policy
4
SECTION 2 Guidance
3
English language tests
6
4
Other sources of evidence of English language competence
6
4.1 Cardiff University English Language Programmes
7
4.2 Academic qualifications taught in English
7
4.3 Employer reference
9
5
Contact details
10
1
INTRODUCTION
General Entrance Requirement
In order to be made an offer of admission to a Cardiff University programme, all applicants
must satisfy the General Entrance Requirement, as stated in the University’s Academic
Regulations.
The University’s English Language Policy is a supplement to the General Entrance
Requirement, setting out the minimum standards of English language competence required for
study.
Immigration Requirements
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have defined minimum English language standards for
students requiring a Tier 4 (General Student) visa:

Student migrants entering the UK for degree level study must have competence in each
of the 4 skill areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking) equivalent to level B2 in
the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, and
Assessment.

Sponsoring Higher Education providers must confirm how they have assessed English
language competence to be at level B2 in the applicant’s Confirmation of Acceptance
for Studies (CAS) statement.
Purpose of the guidance
The purpose of this document is to provide comprehensive guidance regarding evidence which
can be used to satisfy the University’s General Entrance Requirement for English language
and, for international students requiring a Tier 4 visa, UK Visa and Immigration requirements.
2
Revised June 2015
1. ENGLISH LANGUAGE POLICY: FLOW DIAGRAM FOR SCHOOLS
Does the applicant have a recognised secure test of English language which meets the University’s
General Entrance requirements and, for applicants requiring a Tier 4 student visa, the requirements
for all 4 skill areas at Common European Framework of Reference level B2?
YES
NO
Is the
qualification still
within the test
validity period?*
 2 calendar
year validity
period for
secure English
language tests
 2 academic
years for
academic
English
language
exams
NO
Is there a
reference from an
employer, which
demonstrates the
required level of
competence in the
4 skill areas
(reading, writing
speaking and
listening) has been
maintained in
professional
employment within
the last two years?
NO
Does the applicant have another recognised and appropriate
level academic qualification taught solely in English?
YES
Is the qualification still within the test validity period?
 3 academic years for other qualifications taught in
English*.
 For recognised English majority speaking countries
where there is no time limit.
NO
Is there a reference from an employer,
which demonstrates the required level
of competence in the 4 skill areas
(reading, writing speaking and listening)
has been maintained in professional
employment within the last two years?
*At the
programme start
date.
YES
YES
YES
NO
Applicant
satisfies the
English
Language
Requirement
Applicant
satisfies the
English
Language
Requirement
Applicant
satisfies the
English
Language
Requirement
3
You can make an offer of admission but this
must include an English language condition
(e.g. IELTS 6.5 or successful completion of a
Cardiff University English language
programme).
Revised November 2014
NO
2.
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY ENGLISH LANGUAGE POLICY
1.
All prospective students at Cardiff University who will be studying and
assessed through the medium of English must demonstrate to the University that
their English language competence is at a level which allows them to cope with the
demands of higher education and derive full benefit from their chosen taught
Programme or programme of research.
2.
Whilst minimum standards are set out below, Schools may request a higher
level of English language competence than that specified below to reflect the
demands of specified taught programmes or programmes of research; where higher
levels are required, these will be clearly indicated in the relevant School admissions
criteria.
3.
As a minimum, undergraduate and postgraduate applicants should satisfy
at least one of the following criteria:
3.1
hold one of the following English language qualifications or other equivalent
qualification, as detailed in the University's English Language Policy Guidance:
Qualification
Minimum Score
GCSE English Language
C
IELTS (Academic Test)
6.5
English tests or examinations must have been taken no more than two years before
the proposed date of entry to the University.
3.2
Where an applicant does not hold one of the recognised English language
qualifications stipulated in paragraph 3.1, the applicant must be able to demonstrate
the required level of English language competence by means of clear and
unambiguous evidence, supported by documentation, to the satisfaction of the
University, on the Head of School or nominee’s recommendation and which meets
the demands of the taught Programme or programme of research. This evidence
may take the form of one or more of the following:
.1 Successful completion of/an appropriate score from a Cardiff University
English language course as detailed in the University's English Language Policy
Guidance completed no more than two years before the proposed date of entry
to the University.
.2 Other qualifications pursued solely through the medium of English which can
be demonstrated to be at an equivalent or higher level to those detailed in
paragraph 3.1, and which were completed no more than three years before the
proposed date of entry to the University.
3.3
Where the validity period of a qualification as stated in 3.1. or 3.2 has
elapsed, an applicant must be able to demonstrate that they have maintained or
improved their English language competence by providing evidence from a current
employer who can comment in detail and with authority about the applicant’s use of
the English language in employment.
In addition to or in place of the employer’s evidence, the University may require an
applicant to undertake an additional internal assessment of language skills.
3.4
As a minimum, applicants to the University’s International Foundation
Programme students should have achieved the qualifications specified below or an
4
equivalent Home Office approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) result, as
detailed in the University’s English Language Policy Guidance:
Qualification
IELTS (Academic Test)
Score
5.5
The Secure English Language Test (SELT) must have been taken no more than two
years before the proposed date of entry to the University.
3.5
International students requiring a Tier 4 (General Student) visa to study in
the United Kingdom (UK) must also satisfy any Secure English Language Test
(SELT) sub-score requirements stipulated in the University’s offer of admission in
order to comply with UK immigration regulations.
5
3.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTS
3.1 In addition to the overall IELTS score stipulated in the English language policy,
international students requiring a Tier 4 (General Student) visa to study in the
United Kingdom must obtain minimum sub-scores of 5.5 in each of the 4 skill
areas: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
3.2
In addition to the language qualifications outlined in the English Language Policy,
the University also accepts alternative English language tests when at an
equivalent level to those specified. Each of these accepted qualifications test
reading, writing, speaking and listening competence.
All qualifications must be completed no more than 2 calendar years before the
programme start date. Test results are verified by Central Admissions prior to the
issue of an offer of a place of study.
3.3
The University also accepts alternative English language examinations when at an
equivalent level to those specified. All qualifications must be completed no more
than 2 academic years before the programme start date
A list of alternative English language tests and examinations can be found at
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/regis/general/Admissions/English%20Language/englishlanguage-guidance.html.
3.4
Schools may choose to specify higher English language test scores for admission
where a higher level of English language competence is required for a specific
programme.
3.5
Students applying to the International Foundation Programme must obtain either:

IELTS for UK visas and immigration (SELT) with sub-scores of 4 in each of the skill
areas: reading, writing, speaking and listening;
Trinity (ISE ) language test (taken in the UK only).

6
4.
OTHER SOURCES OF EVIDENCE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE
COMPETENCE
4.1 Cardiff University English Language Programmes
For applicants who do not offer a suitable level of English language competence, the
University offers a range of English language programmes, to prepare international
applicants for study at the University and improve their English language competence.
Pre-sessional English Language Programmes
An applicant who does not meet the English language requirement can be made an
offer conditional upon successful completion of a pre-sessional programme in lieu of a
further English language test, subject to satisfying the minimum requirements below:
7
Programme Entry
requirement
Student’s IELTS score on
application to Pre-sessional
Which Pre-sessional course?
IELTS 6.5 with any sub-score
6.0 with all sub-scores at 4.0 or
higher
8 week course
IELTS 7.0 with any sub-score
6.5 with all sub-scores 4.0 or higher
10-week course
IELTS 7.5 with any sub-score
Pre-sessional Programme not suitable. Required to re-take IELTS or
other approved test.
Successful completion of the Pre-sessional programme is accepted by the University in
lieu of IELTS.
Further information on pre-sessional English language programmes can be found at
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/elt/presessional.
English for University Study Programme
The English for University Study programme is designed for students who want to
improve their English language skills to the level needed for English-medium university
education in the UK.
The programme has entry points in September (minimum entry IELTS 4.0), January
(minimum entry IELTS 4.5) and April (minimum entry IELTS 5.5). Students are able to
take a four-skill, summative Exit Test in December, March or May/June. Scores are
aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Language and are
accepted by the University in lieu of IELTS.
Further information is available at: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/elt/efus.
4.2 ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS TAUGHT IN ENGLISH
An academic qualification taught solely in English, which can be demonstrated to be
at an equivalent or higher level than the standard undergraduate and postgraduate
requirements may, in the following circumstances, be used to satisfy the University’s
language competency requirement.
Majority English Speaking Countries
(i)
The table below shows country-specific school-leaving qualifications with equivalence
to GCSE English Language grade C, taught in majority English speaking countries.
These qualifications can be used to satisfy the University’s language competency
requirement:
Country
Qualification Titles(s) and Equivalence to IELTS 6.5
Antigua and Barbuda
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate A-C
(Credit standard)
Australia
Year 10 School Certificate, grades A-C
8
Bahamas
GCE O Level, grade C or above
Barbados
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate A-C
(Credit standard) / GCE O Level grade C or above
Belize
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate A-C
(Credit standard) / GCE O Level grade C or above
Canada
With the exception of Quebec, Grade 11 of the Secondary School
Diploma, 60% or above
Dominica
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate A-C
(Credit standard) / GCE O Level grade C or above
Grenada
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate A-C
(Credit standard) / GCE O Level grade C or above
Guyana
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate A-C
(Credit standard)
Jamaica
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate A-C
(Credit standard) / GCE O Level grade C or above
New Zealand
NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) Level 3,
grade ‘Achieved’ or A.
St Kitts and Nevis
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate A-C
(Credit standard) / GCE O Level grade C or above
St Lucia
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate A-C
(Credit standard) / GCE O Level grade C or above
St Vincent and the
Grenadines
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate A-C
(Credit standard) / GCE O Level grade C or above
Trinidad and Tobago
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate A-C
(Credit standard) / GCE O Level grade C or above
United States of
America
High School Graduation Diploma, Grade C or above
For nationals of recognised majority English speaking countries no time limit is
attached to these qualifications as proof of English language competency.
(ii)
Bachelors or Masters Degrees, postgraduate diplomas or certificates from majority
English speaking countries must be recognised by the National Recognition Information
Centre for the United Kingdom (NARIC) (http://www.naric.org.uk/) as subject to
appropriate quality assurance measures. For nationals of recognised majority English
speaking countries no time limit is attached to these qualifications as proof of English
language competency. Further advice on international qualifications is also available
on the IRIS pages (https://www.iris.cardiff.ac.uk or email iris@cardiff.ac.uk).
Non-majority English speaking countries
The National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (NARIC)
(http://www.naric.org.uk/) is the University's primary source of guidance regarding
the language of tuition of a qualification. Further advice as to whether an awarding
institution teaches solely in English is also available from the University’s International
Office (international@cardiff.ac.uk). All qualifications must be completed no more
than 3 academic years before the programme start date.
9
Using an international foundation programme as an academic qualification taught
in English.
It is recommended that Schools require IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) as proof of English
language competence for applicants studying on International Foundation Programmes
at other institutions.
Exceptions can be made only where the International Foundation Programmes was
undertaken in a majority English speaking country, and where the English language
component of International Foundation Programmes had more than 40% minimum of
the programme dedicated to English language and study skills, evidenced through a
programme transcript.
4.3 EMPLOYER REFERENCE
An employer’s reference may be used to satisfy the University’s language competency
requirement in the following circumstances only:
1.
The applicant has a qualification which would be accepted as satisfying the
University’s language competency requirement, except that the validity period for the
qualification as stated in the English language policy has been exceeded. In this case,
the applicant may use an employer’s reference to demonstrate how the English
language skills have been improved and maintained in the period since the award was
attained.
2.
The applicant is currently employed in a professional capacity and is applying to a
distance learning programme, which will contribute to their continuing professional
development.
The employer must be able provide sufficient information to allow a full assessment of
the applicant’s English language competence. References must comment explicitly on
the applicant’s use of English in all four skill areas (reading, writing, speaking and
listening), providing examples of the contexts in which English is used by the
applicant, in order to demonstrate that the applicant’s English language competence
is at the required standard.
The employer’s reference must be completed on the University’s Employer English
Language Referee Report Form available here. The University may, at any time,
contact the employer directly to verify the content of the reference.
A previous employer’s reference will be deemed current for English language evidence
purposes provided that no more than 2 calendar years have elapsed between the
termination of the applicant’s employment with the previous employer and the
programme start date.
In addition to the employer’s evidence, the University may require an applicant to
undertake an additional internal assessment of language skills, in order to confirm
that they have assessed English language competence to be at level B2 for the
applicant’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) statement.
10
6.
CONTACT DETAILS
If you have any questions about English language entry requirements at Cardiff
University, the following contacts can provide further advice and guidance:
Telephone
Email
English Language Policy
Admissions Team
Ext 74999
atutors@cf.ac.uk
EFL Qualifications and equivalences
Helen Evans
Ext 76587
EvansH3@cardiff.ac.uk
Pre-sessional Programme
English for University Study Programme
ELP Team
Ext 76587
Elt@cardiff.ac.uk
International Student Support
International Office
Ext 74432
international@cardiff.ac.uk
Document History
Version
Date
Action/Changes
1
10th September 2014
New 1st Draft
ME
2
20th November 2014
2nd Draft
ME
3
09th December 2014
Published
ME
4
05th May 2015
Revisions approved by ASC
ME
5
03rd June 2015
Published
ME
11X
Author