THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
GRADUATE BOARD
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Information Booklet
(Produced by Research Student Administration for use by staff involved in considering the
admission of research students)
PLEASE NOTE, THIS DOCUMENT IS PLACED ON THE RESEARCH STUDENT
ADMINISTRATION WEBSITE AND WILL BE REGULARLY UPDATED ON THAT SITE.
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English language information
(Produced by Research Student Administration for use by staff involved in considering research
study applications)
Contents
Section
Page
Minimum English language requirements for research study
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3
Requirements for split-site applicants
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4
The University English Language Test (UELT)
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4
Faculties Schools and Programmes with a higher English
language requirement
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5
Cases where applicants do not need to provide separate
evidence of their level of English
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The Two Year rule
5.1
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Other English language qualifications which are acceptable
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7
English language qualifications for EU applicants
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Qualifications which are not acceptable
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Use of Pre-sessional courses offered by the Language Centre
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1. Minimum English language requirements for admission to research study
The following standards have been approved on a University wide basis by the Graduate Board on the
recommendation of its Programmes of Study and Audit Group. This policy (which indicates a required
minimum level of English language across the institution) complies with the QAA Code of Practice for
Postgraduate Research Programmes (September 2004) and also meets UK Border Agency English
Language standards in respect of applying for a Tier 4 General Student Visa. The Graduate Board may,
however, review the University requirements from time to time.
IELTS and TOEFL only recognise test results as valid for a period of up to 2 years after the date of the
examination. These two Secure English Language Tests are only valid at the University of Leeds if they
are less than two years old at the applicant’s start date.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
IELTS is internationally recognised and is widely available to take throughout the world at frequent
intervals. It covers all four language skills and is considered to be a comprehensive English language
test.
University minimum requirement:
Overall: 6.0
Listening: 5.5
Reading: 5.5
Speaking: 5.5
Writing: 5.5
More information about IELTS is available from www.ielts.org
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
TOEFL measures the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand North American
English, as used in College and University settings.
TOEFL measures English language proficiency in reading, listening and writing and is available in most
regions of the world.
University minimum requirement
Internet Based TOEFL (iBT):
Overall: 87
Listening: 20
Reading: 20
Speaking: 22
Writing: 21
More information about TOEFL is available from http://www.ets.org/toefl/
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2. Requirements for split-site applicants
For split-site applicants the minimum English language requirement is as follows:
IELTS
Overall 6.5, with at not less than 6.0 in any individual skill
Internet based TOEFL (iBT)
Overall 92, with not less than 21 in Listening, 21 in Reading, 23 in Speaking and 22 in Writing.
3. The University English Language Test (UELT)
All students whose first language is not English must take the University English language test within
one month of registration to identify whether any additional support is needed. Students who achieve
60% or above are normally considered to require little or no extra support, although they can seek help
from the Language Centre if they feel they need it.
Any student scoring below 60% is required to take any English language classes recommended by the
Language Centre and is required to re-take the test prior to the Transfer Assessment.
Where a student scores below 30%, their case is considered by the Chair of the Programmes of Study
and Audit Group and appropriate action taken in each individual case to ensure that the student is not
disadvantaged by their level of English.
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4. Faculties, Schools and Programmes with a higher English language requirement.
A School or Faculty can raise the required minimum level of English above the University minimum but
cannot lower it.
The minimum University language requirement is IELTS band score 6.0 (with not less than 5.5 in any
skill area ) or internet based TOEFL (iBT) 87 (with not less than 20 in Listening, 21 in Writing, 20 in
Reading and 22 in Speaking)
A higher level of English of IELTS Band Score 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in any skill area) or Internet
Based TOEFL 92 (with not less than 21 in Listening, 21 in Reading, 23 in Speaking and 22 in Writing) is
required in the following Schools and Faculties:
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Institute of Communications Studies
School of Design
School of Education
School of English
School of Food Science and Nutrition (see exception below)
School of History
Institute of Medieval Studies
School of Modern Languages and Cultures
School of Music
School of Performance and Cultural Industries
School of Politics and International Studies
School of Sociology and Social Policy
Leeds University Business School require IELTS Band Score 7.0 (with not less than 6.0 in any skill
area) or Internet Based TOEFL 100 (with not less than 21 in Listening, 21 in Reading, 23 in Speaking
and 22 in Writing).
The School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies require IELTS Band Score 6.5 (with not
less than 7.0 in writing and not less than 6.0 in any other skill area) or Internet based TOEFL 92 (with
not less than 21 in Listening, 21 in Reading, 23 in Speaking and 24 in Writing).
The School of Law require IELTS (Academic) Band Score 6.5 (with not less than 6.5 in Listening and
Reading and not less than 6.0 in Writing and Speaking) or Internet Based TOEFL 92 (with not less than
22 in Listening, 22 in Reading, 23 in Speaking and 22 in Writing).
The Professional Doctorate and the Integrated degree of PhD and MSc in Clinical Dentistry in the
Leeds Dental Institute and programmes in Nutritional Epidemiology within the School of Food
Science and Nutrition, require IELTS band score 7.0 (with not less than 6.5 in any skill area) or Internet
based TOEFL 100 (with not less than 22 in Listening, 22 in Reading, 24 in Speaking, and 23 in Writing).
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5. Cases where students do not need provide separate evidence of their level of English
In most cases, applicants who have recently been educated up to first degree level in English in the
following countries will be regarded as having fulfilled the University’s English language requirements:
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Australia
Belize
Botswana
Cameroon
Canada
Caribbean States where English is the first language
Gambia
Ghana
Guyana
Ireland
Kenya
Malawi
Malta
New Zealand
Namibia
Nigeria
Sierra Leone
South Africa
Tanzania
Uganda
United Kingdom
United States of America
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Other countries where English is the first language – please contact Research Student
Administration for confirmation
If an applicant's first language is not English but they have successfully completed a first degree in one
of the above countries (where English is the first language, used as the medium of instruction throughout
the education system), they will be regarded as having met the English language requirement. (For
example a student from Thailand who has a Bachelors degree from Australia).
Experience has suggested that the University should be very wary about accepting that English
language requirements can be met by studying for a qualification in English in countries where English is
not the first language.
5.1 The Two Year Rule
The Programmes of Study and Audit Group have agreed that when making an offer of admission where
the evidence of satisfying the English Language condition is based on a previous degree from a majority
English speaking country, there is a “two year rule” 1 to be followed.
The “two year rule” states that applicants who have recently been educated at degree level in the above
countries, for a minimum of two years continuous study within the last two years, will be regarded
as having fulfilled the University’s English language requirements:
For cases where the applicant has studied for less than two years continuously within the last
two years an individual case can be put forward to be considered on behalf of PSAG for
acceptance on an exceptional basis. The School should complete the English Language Case
English Language qualification must be no more than 2 years old at the official start date of the
research degree
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Template (which is a request to waive the University’s standard English language requirement)
and submit this to RSA with supporting documentation.
This means that a one year Masters programme, studied in a majority English Language speaking
country, is not sufficient to meet the requirements outlined above (unless they have a Secure English
Language Test such as IELTS or TOEFL which meets the University’s minimum English Language
requirements and is less than two years old at the applicant’s start date)
If a School/Faculty wish to accept an applicant who does not meet the requirements for English
Language laid out above, a case should be submitted to RSA on the Template for request to waive the
University’s standard English language requirement (circular 753).
Please note the English Language case template can be found at:
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/rsa/forms/forms_admissions.html
Please note that this requirement will be brought in for any offers made from 1 September 2013
for any applicant with a start date of 1 January 2014, or beyond.
6. Other qualifications which may be acceptable
For Schools that require applicants to meet the University minimum English language requirement the
following may also be accepted, if the applicant has taken the test recently:
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University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations: Certificate of Proficiency in English: grades A - C
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University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations: Certificate in Advanced English: grades A - C
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City & Guilds Pitman Qualifications English for Speakers of Other Languages: a pass at Expert (or
the Higher Mastery) Level in both the ESOL and Spoken ESOL examinations
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Pearson Test of English Academic: an overall score of 59, with not less than 59 in any of the four
skills
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University of Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language: grades A - C
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Malaysian Certificate of Education: English language at Ordinary level if designated 121 (not 322 or
122): grades 1 - 6
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Hong Kong Examinations Authority Use of English: grades A - C
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Hong Kong Examinations Authority Certificate of Education in English language Syllabus B
(Ordinary): grades A - C
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Cambridge Overseas School Certificate in English language: grades 1 - 6
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Singapore/Cambridge GCE O level in English language: grades 1 - 6
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70% or higher in English in the All-India Senior School Certificate at Standard XII, together with use
of English as the medium of instruction at school
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Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English Examination at level III
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7. English language qualifications for applicants from the EU (who do not need a visa to come to
the UK)
For Schools that require applicants to meet the University minimum English language requirement the
following can also be accepted, if the applicant has taken the test recently:
TOEIC (Test of English as an International Language) may be used for applicants who come from a
country where a European language is the official language, in cases where no other recognised test
has been taken and the School accepts the limitations of the test. Only listening and reading skills are
tested and the test content is job related rather than academic. The minimum requirement on TOEIC is:
880 with not less than 480 in reading and 395 in listening.
European High School Certificates as follows:
Denmark:
8 or higher (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) in English in the Højere Forberedelseseksamen
Finland:
4 or higher (5, 6) in English in the Ylioppilastutkinto/studentexamen
Germany:
2 or higher (1) in English in the Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife/ Abitur
Netherlands:
7.5 or higher (8, 9, 10) in English in the Voorberidend Wetenschappe Onderwijs
Norway:
4 or higher (5, 6) in English in the Vitnemal
Sweden:
3/Godkänd or higher (4 /Väl Godkänd, 5/Mycket Väl Godkänd) in English in the
Avgangsbetyg
Ireland –
Irish Leaving Certificate – Grade C or above in Ordinary Level English
It may be possible to accept other European English language qualifications in cases where there is
valid and reliable evidence that the applicant has reached the level of C1 on the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages.
Other qualifications will be considered following advice from the Language Centre and, if appropriate,
Research Student Administration will seek approval from the Programmes of Study and Audit Group.
8. Qualifications which are not acceptable
UCLES/Cambridge First Certificate in English
UCLES/Cambridge ESOL Preliminary English Test
"Institutional” TOEFL. These tests tend to be organised within some Universities, mainly in Asia, and
rely on past examination papers.
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9. Use of Pre-sessional courses offered by the Language Centre
Conditional offers can be made by the University to suitable applicants with a strong academic profile
who fall just short of the English language entry criteria subject to them either successfully completing an
appropriate six or ten week pre-sessional English language course at the Language Centre or meeting
the usual English language requirement.
The Language Centre has reviewed and produced a matrix which shows the IELTS and TOEFL scores
and which pre-sessional course are appropriate. Please see Matrix for UG and PGR Pre-sessionals link
on page 10.
For example, if an applicant is just below the minimum entry requirements for example has an IELTS
listening score of 5.0, and the other component scores are at 5.5 then the applicant is eligible to
undertake a 10 week pre-sessional programme. If the score is 5.5 overall and no components are below
5.5 then the applicant can undertake a 6 week pre-sessional.
Process
It is for the School to determine who is a suitable applicant. Schools must also take into account not just
current English Language scores, but also whether the applicant has the time to undertake a presessional. For example an applicant may have a scholarship which dictates that a student needs to be
registered with a particular start date which may not fit in with the dates of the pre-sessional courses
(Please see Appendix B).
If as part of the application processing if the School agrees that an applicant can use a pre-sessional to
meet the language requirements and the applicant has confirmed that they wish to do this and are able
to fund the pre-sessional, then the School needs to:
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Check with the Language Centre to ensure a place is available
Encourage applicant to apply
Refer to listing for general induction opportunities
note: “10 week pre-sessional and the date of the pre-sessional course” in the conditions box of
the School Recommendation Report Form. Ensure the appliant’s SELT is included with the
School Recommendation Form and other paperwork.
Research Student Administration will produce an offer letter with both the condition of meeting
IELTS or attending a Pre-sessional course
The offer letter would read as follows:
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providing satisfactory evidence of an adequate level of English language. There are two possible
ways in which you can do this:
1. providing evidence that by no earlier than TWO YEARS BEFORE START DATE you attained IELTS
band score 6.0 (with not less than 5.5 in any skill area ) or internet based TOEFL (iBT) 87 (with not less
than 20 in Listening, 21 in Writing, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking). Or
2. providing evidence from the University of Leeds Language Centre that you have successfully
completed the pre-sessional English language course at the Language Centre from DATE to DATE and
that they have assessed that you have reached a level of English which is equivalent to at least 6.0 in
IELTS (with not less than 5.5 in any skill area)
If an applicant wishes to apply for a pre-sessional course then they need to complete the English
Language Programmes Application Form which can be found here:
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/info/125008/english_language/1330/applications
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Changes of Start Date
If an applicant requests a change of start date and has not taken the pre-sessional, please note the
School will then need to discuss with the applicant whether they are able to take a pre-sessional. The
need to put the pre-sessional condition on the offer will need to be communicated to RSA either by
making a note on the change of start date form/or e-mail request. If the School does not do this then
RSA will remove the condition from the new offer letter.
How does the School get notified of the results from the pre-sessional?
For clear pass and fail cases the Language Centre will communicate this decision directly to the student
and provide appropriate advice and support to those who have failed. Should there be a borderline case
then this will be discussed in more depth with the School before a final recommendation is made.
UKBA Tier 4 and CAS
If an applicant has a conditional offer based on passing a pre-sessional, then the applicant will need a
CAS for the language course and another CAS for the research degree. The language visa has one
extra week added so there will be sufficient time for RSA to be notified that the applicant has
successfully completed the pre-sessional. RSA will then issue a new CAS. The applicant will then be
able to make a new visa application from within the UK for his/her research degree and once they have
submitted this application to UKBA, they are then able to register onto the PhD.
Applicants who hold an unconditional offer of a place on a research degree programme but still wish to
undertake a pre-sessional course as well as their research degree, can be issued with one joint CAS
provided that the pre-sessional course is no longer than three months and the gap between the end of
the pre-sessional course and the start of the research degree must be no more than one month.
Communication:
When RSA sends the offer to the applicant by e-mail, there will be also be information and web links
which will advertise the Language Centre and Pre-sessional courses for all applicants. It will be bought
to applicants’ attention that meeting the University’s language condition by use of a pre-sessional is
subject to the agreement of their School.
Please note that the expectations of applicants must be managed, as there is no guarantee that
an applicant will be successful and subsequently be able to gain a visa to undertake the research
degree study.
Pre-sessional English Courses of 2-3 terms
The Language Centre provides courses for applicants who are some way from meeting the University
English language requirement but have advised that it is not until the applicant is nearly at our
requirement that it is appropriate to include a pre-sessional course condition on an acceptance letter. It is
very difficult when someone is some way from meeting the requirement to judge precisely how many
terms of English language courses they should attend in order to be able to meet the requirement.
Further information:
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/info/125008/english_language/1378/summer_pre-sessionals
Entry requirements
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/info/125008/english_language/1857/entry_requirements
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How to Apply
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/info/125008/english_language/1330/applications This page also lists
deadlines for applications to the Language Centre.
The following information can be found at:
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/rsa/international/english_lang_requirements/english_language_presessional.html
Matrix for UG and PGR Pre-sessionals.
UoL Language Centre Fees & Dates 2012 – 14
Language Centre Summer Pre-sessional courses
RSA/Student Records May 2013
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