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English Language Requirements

The University's English language requirements for most academic courses are listed below. We usually require you to have a University recognised English language test such as IELTS, PTE Academic or equivalent.  

The information below details the typical entry requirements for courses at Northumbria.  Please always refer to the individual course page for the course that you intend to apply for, which will detail the definitive English Language requirement for that course

If your qualification is not listed please contact bc.applicantservices@northumbria.ac.uk 

Foundation & English Language Programmes

IELTS

Minimum Component

Trinity

Minimum Component

International Foundation Programmes

5.0

4.0

ISE I

Pass

International Foundation - Law

5.5

4.0

ISE II

Pass

English Language Pre Sessional Programme

4.5-6.0

4.0

ISE I

Pass

Students studying below degree level on a Student Route visa must also meet UKVI requirements and you must have a SELT (Secure English Language Test) taken at an approved centre.

Undergraduate Programmes

IELTS

Minimum Component

PTE Academic 

Minimum Component

All Undergraduate Programmes (exceptions below)

6.0

5.5

54

51

Health Professional Courses

6.5

6.0

62

54

Midwifery BSc (Hons), Nursing Science/Registered Nurse (all pathways) BSc (Hons)

7.0

7.0

69

69

Social Work BSc (Hons), Physiotherapy BSc (Hons), Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons)

7.0

6.5

69

62

Law

6.5

5.5

62

51

Engineering Programmes 

5.5

5.5

51

51

Food Science and Nutrition   6.5 6.0 62 54

BMedSci Bachelor of Medical Sciences

7.0 7.0 65 65

Foundation Year in Medical Sciences

7.0 7.0 65 65

 

Undergraduate Programmes Final Year/Top Up

IELTS

Minimum Component

PTE Academic

Minimum Component

All Undergraduate Programmes (exceptions Below)

6.5

5.5

62

51

Engineering Programmes Final Year Entry

6.0

5.5

54

51

Health & Life Sciences Programmes

6.5

6.0

62

54

Business Level 5 and 6 Top Up Programmes 

6.0 5.5 54 51

Postgraduate Taught Programmes

IELTS*

Minimum Component 

PTE Academic

Minimum Component

All programmes (exceptions below)

6.5

5.5

62

51

Bar Professional Training Course

7.5

7.5

73

73

Health & Life Sciences Postgraduate Programmes (exceptions Below) 

6.5

6.0

62

54

MSc Nursing Science (Registered Nursing – all pathways); MSc Midwifery Studies

7.0

7.0

69 69
MA Social Work, MSc Physiotherapy, MSc Occupational Health
7.0 6.5 69 62

MSc Computer Network Technology, MSc Electrical Power Engineering, MSc Microelectronic & Communication Engineering, MSc Renewable & Sustainable 

6.0

5.5

54 51

Postgraduate Research Programmes

IELTS*

Minimum Component 

PTE Academic

Minimum Component

All Research Programmes Faculties of Engineering & Environment, Health & Life Sciences, Arts, Design and Social Sciences (exceptions below)

6.5

6.0

62

54

Faculty of Business & Law

6.5

6.0 (Except 6.5 for Writing)

62

54 (Except 62 for Writing



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