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:

• taking one of our Pre-sessional English courses and achieving a pass at the required IELTS (Academic)-equivalent grade, or;
• achieving a satisfactory score in an accepted English language test, or;
• holding an approved academic qualification and achieving the required grade, or;
• being taught and assessed in English.

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:

• IELTS Academic UKVI SELT
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic UKVI SELT
• LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
• Skills for English UKVI SELT
• Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) UKVI SELT

Tests taken at a test centre:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• Pearson Test of English Academic
• C2 Proficiency (formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency CPE)
• C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced CAE)

Online English Language Tests:

• Duolingo English Test
• IELTS Online
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition

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. 

European Qualifications

International Qualifications

Other accepted tests or qualifications

Applicants who have studied a qualification taught and assessed in English

• If you are applying for an undergraduate course and have not taken one of the above qualifications, but you have studied your final four years of high school in an approved English-speaking institution, we may be able to accept this as evidence of your English language ability.
• If you have successfully completed a degree taught and assessed in English up to two years preceding the date of first enrolment at the University of Southampton, we may be able to accept this as evidence of your English language ability. In the case of degrees taught by two or more partner institutions of which only one is taught and assessed in English, you must demonstrate that a minimum of two years have been taught and assessed in English.
• If you have been awarded a degree that was fully taught and assessed in English between two and five years prior to the date of first enrolment at the University of Southampton, we will consider whether you meet our English language requirements if you also have recent professional experience in a role that involves regular communication in English.
  
  • Recent professional experience is a minimum of 12 months employment in the last two years.
  • You should include with your application an official letter from your current/most recent employer that i) provides sufficient evidence demonstrating proficiency at the appropriate standard in each skill area of listening, speaking, reading and writing, ii) the dates of employment and iii) how you have used English in the role.

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.

Useful downloads

• English Language Proficiency Bands (2024 entry)
• English Language requirements for Pre-sessional courses (2023/24 entry)