1.3.2.1 University Minimum Levels for English Language Entry

1. The minimum entry levels for international students onto any programme of study except the Foundation Programme at Durham University are listed below.  All qualifications must be taken within two years* of the start of the academic programme:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT:  92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component)

2. Many departments/schools require different (higher) levels for entry onto particular programmes of study and these levels are indicated in the tables in Sections 1.3.2.2 and 1.3.2.3.  Section 1.3.2.2 shows, by Faculty and then by department/school, accepted tests and levels for direct entry; Section 1.3.2.3 shows required length of Pre-Sessional study for international student applicants who do not meet the required level for direct entry. 

*or two years and three months in the case of students who are following the standard GCSE plus A-Level route (i.e. a student awarded an appropriately graded GCSE English Language or IGCSE English as a First Language in August 2011 and who has continued to study A Levels (in any academic subjects) will be deemed to meet English Language requirements for October 2013). This extension will not be applied to students who have completed IGCSE English as a Second Language,