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School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health

English Language Proficiency

It is the University's and the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health standard policy that all students for whom English is not their first language take an English language test. Therefore, if English is not your country's first native language, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English to be eligible to study within the School. One of the following is required:

  • IELTS test achieve an overall band score of at least 7.0 (with no other element below 6.0)

  • TOEFL iBT (Internet Based Test) achieving at least 102 (with no element under 23)

  • Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component)
  • Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

  • Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

  • Cambridge GCSE First Language English at Grade C or above

  • Cambridge GCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above

  • GCSE English Language at grade C or above

The British IELTS is Durham University's preferred test.

In all cases the English Language Test transcripts and certificate must have been issued within two years of the programme start date and must be received by the admissions tutor.

Please note that you may still be required to undertake and successfully pass an intensive presessional English language course, prior to commencing your postgraduate studies.

Pre-Sessional English Language Course

If your proficiency is close to the required level but does not quite meet it, you may still be able to enrol if you successfully complete and pass with a mark of 60% or more in an intensive pre-sessional Durham University English language course.

Attending the University's Pre-sessional English Language course will be at an additional cost and subject English Language Centre entry requirements. Most pre-sessional language courses are undertaken before the start of the new academic year, generally between July and September.

The pre-sessional English courses focus on academic English and includes excellent preparation in research and study skills. Many international students who meet the Durham University language proficiency find the pre-sessional English programmes an excellent preparation for the academic road ahead.