The International Office
Applying to Bath
English Language Requirements
You must be competent in both spoken and written English before joining a degree course at the University. Otherwise, you will be unable to fully understand and follow your course. Before commencing a course, you will be asked for proof of your English ability.
What qualifications do we recognise?
This is requested in the form of an English Language test such as IELTS or TOEFL, which will also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
What level is required?
The recommended scores for entry to the University are as follows:
FOUNDATION YEAR
The minimum requirements for our Foundation Year are:
- IELTS 5.5
- TOEFL 520 (paper test)
- TOEFL 190 (computer test)
- TOEFL 68 (internet test)
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
The minimum requirements for Undergraduate programmes are:
- IELTS 6.0
- TOEFL 550 (paper test)
- TOEFL 213 (computer test)
- TOEFL 80 (internet test)
Please note that some programmes have a higher requirement.
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
The minimum requirements for Postgraduate Taught & Research programmes are:
- IELTS 6.5
- TOEFL 580 (paper test)
- TOEFL 237 (computer test)
- TOEFL 92 (internet test)
Linguistically Demanding Programmes (please refer to the prospectus for details):
- IELTS 7.0
- TOEFL 600 (paper test)
- TOEFL 250 (computer test)
- TOEFL 100 (internet test)
How can I improve my English before the start of my course?
The English Language Centre offers a one-year Language preparation course during the University year. It also runs intensive summer courses for students of varying levels of proficiency:
- Pre-sessional Courses in English for Academic Purposes and Study Skills run for 5 or 10 weeks. They are designed to prepare international students for study at University level in any English-speaking country.
- The Pre-MBA/Pre-MSc Management Course is a fast-track, intensive course, designed for graduates planning to study on an MBA or MSc Management Programme or on other graduate courses with an international affairs dimension.
For more information on courses available and details on how to apply for an English Language course, please refer to http://www.bath.ac.uk/elc/
Where can my partner go to improve their English?
We also provide some English language support for the partners of international students. For more information please take a look at partner's group.