English Language Requirements

For all courses, students whose first language is not English must prove that they are sufficiently able to understand and express themselves in both spoken and written English.

Information for Overseas Applicants

Level of study - Postgraduate
English Language Qualification
Postgraduate Level 7 [CEFR B2]
Academic IELTS

Overall score 6.5
Minimum 5.5 in all elements
WAEC
West African Examinations Council
Senior School Certificate (WASSCE)

Minimum grade C6 in English language and degree taught in English

Additionally, applicants will also take an assessment from our English language co-ordinator
NECO
Nigerian
Examinations Council

Minimum grade C6 in English language and degree taught in English

Additionally, applicants will also take an assessment from our English language co-ordinator
KCSE
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Minimum grade C in English language and degree taught in English

Additionally, applicants will also take an assessment from our English language co-ordinator
UCE
Uganda Certificate of Education

Minimum grade C / 1-6 in English language and degree taught in English

Additionally, applicants will also take an assessment from our English language co-ordinator
Level of study - Undergraduate
English Language Qualification
Undergraduate degree Level 6 [CEFR B2]
Academic IELTS

Overall score 6.0
Minimum 5.5 in all elements
WAEC
West African Examinations Council
Senior School Certificate (WASSCE)

Minimum grade C6 in English language

Additionally, applicants will also take an assessment from our English language co-ordinator
NECO
Nigerian
Examinations Council

Minimum grade C6 in English language

Additionally, applicants will also take an assessment from our English language co-ordinator
KCSE
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Minimum grade C in English language

Additionally, applicants will also take an assessment from our English language co-ordinator
UCE
Uganda Certificate of Education

Minimum grade C / 1-6 in English language

Additionally, applicants will also take an assessment from our English language co-ordinator
FDA Level 5 / Higher Certificates Level 4 / Higher Diplomas Level 5 [CEFR B1]
Evidence of SELT will be required for CAS
UKVI Academic IELTS

Overall score 5.5
Minimum 5.0 in all elements
Level of study - Further Education
English Language Qualification
FE [CEFR B1]
Evidence of SELT will be required for CAS
UKVI Academic IELTS

Overall score 5.5
Minimum 5.0 in all elements

Writtle University College also accepts various tests of English as alternatives to IELTS provided they appear on the new approved English tests sheet issued by UKVI.

View the approved English tests sheet issued by UKVI.

Exceptions to the English language requirement

You do not have to demonstrate English language competence if:

  • If you have already met this requirement successfully in a previous UK Visa application made either inside or outside the UK within two years prior to the start date of the course you are applying for.
    Please note, this requirement can only be satisfied if the level of English in the previous application was at the required level for the current application (see above).
  • You have obtained either a GCSE, A Level or Scottish equivalent in English language or literature following education at a UK school whilst below the age of 18.
  • You are a national of a 'majority English-speaking' country; or
  • You have previously completed an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree (as confirmed by UK NARIC) which was taught in the UK or in a 'majority English-speaking country'.

Following guidance published by UKVI, Writtle University College recognise the following countries as being 'majority English-speaking':

Majority English-Speaking Countries
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
The Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland (Republic of)
Jamaica
Malta
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
United States of America

An applicant who is classed as a UK resident, but is a national of another country, is subject to the same rules regarding levels of English, depending on whether they are EEA or non-EEA nationals.