International students

English Language requirements

Undergraduate and postgraduate taught degree programmes

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level: this can be found in the Entry requirements tab of each of the programmes listed:

 

Research Degrees (by College)


MRes & PhD

  • IELTS (Academic): 7.0; no sub-test less than 7.0

or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification:

  • ibTOEFL: 100; no sub-test less than 24
  • CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): A minimum
  • CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): B minimum
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English, Academic version): 68; minimum 60 in writing
Pre-sessional English courses

The University of Glasgow also accepts evidence of the required level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses and other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses (see below).

MRes & PhD

  • IELTS (Academic): overall score 6.5; no sub-test less than 6.0

or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification: 

  • ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
  • CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
  • CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum 
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English, Academic version): 60; no sub-test less than 59
Pre-sessional English courses

The University of Glasgow also accepts evidence of the required level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses and other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses (see below).

MRes & PhD

  • IELTS (Academic): overall score 6.5; no sub-test less than 6.0

or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification: 

  • ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
  • CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
  • CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum 
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English, Academic version): 60; no sub-test less than 59
Pre-sessional English courses

The University of Glasgow also accepts evidence of the required level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses and other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses (see below).

PhD

  • IELTS (Academic): 7.0; no sub-test less than 6.5

or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification:

  • ibTOEFL: 100; no sub-test less than 22
  • CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): A minimum
  • CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): B minimum 
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English, Academic version): 68; minimum 60 in writing

MRes / non-PhD research

  • IELTS (Academic): overall score 6.5; no sub-test less than 6.0

or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification: 

  • ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
  • CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
  • CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum 
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English, Academic version): 60; no sub-test less than 59
Pre-sessional English courses

The University of Glasgow also accepts evidence of the required level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses and other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses (see below).


Links

Pre-sessional Courses
English language tests
Self-assessment of language level
UK Border Agency

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my language qualifications are below the requirements?

The University's Language Centre offers a range of Pre-Sessional Courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching; see Links.

What if my language qualifications are not listed here?

Please contact the Recruitment and International Office as follows:

What language level do I need for my visa?

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements. For further information about English language qualifications, please see the Links on the right hand side of the page.