English Requirements

English is not my first language but my first degree was taught in English – do I still need to submit IELTS?

In most cases and due to stricter UKBA regulations, it is likely that you will be required to provide an IELTS. If you have recently studied at a higher institution in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand for at least 2 years, you do not need to submit an IELTS; we just need evidence of your degree results.

Do I need to send you my original IELTS certificate?

We prefer to receive the original certificate. If this is not possible, you can send us a photocopy or a scanned copy of the original.

Do you accept TOEFL?

Yes we do but IELTS is the preferred proof of English proficiency.

I have sent you an IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 but have received a letter from you to meet an IELTS condition - why is this?

This could be for a number or reasons. First of all, we may not have received your IELTS certificate, or it may be that one of your sub-tests is less than 6. If you have a sub-test less than 6 we do not accept it as meeting the English requirement, as your English may not be quite good enough to get maximum benefit from the course. Finally, it could be that your certificate is more than 2 years old, in which case it would be considered out-of-date.

Do you accept other English qualifications?

We do accept a range of other English Language qualifications. Contact the Admissions Team for further information.

Can I take IELTS at your University?

You have two options if you come to Glasgow. If you have already sat IELTS and have an average of at least 6.0 (with 6.0 in writing) you can attend our 10-week English pre-sessional course which is designed to bring your English up to the level needed to succeed on a degree programme. This is the equivalent to IELTS 6.5, and we accept it in lieu of IELTS 6.5 in a Conditional offer. However, it is not recognised by other Universities as an IELTS qualification.There is also an IELTS testing centre based here, where you can arrange to sit an official IELTS examination. For more information on both of these, email the EFL Unit or visit their website.