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English Language Requirements

What level of English do I need?

All teaching is in English and, in order to benefit from the course, you will need a good understanding of the language. The University requires a qualification in one of the following:

• International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) - 6.0 or above *
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - 550 or above *
• Hong Kong use of English test - Grade C
• JMB University Entrance Test in ESOL - Pass
• Cambridge Certificate in Proficiency in English - Grade C
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English - Grade C
• GCSE and IGCE English Language - Grade C

* Minimum requirement for all MA courses is IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 575 (paper based test)

For more information on English language requirements please see http://www.bcu.ac.uk/students/international/english_language.html

Will the University assess my English?

In addition to the requirements above, all international students are required to sit an English test during Orientation Week. This enables us to assess your competence in the use of English for academic purposes and helps identify areas where we may need to offer you additional support.

What support will I receive?

At Birmingham City University we offer English classes which take place throughout the academic year, and are scheduled at various times of the week to suit students' timetables. More information on the classes available at the Learning Methods Unit.

If you have applied for a BA course and have only achieved IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 500, you may be eligible to attend our one 5 week Intensive Pre-seasonal English Language Course. This runs from 7th August prior to the commencement of your studies with us.

If your English Language scores are below IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 500, you should consider enrolling for our Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCEAP). This course is offered as a full year study programme or a single semester programme (subject to validation), depending on your current level of English Language. The tuition fee is £5090 (full year, starting 11th September 2006) or £2545 (half year, starting 5th February 2007).

Details of course fees (including tuition, accommodation, course materials and social activities) are provided at English Language Support.

For further information on the English courses offered at Birmingham City University see the International Homepage.

For further information please see our International FAQs page.