English Language Tests for Entry

We understand that as a current offer holder or new applicant you may have concerns about being able to provide the requirements needed for entry, including English language requirements.

We accept a range of English language assessments for entry on to most of our programmes.

For most of our programmes at bachelors degree level and above, you will normally need an IELTS score of between 6.0 and 7.0 with a pre-requisite minimum score in all areas. (speaking, reading, writing and listening).

Qualification	IELTS Equivalence 6.5 with 5.5	IELTS Equivalence 6.5 with 6.0	IELTS Equivalence 7.0 with 6.5	SELT
IELTS for UKVI	6.5 with 5.5	6.5 with 6.0	7.0 with 6.5	Yes
Pearson PTE Academic UKVI	65 with no less than 59 in each component	71 with no less than 65 in each component	76 with no less than 65 in each component	Yes
Pearson PTE Academic (including Online)	65 with no less than 59 in each component	71 with no less than 65 in each component	76 with no less than 65 in each component	No
IELTS Academic including IELTS One Skill Retake	6.5 with 5.5	6.5 with 6.0	7.0 with 6.5	No
TOEFL iBT (including Home edition)	81 (minimum 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking)	87 (minimum 20 in Speaking and 19 in all other elements)	100 (minimum 20 in speaking and 19 in all other elements)	No
Pearson IGCSE in English Language*	Grade C/4	Grade C/4	Grade B/3	No
Oxford International Pre-sessional English Course	Overall score of 7 with 5 in each component	Overall score of 7 with 6 in each component	Overall score of 8.0 with 7 in each component	No

We also accept a number of qualifications from other countries as evidence of English Language proficiency, e.g. WAEC, KCSE or 1119. Check our international entry requirements for each country.

Some courses have higher English language entry requirements and for the International Foundation Programme and Foundation Pathways Programme we can only accept a SELT approved by the UKVI, the most common being UKVI IELTS. Check the specific course details for more information.

If your English language skill is currently below the required IELTS, we recommend you consider our Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

If you've studied in a country where English is the first language (such as the UK, the USA, Canada or Australia) you may not need a formal English language qualification, we will look at everyone's application individually.

If you don't think your English language meets the University entry requirements, you are encouraged to contact the University with evidence of your existing achievement for assessment. Please contact us so we can check on your behalf.

Study in the UK

If you are already an applicant, you can find out information about visa and welfare support, fees and finance, travelling here, accommodation and welcome events.

English language support

Derby English Language Centre (DELC) offers you the opportunity to develop your English language skills at one of the UK’s top performing universities for fair access.

Student interacting with other students in classroom

Our dedicated enquiry team can help to answer any questions you have about studying with us and can offer guidance and support with your application.