English Language Requirements
The tables below (click on the relevant course level drop-down) specifies the IELTS score required to enter programmes within the University’s Academic Schools. The level required will vary according to the course and level of study.
From the 6th April 2015, only IELTS or Trinity ISE tests taken at UK government-approved test centres will be considered as Secure English Language Tests (SELT).
As the government allows UK universities to accept other evidence of English language proficiency, Bangor University will continue to accept all the qualifications listed below, including every IELTS qualification irrespective of the test centre at which it was taken, for direct entry to its undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses.
For entry onto pre-sessional English courses, only Trinity ISE taken at UK government-approved test-centres in the UK and IELTS taken at UK government-approved test centres in the UK and overseas will be recognised for CAS / Tier 4 student visa. Candidates may consider gaining entry into the UK to study a pre-sessional English programme by means of a student visitor visa. For further information about this option contact elcos@bangor.ac.uk
Undergraduate
| IELTS | |
| Bangor Business School | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Biological Sciences | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Computer Science | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Creative Studies & Media | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Education | 6.0 (5.5) |
| - QTS programmes | 7.0 (6.5) |
| Electronic Engineering | 6.0 (5.5) |
English Literature / Creative Writing |
6.5 (6.0)* |
| Environment, Natural Resources & Geography | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Healthcare Sciences | |
| - BN Nursing / BM Midwifery | 7.0 (7.0) |
| - BSc Radiography / BSc Healthcare Sciences | 7.0 (6.5) |
| History, Welsh History & Archaeology | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Law | 6.5 (6.0) |
| LLB Law with Professional English | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Linguistics & English Language | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Medical Sciences | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Modern Languages | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Music | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Ocean Sciences | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Philosophy and Religion | 6.5 (6.0) |
| Psychology | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Social Sciences | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Sport, Health & Exercise Science | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Welsh | 6.0 (5.5) |
Postgraduate Taught / Masters
Postgraduate Research / PhD
| IELTS | |
| Bangor Business School | 7.0 (6.5) |
| Biological Sciences | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Computer Science | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Creative Studies & Media | 7.0 (6.5) |
| - MRes | 6.5 (6.0) |
| Education | 6.5 (6.0) |
| Electronic Engineering | 6.0 (5.5) (Writing 6.5) |
| English Literature | 6.5 (6.0) |
| Environment, Natural Resources & Geography | 6.5 (6.0) |
| Healthcare Sciences | 7.0 (7.0) |
| History, Welsh History & Archaeology | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Law | 7.0 (6.5) |
| Linguistics & English Language | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Medical Sciences | 6.0 (5.5) |
| Modern Languages | 6.5 (6.0) |
| Music | 6.5 (6.0) |
| Ocean Sciences | 6.5 (6.0) |
| Philosophy and Religion | 7.0 (6.5) |
| Psychology | 6.5 (6.0) |
| - MRes, Master by Research | 6.5 (6.0) |
| - IMSCAR | 7.0 (6.5) |
| Social Sciences | 6.5 (6.0) |
| Sport, Health & Exercise Science | 6.5 (6.0) |
| Welsh | 6.0 (5.5) |
Other Acceptable Evidence of English Language Proficiency
You may be exempt from the IELTS requirement if you satisfy one of the following criteria:
Bangor University English Language Test (BUELT)
The level required will vary according to the course and level of study that you are applying for, but most graduate and undergraduate courses will accept an overall score of 60%, with no less than 50% in any module (apart from Grammar).
An overall score of between 55% and 59%, with no less than 45% in any module (apart from Grammar) allows candidates to proceed to their studies after completion of a 6-week English enhancement course at ELCOS.
For further information about the test and how to apply, please go to BUELT.
Nationals or Graduates of a majority English-speaking country
- For entry onto a Postgraduate course: Generally students who are nationals of a majority English-speaking country or have graduated from university in a majority English-speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) will be exempt from IELTS requirements.
- For entry onto an Undergraduate course: Students who are nationals of a majority English-speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) may be exempt from IELTS requirements if they have scored a minimum of Grade C in English Language in IGCSE/O Level OR EQUIVALENT
Pearson PTE
Bangor University recognises the Pearson PTE test scores. The level required will vary according to the course and level of study that you are applying for;
| IELTS score required | Equivalent Pearson (PTE) score required |
|---|---|
| 6.0 (5.5) | 56 (51) |
| 6.5 (6.0) | 62 (58) |
| 7.0 (6.5) | 67 (62) |
Cambridge English Language Assessment
CAE/CPE: Bangor University recognises the Cambridge Advanced/Professional test scores. The level required will vary according to the course and level of study that you are applying for;
| IELTS score required | Equivalent CAE score required | Equivalent CPE score required |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 (5.5) | 169 | -- |
| 6.5 (6.0) | 176 | -- |
| 7.0 (6.5) | 185 | 185 |
Trinity College London – ISE II & III
Bangor University recognises the ISE II and ISE III Language Tests. The level required will vary according to the course and level of study that you are applying for;
| IELTS score required | Equivalent ISE II score required | Equivalent ISE III score required |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 (5.5) | ‘Merit’ in 4 elements | -- |
| 7.0 (6.5) | -- | ‘Pass’ in 4 elements |
Please note: ‘Pass’ score in 4 elements of ISE II test will make you eligible for our 8-week presessional course.
None of the above
If you do not meet the English language requirement detailed above, we advise you to opt for a Pre-sessional course offered by Bangor University’s English Language Centre for Overseas Students (ELCOS). These courses enable students to reach the language level required for entry onto degree courses. A range of courses are available from intensive short courses to all year round study.
Pre-sessional courses
Pre-sessional course requirements
If you have not been able to achieve the English language level required for your chosen course, you may apply to undertake a Pre-sessional English course at Bangor University. To apply, download an application form.
To find out more about pre-sessional courses, visit here.
Contact:
For further information, please contact the International Admissions Office by email at internationaladmissions@bangor.ac.uk or by telephone on +44 (0) 1248 382028.