Understanding the many requirements for studying at University can be very confusing. This is why at Cardiff Metropolitan, we consider a number of recognised Secure English Language Tests (SELTS) which are supported by the UKVI for entry to the UK.
The University also considers high school English in support of Undergraduate and Postgraduate entry to courses. Details can be found on our country specific pages.
The list below compares some of the tests that we consider for entry to our courses, however we also accept the
Cambridge ESOL tests and those English language qualifications accepted by the UKVI. A full list of these tests can be found on the
UKVI website.
Pre-sessional English Courses and IFC
English courses offered at our ELTC are classed as below degree level and therefore are required to have a recognised Secured English Language Test as guided by the UKVI.
Only the following SELTS are accepted for these courses:
For further information on these courses and requirements, please visit the
ELTC webpages
Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses
For some countries we are able to assess English using High School qualifications and supplement this with either a Cardiff Met English language interview (undergraduate applicants) or by requesting evidence you have been taught through the medium of English during your degree (Postgraduate study where we require 6.5 IELTS (5.5 in each score). As such, please refer to your offer letter to see if you are required a SELT, interview or need to provide a letter of attestation.
IELTS
Course Level
|
Requirements
|
Foundation
| 4.5 overall with no sub score lower than 4.0 |
Undergraduate
| 6.0 overall* with no sub score lower than 5.5
|
Postgraduate
| 6.5 overall* with no sub score lower than 5.5
Some courses may require higher IELTS or subscores
|
Higher Level Courses
| 6.5 overall with 6.5 in both reading and writing, and a minimum of 6.0 in the remaining components
|
Pearsons
Course Level
|
Requirements
|
Foundation
| n/a |
Undergraduate
| Overall - 56
Reading - 51
Speaking - 51
Listening - 51
Writing - 51 |
Postgraduate
| Overall – 62 (Equivalent to 6.5 with 5.5)
Reading – 51
Speaking – 51
Listening – 51
Writing - 51
Overall – 62 (Equivalent to 6.5 with 6)
Reading – 58
Speaking – 58
Listening – 58
Writing - 58
|
Higher Level Courses
| Overall – 62
Reading – 62
Speaking – 58
Listening – 58
Writing - 62
|
Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)
Course Level
|
Requirements
|
Foundation
| n/a
|
Undergraduate
| Overall score of 169 with no component score lower than 162
|
Postgraduate
| Overall score of 176 with minimum of 176 in reading and writing, and a minimum of 169 in the remaining components
|
Higher Level Courses
| C1 is 180 – 199 - upper middle would be 195+; lower middle would be 185+.
|
Trinity College London
Course Level
|
Requirements
|
Foundation
| ISE I pass with minimum merit in each skill (in SELT centres only)
|
Undergraduate
| ISE II pass with minimum merit in each skill
|
Postgraduate
| IISE II pass with distinction in each skill / ISE III pass with pass in each skill
|
Higher Level Courses
| ISE II pass with distinction in each skill / ISE III pass with pass in each skill
|
TOEFL IBT
Course Level
|
Requirements
|
Foundation
| n/a
|
Undergraduate
| Overall - 72
Reading - 18
Speaking - 20
Listening - 17
Writing - 17
|
Postgraduate
| Overall -83
Reading - 19
Speaking - 20
Listening - 20
Writing - 24
|
Higher Level Courses
| Overall - 83
Reading - 19
Speaking - 20
Listening - 20
Writing - 24
|
LanguageCert SELT or International ESOL (IESOL) Exam
Course Level
| Test
| Score
|
Foundation
| B2 Communicator
| Pass
|
C1 Expert
| Minimum score required in each skill area 33
|
Undergraduate
| B2 Communicator
| Pass
|
C1 Expert
| Minimum score required in each skill area 33
|
Postgraduate
| B2 Communicator
| High Pass
|
C1 Expert
| Minimum score required in each skill 33
|
Higher Level Courses
| B2 Communicator
| High Pass
|
C1 Expert
| Minimum score required in each skill 38-50
|
*Some courses may require a higher IELTS level, please review the relevant course page and entry requirements for confirmation of the required IELTS level.
If you require any further guidance on whether the University will accept your qualification then please email our Admissions team at
International@cardiffmet.ac.uk.
Exemptions to English Language Requirements
Moving from Tier 4 (Child) into Tier 4 (General);
If you have already successfully obtained an academic qualification (not a professional or vocational qualification) from an educational establishment in the UK, which is a Bachelor's degree or above.
If you studied in a majority English Speaking Country:
Under new guidance, from 24th November 2016 students who have previously completed an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree which was taught in a majority English speaking country which you are not a national of (listed below) you are exempt from demonstrating your English Language ability on submission of an official documentation produced by UK NARIC which confirms the translation.
|
A – H |
I – P |
Q – Z |
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
The Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana | Ireland
Jamaica
New Zealand | St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the
Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United States of America |
Details about the UK NARIC costs, processing times, example certificate and how to apply can be found
here
If you are a national of a majority English speaking country:
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) state that if you are a national of one of the countries listed below you do not need to provide evidence of your English Language ability when you apply for your visa to study in the UK.
|
A - H |
I - P |
Q - Z |
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
The Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana | Jamaica
New Zealand | St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United States of America |
