International Office

English Language Requirements For Study At Portsmouth

Your level of English will need to be sufficient for you to follow your chosen course, contribute to the classes and pass assignments (course work and examinations). We require the following proficiency in English Language:

CEFR LevelIELTS     TOEFL (IBT)*Pearson Test
of English (PTE)		 Trinity College London
B2 5.5
with no component
score less than 5.5 		 70
Listening 17
Reading 18
Speaking 20
Writing 17		 51 points
with a minimum of 51
in each component
 		  
B2 6.0
with no component 
score less than 5.5  		 78/79 54 points
with a minimum of 51 
in each component 		 ISE Level III
with pass in all four
components 
B2 6.5
with no component 
score less than 6.0  		 91 61 points
with a minimum of 51 
in each component 		 ISE Level III
with pass in all four 
components 
C1 7.0
with no component 
score less than 6.5  		 100 68 points
with a minimum of 51 
in each component 		 ISE Level III
with pass in all four 
components 

As a general guide, we require 5.5 for foundation entry, 6.0 for undergraduate entry and 6.0 to 7.0 for postgraduate entry.  The specific score required will depend on the specific course you are applying for.

We also accept the following:

  • GCSE English Language - Grade C or above
  • Cambridge IGCSE - Grade C or above
  • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English - Grade B or above
  • Cambridge Proficiency in English - Grade C or above
  • NCUK EAP Programme - Grade B to D 

* If you are taking a TOEFL qualification, please quote the number 3234 when indicating your institution choice to be a score recipient. Your score will then be sent directly to the University of Portsmouth from the Educational Testing Service.

International Baccalaureate

We will accept the IB English Language unit in lieu of IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or Cambridge ESOL under the following conditions:

  • English as a first language when taken at 'Standard Level' with 4 points (or above) will be accepted for entry at undergraduate level for courses requiring the equivalent of IELTS Band 6.0 and 6.5
  • English as a second language when taken at 'Higher Level' with 4 points (or above) will be accepted for entry at undergraduate level for courses requiring the equivalent of IELTS Band 6.0 and 6.5

English will only be accepted in these conditions when the whole IB course has English as the language of instruction.  Otherwise additional evidence of English language proficiency will be required (for example, IELTS or TOEFL).

 

If you have any enquiries, or wish to check the eligibility of an equivalent qualification, please email international.admissions@port.ac.uk