If your first language is not English we will need to assess your language ability. If you are concerned about the level of your English we can help you. We have a partnership with Anglo- Continental School of English (a local language school) where English language or pre-sessional courses are offered. We can also put you in contact with a current student from your country by email.
We have staff at the University College who can advise you in Russian, Chinese, German and Spanish or our partner language school has advisers who speak a wide range of languages or you can speak to one of our representatives in your country. Contact us on international@aucb.ac.uk to find out more.
Does everyone need an IELTS or TOEFL qualification?
Some students will not be required to undertake an IELTS test to prove that they meet the English language entry requirements as their academic qualifications may already be sufficient (for example, the Norwegian vitnemål with English graded at 4 or higher, or International Baccalaureate Certificate with English at the Higher Level grade 4 are both acceptable entry requirements for students who are applying for Higher Education courses). If you are not sure if your current English qualification is suitable please contact the international office for advice.
The AUCB recommended English language entry requirements and Pre-Sessional course:
| Course level | IELTSoverallscore |
| Postgraduate (research MPhil/PhD) | 7.0 |
| Postgraduate (Taught MA) | 6.5 |
| Higher Education direct entry to year 2 or 3 | 6.5 |
| Higher Education first year entry | 6.0 |
| Preparation for HE/ Further Education courses (Foundation Diploma, Extended Diploma and Photography Diploma) or Study Abroad | 5.5 |
It is important for all students to have proficient English language skills. The University College offers assistance to students with the academic elements of their programme; however we do not provide formal English teaching on campus. We therefore require that all students meet our recommended English language levels or attend additional language courses at our partner institution, Anglo-Continental School of English, prior to their University College course.
What English Language Levels are needed for a visa?
Preparation for Higher Education course
If you are applying to study a Preparation for Higher education course your English language proficiency must be at a minimum of Common European Framework of Reference for Language(CEFR) level B1 in each of the four components of language learning (reading, writing, speaking and listening).
For example:
If you have taken an IELTS test you would need to gain the following results in each of the four components; Listening 4.0, Speaking 4.0, Reading 4.0 and Writing 4.0
The minimum entry requirements for a Preparation for Higher Education (Diploma) course is an overall IELTS score of 5.5, we are therefore asking every student to obtain IELTS 5.5 with a minimum score of 4.0 in each of the 4 components in their own country or to attend of one our pre-sessional courses.
Please note we do accept a range of English language test including TOEFL and Pearson.
The following link will take you to the UKBA web site where you can find further information on the approved English tests accepted.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf
Higher Education Degree
If you are applying to study a Higher Education degree you English language proficiency must be at a minimum CEFR level B2 in each of the four components of language learning (reading, writing, speaking and listening).
For example:
If you have taken an IELTS test you would need to gain the following results in each of the four components; Listening 5.5, Speaking 5.5, Reading 5.5 and Writing 5.5.
The minimum entry requirements for a Higher Education degree is an overall IELTS score of 6.0, we are therefore asking every student to obtain IELTS 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the 4 components in their own country or to attend one of our pre-sessional courses.
Please note we do accept a range of English language test including TOEFL and Pearson.
The following link will take you to the UKBA web site where you can find further information on the approved English tests accepted.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf
Please go the Pearson website for further information: Pearson Test
Post Graduate Studies
If you are applying to study a Post Graduate degree your English language proficiency must beat a minimum CEFR level B2 in each of the four components of language learning (reading, writing, speaking and listening).
For example:
If you have taken an IELTS test you would need to gain the following results in each of the four components; Listening 5.5, Speaking 5.5, Reading 5.5 and Writing 5.5.
The minimum entry requirements for a post graduate course is an overall IELTS score of 6.5 we are therefore asking every student to either obtain IELTS 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the 4 components in their own country or to attend one of our pre-sessional courses.
The following link will take you to the UKBA web site where you can find further information on the approved English tests accepted.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf
Please read the guidance on the UKBA website for further information.
Pre-Sessional Courses
Please contact our International Student Adviser who can advise you on which Pre-Sessional English courses to attend. Please email intadvice@aucb.ac.uk
Please note that there is additional charge for the Pre-Sessional language course.
Anglo-Continental School of English was founded in 1950, is a leading English language teaching organisation which is accredited by The British Council and is a member of English UK. It is a family run organisation with attractive buildings which is located just over 3 kilometres from the University College.
English Language Tests
The two main types of English tests are the IELTS (English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). We would strongly recommend that even if your English level is good you undertake some study prior to taking either of these exams so that you are fully prepared for the method of testing.
If you are undertaking the IELTS test you should ensure that you are taking the academic English test rather than the general test. Please refer to the link on right hand side of this page where you can find details of exam centres near Bournemouth.
If you are undertaking a TOEFL test our DI code is 3872 (you will need to give this code to the examiners for them to send your score directly to us).
If obtaining an English language level is a condition of your offer you will be asked to send your results to us by the end of May. Please be aware that usually the test centres are very busy and the results may take several weeks to reach you, so you will need to take early action to book your test.
If you have an English language query or you have concerns about your English language qualifications, please contact the International Office direct for advice and guidance.
Email: intadvice@aucb.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1202 363713