English Language Requirements

In addition to academic qualifications, students whose first language is not English will need an English language qualification acceptable to the college, which will indicate the ability to study through the medium of English language.

We have indicated minimum levels below in IELTS, however the college accepts a range of qualifications from around the world. A full list of approved English language test can be found on the UK Border Agency site.

Music

Course Minimum Level Required
BMus Music Minimum overall score of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent (no lower than 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking)
PG Diploma Music Minimum overall score of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent (no lower than 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking)
MA Music Minimum overall score of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (no lower than 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking)
MMus Music 1 year Minimum overall score of IELTS 7.0 or equivalent (no lower than 6.5 in reading and writing and no lower than 5.5 in listening and speaking)
MMus Music 2 years Minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (no lower than 6.0 in reading and writing and no lower than 5.5 in listening and speaking)
MPhil/PhD Minimum overall score of IELTS 7.0 or equivalent (no lower than 6.5 in reading and writing and no lower than 5.5 in listening and speaking)

Drama

Course Minimum Level Required
BA (Hons) Acting Level of fluency in English language is required for actor training and will be assessed at audition
BA (Hons) Stage Management Minimum overall score of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (no lower than 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking)
BA (Hons) Theatre Design Minimum overall score of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent (no lower than 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking)
MA Acting for Stage, Screen & Radio Level of fluency in English language is required for actor training and will be assessed at audition
MA Arts Management Minimum overall score of IELTS 7.0 or equivalent (no lower than 6.5 in reading and writing and no lower than 5.5 in listening and speaking)
MA Musical Theatre Level of fluency in English language is required for actor training and will be assessed at audition
MA Scenic Art & Construction for Stage & Screen Minimum overall score of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent (no lower than 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking)
MA Stage Management Minimum overall score of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (no lower than 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking)
MA Theatre Design Minimum overall score of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent (no lower than 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking)

English Language Comparison Chart

CEF Level IELTS TOEFL
IBT
C2 Listening: 8.5
Speaking: 8.5
Writing: 8.5
Reading: 8.5
 
C1 Listening: 7.0
Speaking: 7.0
Writing: 7.0
Reading: 7.0
Listening: 22
Speaking: 25
Writing: 24
Reading: 24
B2 Listening: 5.5
Speaking: 5.5
Writing: 5.5
Reading: 5.5
Listening: 17
Speaking: 20
Writing: 17
Reading: 18
B1 Listening: 4.0
Speaking: 4.0
Writing: 4.0
Reading: 4.0
Listening: 9
Speaking: 16
Writing: 13
Reading: 4


Conditional Offers

If you are succesful at audition you will be given a conditional offer. These conditions will include a minimum IELTS score (or equivalent) that you MUST achieve for entry onto your chosen course. This will be written on your offer letter.

If you achieve the IELTS score written on your offer letter, with all components of reading, writing, listening and speaking being at least IELTS 5.5, then you will receive your Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) from us by email at the end of May.

OR

If you achieve your overall IELTS score (or equivalent), but have lower than a 5.5 in reading, writing, listening or speaking, then you will be required to complete the pre-sessional English language course.

OR

If you have NOT achieved the IELTS score but have only missed this score by 0.5 IELTS points you will be required to complete the pre-sessional English language course.

If you have achieved less than these results please contact us immediately.

Pre-sessional English Language Course

The pre-sessional English course runs for 8 weeks (July 16 to September 7, 2012) and aims to increase your IELTS score by 0.5 points before the start of the academic year in late September. The music pre-sessional English language course consists of:

  • English language improvement (grammar and vocabulary, including written and spoken styles)
  • Use of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in an academic context
  • Reading, reformulating and adopting a critical position to an idea and/or construction of texts
  • Pronunciation
  • Planning, drafting and editing
  • Giving oral presentations and dealing with questions.
  • Acculturation and orientation
  • English for music
  • Listening to lectures/talks on music-related topics and taking notes for follow-up discussion and personal instrument practice.

English Language Support

Academic English, English for music studies and study skills courses and tutorials are offered to students from September to April each year.