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English language requirements

This page has been updated on 11th October 2012 to reflect necessary changes to our English language requirements in line with University of Exeter policy and in compliance with guidance released from the UKBA.

Students who have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree, within two years of the start date of the University of Exeter programme, where all years of study have been completed in an English-speaking country (eg, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada*, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, USA) may be accepted without an English qualification (as detailed below) if during the application process it has been demonstrated that you are able to understand written and spoken English to the required level.

_{*Please note, candidates coming from Quebec, or other Francophone Canadian institutions, would still be required to complete language qualifications.}

The IELTS, TOEFL and PTE Academic examinations, with scores as indicated, are acceptable for direct entry if taken no more than two years prior to enrolment. Other High School qualifications must have been completed no more than four years prior to enrolment. Please note that we do not accept TOEIC or the TOEFL Institutional Testing Program (ITP).

All test scores are verified with the issuing body on receipt. Any applicant found to have submitted a fraudulent score will have their application withdrawn.

The University reserves the right to change minimum English Language requirements during an application cycle in-line with any new compliance guidance released by the UKBA. In the event of a change in UKBA policy which affects entry requirements the University will notify affected applicants in writing (normally by email).

Taught programmes

Research degrees

English programmes at INTO University of Exeter

If you do not reach the required English standard, postgraduate study at Exeter could still be a possibility if you attend a Pre-Sessional Summer Course at the INTO University of Exeter Centre. These intensive five- or ten-week courses are designed for students who wish to improve their ability in English and study skills before they start their degree programme. If you undertake a pre-sessional course you may be permitted to start your formal programme of study without retaking an IELTS or TOEFL test, depending on your language ability at entry and your progress on the course. Guidelines as to how much pre-sessional tuition is required are given on the INTO Centre website.

If you do not meet the pre-sessional entry requirements or want to have longer to understand and learn new skills, the Centre also offers English for University Study which includes a greater focus on study skills alongside language tuition. The Graduate Diploma offered by the Centre, can also be used as an academic or English language ‘top-up’ prior to postgraduate study in the relevant field.