English language requirements

Changes to our requirements for 2022

COVID-19 continues to disrupt exams and English language testing in some parts of the world. For 2022 entry, we have expanded the number of qualifications we are able to accept. If you have, or are sitting, one of the qualifications listed here and it meets our validity policy then you do not need to take an IELTS test, even if we asked you to do so in your offer. Please let us know and send a copy of your results so we can check your qualification.

• English language, English literature, or English language and literature A-levels at grade D or above.
• English courses from other UK universities, subject to subject to being awarded from an accredited institution and at the CEFR B2 minimum levels required and meeting all four components.
• A bachelors or masters degree from an accredited university in the UK or a Home Office majority English-speaking country.
• TOEFL iBT At Home test – check the TOEFL website for more information about which countries are operating this test and the test eligibility.
• IELTS Indicator home-based test – check the IELTS Indicator website for more information about which countries are operating this test and the test eligibility.
• KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English) - an easy to access online English Language test from Kaplan online that can be taken from home.
• LanguageCert International ESOL (IESOL) Exam.
• Occupational English Test (OET) – accepted for Medicine and a range of allied health profession courses, including Pharmacy, which have vocational training elements.

If you need additional English language training we have pre-sessional courses available.

All qualifications are subject to our normal admissions checks and the above is only a summary and not a guarantee that your qualification will definitely be accepted. If you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate taught course, contact the enquiries and admissions team for more support and guidance. If you are applying for a postgraduate research degree, get in touch with the doctoral college team.

We will also continue accept the standard English language qualifications detailed below.

Meeting the university's English language requirements

You can meet our English language proficiency requirements if: 

• we are satisfied that your previous academic record meets our validity policy and clearly demonstrates your ability to study and be examined in the English language, or
• you provide us with certificated proof of your competence in English by having recently passed an English language qualification.

The tables show the English language qualifications we accept for most courses. However, please check individual course descriptions for the English language entry requirements for the specific course. 

We accept a number of other qualifications, if you have a question about English qualifications please get in touch.

Meeting the UK Visa and Immigration Authority (UKVI) English language requirements

For some courses the UKVI requires prospective students to provide evidence they have met the language requirement through a secure English language test (SELT), with an approved test provider. We can also accept a number of non-SELTs as long as they meet our validity policy.

For a list of the current SELTs, visit the UKVI website.

We need evidence of this before we can issue you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) which you will need for your visa application.

If you have any questions about the university or the UKVI English language requirements speak to one of our advisers.

What if I do not meet the English requirements?

Brighton Student Skills Hub offers a range of English courses to prepare you for academic study at UK universities.

If you would like to take an English language course or talk to someone about the English qualifications you need, please contact us.