English Language
Exemptions
Please note that, where appropriate (such as where you have obtained the relevant score), BCUIC will exempt the need for IELTS if you have taken local examinations in English – such as WAEC, CBSE, HKDSE, GCSE or A-level – or if you can demonstrate where you have studied in a majority English language speaking country, as defined by the UKVI. If you have graduated in the UK with a UK Bachelor’s degree, you are also exempt from needing IELTS.
Visit this page for a full list of accepted English language qualifications.
Birmingham City University English tests
BCUIC also accepts Birmingham City University English tests in lieu of IELTS and other English qualifications. These tests are cheaper than IELTS and are available throughout the year, both in the UK and overseas.
Visit this page for details about dates and locations.
Pre-Sessional English courses
If you have not achieved the required English language scores, you can enrol onto an online Pre-Sessional English course. English language training is delivered by Birmingham City University and is available either online or face-to-face.
For online delivery, please ensure you have a laptop and stable internet access.
| Online pre-sessional courses for degree programmes starting in January 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Duration | Required entry level (For exit level of 5.5 (minimum 5.5)) | Required entry level (For exit level of 6.0 (minimum 5.5)) | Start date | End date | Course fees |
|
16-week online pre-sessional |
IELTS 4.0 (minimum 4.0) |
IELTS 4.5 (minimum 4.0) |
29 August |
15 December |
£6,000 |
|
10-week online pre-sessional |
IELTS 4.5 (minimum 4.5) |
IELTS 5.0 (minimum 4.5) |
9 October | 15 December | £3,250 |
|
6-week online pre-sessional |
IELTS 5.0 (minimum 5.0) |
IELTS 5.5 (minimum 5.0) |
6 November | 15 December | £1,950 |
| October - December 2023 (On-Campus Pre-Sessional Delivery) Please note: Secure English Language Test (SELT) required for on-campus PSE | |||||
|
10-week on-campus pre-sessional |
IELTS 4.5 (minimum 4.5) (SELT) |
IELTS 5.0 (minimum 4.5) (SELT) |
9 October |
15 December |
£3,250 |
|
6-week on-campus pre-sessional |
IELTS 5.0 (minimum 5.0) (SELT) |
IELTS 5.5 (minimum 5.0) (SELT) |
6 November | 15 December | £1,950 |
If you qualify for the 10- or 6-week Pre-Sessional English course and have met all other conditions on your offer, BCUIC will usually be able to issue you with a joint CAS that covers both your Pre-Sessional and your academic course.
If you qualify for the 16-week Pre-Sessional English course, you will be issued with a separate CAS for your Pre-Sessional course and you will need to apply for a new visa for the academic course. Please note that Birmingham City University will assist all students through this process.
UK English Levels
We have provided this calculator to help establish the entry level for a student based on their current English Certificate.
It asks for the title and date of the test and uses that information to show the available entry levels for UK study.