English language requirements at Kingston University

Select the level of study to find out more:

• Preparatory
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate

Exceptions – if you have studied or lived in a majority English speaking country, you may not need to prove your English language ability.

English language entry requirements for courses are listed in Academic IELTS scores, but we do recognise a number of other tests such as the Pearson Test of Academic English.

Preparatory courses (Academic IELTS for UKVI*)

If you are considering a pre-degree course (for example pre-sessional or foundation) and need a Student Route visa to study at Kingston University, very specific conditions apply and you need to talk to your admissions contact.

Undergraduate study (Academic IELTS/Academic IELTS for UKVI)

* Exceptions:

• Journalism (single and joint honours courses): 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and 5.5 in all other elements.
• MPharm: 6.5 overall and 6.0 in all elements.
• BA Primary: 6.5 overall with no element below 6.0.
• Social Work BA and Working with Children & Young People: Social Pedagogy BA: 7.0 overall and 7.0 in all elements.

Postgraduate study (Academic IELTS/Academic IELTS for UKVI)

* Exceptions:

• Graduate Diploma Creative Practice: 6.0 overall and 5.5 in all elements.
• Behavioural Decision Science MSc: 6.5 overall and 6.0 in all other elements.
• Business PhD/MRes/DBA and Law PhD: 7.0 overall and 6.5 in all elements.
• Clinical Applications of Psychology MSc: 6.5 overall with 7.0 in Writing and 6.0 in all other elements.
• Clinical Leadership MSc: 7.0 overall with 7.0 in writing and a minimum of 6.5 in all other areas. 
• Child Psychology MSc: 7.0 overall with 7.0 in writing and 6.0 in all other elements.
• Forensic Psychology MSc: 6.5 overall with 7.0 in writing and 6.0 in all other elements.
• Healthcare Practice MSc: 7.0 overall with 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other elements.
• Psychology MSc: 6.5 overall with 7.0 in writing and 6.0 in all other elements.
• Publishing, Creative Writing and English Literature courses: 6.5 overall with 7.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other elements.
• Journalism courses: 6.5 overall with 7.5 in writing and 5.5 in all other elements.
• Music Education MA: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other elements.
• Professional Education and Training MA: 7.0 overall and 7.0 in all elements.
• PGCE courses (Early Years, Primary and Secondary): 6.5 overall and 6.0 in all elements.
• Advanced Social Work MA and Master of Social Work MSW: 7.0 overall and 7.0 in all elements.
• Engineering, Computing and the Environment – Postgraduate Research (PhD, MPhil, Masters by Research): minimum 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all elements.
• Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry – Postgraduate Research (PhD, MPhil, Masters by Research): minimum 6.5 overall, with a  minimum of 6.0 in all elements.
• Health, Social Care and Education – Postgraduate Research (PhD, MPhil, Masters by Research, Professional Doctorates): 7.0 overall with 7.0 in writing.
• Business School – Postgraduate Research (PhD, MPhil, Masters by Research, Professional Doctorates): 7.0 overall, with 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in all of the other elements.
• Photography MA – 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in Speaking and Listening and a minimum of 5.5 in Reading and Writing.