English language requirements
BIMM Music Institute requires your English Language capability is of a level that will enable you to succeed in your chosen course of study.
All our courses are taught and assessed in English, applicants are required to demonstrate the ability to understand and express themselves in writing, reading, listening and with spoken English. We accept a wide range of country-specific English language qualifications, please see your country on our International Entry Requirements page.
- Please note that the below requirements are our general requirements, the required scores for your chosen course may differ. Please check the individual course pages for the relevant scores required here on our Course Finder.
Before you begin your studies with us as an international student, you’ll need an English language qualification that is recognised by the University. If you require a student visa in the UK, the UK Visa and Immigration Authority (UKVI) require a minimum of the B2 standard on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You’ll need to submit an English language qualification that meets the requirements.
The exception to this is if you are applying for an Undergraduate or Postgraduate level course and you are a national of a majority English speaking country, as defined by the home office.
Your English language ability is sufficient if you:
- Are a national of the UK or of a majority English-speaking country, as defined by the home office for our Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses (see list below). ·
- Have a degree or degree level qualification which meets or exceeds the recognised standard of a UK bachelor’s degree, equivalent to RQF Level 6, was taught in English from a majority English-speaking country, as defined by the home office for our Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses. (see list below) ·
- Can show that you have an approved qualification for your course, English language test or can demonstrate an equivalent proficiency (see list below).
- We may consider an academic degree taught in English from a non-majority English speaking country if it is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or above (RQF level 6) and is recognised by ECCTIS. Evidence must be provided that the degree was taught in English with a final certificate/ transcript and letter from the institution confirming the programme was taught in English. (Subject to Admissions assessment).
Please note that there may be a 2-year validity period for external English tests and English studied on certain qualifications. Qualifications submitted will need to have been achieved within two years of the course start date.
If you require a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need to complete a SELT (Secure English Language Test) for the CERT HE courses, to meet UKVI Visa requirements for courses below RQF Level 6 (Undergraduate level).
The below tests can only be accepted if they are no more than 2 years old, by the course start date.
We accept tests when B2 CEFR level has been met with the following:
- IELTS for UKVI with an overall score of 6.0 and a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
- LanguageCert Academic SELT (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) Pass with B2 CEFR with a minimum of 60 scored overall and in each section.
- Pearson PTE Academic UKVI with a score of 59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills.
You can find a list of approved test centres here. We are not able to accept any alternative qualifications, even if they have been studied at first language, nor if they meet the undergraduate/ postgraduate requirements. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
The below tests and scores are our standard minimum entry requirements; however, some courses may require slightly higher scores. Please refer to the Course Finder here to find the requirements for your chosen course.
| Exam | Undergraduate degrees | Postgraduate degrees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A level (A2)
(including Cambridge International A Levels) |
C grade or above in English language or English Literature | C grade or above in English language or English Literature | |
| AS level (A1)
(including Cambridge International A Levels) |
C grade or above in AS English language or English Literature | C grade or above in AS English language | |
| GCSE English/ GCE O level/ iGCSE | C/4 or above | C/4 or above | |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | Grade C or above (ordinary) or at Grade D or above (higher) | Grade C or above (ordinary) or at Grade D or above (higher) | |
| Scottish National N5 English Language | Grade C or above | Grade C or above | |
| LanguageCert International ESOL (B2 Communicator Level)
*Test can be taken online or in-centre – please contact Admissions for an exclusive discount of test fees No more than 2 years old |
Pass with a minimum score of 33 in each skill to meet B2 CERF. | High Pass with a score of 38 in each skill.
(No less than 33 in each element will be considered) |
|
| European Baccalaureate | Grade 6.0 (80%) English Language component | 85% English Language component | |
| International Baccalaureate | Standard Level in English A: Language & Literature with a minimum of grade 4
OR Standard level English A: Literature at a minimum of Grade 4 OR English B Standard Level minimum grade 6 / Higher Level in minimum Grade 5 |
Standard Level in English A: Language & Literature with a minimum of grade 4
OR Standard level English A: Literature at a minimum of Grade 4 OR English B Standard Level minimum grade 6 / Higher Level in minimum Grade 5 |
|
| IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic version
*We may be able to accept IELTS Indicators taken from 1st July 2020 onwards No more than 2 years old |
6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each element: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing | 6.5 overall with no less than 5.5 in each element: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing overall | |
| TOEFL (iBT) and Home Edition
*We do not accept TOEFL ITP tests available in China No more than 2 years old |
72 overall with no less than 18 in Reading, 17 in Writing, 17 in Listening and 20 in Speaking | 79 overall with no less than 18 in Reading, 17 in Writing, 17 in Listening and 20 in Speaking | |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
We cannot accept PTE Academic Online. No more than 2 years old |
Min. 59 overall with no less than 59 in each element | 62 overall with no less than 59 in each element | |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
No more than 2 years old |
170 overall with no less than 160 in each component | 170 overall with 163 in each component | |
| Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE) | 170 overall with no less than 160 in each component | 170 overall with 163 in each component | |
| British bachelor’s degree | 2:2 or above* | 2:2 or above | |
| Trinity ISE 2
No more than 2 years old |
Pass with Merit | Pass with Distinction | |
UK Home Office Defined Majority English Speaking Countries:
|
Applicant has studied and successfully completed an academic qualification at least equivalent to RQF Level 6/ a UK Bachelor’s Degree, taught in a majority English-speaking country.
Or is a national of a majority English-speaking country on this list. |
||
| We may consider an Academic (not technical or professional) Degree taught in English from a non-majority English speaking country.* | Applicant has provided evidence of a completed academic (not technical or professional) degree equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or above that was taught in English with a final certificate/ transcript and letter from the institution confirming the programme was taught in English.
In addition, confirmation from ECCTIS that the qualification meets the requirements. *Subject to Admissions assessment.
|
Applicant has provided evidence of a completed academic (not technical or professional) degree equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or above that was taught in English with a final certificate/ transcript and letter from the institution confirming the programme was taught in English.
In addition, confirmation from ECCTIS that the qualification meets the requirements. *Subject to Admissions assessment. |
|
*Contingent on an academic progression assessment
Any questions?
Our international team are on hand to provide prospective and enrolled International students with information and advice on UK immigration and visa requirements.
For help, support or advice, please call us between 8am-5:30pm GMT using the contact details below.
- UK: +441273 840 346
- Contact UK International: [email protected]
- Contact Immigration & Compliance: [email protected]
