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Postgraduate Study

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If English is not your native language

If English is not your native language, you must be able to show evidence of a suitable level of English language with a test result (for example in IELTS or TOEFL). This ensures you gain maximum benefit from your programme of study.

 
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address

International Office
University of Stirling
Stirling
FK9 4LA
Scotland
UK

telephone Tel: + 44 (0) 1786 467046
fax Fax: + 44 (0) 1786 466800
email Email: international@stir.ac.uk

What level do I need?

This varies from programme to programme, but the most common IELTS or TOEFL scores are:

  • IELTS: British Council International English Language Testing System
    Minimum level required
    Average score of 6 or above (with a minimum of 5 in each band). English requirements will vary from a minimum IELTS average score of 5.5 - 7.0
  • TOEFL: American Test of English Foreign Language
    Minimum level required
    Minimum score of 550/213 (with a TWE of at least 4.0) /79 - 80. English requirements will vary from a minimum TOEFL average score of 527 - 600
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
    Minimum level required
    Grade C or better

Please check the minimum levels for each programme

Are there any other tests or exceptions?

There are many other recognised tests, and you are welcome to contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office for a full list of those we consider.

There may also be some exceptions to this requirement, for example if you have shown a substantial amount of English language learning throughout your schooling or present University study.

You can apply for a postgraduate programme before your planned English language test. In most cases you will be considered for a ‘conditional offer’, and your offer letter will state clearly the minimum English language score required.

 
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Centre for English Language Teaching (CELT)

University of Stirling

Stirling

FK9 4LA
Scotland

UK
telephone Tel: + 44 (0) 1786 466131
email Email: st1@stir.ac.uk
web Web: CELT Website

Can I study English at Stirling?

Yes. Students whose English language level is below that required for University entrance may wish to take an IELTS Preparation Course at the Centre for English Language Teaching (CELT). Courses are available as follows:

  • Preparation for the Certificate in English for University Study: April - June
  • Certificate in English for University Study: June - August
  • Pre-sessional English Course: August

Preparation for the Certificate in English for University Study

Who is it for?
You should take this course if we have made you a conditional offer, but you need help meeting the appropriate English language requirement. (In other words, you need one more IELTS band.)

How long does it take?
Nine weeks.

What will I achieve?
After this course, you will progress onto the Certificate in English for University Study course - see below.

When is it taught?
Classes are held from April to June, 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.


Certificate in English for University Study

Who is it for?
You should take this course if we have made you a conditional offer, and you need some help meeting the appropriate English language requirements without retaking the IELTS examination. (In other words, you need an extra 0.5 of an IELTS band.)

How long does it take?
10 weeks.

What will I achieve?
If you successfully complete this course, you will be able to progress onto your degree programme without having to retake the IELTS exam. In some cases, we may ask you to take specific language support classes during your first semester.

You will improve your English language proficiency and study skills. You will practise:

  • Understanding and taking notes from lectures
  • Giving presentations
  • Seminar and discussion skills
  • Writing academic essays
  • Academic referencing
  • Compiling bibliographies

When is it taught?
Classes are held from June to August, 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. Guest lectures feature in the second half of the course on one afternoon each week. You will be assessed in listening, reading, writing and presentation/discussion skills.


Pre-sessional English Course

Who is it for?
You should take this course if you have already met the English language requirements for entry to Stirling. In other words, you have an unconditional offer from us.

How long does it take?
Five weeks.

What will I achieve?
Through this course, you will improve your English language proficiency and study skills. You will practise:

  • Understanding and taking notes from lectures
  • Giving presentations
  • Seminar and discussion skills
  • Writing academic essays
  • Academic referencing
  • Compiling bibliographies

When is it taught?
Classes are held during August, from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. There is a guest lecture on one afternoon each week. You will also need to attend two 30-minute, one-to-one tutorials.

For details of dates and fees and for advice on the length of course required please see the CELT website

English Language Requirements

Examination Minimum Level Required
AEB Test in English for Education Purposes Grade III or better in listening, reading and writing.
British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Average score of 6 or above, and for each component 5.5 or above.
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English Grade A only.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English Grade C or better.
Cambridge Certificate in Communicative Skills in English Level 3 or above in reading, listening and oral interaction plus level 4 in writing.
Eurocert (See TOEFL).
Hong Kong Use of English Examination Grade E or better.
International GCSE English as a Second Language (Cambridge) Grade C or better, based on Extended Curriculum.
NEAB Test in English (Overseas) - up to June 1989 Grades 1, 2, and 3.
NEAB Test in English for Speakers of Other Languages (UETESOL) from March 1990 Pass.
London Chamber of Commerce English for Business Examination Third Level.
London Chamber of Commerce English for Commerce Examination Third Level.
Oxford - ARELS Examination (Higher Level) Credit or Distinction.
Oxford International Business English Certificate (OIBEC) Pass.
Scottish International Foundation Programme; English Grade C or better.
TOEFL: American Test of English Foreign Language Minimum score of 550/213 or above; or a 600/250 and over for a degree with a literary content.
University of London GCE 'O' level syllabus B in English Language Grade C or better.
University of London Certificate of Attainment in English (Graded Test) Levels 5 and 6.