English language requirement if English is not your first language
Communication is such an important part both of the course, and in interactions with patients, that our students need to be proficient in the use of spoken and written English. If English is not your first language we will expect you to take an academic English language assessment before you start the course with one of the many providers such as Duolingo, Academic IELTS and Cambridge English Advanced. If you are an overseas student and have already studied to degree level at a British University - you are exempt.
Please read the following information about the various providers and the levels / minimum scores required:
The Northern College of Acupuncture will accept academic English language qualifications from a range of tests deemed appropriate for academic purposes, and widely used within the UK Higher Education sector. These tests are:
- Cambridge English Advanced (also known as Certificate in Advanced English)
- IELTS Academic Test
- TOEFL iBT Test
- Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
- Duolingo online English test
You also now have the option of using the IELTS Indicator, an online test that can be taken from the comfort and safety of your own home.
More information about the IELTS Indicator
In addition, students with an undergraduate degree from a UK university will be accepted as having proved the requisite English language qualification.
Levels of achievement include:
- An English Language GCSE min Grade C (4-5), plus additional qualifications at Level 2 and/or Level 3, studied through the medium of English and awarded by an RQF UK qualifications agency.
- Minimum of Level C1 - Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in each of the four components of language learning (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).
- Overall IELTS score of 6, with a minimum of IELTS 5.5 in each of the language learning bands (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).
- Overall TOEFL iBT score of 80, with a minimum of 21 in speaking.
- PTE Academic score of 56.
- Duolingo online score of 85-90.
Validity
The College may not accept certificates that are more than two years beyond the date of issue and will use online verification services to ensure that certificates received are correct and valid.
