“I would summarise my experience at Robert Gordon University as a perfect balance of knowledge, opportunity, entertainment and innovation.”
Bagyavasan Kannan LLM International Law
English Language Requirements
English is the language of instruction at Robert Gordon University, so you must have a good level of proficiency in speaking, listening to, reading and writing English.
This means that we will normally ask you to provide evidence of your English language skills as well as evidence of your academic record before we can make you an Unconditional Offer to study at the University.
Most applicants must submit either an IELTS (International English Language Testing System), a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or a Pearsons PTE academic score. However we will accept other evidence of proficiency in English in individual cases.
Undergraduate International Students
In line with the UK Border Agency (UKBA) regulations introduced in April 2011, full time International students studying at Robert Gordon University must meet English language entry criteria.
Secure English Language Testing (SELT)
- IELTS Academic Test - 6.0 (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component)
- TOEFL iBT 80 (with a minimum score of Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20 and Writing 21)
- Pearsons PTE Academic Test - 59 (with a minimum score of 51 in each component)
Non Secure English Language Testing - Alternative Qualifications
- Malaysian 1119 O Level English - Grade C6 or above
- Indian State or National Exam Boards 65% or above in 12th Standard English, excluding State Exam Boards of Gujarat, Punjab or Kerala
- WAEC Senior School Certificate English - Grade 6 or above
- NECO English - Grade 4 or above
- HKALE AS Level English - Grade E or above/ HKDSE English Language - Grade 3 or above
- Successful completion and achievement of a minimum score of 50% Academic and 60% English or above from a recognised Undergraduate Pathway programme provider in the UK such as Kaplan, INTO, Study Group or Bellerby's (See Note 1)
- GCSE English/GCE O Level English - Grade C or above
- UCLES First Certificate at Grade B or above
- UCLES Certificate in Advanced English at Grade C or above
- Scottish SQA Higher in ESOL at Grade C or above
- International Baccalaureate (if taught in English) - Completion of Certificate or Diploma
- International Baccalaureate (if taught in French or Spanish) - Higher Level English
Note 1. Excludes Navitas with whom we have a separate and legal contractual arrangement for delivery of pathway programmes through the International College of Robert Gordon University (ICRGU).
What does all this mean for prospective students?
- If your English tests scores are more than two years old at the stage of the university issuing a CAS, you will need to resit one of the recognised English language tests
- If you are holding a conditional or unconditional offer and you fail to meet any of the minimum points in your chosen test, you will need to resit one of the recognised English language tests
For more information please e-mail us at ugoffice@rgu.ac.uk or you can call us direct on +44 1224 262180.
Postgraduate International Students
In line with the UK Border Agency (UKBA) regulations introduced in April 2011, full time International students studying at Robert Gordon University must meet English language entry criteria.
Secure English Language Testing (SELT)
Postgraduate Research Students
- IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component)
- TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum score of Listening 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23 and Writing 24)
- Pearsons PTE 61 (with a minimum score of 61 in each component)
- HKDSE English Language - Grade 5 or above
Postgraduate Taught Students
- IELTS 6.5 overall* (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component)
- TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum score of Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20 and Writing 24)
- Pearsons PTE 61 (with a minimum score of 51 in each component)
Please note the above individual component scores, are UKBA immigration mandatory requirements.
*Some courses may list different requirements. The requirements listed under Entry Requirements on each individual course page are the minimum that we will accept for that particular course.
In addition to the above our university will also accept some alternative qualifications as evidence of English language ability at Postgraduate study level. These are:
Non Secure English Language Testing - Alternative Qualifications
- Malaysian 1119 O Level English - Grade C6 or above
- Indian State or National Exam Boards, 65% or above from West Bengal, or 70% or above in 12th Standard English, excluding State Exam Boards of Gujarat, Punjab or Kerala.
- WAEC Senior School Certificate English - Grade 1 to 6 or A to C
- NECO English - Grade 4 or above
- HKALE AS Level English - Grade E or above / HKDSE English Language - Grade 4 or above
- Successful completion and achievement of a minimum score of 50% Academic and 60% English or above from a recognised Pre-Masters/Graduate Diploma programme provider in the UK such as Kaplan, INTO, Study Group or Bellerby's. (See Note 1).
- Successful completion of a UK Masters degree, whilst studying in the UK, for at least one full academic year or more
- Successful completion of a UK Bachelor Honours degree, whilst studying in the UK for at least one full academic year or more, at 2:2 level or above
- Successful completion of a degree at 2:2 level equivalents or above as taught in, and issued by a NARIC recognised university, in a UKBA recognised English speaking country. (See Note 2).
- GCSE English/GCE O Level English - Grade C or above
- UCLES Certificate in Advanced English at Grade B or above
- UCLES Certificate of Proficiency in English at Grade C or above
- Scottish SQA Higher in ESOL at Grade B or above
Note 1. Excludes Navitas with whom we have a separate and legal contractual arrangement for delivery of pathway programmes through the International College of Robert Gordon University (ICRGU).
Note 2. UKBA classified English speaking countries are shown as Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
What does all this mean for prospective students?
- If your English tests scores are more than two years old at the stage of the university issuing a CAS, you will need to resit one of the recognised English language tests
- If you are holding a conditional or unconditional offer and you fail to meet any of the minimum points in your chosen test, you will need to resit one of the recognised English language tests
For more information please e-mail us at pgoffice@rgu.ac.uk or you can call us direct on +44 1224 262180.
Summer Pre-sessional English Programme
The Summer PSP is for students who have met all academic requirements at Robert Gordon University but have not yet reached the required level in English.
The course is also designed for students who have unconditional offers, but would like to improve their language competency and gain an insight into studying at a UK university before beginning their degree programme.
At the end of the course you will not be required to sit another IELTS, TOEFL or PEARSON test.
Your performance in the Pre-Sessional Programme (class work and final assessments) will determine whether or not you are ready to commence your academic course.
Please note there is no automatic right to progression and students will be continuously assessed throughout the programme. Whilst there is a likelihood of success we cannot guarantee all students will pass the programme.
Download our PSP booklet for full information.
Download advice on finance and Tier 4 visa applications
Undergraduate Applicants
- Course Date: Monday 22 July - Friday 13 September (8 weeks)
- Eligibility: IELTS 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in all elements/TOEFL iBT70 with a minimum of 16 in writing/PEARSONS 46 with a minimum of 41 in writing.
- Pharmacy applicants: IELTS 6.5 is required for entry to the Undergraduate Pharmacy course, therefore you should apply to the Postgraduate PSP course 1 or 2. Further details can be found in the English Language Pre-Sessional Programme booklet.
Postgraduate Applicants
Postgraduate Course 1
- Course Date: Monday 24 June - Friday 13 September (12 weeks)
- Eligibility: IELTS 5.5 with minimum of 5.0 in all other elements/TOEFL iBT70 with a minimum of 16 in writing/PEARSONS 46 with a minimum of 41 in writing.
Postgraduate Course 2
- Course Date: Monday 5 August - Friday 13 September (6 weeks)
- Eligbility: IELTS 6.0 with minimum of 5.5 in writing and 5.0 in all other elements/TOEFL iBT80 with a minimum of 20 in writing/PEARSONS 54 with a minimum of 47 in writing.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available for all PSP courses. Robert Gordon Univeristy offers two locations for on-campus accommodation during Pre-Sessional study at Woolmanhill flats (standard rooms) and Crathie Student Village (en-suite rooms)
All Dorms are Mixed (Male and Female sharing) unless otherwise requested.
How to Apply
You must make your application online.
You will be required to upload a copy of your current English Language Test results and a scan of your current passport data page at the time of application. If you are currently in the UK or studying another course we will need to receive a copy of your current visa when applying.
Applications take between 7 – 10 working days to process and if you are made an offer, a copy of the offer letter will be scanned and emailed to you.
Please email psp@rgu.ac.uk for any questions you may have about the programme.
Related page
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Refer to course details or contact ugoffice@rgu.ac.uk (undergraduate courses) or pgoffice@rgu.ac.uk (postgraduate courses) for further information.