We welcome undergraduate applications from all candidates offering A level or equivalent overseas qualifications (including the International Baccalaureate or a recognised Foundation Programme). All candidates must achieve appropriate grades in their examinations.
Academic requirements
The A level requirements are listed under the 'entry requirements' tab on the relevant course page in our course finder.
To find out what the grade requirements would be for a qualification that you have studied in your own country, please select your country from the drop-down list on the relevant course page, or see your individual country page information.
English language requirements
In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a suitable level of English proficiency.
You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications. The sections below will tell you what grades you need in these qualifications for the subject area you want to study.
English tests/qualifications normally need to have been taken within two years of the start date of your programme.
Proof of English language proficiency
For those joining us for 2023, we will accept the following additional tests as evidence of English language proficiency:
For all pathways and progression routes, except students intending to progress to degrees in Law, English Literature, Medicine, Pharmacy or Physiotherapy
Not accepted
5.5 overall with at least 5.0 in each band
59 with no less than 53 in all skills
Foundation pathways
(one-year programme)
For students intending to progress to degrees in Law, English Literature or Physiotherapy
(Four-year pathway not available for Physiotherapy)
Not accepted
6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each band
64 with no less than 59 in all skills
Foundation pathways
(one-year programme)
For students intending to progress to Medicine or Pharmacy
(Four-year pathway not available for Medicine or Pharmacy)
Find the English language requirements relevant to your course.
Course
Group
Biomedical Materials Science
A
Biomedical Science
B
Biosciences
A
Business, including Economics****
B
Chemical Engineering
A
Chemistry
A
Civil Engineering
A
Computer Engineering
A
Computer Science
A
Dental Hygiene and Therapy
C
Dentistry (BDS)
D
Education
B
Electronic, Electrical Engineering
A
English, Drama and American and Canadian Studies
B
Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
A
History and Cultures
B
Language, Cultures, Art History and Music
B
Law
C
Liberal Arts and Sciences
B
Mathematics
A
Mechanical Engineering
A
Medicine (MBChB)
D
Metallurgy and Materials
A
Nuclear Science/Engineering
A
Nursing
D
Pharmacy
C
Philosophy, Theology and Religion
B
Physics and Astronomy
A
Physiotherapy
C
Political Science and International Relations
B
Psychology
B
Public Health
B
Social Policy
B
Social Work
C
Sociology
B
Sport Exercise and Rehabilitation Science
A
Urban and Regional Studies
A
TOEFL
80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
IELTS*
6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015)***
Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162in any component.
Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI)
B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill
Trinity ISE II
Distinction all skills
Trinity ISE III
Pass in each Skill
TOEFL
88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
IELTS*
6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
PTE 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills.
Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015)***
Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI)
B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in each skill
Trinity ISE II
Not applicable
Trinity ISE III
Pass in each Skill
**** Business School programmes require one of the following scores: A TOEFL score of 88 overall with a minimum of 22 in Writing and Speaking, an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.5 in Writing and Speaking, a Pearson Test of English score of 67 overall, with 67 in Writing and Speaking, a Cambridge English score of 176 overall with 176 in Writing and Speaking, a Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI) score of B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in Listening and Reading and 38 in Speaking and Writing, or a Trinity ISE III score of Merit in Speaking and Writing, Pass in other skills.
TOEFL
95 overall with no less than 22 in any band.
IELTS*
7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any band.
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
PTE 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills.
Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015)***
Cambridge English: Advanced or Cambridge English: Proficiency Minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component.
Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI)
C1 ‘Expert’ with no less than 25 in each skill
Trinity ISE II
Not applicable
Trinity ISE III
Merit in Writing, Pass in other skills
TOEFL
95 overall with no less than 23 in any band.
IELTS*
7.0 overall with no less than 7.0 in any band.
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
PTE 67 in all four skills.
Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015)***
Cambridge English: Advanced or Cambridge English: Proficiency Minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 185 in any component.
Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI)
Not applicable
Trinity ISE II
Not applicable
Trinity ISE III
ISE IV: Pass in each Skill
*Further information on can be found at the IELTS website. IELTS tests must be the Academic version, we cannot accept the General test.
*** For more information on Cambridge English exams, please visit their website. For Cambridge English exams taken before 2015, please see under Alternative Qualifications for the accepted grades.
**** Business School programmes require one of the following scores: A TOEFL score of 88 overall with a minimum of 22 in Writing and Speaking, an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.5 in Writing and Speaking, a Pearson Test of English score of 67 overall, with 67 in Writing and Speaking, a Cambridge English score of 176 overall with 176 in Writing and Speaking, a Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI) score of B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in Listening and Reading and 38 in Speaking and Writing, or a Trinity ISE III score of Merit in Speaking and Writing, Pass in other skills.
Alternative qualifications for undergraduate programmes
Please note that the grades stated above are the University minimum and some degree programmes will have higher requirements. Always check your offer letter for full details of your conditions.
If exams in your country are cancelled and this affects the final qualification you receive from your school, the University of Birmingham will consider suitable alternatives. We will confirm what these suitable alternatives are after confirmation has been received from the Government or Education Ministry in your country that exams have been cancelled, and what qualification matriculating students will receive.
Qualification
Minimum University requirement
University of Birmingham presessional English course (see below)
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) IGCSE English (first language)
Grade C
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) IGCSE English (second language)
Grade C
GCE AS Level (or International AS Level)
Grade C or above
GCE A Level (or International A Level)
Grade C or above
International Baccalaureate English, Standard or Higher Level, First or Second Language
5 or above
HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) English
Group A - 3 overall, minimum of 3 in each band
Group B - 4 overall, to include 3 bands at grade 4 and 1 band at grade 3
Group C - 5 overall, to include 2 bands at grade 5 and 2 bands at grade 4
Group D - 5 overall, to include 3 bands at grade 5 and 1 band at grade 4
India Standard XII (CBSE/CISCE/West Bengal)
Group A - 75% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 75% West Bengal or 80% Other State boards
Group B - 80% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 75% West Bengal or 85% Other State boards
Group C - 85% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 80% West Bengal or 90% Other State boards
Group D - 85% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 80% West Bengal or 90% Other State boards
Malaysian SPM 1119 (Cambridge O Level)
Grade C or above
Special requirements
For some courses there are very specific entry requirements concerning a students' fitness to practice their chosen course of study. For information concerning these requirements, please visit the following page which also contains important information concerning the University's conditions of study:
