How to enter a UCL EAP course (The Diploma or Pre-sessional Courses)

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(Applicants without an IELTS or TOEFL score may take the Centre's own English Test depending on course duration and immigration status.)

  1. Consult the chart above and the Diploma or Pre-sessional web pages to make sure that you find the appropriate course for your English language level, academic aims and preferred start date.
  2. Download and complete the EAP Application Form and return it by email or mail with supporting documents needed to the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education at the address given on the form. You should include your TOEFL score certificate if taken, as well as a copy of a UK student visa if this is held by you when applying.
  3. On receipt of your application we will contact you to confirm if we can offer you a place on the course and send you an Offer Pack.

  4. Our Offer Pack includes information about how you can formally accept your offer and pay the course fees, and how to apply for UCL accommodation if you are eligible.

    An EAP student

Minimum Entry Requirements - Diploma

UCL EAP Course IELTS* TOEFL Internet Based IBT*
Diploma: September start

 Overall: 5.0 Subtests: 4.5
 		Overall: 62
Subtests: 15
Writing subtest: 17
Diploma: January start

 Overall: 5.5  Subtests: 5.0
 		Overall: 71
Subtests: 17
Writing subtest: 20

Minimum IELTS Entry Requirements - Pre-sessional 

Grade needed to enter your university course
 Extended 19-week 11-week 8-week 5-week
6.5 IELTS
or equivalent 		4.5 in all subskills 5.0 in all subskills 5.5 in 3 subskills
5.0 in 1 subskill 		6.0 in 3 subskills
5.5 in 1 subskill
7.0 IELTS
or equivalent 		5.0 in all subskills 5.5 in all subskills 6.0 in all subskills 6.5 in all subskills
7.5 IELTS
or equivalent 		5.5 in all subskills 6.0 in all subskills 6.5 in all subskills 7.0 in all subskills
*The information above is for guidance only. Each application is considered on an individual basis taking into account the applicant’s existing level of English (including subtests), academic history and final score needed.

Click here to view alternative English qualifications accepted for entry to a UCL EAP course

Advice on Selecting the right EAP course

Am I a suitable candidate for the Diploma course?

The Diploma course will benefit students planning further study in the UK (undergraduate or postgraduate), as well as those looking to improve their English for a profession. 

Suitable candidates will usually have the following levels of English:

  • September entry:

    A minimum of 5.0 IELTS (see table above) is required with an absolute minimum of 4.5 in all skill areas. If you are unsure whether your English level meets this requirement, please contact us.

  • January entry:

    A minimum of 5.5 IELTS (see table above) is required with an absolute minimum of 5.0 in all skill areas. Students must not only meet the higher entry requirement, but also be able to undertake more independent research from the start. If you are unsure whether your English level meets this requirement, please contact us.

If an applicant does not hold an IELTS or TOEFL score it may be possible for them to meet the entry requirements by taking the Centre's English Test as an alternative. This will depend on the course duration selected and immigration status.

Am I a suitable candidate for a Pre-sessional Course?

Your English language level must meet the entry level for that particular Pre-sessional Course, and you will have already completed your undergraduate degree. It is probable that you will already have an offer from a UK university to begin your graduate degree programme in September of the same year.

Please apply for the Pre-sessional course which allows you sufficient time to achieve the language level you require for your future course of study. If you plan to study a degree programme at UCL following the Pre-sessional Course please see our guide to UCL's English Language Requirements for graduate degree entry.

How quickly will I improve my level of English on a Pre-sessional course?

We estimate that strong students should be able to improve their English language level – in each sub-skill – by the equivalent of approximately 0.5 IELTS every four weeks of the course (together with a minimum of 10 hours additional self-study per week). So you have to consider two things when applying for a Pre-sessional course:

  • Do you meet the minimum entry requirement for that particular intake?
  • Do you have sufficient time to reach the language level you require? See UCL's English Language requirements for graduate degree entry.

For example, if you have an IELTS score of 6.5 and need to achieve a final score of 7.0 for entry into your department, you could apply for the 5-week course. However, if you have an IELTS of 6.0 and need to achieve the equivalent of 7.5 by the end of the course, then you would need to apply for the 11-week course rather than for the 8-week.

Remember the entry levels given above are minimum levels of English. Even if you only 'need' to do a 5- or 8-week course in terms of your language level and exit requirement, you may wish to apply for the longer 11-week course in order to give yourself more time to improve your language and study skills and to familiarise yourself more with the academic conventions of the British Higher Education system.

Page last modified on 21 mar 13 16:09 by Martin L White