Undergraduate English language requirements
All applicants are expected to hold a suitable English language qualification.
You must be able to provide recent evidence that your spoken and written command of the English language is adequate for the programme/s for which you have applied.
Accepted English language qualifications
If your English language qualification is not listed please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team. We will assess the grade that you have achieved and the suitability of your qualification.
GCSE/IGCSE English language
Grade B or Grade 6 in the newly reformed GCSEs in England
GCSE/IGCSE English language (second language)
Grade A or Grade 7 in the newly reformed GCSEs in England.
O Level English language (either as a first or second language) including Malaysian O Level English language - 1119
Grade B
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
6.5 overall with no less than 6 in any individual component. We are unable to combine IELTS certificates; you must meet the minimum requirements in each component in the same IELTS examination.
Test of English as a Foreign Language – internet-based (TOEFL)
90 overall with no less than 22 in any individual component. We are unable to combine TOEFL certificates; you must meet the minimum requirements in each component in the same TOEFL examination.
C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
Grade C with a minimum overall score of 176 and no lower than 169 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Please provide your candidate ID number and your 4 digit candidate secret number to the Undergraduate Admissions Team.
C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
Grade C with a minimum overall score of 176 and no lower than 169 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Please provide your candidate ID number and your 4 digit candidate secret number to the Undergraduate Admissions Team.
PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English
59 overall with no less than 51 in any individual component. We are unable to combine PTE certificates; you must meet the minimum requirements in each component in the same PTE examination. Please share your PTE Academic test score through the PTE secure portal. In addition please email a scanned copy or clear photograph of your score report certificate to the UG Admissions Team at ugadmissions.ambs@manchester.ac.uk once you have shared the results as we are not automatically notified.
It has recently come to our attention that the UKVI require a minimum overall score of 59 with no less than 59 in each individual component for visa purposes.
If you require a student visa and choose to sit the Pearson PTE Academic, an overall score of 59 with no less than 59 in each individual component is required.
If you require a student visa and already hold a Pearson PTE Academic qualification with scores lower than 59 in any individual component, you are advised to sit a new test otherwise there is a risk that your visa will be refused. If you have scored 59 or higher in all individual components or have sat a different English Language test such as IELTS or TOEFL that meets our requirements then no action is required.
If you are applying for September 2022 entry please note that our Pearson PTE Academic requirements are increasing to 70 overall with no less than 65 in any individual component.
International Baccalaureate Language A: English Language and Literature or Language A: Literature
Grade 5 at Standard Level. In advance of the release of your results, please request with the International Baccalaureate Organisation for your results to be shared with The University of Manchester via IBIS.
International Baccalaureate Language B: English
Grade 6 at Standard Level. In advance of the release of your results, please request with the International Baccalaureate Organisation for your results to be shared with The University of Manchester via IBIS.
AS Level English language
Grade C
Test validity
Please note that the test date for the IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic qualification must be no more than two years before the start date of your degree course. For all other English language qualifications listed above the test date must be no more than seven calendar years before the start date of your degree course.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If your score is only slightly below our minimum English language entry requirements we can still consider your application. If you meet all of the following criteria you may be eligible for our six-week academic pre-sessional English language course at the University:
- You have completed your academic studies and received your final results (we require your final transcript and a final certificate confirming the award of your results) by 31 May and only have an English language offer condition
- You have taken an IELTS test within 2 years of the start date of the 6-week pre-sessional course
- You have taken an IELTS test and received your IELTS certificate before 31st May
- From that IELTS examination, you were awarded a minimum score of 6.0 overall with no skill below 5.5
- Alliance Manchester Business School is your firm choice.
Please note; the only course length that we offer at AMBS to applicants is six weeks.
Our undergraduate admissions team will contact any eligible applicants.