English Language
English Language
Generally speaking all students from Iraq will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English, unless they have already been educated to degree level in an English-speaking country. Generally Universities will recognize a number of English Language tests for admissions purposes, the most common ones being:
IELTS - InternationalEnglish Language Testing System (see www.ielts.org)
TOEFL - Test of English as Foreign Language (see www.toefl.org)
Majority of the Universities in the United Kingdom can offer you a widde range of English language support and training ranging from short Pre-Sessional or Summer courses for students who need a little additional English tuition, to year long general English programmes for those students starting at a lower level of English abilitiy. Many of our language centres also provide specialist English Language preparation
e.g. Pre Masters English, Art & Design with English, etc.
Most of the language centres at British Universities will be accredited and therefore students have a guarantee of quality, and will be ideally placed to progress to successful academic studies in their chosen discipline.
Below you will find our recommendations and procedures for non-native speakers of English.
Prior to Academic Study
When you apply, you will need to consider whether your level of English is adequate for the requirements of the programme you want to study. Although Academic programmes vary to some extent in the demands they make on language, nearly all will require the following skills in English:
- Understanding lectures and making notes
- Reading very widely, making notes and summarasing texts.
- Presenting arguments and participating fully in seminars.
- Writing essays, reports and dissertations of between 1,000 and 20,000 words
- (much longer if studying for PhD)
- Writing essays, reports and dissertations of between 1,000 and 20,000 words
Some programmes will make heavier demands on your English: for example, certain courses in Medicine and Destistry require students to deal with patients who may speak with different accents. It is very important to consider carefully whether your English Language level is sufficient to meet the specific demands of your course.
English Language Tests
We strongly recommend that you find out your level of English by taking a test of English for Academic purposes before you make your application. Two suitable tests are IELTS and TOEFL. The advantage of these over other tests of English is that measure Academic English Language skills.
If you supply the results of another English test certificates, some Universities may still require you to take IELTS or TOEFL because these tests have the specific aim of assessing the use of English for Academic purposes.
The Institutional Test version of TOEFL (iTP) is not acceptable by majority of British Universities for admissions purposes. iTP relies upon students taking past papers, under conditions which may not meet International testing standards. While it has its uses as a 'rough and ready' indication of ability, it is not the same as a formal TOEFL or IELTS test.
The TOEFL website also makes it clear that iTP results should not be sent to Universities as part of an application process. Results of iTP tests may be included on the University Applications forms, but candidates should realise that this qualification will not be recognized.
Typical Entry Requirements
Each University has its own entry requirements, but the following is a general guide to the minimum scores required for entry to a postgraduate degree.
Please check with the University that you are applying for more detailed information in respect of admissions criteria.