English language requirements
On this page
If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, you will need to demonstrate that you have a reasonable knowledge of the English language.
Qualifications we accept
Usually you will need to provide your score from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. IELTS score requirements for each programme are shown on the programme web pages. Equivalent qualifications and scores accepted by the RCA are shown below.
We are aware that, due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, a number of approved English language test centres around the world have been closed. Below you'll find alternative online equivalents that we now accept.
If you have not already taken an approved English Language Test and achieved the required score, then we will advise you to book a test if all of the other elements of your application are successful.
Note: If you have received a second class (upper division) degree or above from a university in a majority English-speaking country within the last two years, you are exempt from this requirement when applying for our MA programmes.
Online tests
Alongside other acceptable online tests (see below), the College has joined with Password English Language Testing and Proctor: U invigilation services to offer applicants the opportunity to complete an online English test that will enable you, on successful completion, to achieve the standard necessary to register for a programme of the College.
The Password Exam operates a similar format to the IELTS examination, testing on your English listening, reading, speaking and writing ability. Further detail is available at ProctorU, a live online proctoring service that allows you to take your exam from home at any time of your choosing. You will need a high-speed internet connection, a webcam (internal or external), a Windows operating system, and a current government issued photo ID.
To access the test please go to payments.rca.ac.uk, and select the option 'English language test' from the drop down menu. The fee for the test is £100. Once you have paid your fee, please email your receipt to [email protected], with the subject heading 'English Language Test Request: [APPLICANT ID], [FAMILY NAME]' and we will respond within three working days with details of how you can access your test.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Pre-Sessional Courses
The College offers an eight-week EAP Pre-Sessional course from July to September every year for applicants who have not reached the required IELTS level before they start their Programme.
We also offer a four-week version of the Pre-Sessional course in August–September. This is for students who have reached the required IELTS score for their programme but wish to improve their language skills. The pre-sessional course provides a valuable chance to practise academic English in the context of art and design with authentic and relevant tasks and materials.
In 2021, both Pre-Sessional courses are offered online.
Find out more about English for Academic Purposes support at the RCA here.
Home Office English Language Requirements
In addition to the RCA’s minimum requirements, students who need a student visa for their studies at the RCA will need to show that they have met the Home Office’s minimum requirements for entry clearance into the UK. For detailed guidance on English language requirements for all higher education students coming to the UK, please see the Home Office information.
Equivalent IELTS scores
Graduate Diploma programmes
At test centre
IELTS - overall 5.5 | writing 5.5 | other skills 5.5
TOEFL iBT - overall 72 | writing 17 | listening 17 | reading 18 | speaking 20
Pearson (PTE) - overall 51 | writing 51 | other skills 51
Cambridge English Scale - overall 162 | writing 162 | other skills 162
TEEP - overall 5.5 | writing 5.5 | other skills 5.5
OIBEC - overall Pass | writing Pass | other skills Pass
Trinity ISE Level II - overall Pass | writing Pass | other skills Pass
Online testing
IELTS Online - overall 5.5 | writing 5.5 | other skills 5.5
Password - overall 5.5 | writing 5.5 | other skills 5.5
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition - overall 72 | writing 17 | listening 17 | reading 18 | speaking 20
TOEFL ITP - overall 496
Pearson (PTE) Online - overall 51 | writing 51 | other skills 51
Language Cert B2 - writing Pass 25 | other skills Pass 25
Language Cert C1 - writing Pass 25 | other skills Pass 25
(we recommend taking the B2 Communicator version of the Language Cert test, rather than the C1 Expert version)
MA and MRes programmes (except GID)
At test centre
IELTS - overall 6.5 | writing 6.0 | other skills 5.5
TOEFL iBT - overall 88 | writing 20 | listening 17 | reading 18 | speaking 20
TOEFL - overall 92 | writing 23 | other skills 20
Pearson (PTE) - overall 62 | writing 59 | other skills 51
Cambridge English Scale - overall 176 | writing 169 | other skills 162
TEEP - overall 6.5 | writing 6.0 | other skills 5.5
OIBEC - overall Pass | writing Pass | other skills Pass
Trinity ISE Level III - overall Merit | writing Merit | other skills Merit
Online testing
IELTS Online - overall 6.5 | writing 6.0 | other skills 5.5
Password - overall 6.5 | writing 6.0 | other skills 5.5
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition - overall 88 | writing 20 | listening 17 | reading 18 | speaking 20
TOEFL ITP - overall 550
Pearson (PTE) Online - overall 62 | writing 59 | other skills 51
Language Cert B2 - writing Pass 33 | other skills Pass 25
Language Cert C1 - writing Pass 25 | other skills Pass 25
(we recommend taking the B2 Communicator version of the Language Cert test, rather than the C1 Expert version)
MA and MRes programmes (except GID) with EAP 8-week pre-sessional course
At test centre
IELTS - overall 6.0 | writing 5.5 | other skills 5.5
TOEFL iBT - overall 80 | writing 17 | listening 17 | reading 18 | speaking 20
Pearson (PTE) - overall 54 | writing 51 | other skills 51
Cambridge English Scale - overall 169 | writing 162 | other skills 162
TEEP - overall 6.0 | writing 5.5 | other skills 5.5
OIBEC - overall Pass | writing Pass | other skills Pass
Trinity ISE Level II - overall Merit | writing Merit | other skills Merit
Online testing
IELTS Online - overall 6.0 | writing 5.5 | other skills 5.5
Password - overall 6.0 | writing 5.5 | other skills 5.5
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition - overall 80 | writing 17 | listening 17 | reading 18 | speaking 20
TOEFL ITP - overall 547
Pearson (PTE) Online - overall 54 | writing 51 | other skills 51
Language Cert B2 - writing Pass 25 | other High Pass 25
Language Cert C1 - writing Pass 25 | other skills Pass 25
(we recommend taking the B2 Communicator version of the Language Cert test, rather than the C1 Expert version)
MA/MSc Global Innovation Design
At test centre
IELTS - overall 7.0 | writing 6.5 | other skills 5.5
TOEFL iBT - overall 95 | writing 22 | listening 17 | reading 18 | speaking 20
Pearson (PTE) - overall 69 | writing 62 | other skills 51
Cambridge English Scale - overall 185 | writing 176 | other skills 162
TEEP - overall 7.0 | writing 6.5 | other skills 5.5
OIBEC - overall Pass | writing Pass | other skills Pass
Trinity ISE Level III - overall Merit | writing Merit | other skills Merit
Online testing
Online - overall 7.0 | writing 6.5 | other skills 5.5
Password - overall 7.0 | writing 6.5 | other skills 5.5
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition - overall 95 | writing 22 | listening 17 | reading 18 | speaking 20
TOEFL ITP - overall 587
Pearson (PTE) Online - overall 69 | writing 62 | other skills 51
Language Cert C1 - writing Pass 25 | other skills Pass 25
MPhil programmes
At test centre
IELTS - overall 6.5 | writing 6.5 | other skills 5.5
TOEFL iBT - overall 88 | writing 22 | listening 17 | reading 18 | speaking 20
Pearson (PTE) - overall 62 | writing 62 | other skills 51
Cambridge English Scale - overall 176 | writing 176 | other skills 162
TEEP - overall 6.5 | writing 6.5 | other skills 5.5
OIBEC - overall Pass | writing Pass | other skills Pass
Trinity ISE Level III - overall Merit | writing Merit | other skills Merit
Online testing
IELTS Online - overall 6.5 | writing 6.5 | other skills 5.5
Password - overall 6.5 | writing 6.5 | other skills 5.5
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition - overall 88 | writing 22 | listening 17 | reading 18 | speaking 20
TOEFL ITP - overall 550
Pearson (PTE) Online - overall 62 | writing 62 | other skills 51
Language Cert B2 - writing Pass 38 | other skills Pass 25
Language Cert C1 - writing Pass 25 | other skills Pass 25
PhD programmes
At test centre
IELTS - overall 7.0 | writing 7.0 | other skills 5.5
TOEFL iBT - overall 95 | writing 24 | listening 17 | reading 18 | speaking 20
Pearson (PTE) - overall 69 | writing 69 | other skills 51
Cambridge English Scale - overall 185 | writing 185 | other skills 162
TEEP - overall 7.0 | writing 7.0 | other skills 5.5
OIBEC - overall Pass | writing Pass | other skills Pass
Trinity ISE Level III - overall Merit | writing Merit | other skills Merit
Online testing
IELTS Online - overall 7.0 | writing 7.0 | other skills 5.5
Password - overall 7.0 | writing 7.0 | other skills 5.5
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition - overall 95 | writing 24 | listening 17 | reading 18 | speaking 20
TOEFL ITP - overall 587
Pearson (PTE) Online - overall 69 | writing 69 | other skills 51
Language Cert C1 - writing Pass 25 | other skills Pass 25
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