Types of English Language Tests for Masters Study

If you’re applying for an English-taught Masters but English isn’t your first language, you’ll usually find that universities ask for proof of your language skills.

This evidence can come in the form of several different English language tests that are widely recognised by universities across the world, such as IELTS and TOEFL.

This page will give you an introduction to each of these tests. Elsewhere in this section, you can read more detailed guides to the various English language tests.

So, which is the right one for you? IELTS, TOEFL or one of the other English language tests mentioned above?

There are several significant differences between IELTS and TOEFL, and these may influence your decision:

• Length – IELTS takes around two and half hours to complete, while the TOEFL test is three hours long
• Speaking – The speaking portion of IELTS is face-to-face with an examiner, while you speak into a microphone during the TOEFL test.
• Question format – Both tests use several kinds of question format, but the TOEFL test relies more on multiple choice questions than IELTS.
• English variations – You’ll encounter a range of English accents on both tests, but you’re more likely to hear North American accents on TOEFL, as it’s administered by an American company.

IELTS and TOEFL are both widely accepted at universities across the world – from American institutions to British and Commonwealth universities. If you’re unsure which exam to take, perhaps try out a couple of sample papers and see which style suits you.

The minimum IELTS score for entry to UK postgraduate courses is usually 6.5, but it varies between 6 and 7. Higher scores will be required for disciplines which require higher degrees of literacy (e.g. English Literature may require IELTS 7.5). There will also be a minimum score for each individual skill, typically 0.5 below the overall requirement.

The minimum TOEFL score for entry to UK postgraduate courses is usually around 90, but it can vary between 80 and 100. Please note that there isn’t a standard equivalence between TOEFL and IELTS scores, and so the precise requirements may change from university to university.

The table below is based on research from ETS (the company that administers the TOEFL test) and the University of Manchester’s language requirements. It’s intended only as a rough guide and you should contact your prospective university if you have any questions about entry requirements and your qualifications.

The table below is based on research from ETS (the company that administers the TOEFL test) and the University of Manchester’s language requirements. It’s intended only as a rough guide and you should contact your prospective university if you have any questions about entry requirements and your qualifications.

It’s important to prepare thoroughly, whichever exam you go for. There are certain strategies and techniques that are key to understanding how each test work. You’ll need to be familiar with the types of questions, categories of text and recording, and how your test is marked.

The qualifications on this page are well-established, with plenty of practice materials – both online and in the form of textbooks.

Many language schools and private tutors offer group and one-to-one classes to help you prepare for the test. Make sure you research the schools and tutors thoroughly before signing up to classes, however.

Remember that schools should be accredited by the British Council and that experienced tutors should have the DELTA qualification (Diploma in English Language Teaching for Adults) in preference to the lower level CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) qualification.

Of course, it’s also possible to successfully self-study for the tests. Here are some hints and tips:

• Do some practice tests – This will mean you have a complete idea of the exam and the level of difficulty you’ll encounter. You can buy practice test books designed by the exam writers and can also see sample exercises on the tests’ websites.
• Immerse yourself in as much real-life language as possible – Listen to online lectures and podcasts, and read academic articles as well as quality journalism. Practise chatting with friends and family about the topics that might come up in the exam (if you know a native speaker, even better!). Consider keeping your writing skills up-to-scratch by keeping a journal or blogging about what interests you.
• Work on exam skills – Practise your spelling and check it is accurate. Get into the habit of processing large amounts of text in a short time, as well as describing visual information like graphs or maps (this can help you in the reading, writing and listening sections). Brainstorm essay titles and make sure that you’re comfortable using and understanding signpost language.
• Use the resources available to you – There are lots of online resources on the Internet (not all of which are reliable or will suit your learning style), so do some research and choose a method that will maximise your preparation time.
• Make sure you know the exam format – Pay close attention to the exam format so you know exactly which skills will be tested at each point in the test.

After researching the English language tests and deciding which one to take you should make a study plan and be realistic in order to achieve the score you need.

IELTS recommend that you are likely to need three months of full-time study to increase by 0.5, but this will vary depending on each student. You should bear in mind that even with an IELTS 6.5, studying a postgraduate programme in English in the UK – or abroad – will be challenging and you should try to continue improving your English throughout your course.

Please note that most universities will only accept language certificates that have been achieved in the past two years – even if such a qualification is still technically valid – so make sure that you factor this in when booking your test and applying for a Masters.