The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most common requirements for international students who want to study in English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom (UK)
This test proves that the candidate can speak, hear, read, understand, and write in the English language. Although this test is common, many students find it difficult. And this leaves the question “Can I study in the UK without IELTS?” And the answer is Yes, you can study in the UK without IELTS.
In this article, we will list universities you can apply without IELTS. Keep reading to learn more.
What is IELTS?
IELTS stands for The International English Language Testing System. It is a language testing system used by institutions to assess the language skill of potential students.
Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are the four sections of the IELTS test. Students receive an overall score for all the basic English Language skills after finishing the three-hour exam.
IELTS is commonly used by English- speaking countries like the United Kingdom to assess language skills.
Alternative to IELTS for international students.
If you do not have an IELTS, some schools give you alternatives that will lead to the same result. Below are the alternatives for IELTS if you want to apply to a university in the UK.
- Online interview: Some universities may request that candidates participate in an online interview to assess their English language abilities/ proficiency. This test is usually called Self English Language test (SELT).
- High school English grades: Candidates who achieved more than 70% in English in secondary school can use it as an alternative to IELTS. Some universities may inspect the high school results of candidates, and if it pleases them the candidate can begin their academic program.Those who studied English as their undergraduate program or as their main specialization will not be required to take IELTS.
- Pre-sessional English Course:
Some universities require candidates who don’t have IELTS to take up a pre-sessional English language course. Once this course is completed, candidates can begin their academic programs.
The whole thing summarizes that for you to be eligible to study in the United Kingdom without IELTS, you need to meet the English proficiency mandate by the university you are applying to.
List of UK Universities you can apply to without IELTS
Below are the universities in the United Kingdom (UK) that offer admissions to international students without IELTS in no particular order.
- The University of Essex
- University of Central Lancashire
- The University of Greenwich
- Swansea University
- University of Northampton
- University of Plymouth
- Portsmouth University
- Northumbria University
- Robert Gordon University
- University of Bolton
- London South Bank University
- Riga Technical University
- Audencia Nantes School of Management
- University of Bristol
- Birmingham City University
- University of Warwick
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Aston University
- Bangor University
- Brunel University
- University of York
- University of Dundee
- University of Birmingham
- Coventry University
- Northumbria University
- University of Stirling
- Royal Holloway University
- Nottingham Trent University
- Kingston University
- Oxford Brookes University
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of Surrey
- Staffordshire University
- University of Liverpool
- University of Huddersfield
- University of Portsmouth
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- Liverpool Hope University
- University of Essex
The University of Essex is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom (UK). It is also one of the universities in the UK that offer admission to international students without IELTS.
Some of the courses offered at the University of Essex are BA Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Economics, BSC Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience BSc in Cognitive Science, Integrated Masters in Science Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience, Integrated Masters in Science Psychology with Advanced Research Methods, Psychology Master’s Degree, MSC Research Methods in Psychology, Sport and Exercise Psychology Master’s Degree, MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology.
- London Southbank University
The London Southbank University is another university in the United Kingdom that offers admission to students without IELTS. This university offers a variety of courses in different fields like arts, science, humanities, and business, among others.
Some of the popular courses studied at the London Southbank University are BSc in Vehicle Engineering, BA in Animation BSc in Baking Science and Technology, Business Foundation Course, and Business Law LLB.
- University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is a well-known university in the United Kingdom. It was established in 1595 and offers admission to international students without IELTS. This prestigious university provides full-time and part-time courses in various fields.
Students can gain admission into this university without IELTS by choosing programs that don’t necessarily require language proficiency scores. Students can also take up a pre-sessional language course or go after an English Language certification in their country as far as the certification has been authorized by the University of Bristol.
Some of the popular courses offered by the University of Bristol are BSc in Accounting and Finance, BEng. in Aerospace, BA in Anthropology, BA in History, and BSc in Biochemistry.
- Sheffield Hallam University
The Sheffield Hallam University is a top university located in South Yorkshire. It also admits students without IELTS. This university offers both full-time and part-time courses in various fields.
Accounting and Economics, Accounting and Finance, Animation, Applied Social Sciences, and Business Analytics are some of the courses offered by Sheffield Hallam University.
To study at this university without IELTS, you need to participate in English Language courses at the University’s TESOL center, where you will be prepared to get the required score needed for language proficiency.
- Robert Gordon University
The Robert Gordon University was established in1992 in Aberdeen. It is well-known for its courses in Architecture, Technology, and Engineering. It is also among the many universities in the United Kingdom that offer admission without IELTS.
Candidates are provided the opportunity to join an 8-week pre-sessional English Language program to help improve their language proficiency.
Life Sciences Engineering, Pharmacy, Nursing, Social Work and Law, Business Administration Accountancy, and Social Sciences are some of the courses offered by Robert Gordon University.
- University of Warwick
The University of Warwick was established in 1965 and is located on the outskirts of Coventry. It is also one of the best universities in the United Kingdom.
This university is home to three major faculties of Social Sciences, Arts as well as Technology, Medicine, Science, and Engineering. It also offers courses in various fields.
Some of the courses offered by the University of Warwick are Literary Studies, Education, Health, Chemistry, Engineering, and Economics, amongst others.
The University of Warwick offers pre-sessional English Language for students who want to study without IELTS. This course proves the student’s English Language proficiency. The student can go to pursue their program after this.
University of Central Lancashire
The University of Central Lancashire was established in 1828 and is located in Preston, England. It is also one of the universities in the United Kingdom that offer admission without IELTS.
- University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich is a public university located in London, England. It was originally established as a polytechnic in 1890 before it became a university in 1992.
This university offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programs in 35 disciplines. It is also one of the many universities that accept students without IELTS.
- Swansea University
Swansea University is located in Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom and is one of the universities that accept students without IELTS.
This public research university has eight colleges spread across its 2 campuses. These campuses are located on the coastline of Swansea Bay.
It is also the third-largest university in Wales by student population. It offers over 300 undergraduate courses and more than 100 postgraduate courses currently.
Students who don’t have IELTS are required to attend and complete successful the English Language pre-sessional program at Swansea’s English Language Training Service (ELTS) at the needed level before beginning their academic program.
- University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth is based in Plymouth, England with over 18,000 students.
This public research university is the 57th largest in the United Kingdom by student population. It runs courses in marine engineering, maritime business, marine biology, and ocean and environmental sciences among others.
- Coventry University
Coventry University is one of the fastest-growing universities in the United Kingdom. Its origin can be traced to 1843 when it began as the Coventry School of Design.
This public research university is two main campuses. One is in Central London and handles courses in business and management while the other is located in the center of Coventry where their major operations happen.
It also has 11 research centers that specialize in various fields from the future of transport to agroecology and peace studies.
This university is a member of the University Alliance mission group and gained Gold in (TEF) in 2011.
- Portsmouth University
The University of Portsmouth is a public research university located in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. It is one of the four universities to be rated Hold in the Government Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
This University is a member of the University Alliance and The Channel Islands Universities Consortium.
It also offers a range of disciplines, including Mathematics, Criminal Justice, International Relations, Pharmacy, Paleontology, Criminology, and Mechanical Engineering.
Conclusion
The International English Language Testing System ( IELTS) is a requirement for students who want to study in English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom. Although it is a requirement, not all universities in the United Kingdom (UK) require this.
Some universities give an alternative to IELTS, and if completed successfully, the student can begin their academic program.
We hope that you found this article on the universities that you can apply to without IELTS in the UK informative.
