Durham direct entry bands
Each band has its own page linked from Durham's English language requirements section. The IELTS score is the same for UKVI/SELT IELTS and non-UKVI IELTS.
| Band | IELTS (UKVI or non-UKVI) | PTE Academic | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 7.0, 7.0 writing, no other component under 6.5 | 68, 68 writing, 62 in each other skill | 130, 130 writing, 120 in the others |
| A | 7.0, no component under 6.5 | 68, 62 in each skill | 130, 120 in each subscore |
| B | 6.5, no component under 6.0 | 62, 59 in each skill | 120, 110 in each subscore |
| C | 6.0, no component under 5.5 | 59, 59 in each skill | 110, 100 in each subscore |
Which band your subject needs
These bands come from Durham's English language levels required page. Some departments set a different band for individual programmes, and many research degrees need Band A.
| Subject | Undergraduate | Postgraduate taught |
|---|---|---|
| Business School | Band B | Band B (MBA also Band B) |
| Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics | Band B | Band B |
| Biosciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences | Band B | Band B |
| Government and International Affairs | Band B | Band B; Band A for three MScs incl. Public Policy |
| English Studies, History, Philosophy, Classics | Band B | Band A |
| Modern Languages and Cultures | Band B | Band A (incl. MA TESOL) |
| Psychology, Sociology | Band B | Band B; Band A for MA Research Methods and MSW |
| Law School | Band A | Band A+ direct entry, Band A via pre-sessional |
| Foundation Centre | Band B for Law Foundation, Band C for others | Not applicable |
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Durham's recognised English language tests include UKVI/SELT and non-UKVI Academic IELTS, IELTS One Skill Retake, TOEFL iBT and the Home Edition, Cambridge C1/C2, Duolingo and Password Skills Plus. PTE Academic is accepted, but Durham says it does not accept online PTE. IELTS Online is not named on the list.
Tests must be passed no more than two years before the course starts. If you are below your band, Durham publishes separate pre-sessional bands. MBA applicants can use only the 6-week pre-sessional or direct entry.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Durham programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does Durham University accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 62 (59 in each skill) for Band B and 68 (62) for Band A. Durham does not accept online PTE.
Does Durham accept IELTS One Skill Retake?+
Yes. Durham's recognised tests include UKVI and non-UKVI Academic IELTS One Skill Retake.
Do I need IELTS for UKVI for Durham?+
No. Durham lists UKVI/SELT IELTS and non-UKVI IELTS at the same score for every direct entry band.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at Durham?+
Band B (6.5, no component under 6.0) for most science, business and engineering master's, or Band A (7.0, no component under 6.5) for many arts and humanities courses. Law LLM direct entry needs Band A+.
Does Durham accept Duolingo?+
Yes. 120 overall with no subscore below 110 for Band B, or 130 with 120 for Band A.
Keep reading
Related
- University of York IELTS requirement
- Newcastle University IELTS requirement
- PTE for UK universities
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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