Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
LIPA IELTS levels on course pages
From the BA (Hons) Acting and MA Acting course pages. Other LIPA courses publish their own level, so check your course page.
| Course | IELTS | Other evidence |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) Acting | 5.5 in each of the 4 components | Other equivalents, a SELT, or LIPA's Institutional Assessment of English |
| MA Acting | 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each component | Other equivalents considered |
LIPA's own English assessment
LIPA's Student visa and English language page says no proof of English is needed when you apply or audition. For undergraduate courses you can show English through a qualification from another country, a SELT, or a free LIPA Institutional Assessment of English, and an institutional assessment may also be offered for postgraduate courses.
The pages do not list PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo scores, or a validity period, so ask admissions before you book a test other than IELTS.
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Exemptions and the visa
Nationals of countries on the UKVI list are exempt, as are holders of a degree from one of those countries that is equivalent to a UK degree.
For a Student visa, UK Visas and Immigration asks for English at CEFR B2 for degree-level study and B1 below degree level, per gov.uk. At degree level, gov.uk adds, your university can assess your English itself, but the level must still be equivalent to B2.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your LIPA programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does LIPA need for BA Acting?+
IELTS 5.5 in each of the four components, or an accepted equivalent.
What IELTS does LIPA need for MA Acting?+
IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component.
Do I need IELTS for my LIPA audition?+
No. LIPA says proof of English is not needed at application or audition.
Does LIPA have its own English test?+
Yes. Undergraduates can take a free LIPA Institutional Assessment of English, and one may be offered for postgraduate courses.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the UK accepting IELTS 5.5
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama IELTS requirement
- University of Liverpool IELTS requirement
- Liverpool John Moores University IELTS requirement
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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