Northumbria London IELTS by course
From the Northumbria University London course list and course pages such as MSc Cyber Security. Its IELTS guide says applicants need IELTS Academic. Each course says "or equivalent" but the London pages do not publish PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo scores, so ask admissions which tests they accept before booking one.
| Course | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|
| MSc courses (Cyber Security, Digital Marketing, Global Logistics, International Project Management and others) | 6.5, no single element below 5.5 |
| BSc Computing degrees (AI, Cyber Security, Data Science, IT Management) | 6.0, no single element below 5.5 |
| BSc Accounting and Finance top-up, Global Business Management top-up | 6.0, no single element below 5.5 |
| Other business top-ups (Banking and Finance, HR, Marketing, Tourism) | From 5.5, no single element below 5.5 |
| Graduate Certificate in Business (pre-master's) | 6.0, no single element below 5.5 |
| International Year One Business | 5.5, no single element below 5.5 |
| International Foundation in Business Management | 5.5 (5.5), or 5.0 with no element below 4.5 and 5.0 in reading and listening |
The 6- and 12-week pre-sessional
The London campus's Pre-Sessional English course sheet offers a 6-week course if your IELTS is no more than 0.5 below your degree's requirement, overall or in any skill, and a 12-week course if you are no more than 1.0 below. For a 6.5 MSc, that means 6.0 for 6 weeks or 5.5 for 12 weeks. Progression is by continuous assessment and exams, not by another IELTS. The fee is £2,000 or £4,000 for 2026/27.
MSc Cyber Security's page adds that applicants with IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 may be eligible for the pre-sessional before starting.
Free test: are you at Northumbria University London's score yet?
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India, Pakistan, Nigeria and the visa
The entry requirements by country page sets academic grades, not English waivers. Indian applicants need Standard XII from CBSE or CISCE at 65% for undergraduate entry, and 55% in a bachelor's (52% from Delhi, Mumbai or Pune universities) for master's courses that ask for a UK 2:2. Pakistan, Nigeria and India are not listed with an English exemption, so plan on IELTS.
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 and may ask you to take a different test.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Northumbria London programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Northumbria University London 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 Northumbria University London need for a master's?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 with no single element below 5.5 for its MSc courses, including Cyber Security, Digital Marketing and Global Logistics Operations and Supply Chain Management.
Is IELTS 6.0 enough for Northumbria London?+
For its BSc computing degrees, the Graduate Certificate in Business and some top-ups, yes, with no element below 5.5. For an MSc you need 6.5, or the 6-week pre-sessional with 6.0.
Does Northumbria London accept PTE?+
Course pages say IELTS "or equivalent" but the London pages do not publish PTE or Duolingo scores. Ask admissions which tests and scores they accept.
Do I need IELTS Academic or General?+
Northumbria London's IELTS guide says you need IELTS Academic to study a course with them.
Keep reading
Related
- Northumbria University IELTS requirement
- Ulster University London IELTS requirement
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- IELTS for the UK: scores by university and visa
- All 1393 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 14 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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