Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
RCS TOEFL minimums by programme
From the RCS English language requirements page.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BA Modern Ballet, BA Dance Artists | 72 (reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20, writing 17) | IELTS 5.5 with no component below 5.5 |
| Bachelor of Music (Hons), BEd Music (Hons) | 80 (reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20, writing 17) | IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5 |
| BA Filmmaking, Production Arts and Design, Production Technology and Management | 88 (reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20, writing 17) | IELTS 6.5 with no component below 5.5 |
| BA Acting, BA Musical Theatre, BA Arts with Community | 102 (reading 18, listening 17, speaking 27, writing 17) | IELTS 7.5 with 7.5 in speaking |
| MA/MMus Music, Advanced Postgraduate Diploma, Artist Diploma | 80 (reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20, writing 17) | IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5 |
| MA Psychology in the Arts (Music), MEd and PG Cert Learning and Teaching in the Arts, MA Creative Arts Practice, MA Arts Leadership and Fundraising | 94 (reading 19, listening 20, speaking 23, writing 24) | IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in speaking |
| MA/MFA Acting/Directing, MA Musical Theatre: Musical Directing, MA/MFA Production | 102 (reading 18, listening 17, speaking 27, writing 17) | IELTS 7.5 with 7.5 in speaking |
| PhD/MPhil, Doctor of Performing Arts | 95 (reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20, writing 17) | IELTS 7.0 with no component below 5.5 |
RCS TOEFL test rules
RCS accepts TOEFL iBT but not the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. Tests are valid if taken within two years of the start date of your programme, and RCS verifies declared scores with the test provider. The page does not mention TOEFL MyBest scores or give an ETS institution code.
New TOEFL iBT score reports also carry a 1 to 6 score alongside the 0 to 120 total; see the new TOEFL score scale explained.
For comparison, the same page sets IELTS Academic at 6.0 with no component below 5.5 for the Bachelor of Music, and 7.5 with 7.5 in speaking for BA Acting.
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If your TOEFL score is below the RCS level
RCS has partnered with Bayswater Education on a 6-week pre-sessional programme for School of Music applicants who have firmly accepted a degree offer. It also accepts pre-sessional programmes from BALEAP-accredited institutions and some named in-country programmes, and in exceptional circumstances considers non-standard entry.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your RCS programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does RCS need for the Bachelor of Music?+
80 overall with reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20 and writing 17.
What TOEFL score does RCS need for BA Acting?+
102 overall with speaking 27, reading 18, listening 17 and writing 17.
Does RCS accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition?+
No.
How recent must my TOEFL test be for RCS?+
Taken within two years of the start date of your programme.
Keep reading
Related
- RCS IELTS requirement
- Trinity Laban TOEFL requirement
- What is a good TOEFL score?
- TOEFL for UK study and visas
- All 4564 guides
Guide updated on 1 November 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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