What IELTS score do you need for the Royal Northern College of Music?

The RNCM's equivalence table gives PTE 59 or above for IELTS 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5, and PTE 76 or above for IELTS 7.0. Trinity ISE II Pass matches 5.5 and 6.0, ISE II High Pass matches 6.5, and ISE III Pass matches 7.0. Cambridge ranges run from 162 to 191. TOEFL, Duolingo and LanguageCert are not listed.

The page says a result that marginally misses the requirement will not be accepted on its own, so aim for the full score.

Results must be within two years of the course start and obtained before 1 May of your entry year. Nationals of majority English-speaking countries, holders of a degree taught in such a country (Canada excluded) with a UK ENIC statement, and holders of a completed UK degree are exempt. The RNCM runs its own pre-sessional for applicants slightly below the requirement, with 2027 applications opening in February.

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 RNCM programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.