Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
UCC Duolingo minimums by programme
From UCC's undergraduate and postgraduate English language entry requirement pages.
| Level or programme | Duolingo minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate: Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences; Business and Law; Science, Engineering and Food Science | 120 | 110 in each section |
| Undergraduate: College of Medicine and Health (except Speech and Language Therapy) | 120 | 120 in each section |
| Undergraduate: Speech and Language Therapy | 130 | 120 in each section |
| Postgraduate standard | 120 | 110 in each subscore |
| MSc Audiology, MSc Human Nutrition & Dietetics, MSc Physiotherapy, MSc Human Anatomy | 130 | 120 in each subscore |
| MSc Diagnostic Radiography, MSc Radiation Therapy, Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences | 130 | 130 in each subscore |
| MSW Master of Social Work, PG Diploma in Social Work Studies | 130 | 130 in each section |
| PG Diploma in Public Health Nursing | 130 | 130 in each subscore; one may be 120 |
| MSc Marine Biology | 130 | Literacy and Production 130; Comprehension and Conversation 120 |
| MSc Nursing (Non-EU) | 120 | 120 in each subscore |
How UCC handles Duolingo scores
The postgraduate page gives Duolingo a two-year time limit: the test must be taken no more than two years before the programme starts. The undergraduate page applies a two-year limit to tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and Pearson PTE.
For non-EU applicants to College of Medicine and Health programmes, the undergraduate page says IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, Cambridge and Pearson PTE Academic are the only tests accepted.
For comparison, the postgraduate page sets the standard IELTS minimum at 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each skill.
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If your Duolingo score is below the minimum
Postgraduate research applicants on a programme of at least two years can be considered with Duolingo 120 overall, and those presenting 110 to 115 must take a Skills Check with the UCC Language Centre. If the programme team supports admission, the applicant attends a UCC Language Centre course alongside the programme. A UCC Language Centre pre-sessional is also listed as accepted evidence.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UCC programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What Duolingo score does UCC need?+
120 with at least 110 in each section for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
What Duolingo score is needed for UCC medicine and health courses?+
Undergraduate programmes need 120 in every section; Speech and Language Therapy needs 130 with 120 in each.
Which UCC postgraduate programmes need 130?+
Several, including MSc Audiology, MSc Physiotherapy, MSc Diagnostic Radiography and the Master of Social Work.
How long is a Duolingo score valid at UCC?+
Two years before the programme starts.
What is UCC's IELTS equivalent?+
IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each skill for standard postgraduate entry.
Keep reading
Related
- UCC IELTS requirement
- University of Limerick Duolingo requirement
- Duolingo English Test score chart
- IELTS for Ireland: scores by university
- All 4750 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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