Buckingham's levels by test
From Buckingham's undergraduate and postgraduate English pages, which say its requirements are higher than the UK's B2 minimum for degree study. IELTS and TOEFL results are valid for two years. The same pages' visa table pairs PTE 59 to 65 with IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 and 5.5, below the 6.5 (6.0) IELTS entry level, so confirm PTE with admissions. Duolingo is not listed, and whether Buckingham accepts IELTS for UKVI, IELTS Online or One Skill Retake is not stated.
| Test | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5, 6.0 or above in each component | 6.5, 6.0 or above in each component (7.0 with 6.5 for London MA by Research) |
| PTE Academic (test centre only, not online) | 59 to 65, minimum 59 in each component | 59 to 65, minimum 59 in each component |
| TOEFL iBT | 79; listening 12, reading 13, speaking 18, writing 21 | 79; listening 12, reading 13, speaking 18, writing 21 |
| LanguageCert Academic (test centre or online) | 70, 65 or above in each component | 70, 65 or above in each component |
| Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit | B2 Pass with Merit |
Buckingham IELTS on course pages
These course pages were read on 8 October 2026; none states a PTE score. Buckingham offers no nursing degree, and its two-year degrees run over two years and one term. The MBA page gives no figure and refers you to the postgraduate English page.
| Course | Level | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Computing BSc (3 years) | Undergraduate | 6.5, at least 6.0 in each component |
| Computing BSc (2 years) | Undergraduate | 6.5, at least 6.0 in each component |
| MBA Strategic Leadership | Postgraduate | No figure on page (postgraduate page: 6.5, 6.0) |
| Applied Data Science MSc | Postgraduate | 6.5, at least 6.0 in each component |
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Buckingham's India page accepts 75% in 12th standard English, from CBSE, CISCE or a state board, in place of IELTS, "except for applications from Punjab and Haryana". It accepts these without interview if taken no more than three years before the course, while the English pages say "additional interviewing conditions may also apply". The Nigeria page and English pages accept WAEC or NECO English at C4 or better within five years.
School-English routes for Pakistan and Bangladesh are not stated, and Buckingham has no Nepal page. Medium of instruction letters are not stated beyond an English-taught degree.
| Qualification | Buckingham requirement |
|---|---|
| 12th standard English (CBSE, CISCE or state board) | 75%, taken within three years of the course; not for applications from Punjab or Haryana |
| English-taught degree (India and Bangladesh pages) | Accepted if completed within three years of the course start |
| WAEC or NECO English | C4 or better (C4, B3, B2, A1), within the last five years |
| Pakistan HSSC, Bangladesh HSC, Nepal NEB English | Not stated by Buckingham |
Recruitment pauses, deposit, pre-sessional and the Student visa
Buckingham's Pakistan, Nigeria and Ghana pages say it "has suspended the recruitment of students" from each country for Master's by Research and PhD programmes for the January 2027 intake where a Student visa is needed; online-only programmes are exempt. It no longer accepts Foundation applications from Nigeria or Bangladesh, and since 13 March 2025 Bangladesh applicants must apply through an agent.
Its deposits page says the deposit amount is on your offer letter, and its visa FAQs issue a CAS after an unconditional offer, paid fees and bond, and compliant bank statements. A pre-CAS interview is not stated. Its January starts FAQ advises applying by the first week of December. The pre-sessional English programme is not a standalone course; its length, price and entry scores are not stated.
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 Buckingham programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does the University of Buckingham accept PTE?+
Yes, taken in person at a test centre: 59 to 65 with at least 59 in each component for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The online test is not accepted.
Does Buckingham accept Duolingo?+
Duolingo does not appear on Buckingham's undergraduate or postgraduate English language requirement pages.
Is Buckingham accepting students from Pakistan?+
Not for research degrees: it has suspended Pakistan recruitment for Master's by Research and PhD programmes for January 2027 where a Student visa is needed. Nigeria and Ghana are paused the same way.
Can Indian students study at Buckingham without IELTS?+
Yes, with 75% in 12th standard English taken within three years of the course start, except for applications from Punjab and Haryana.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at Buckingham?+
6.5 with 6.0 in each component, as on the Applied Data Science MSc page. London-based MA by Research degrees need 7.0 with 6.5.
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Verified against the linked official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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