Required Language Skills for Learning in the UK
Visa - Brockenhurst College is a Highly Trusted Sponsor (Tier 4)
Students who achieve the minimum UK entry requirement of B1 must attend the College Pre-course English programme. This will allow guaranteed progression on to an academic programme at the College. For students achieving low B2 qualifications Brockenhurst recommends students attend Pre-course English classes for a minimum of six weeks prior to study. In some individual cases compulsory attendance of Pre-course English will form a part of the offer.
International English Language Testing Scores
You will be required to have the IELTS test or equivalent in English before your application can be processed. The test can be taken in any country and covers Speaking, Listening, Writing and Understanding the English language.
You will need to send us proof of your results along with your application form to enable us to consider your application. The test results must be officially stamped by the organisation who administered the test. To study at Brockenhurst College we require you to be of at least level 5.5 standard.
Outline of International English Language Testing (IELTS) Scores:
| Score | Level | Description |
| 9 | Expert User | Fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent, with complete understanding. |
| 8 | Very Good User | Fully operational command of the language with only occasionally unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies, misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well. |
| 7 | Good User | Operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning. |
| 6 | Competent User | Generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings, can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| 5 | Modest User | Partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is unlikely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field. |
| 4 | Limited User | Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Frequent problems in understanding and expression, is not able to use complex language. |
| 3 | Extremely Limited User | Only general meaning conveyed and understood in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur. |
| 2 | Intermittent User | No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words in short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
| 1 | Non-User | Essentially no ability to use the language beyond a few isolated words. |
Visit the IELTS website
What is IELTS?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System and it is a requirement of the majority of universities and institutes of further and higher education in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. It is also used by a number of professional bodies, including the British Ministry of Defence, the UK General Medical Council, the Medical Council of Ireland, the Australian Department of Immigration and the New Zealand Immigration Service. IELTS is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (UCLES), the British Council and IDP Education Australia.
What is required?
All candidates take the same listening and speaking modules. There is an option of either academic or general reading and writing modules. The academic module is suitable if you are planning to undertake higher education study. An IELTS centre will be able to help you if you are unsure which module to take.
Results
You will receive a score on a scale of 1 to 9. The results will be returned to you within two weeks. You will receive a score for each module as well as an overall score. There is no pass or fail mark and the results are valid for two years.
Where can I take the Test?
The British Council currently offers IELTS at 190 centres worldwide. IELTS study/specimen materials and preparation courses are available at many British Council offices. You can also purchase IELTS specimen materials from your nearest test centre or direct from UCLES.
Entry requirements
• International Baccalaureate: 5 A*-C GCSEs or International equivalent
• BTEC National Diploma/Certificate: 4 A*-C GCSEs or International
equivalent
• IELTS: 5.5 or equivalent
