Direct answer
Loughborough University publishes a tiered entry requirement system for Chinese bachelor degree holders applying to postgraduate programmes. The minimum final mark depends on your university’s tier and the UK degree classification required by your chosen course. The University provides a look-up tool to check your institution’s tier. All applicants must also meet the University’s English language requirements.
What the official page establishes
The official China country page confirms that Chinese students need a four‑year bachelor degree for postgraduate entry. The University uses a tiered ranking system that sets different percentage requirements for each UK degree classification band. The page also states that students who do not meet the standard requirements may occasionally be considered if they have a relevant degree, can show good grades in relevant subjects, or have substantial relevant work experience.
How the tiered entry requirement table works
The University lists five UK degree classification bands: First class (70%), Mid 2:1 (65%), 2:1 (60%), Mid 2:2 (55%), and 2:2 (50%). For each band, the required Chinese bachelor degree mark varies across three tiers.
For Tier 1 institutions, the requirements range from 80% for a First class equivalent down to 67% for a 2:2 equivalent. Tier 2 institutions require marks from 83% down to 70%. Tier 3 institutions require the highest marks, from 86% down to 75%.
Finding your institution’s tier
The official page directs applicants to use the University’s look-up tool to search for their institution or affiliated college. The tier assigned by that tool determines which column of the requirement table applies. The page does not publish a static list of institutions and their tiers; the look-up tool is the authoritative source.
English language requirements
The standard University IELTS requirement is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Some degrees require higher levels, and those higher requirements are stated on the individual degree pages. The University also accepts other qualifications listed on its accepted qualifications page and offers pre‑sessional English courses.
What the page does not specify for individual programmes
The country page provides the general postgraduate entry framework. It does not state which UK degree classification a specific programme such as an MA or MSc requires. You must check the individual degree page for the classification band needed, then apply the tiered table to find your required Chinese bachelor mark.
Application process and costs
International students follow the same application process as UK students. The page links to separate application information for postgraduate taught and postgraduate research programmes. It also provides links to postgraduate tuition fees, accommodation fees in London and Loughborough, and postgraduate bursaries and scholarships. The page estimates that a postgraduate living in self‑catered accommodation for 50 weeks should budget an additional £6,000 for living expenses.
What still requires live rechecking
The official page does not list a programme titled MA Social Sciences. The closest identifiable programme may appear under a different name, such as MSc Social Science Research. The specific UK degree classification required for any social sciences programme must be confirmed on the live individual degree page. The tier assigned to your institution must be checked through the live look-up tool, as tiers are not published in a static list on this page.
FAQ
Does Loughborough University accept a three‑year bachelor degree from China for postgraduate entry?
The official page states that students are required to have a bachelor degree of four years for entry to a postgraduate programme. It does not mention accepting three‑year degrees.
Can I be considered if my marks are below the tiered requirement?
Yes. The page states that students who do not meet the requirements may occasionally be considered if they have a relevant degree, can show good grades in relevant subjects, or have substantial relevant work experience.
Where can I find the English language requirements for my specific course?
Higher English language requirements are stated on the individual degree pages. The standard University requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each element.
Does Loughborough University offer a foundation programme for Chinese students?
Yes. The University offers a Foundation Year through ONCAMPUS. Chinese students taking the Senior Middle Examinations need to complete a suitable foundation year before undergraduate study.
How do I know which tier my Chinese university belongs to?
The University provides a look-up tool on its website. You can search for your institution or affiliated college to find your tier.
Are there scholarships available for Chinese postgraduate students?
The official page links to postgraduate bursaries and scholarships. It does not list specific scholarship names or amounts on the China country page.
Further reading
Official sources
The information in this article is based on the official Loughborough University China country page: China | International | Loughborough University.
For broader context on UK university applications, you may find these articles helpful: Royal Holloway University London 2026 guide and University of Glasgow 2026 guide. If you are exploring support options, you can read about agent recommendations for UK undergraduate applications and agent service comparisons during the study abroad process.