Direct answer
The official Loughborough University international admissions page confirms the standard University English language requirement is an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking). This standard applies to all Postgraduate Taught Degree courses unless a School/Department specifies a higher level. The specific higher English language requirement for the MSc Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics programme was not detailed on the provided official evidence and requires a live recheck of the programme page.
Standard English language requirement for postgraduate taught courses
The University sets a standard English language requirement for admission to any course or programme. For Postgraduate Taught Degree courses, all Schools/Departments require this standard, unless a higher level is specified. The standard requirement is:
- IELTS Academic Test: Overall score of 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in each test (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
This requirement applies to both the IELTS Academic Test (including the Online Test) and the IELTS One Skill Retake. The official page states that some Schools/Departments may require higher levels of English language than those specified. The exact requirements for your chosen programme will be sent to you in your offer communication.
Accepted English language qualifications and minimum grades
The University accepts a range of qualifications as evidence of English language proficiency. All tests must be taken within two years of the start of the academic year. The following qualifications and minimum grades are accepted for meeting the standard postgraduate taught requirement:
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): C/200
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): C/180
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (centre-based test): SELT C1: Pass overall with no sub-test lower than 33 out of 50. For tests taken from 2025 onwards: Overall score of 70 with not less than 65 in each test.
- LanguageCert Academic SELT (centre-based test): Overall score of 70 with not less than 65 in each test.
- LanguageCert: Online test: C1: Pass overall with no sub-test lower than 33 out of 50. For tests taken from 2025 onwards: Overall score of 70 with not less than 65 in each test.
- Pearson Test of Academic English (PTE) (centre-based test): Overall score of 65, with not less than 61 in each sub-test.
- TOEFL iBT: For tests taken prior to 21 January 2026: Overall score of 88, with not less than 21 in each test. For tests taken from 21 January 2026: Overall score of 4.5 with not less than 4.5 in Writing and Listening and not less than 4.0 in Speaking and Reading.
- TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition: For tests taken prior to 21 January 2026: Overall score of 88 with not less than 21 in each test. For tests taken from 21 January 2026: Overall score of 4.5 with not less than 4.5 in Writing and Listening and not less than 4.0 in Speaking and Reading.
- Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) III: 96 overall with not less than 90 in each component.
- Duolingo English Test: Overall score of 120 with not less than 110 in Speaking, 115 in Writing, 110 in Reading and 105 in Listening.
- ONCAMPUS Test of English (OCTOE): 65% overall with 60% in each sub-test (taken in the UK).
School-based qualifications from China
The official evidence lists accepted international school-based qualifications from many countries. China is not included in this list. The evidence does not specify any Chinese high school qualification, such as the Gaokao, that can be used to meet the English language requirement. Chinese applicants who do not hold an accepted qualification from another listed country must provide one of the approved English language tests.
Previous university study in English
You can meet the English language requirement if you have completed previous university study in English under specific conditions. An undergraduate degree from a UK university, with at least one year of study completed in the UK, is accepted. This includes students on a 3+1 programme at a UK university if they have completed a full year of study in the UK. A postgraduate degree from a UK university is also accepted with a Pass. Degrees from a list of majority English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the USA, are accepted with a Pass. Applicants who are not Canadian nationals but have studied in Canada will need an additional English language test.
Pre-sessional English language programmes
If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, Loughborough University offers pre-sessional English language programmes as an alternative way to satisfy the requirements. Admission to these programmes is at the discretion of the School/Department. The official page directs you to the pre-sessional English language programmes page for more details.
What the official page does not establish
The provided official evidence establishes the standard University English language requirement and the list of accepted qualifications. It does not confirm whether the Department of Computer Science, which offers the MSc Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, requires a higher level of English language. The evidence also does not include any academic entry requirements, such as the specific Chinese university tiered ranking system or the required final percentage for a Chinese bachelor’s degree. These details require a live recheck of the dedicated programme page.
FAQ
What is the IELTS requirement for Loughborough University postgraduate courses?
The standard University IELTS requirement for Postgraduate Taught Degree courses is an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Does the MSc Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics have a higher English language requirement?
The official evidence states that some Schools/Departments may require higher levels of English language. The specific requirement for the MSc Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics is not detailed in the provided evidence and must be confirmed in your offer communication or on the programme page.
Can I use my Chinese high school qualification to meet the English language requirement?
The official list of accepted international school-based qualifications does not include any qualification from China. You will likely need to provide an approved English language test score.
How recent must my English language test be?
English language tests must be no more than two years old at the start of the course. School-based qualifications used to meet the requirement should have been taken within the past ten years.
What can I do if I do not meet the IELTS requirement?
Loughborough University offers pre-sessional English language programmes as an alternative way to satisfy the English language requirements, subject to the discretion of the School/Department.
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted?
Yes, the Duolingo English Test is accepted. The minimum required score is 120 overall, with no less than 110 in Speaking, 115 in Writing, 110 in Reading and 105 in Listening.
Official sources
The information in this article is based on the official Loughborough University international English language requirements page: English language requirements | International | Loughborough University.
For broader context on choosing support for your application, you may find these resources helpful: Related guide 1, Related guide 2, Related guide 3, and SOAS University of London 2026 Guide.