English Language Requirements

Due to the nature of studying at undergraduate or postgraduate level, an excellent command of English is essential. Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to prove their ability in the language.

Central’s minimum requirements are that students are proficient users of the English language at the level C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for languages.

Applicants must evidence that they are able to meet this level before beginning study on a course at Central and also to ensure they are able to be granted the relevant visa.

Do I have to prove my English Language Level?

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to prove their competence in the language. If you are yet to send us proof of your English language ability, this will be a condition of your offer that the Admissions Office will send to you.
How can I prove I meet the language requirements?

Students may have undertaken prior study on a course that proves their language proficiency which includes:
English GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school or college that you began when you were under 18.
Otherwise, students who are required to prove their English language competence should complete a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
What is a SELT?

SELT stands for Secure English Language Test.
A number of providers offer these tests (see next question). Test scores must have been achieved no more than two years prior to enrolment. All test scores are verified with the awarding body on receipt. Any applicant found to have submitted a fraudulent score will have their application and any offers made withdrawn. Central will only accept test results from approved SELT providers.
Who are the approved SELT providers?
SELT tests are only approved from one of the following providers:
IELTS SELT Consortium (UK or overseas)
LanguageCert (UK or overseas)
Trinity College London (UK only)
Pearson (UK and overseas)
PSI Services (UK) Ltd (overseas only)
What are the required scores for each approved test?
The approved IELTS SELT Consortium test is:
IELTS Academic
Minimum score 7.0 overall
No lower than 6.5 in each component
The approved LanguageCert test is:
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1
Minimum scaled score: 75
Minimum scores per skill:
Reading, Writing, Speaking: 33
Listening: 33
The approved Trinity College London SELT test is:
Integrated Skills in English (ISE III)
Minimum scores per skill:
Reading: 23 out of 30
Writing: 20 out of 28
Speaking: 12 out of 16
Listening: 5 out of 8
The approved Pearson SELT test is:
Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
Minimum score per skill: 76
The approved PSI Services (UK) Ltd SELT test is:
Skills for English UKVI C1 (4 component)
Test code 4SC1
Which SELT should I take?

Applicants must decide for themselves which test to take. Tests are only considered ‘secure’ if taken at an approved centre (i.e., an ‘online test’ or ‘home edition’ of a test will not be considered secure). IELTS indicator is not a SELT and will not be accepted as proof of English level.
Please note tests not approved by UKVI (ie. those not listed above) may not be accepted as part of Student visa applications.
For the latest guidance, please see the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english
When do I need to provide evidence I meet this level?

Evidence must be submitted to the Admissions Office no later than 1st August of the calendar year you are intending to enrol. If you do not satisfy this condition of offer by that date, the condition will be deemed to have not been met and the application will be made unsuccessful for that year. Central will discuss alternative options with you.