English Language requirements
As part of the application process, applicants are required to demonstrate how they meet LSHTM's minimum English Language requirements. This is particularly important for applicants requiring a Student Visa, as the UK Home Office requires that every student from outside the UK and Republic of Ireland shows evidence of a minimum level of English language ability (called CEFR B2 level) in order to be granted a Student visa and study in the UK.
Additionally, LSHTM asks for English language proficiency levels that are necessary for our academic programmes, which is slightly higher than the Common European Framework for languages (CEFR) B2 level.
English language requirements policy (pdf)
- Accepted English language tests
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The academic English language requirements for each of LSHTM’s programmes are categorised into one of three profiles:
- Band A (highest requirement)
- Band B (mid-range/’standard’ requirement)
- Band C (lowest requirement)
Please refer to the appropriate Programme Specification for the English language requirement Band of your preferred programme.
- IELTS (Academic)
- Pearson PTE Academic
These tests are only valid for entry for 2 years. As a result the qualification must have been completed no more than 2 years prior to enrolment.
LSHTM requires the following minimum proficiency test scores. Please refer to the appropriate Programme Specification for the Band of your preferred programme.
Band A Band B Band C IELTS (Academic) 7.5 overall with 7.0 in each component
7.0 overall with 6.5 in each component
6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component
Pearson PTE Academic 80 overall with 80 in each component
76 overall with 76 in each component
59 overall with 59 in each component
- Majority English-speaking countries
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Last updated: 26 October 2022
The UK Government recognises the following countries as majority English-speaking countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
These countries have been classified as majority English-speaking countries by the UK Government. Further information on Student Visa requirements, including Knowledge of English, can be found on the government website. In the interest of compliance, LSHTM is not able to consider other countries as majority English-speaking countries.
If you are a national of one of these countries, you are not required to submit evidence of English language proficiency.
If you have undertaken a full degree in one of the above countries, you will not be required to submit further evidence of your English Language if the degree certificate is successfully verified with the issuing body on receipt. Any applicant found to have submitted fraudulent documentation will have their application withdrawn.
Canadian nationals are also exempt from English Language requirements but non-Canadian nationals who have studied in Canada are required to meet standard English Language requirements due to Home Office policy.
- Conditions
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If you request to defer your entry to LSHTM, we may ask you to re-take your test if your original offer was based on a test which will be out of date at the point of registration. Our English language programme requirements and other accepted tests provide details of how long your qualification is deemed valid.
All test scores are verified with the issuing body on receipt. Any applicant found to have submitted a fraudulent score will have their application withdrawn.
LSHTM reserves the right to change minimum English Language requirements during an application cycle in-line with any compliance guidance released by the Home Office. In the event of a change in Home Office policy which affects entry requirements, the University will notify affected applicants in writing.
- Exemptions
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Applicants who are a national of a majority English-speaking country or who have successfully completed an appropriate academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree), which was taught in a majority English speaking country from the UKVI approved country list automatically meet our English Language requirements.
*Please note, Canadian nationals are exempt from English Language requirements but non-Canadian nationals who have studied in Canada are required to meet LSHTM’s standard English Language requirements due to Home Office regulations.
Academic entry requirements
LSHTM's minimum entry requirements for each of its degrees are listed below. Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirement for the programme of their choice but who have relevant professional experience may still be eligible for admission.
- Master's programmes (intensive)
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In order to be admitted to an LSHTM master's degree programme, an applicant must:
- hold either a first degree at Second Class Honours (2:2) standard in a relevant discipline, or a degree in medicine recognised by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) for the purposes of practising medicine in the UK, or another degree of equivalent standard awarded by an overseas institution recognised by UK ENIC or the GMC).
or
- hold a professional qualification appropriate to the programme of study to be followed obtained by written examinations and judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above.
or
- have relevant professional experience or training which is judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above.
and
- satisfy any additional requirements where prescribed for admission to a specific programme.
If you have not previously studied in the UK, you can check our guide to international equivalent qualifications for our master's degrees.
Some degree programmes may have a higher entry requirement than specified above. Please be sure to check the individual programme for any additional entry requirements.
- MPhil and PhD
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Academic requirements
The normal minimum entrance qualification for registration at the School on a MPhil/PhD programme is evidence of an aptitude for research and at least one of the following:- a master’s degree in a subject appropriate to the course of study to be followed (recommended)
- a qualification appropriate to the course of study to be followed, in medicine, dentistry or veterinary studies
- an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, in a relevant subject.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to meet these requirements: Band B. - DrPH
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Academic requirements
The normal minimum entrance qualification for registration at the School on a Doctoral programme is evidence of an aptitude for research and at least one of the following:
- a master’s degree in a subject appropriate to the course of study to be followed (recommended)
- a qualification appropriate to the course of study to be followed, in medicine, dentistry or veterinary studies
- an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, in a relevant subject.
Applicants for the DrPH study are also required to have a minimum of two year's appropriate experience.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to meet these requirements: Band B.
Essential digital skills
Digital skills and using computers are an everyday part of modern life – and you'll need both during your time at LSHTM.
You'll need to be able to use standard software (such as Word), a web browser and email. You'll also need to be able to type at a reasonable speed in order to perform to the best of your ability during any online assessments – for reference, the average person types around 40 words per minute – there are a number of free typing speed tests available online.
It'll benefit your studies if you know how to:
- use digital technologies to find, evaluate and create information
- communicate effectively with online technologies
- select the correct tools to complete online and offline tasks
- perform tasks efficiently in a variety of digital environments
Whatever you're studying you'll need to know how to work with digital technologies, stay safe online and build a positive online presence.
Reasonable adjustments and support are available for students who have additional accessibility or learning needs, and LSHTM recognises the use of voice to text or alternative software being available for those students with disabilities.