English language requirements
LSI must confirm that each applicant meets the academic and English language entry requirements for their programme before an unconditional place can be confirmed.
We know that applicants come from many different countries, education systems and professional backgrounds. You may already have suitable evidence of your English language ability, so you do not always need to take a new English language test.
Please upload the evidence that best applies to you with your application. Our Admissions Team will review it and confirm whether it meets the requirement.
How you can meet the English language requirement
You can normally meet LSI’s English language requirement in any one of the following ways.
1. You are from the UK
If you are from the UK, you can normally meet the English language requirement by providing evidence such as a British passport.
2. You are from a majority English-speaking country
If you are from a country recognised by the UK Home Office as a majority English-speaking country, you can normally meet the English language requirement by providing evidence of your nationality, such as your passport. These include: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Malta, Belize, Bahamas, Barbados, British Overseas Territories, St Lucia, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis
3. You have studied at a UK university or high-school
If you have previously studied at a UK university, you can normally meet the English language requirement by providing evidence of that study, such as your certificate, transcript or other official university evidence.
4. You have studied at a university or school in a majority English-speaking country
If you have previously studied at a university in a UK Home Office recognised majority English-speaking country, you can normally meet the English language requirement by providing evidence of that study, such as your certificate, transcript or other official university evidence.
5. Your previous undergraduate or postgraduate qualification was taught and assessed in English
If you completed a previous undergraduate or postgraduate academic qualification that was taught and assessed in English, you can normally meet the English language requirement by providing one of the following:
- a transcript;
- a certificate; or
- an official letter from your university or awarding institution.
The document must expressly confirm that your undergraduate or postgraduate qualification was taught and assessed in English.
6. You have an English language result from previous study, including high school
You may also meet the requirement by providing an English language examination result or certificate from high school, school-leaving, college or university-level study.
LSI will review this evidence and confirm whether it shows suitable English language ability for postgraduate study.
7. You have an approved English language test
You can also meet the requirement by providing an approved English language test. Accepted tests include, for example:
- IELTS Academic;
- TOEFL;
- Duolingo English Test;
- British Council EnglishScore;
- Cambridge English;
- PTE Academic;
- Oxford ELLT;
- LanguageCert;
- Trinity ISE; or
- another accepted equivalent.
We normally require the equivalent of IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5. Requirements vary by programme.
None of the above?
If you do not already have suitable English language evidence, you may need to take an approved English language test.
One options is the EnglishScore digital certificate by British Council. It offers a practical way to complete an English test using your mobile phone. It takes around 40 minutes and provides an instant score. You can then purchase a Professional Certificate which includes your EnglishScore and CEFR level, your name, photograph, skills breakdown, and verification features.
This is a useful option if you want a flexible test that can be completed from home, without attending a test centre.
How to take the EnglishScore test
- Go to the EnglishScore test page: Take the EnglishScore test
- Download the EnglishScore app on your mobile phone.
- Complete the Core Skills Test in a quiet room.
- Purchase the Professional Certificate.
- Share your certificate with LSI as part of your application.
Why applicants choose EnglishScore
EnglishScore is suitable for applicants who need a clear and accessible route to certification.
It may be the right option if:
- You do not already have IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted certificate
- You prefer to test from home
- You want a mobile-first testing option
- You need a certificate that can be shared digitally