Entry requirements for Pre-sessional English (PEAP)
Determining the length of your PEAP course
The length of PEAP course you'll need to complete depends on your language level now, you'll find all the information in the tables below.
Please note the following important information:
- You must be 18 or over at the start of the course.
- PEAP is not suitable if you are a beginner in English.
- Any results you submit will need to be verified. This can include using the online verifying services provided by examining bodies or contacting the awarding institution.
On-campus courses:
If, after successfully completing PEAP, you plan to begin your course in January (postgraduate) / September you will be eligible to apply for the visa for your postgraduate/undergraduate course from within the UK. Our international student support team can assist you with this process and have produced helpful guidance on visa and immigration matters on our Student Hub.
Please note that you will require a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for admission to the on-campus PEAP course. The SELTs that we currently accept are: IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI and LanguageCert SELT.
Online courses:
We recommend that you choose to study the on-campus course where possible, especially if you are progressing to a postgraduate course in the Nottingham School of Art & Design (these courses start earlier and there is very limited time between the end of the PEAP course and the start of the degree courses).
If you choose to study a PEAP course online, you must book an appointment to start your visa application as soon as possible after your course ends. NTU cannot guarantee that you will be allowed to join your degree course if you are late because of visa delays so we encourage you to act as soon as you can.
Degree courses requiring an IELTS 6.0 entry level
If your language level now is around IELTS 4.0
If you have any of the below test grades, the length of PEAP course you’ll need is:
- 20 weeks
You would need to achieve a minimum of PEAP Pass grade to progress to your University course.
IELTS
No score lower than 4.0
TOEFL iBT
Overall score of 31, with:
- Reading: 2
- Listening: 2
- Speaking: 11
- Writing: 11
PEARSON (PTE ACADEMIC)
Not applicable to this level
LANGUAGECERT
SELT B1 or International ESOL B1 Achiever 132 overall (scores for 4 components added together) with at least 33 in each component.
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 261 with at least 261 in each component.
If your language level now is around IELTS 4.5
If you have any of the below test grades, the length of PEAP course you’ll need is:
- 15 weeks
You would need to achieve a minimum of PEAP Pass grade to progress to your University course.
IELTS
Overall score 4.5, with no component score lower than 4.0
TOEFL iBT
Overall score of 33, with:
- Reading: 2
- Listening: 2
- Speaking: 11
- Writing: 11
PEARSON (PTE ACADEMIC)
Not applicable to this level
LANGUAGECERT
SELT B1 or International ESOL B1 Achiever 156 overall (scores for 4 components added together) with at least 33 in each component.
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 311 with at least 261 in each component.
If your language level now is around IELTS 5.0
If you have any of the below test grades, the length of PEAP course you’ll need is:
- 10 weeks
You would need to achieve a minimum of PEAP Pass grade to progress to your University course.
IELTS
Overall score 5.0 with no component score lower than 4.0
TOEFL iBT
Overall score of 37, with:
- Reading: 2
- Listening: 2
- Speaking: 11
- Writing: 11
PEARSON (PTE)
Online PEAP courses:
PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI / PTE Academic Online: 38 with at least 36 in each component.
On-campus PEAP courses:
PTE Academic UKVI: 43 with at least 43 in each component.
LANGUAGECERT
SELT B1 or International ESOL B1 Achiever
180 overall (scores for 4 components added together) with at least 33 in each component.
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 357 with at least 261 in each component.
If your language level now is around IELTS 5.5
If you have any of the below test grades, the length of PEAP course you’ll need is:
- 6 weeks
You would need to achieve a minimum of PEAP Pass grade to progress to your University course.
IELTS
Overall score 5.5, with no component score lower than 4.0
TOEFL iBT
Overall score of 48, with:
- Reading: 2
- Listening: 2
- Speaking: 11
- Writing: 11
PEARSON (PTE)
For Online PEAP courses:
PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI / PTE Academic Online: 46 with at least 36 in each component
For On-Campus PEAP courses:
PTE Academic UKVI: 46 with at least 43 in each component
LANGUAGECERT
SELT B2 or International ESOL B2 Communicator 132 overall (scores for 4 components added together) with at least 33 in each component.
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 396 with at least 261 in each component.
If your language level now is around IELTS 6.0
If you have any of the below test grades, the length of PEAP course you’ll need is:
- 6 weeks
You would need to achieve a minimum of PEAP Pass grade to progress to your University course.
IELTS
Overall score 6.0, with no component score lower than 4.0
TOEFL iBT
Overall score of 62, with:
- Reading: 2
- Listening: 2
- Speaking: 11
- Writing: 11
PEARSON (PTE)
For Online PEAP courses:
PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI / PTE Academic Online: 54 with at least 36 in each component.
For On-Campus PEAP courses:
PTE Academic UKVI: 54 with at least 43 in each component.
LANGUAGECERT
Not applicable at this level
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 426 with at least 261 in each component.
Higher scores
You do not need to take the PEAP course if you have one of the below language test grades:
IELTS
An overall score of 6.0 with a minimum component score of 5.5
TOEFL iBT
74 overall with Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 19.
PEARSON (PTE)
Overall score of 59 with at least 59 in each component
LANGUAGECERT
SELT B2 or International ESOL B2 Communicator 156 overall (scores for 4 components added together) with at least 33 in each component
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 426 with at least 425 in each component.
Degree courses requiring an IELTS 6.5 entry level
If your language level now is around IELTS 4.5
If you have any of the below test grades, the length of PEAP course you’ll need is:
- 20 weeks
You would need to achieve a minimum of PEAP Commendation grade to progress to your University course.
IELTS
Overall score 4.5, with no component score lower than 4.0
TOEFL iBT
Overall score of 33, with:
- Reading: 2
- Listening: 2
- Speaking: 11
- Writing: 11
PEARSON (PTE ACADEMIC)
Not applicable to this level
LANGUAGECERT
SELT B1 or International ESOL B1 Achiever, 156 overall (scores for 4 components added together), with at least 33 in each component.
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 311 with at least 261 in each component.
If your language level now is around IELTS 5.0
If you have any of the below test grades, the length of PEAP course you’ll need is:
- 15 weeks
You would need to achieve a minimum of PEAP Commendation grade to progress to your University course.
IELTS
Overall score 5.0, with no component score lower than 4.0
TOEFL iBT
Overall score of 37, with:
- Reading: 2
- Listening: 2
- Speaking: 11
- Writing: 11
PEARSON (PTE)
For Online PEAP courses:
PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI / PTE Academic Online: 38 with at least 36 in each component.
For On-Campus PEAP courses:
PTE Academic UKVI: 43 with at least 43 in each component
LANGUAGECERT
SELT B1 or International ESOL B1 Achiever 180 overall (scores for 4 components added together) with at least 33 in each component.
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 357 with at least 261 in each component.
If your language level now is around IELTS 5.5
If you have any of the below test grades, the length of PEAP course you’ll need is:
- 10 weeks
You would need to achieve a minimum of PEAP Commendation grade to progress to your University course.
IELTS
Overall score 5.5, with no component score lower than 4.0
TOEFL iBT
Overall score of 48, with:
- Reading: 2
- Listening: 2
- Speaking: 11
- Writing: 11
PEARSON (PTE)
For Online PEAP courses:
PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI / PTE Academic Online: 46 with at least 36 in each component.
For On-Campus PEAP courses:
PTE Academic UKVI: 46 with at least 43 in each component
LANGUAGECERT
SELT B2 or International ESOL B2 Communicator, 132 overall (scores for 4 components added together), with at least 33 in each component.
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 396 with at least 261 in each component.
If your language level now is around IELTS 6.0
If you have any of the below test grades, the length of PEAP course you’ll need is:
- 6 weeks
You would need to achieve a minimum of PEAP Commendation grade to progress to your University course.
IELTS
Overall score 6.0, with no component score lower than 4.0
TOEFL iBT
Overall score of 62, with:
- Reading: 2
- Listening: 2
- Speaking: 11
- Writing: 11
PEARSON (PTE)
For Online PEAP courses:
PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI / PTE Academic Online: 54 with at least 36 in each component.
For On-Campus PEAP courses:
PTE Academic UKVI: 54 with at least 43 in each component
LANGUAGECERT
SELT B2 or International ESOL B2 Communicator 156 overall (scores for 4 components added together) with at least 33 in each component.
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 426 with at least 261 in each component.
If your language level now is around IELTS 6.5
If you have any of the below test grades, the length of PEAP course you’ll need is:
- 6 weeks
You would need to achieve a minimum of PEAP Commendation grade to progress to your University course.
IELTS
Overall score 6.5, with no component score lower than 4.0
TOEFL iBT
Overall score of 81, with:
- Reading: 2
- Listening: 2
- Speaking: 11
- Writing: 11
PEARSON (PTE)
For Online PEAP courses:
PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI / PTE Academic Online: 62 with at least 36 in each component.
For On-Campus PEAP courses:
PTE Academic UKVI: 62 with at least 43 in each component.
LANGUAGECERT
Not applicable at this level
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 459 with at least 261 in each component.
Higher scores
You do not need to take the PEAP course if you have one of the below language test grades:
IELTS
An overall score of 6.5 with a minimum component score of 5.5
TOEFL iBT
81 overall with Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 19
PEARSON (PTE)
62 with at least 59 in each component
LANGUAGECERT
SELT B2 or International ESOL B2 Communicator 180 overall (scores for 4 components added together) with at least 33 in each component.
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 459 with at least 425 in each component.
Degree courses requiring an IELTS 7.0 entry level
If your language level now is around IELTS 6.5
If you have any of the below test grades, the length of PEAP course you’ll need is:
- 10 weeks
You would need to achieve a minimum of PEAP Distinction grade to progress to your University course.
IELTS
Overall score 6.5, with no component score lower than 4.0
TOEFL iBT
Overall score of 81, with:
- Reading: 2
- Listening: 2
- Speaking: 11
- Writing: 11
PEARSON (PTE)
For Online PEAP courses:
PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI / PTE Academic Online: 62 with at least 36 in each component
For On-Campus PEAP courses:
PTE Academic UKVI: 62 with at least 43 in each component
LANGUAGECERT
SELT B2 or International ESOL B2 Communicator 180 overall (scores for 4 components added together) with at least 33 in each component
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 459 with at least 261 in each component.
If your language level now is around IELTS 7.0
If you have any of the below test grades, the length of PEAP course you’ll need is:
- 10 weeks
You would need to achieve a minimum of PEAP Distinction grade to progress to your University course.
IELTS
Overall score 7.0, with no component score lower than 4.0
TOEFL iBT
Overall score of 96, with:
- Reading: 2
- Listening: 2
- Speaking: 11
- Writing: 11
PEARSON (PTE)
For Online PEAP courses:
PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI / PTE Academic Online: 68 with at least 36 in each component.
For On-Campus PEAP courses:
PTE Academic UKVI: 68 with at least 43 in each component.
LANGUAGECERT
Not applicable at this level
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 495 with at least 261 in each component.
Higher scores
You do not need to take the PEAP course if you have one of the below language test grades:
IELTS
An overall score of 7.0 with a minimum component score of 5.5
TOEFL iBT
96 overall with Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 19
PEARSON (PTE ACADEMIC)
Overall score of 68 with at least 59 in each component.
LANGUAGECERT
Not applicable at this level.
KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Acceptable for intakes prior to Jan 2023.
Average of KITE Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking scores 495 with at least 425 in each component.
Exceptions
Please refer to this information on exceptional entry requirements if you are applying for the following courses:
- Any 2-year Masters programme in Nottingham Business School
- Postgraduate research degrees
- Journalism courses
- BA (Hons) and MA Social Work.
Please note other English language tests may also be accepted. If you have taken a different English language test instead of IELTS, please email international@ntu.ac.uk to check the requirements.
Nottingham Business School
Postgraduate research or any 2-year Masters course at NBS:
If your overall IELTS score is no lower than:
- 4.5 with no component lower than 4.0, you'll need to complete a 20-week PEAP course.
- 5.0 with no component lower than 4.0, you'll need to complete a 15-week PEAP course.
- 5.5 with no component lower than 4.0, you'll need to complete a 10-week PEAP course.
- 6.0 with no component lower than 4.0, you'll need to complete a 6-week PEAP course.
- 6.5 with no component lower than 4.0, you'll need to complete a 6-week PEAP course.
- 6.5 with no component lower than 6.0 in speaking and listening/5.5 in reading and writing/6.0 for postgraduate research degrees, PEAP is not required.
Journalism courses
If your overall IELTS score is no lower than:
- 6.5 with no component lower than 4.0, you'll need to complete a 10-week PEAP course.
- 7.0 with no component lower than 4.0, you'll need to complete a 10-week PEAP course.
- 7.0 with no component lower than 6.0 in reading and writing/5.5 in listening and speaking/6.5 a PEAP course is not required.
Ready to apply?
Please use our online portal to apply for a Pre-sessional English course.
If you need any advice on your study options please contact the international team.