IELTS score requirement for Durham University
Durham University based in Durham, England publishes 4 named IELTS levels (Band A−, Band A, Band B, Band C). The level that applies to your application depends on the specific course you intend to study, not on whether you are applying at undergraduate or graduate level. The cards below show the institutional starting points; the tier table further down explains which level each cluster of courses uses.
Most undergraduate programmes use Band A (overall 6.5 with no element below 6.0). Foundation programmes operate on Band A− (6.0 / 5.5); Education and several Humanities programmes require Band B or higher.
Most taught postgraduate programmes apply Band B (overall 7.0 with no element below 6.5). Band C (7.0 with at least 7.0 in each subscore) applies to many MA programmes in English Studies, Education and Theology.
Last verified 2026-05-19. The figures on this page are taken from Durham University's own admissions page. Verify against the official source before relying on a specific number; programme directors can revise English requirements between intakes.
About Durham and its IELTS requirement
Durham publishes three named bands (A, B, C) above the foundation pathway. Most undergraduates need Band A (6.5 / 6.0); most postgraduates need Band B (7.0 / 6.5); humanities master's programmes including English Studies and Theology require Band C (7.0 with 7.0 in every section).
Translating the published minimum into a study target
Undergraduate applicants to Durham need an overall IELTS Academic band of 6.5 with no band below 6.0. In CEFR terms this corresponds to B2. Most undergraduate programmes use Band A (overall 6.5 with no element below 6.0). Foundation programmes operate on Band A− (6.0 / 5.5); Education and several Humanities programmes require Band B or higher.
For graduate study the institutional minimum is overall 7.0 with no band below 6.5 (CEFR C1). Most taught postgraduate programmes apply Band B (overall 7.0 with no element below 6.5). Band C (7.0 with at least 7.0 in each subscore) applies to many MA programmes in English Studies, Education and Theology.
Durham uses multiple named IELTS levels
Durham University publishes 4 named English-language levels and applies a different one depending on the course you are applying to. The right target is the level the specific programme requires, not the lowest published level. Confirming the level on the programme page before you sit the test saves a retake.
Programmes that raise the bar
Several Durham programmes publish IELTS thresholds that sit above the institutional minimum. The current list on this page includes MA English Studies (overall 7.0), MA Education (overall 7.0), LLM (Durham Law School) (overall 7.0). Treat these as the target if you are applying to one of them; the institutional minimum does not over-ride a programme-level publication.
How to prepare for the Durham IELTS minimum
A target of 6.5 (CEFR B2) is achievable for candidates with strong school-level English and 4-8 weeks of focused IELTS practice. The fastest gains usually come from Listening and Reading because the question types are predictable and trainable. Sit a full-length practice test first, identify the section that pulls your overall down most, and drill that section before scheduling the live exam.
Named IELTS levels at this university
This university publishes more than one named level. The correct target depends on the course you apply to — confirm against the programme page.
Pre-sessional and foundation pathways
Most undergraduate programmes
The majority of taught postgraduate programmes
MA programmes in English Studies, Theology, Education and several Arts streams
Programme-specific IELTS minimums
These programmes publish IELTS thresholds that differ from the institutional minimum above. Verify the programme page for the most current value before you apply.
| Programme | Overall | Per-section |
|---|---|---|
| MA English Studies | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| MA Education | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| LLM (Durham Law School) | 7.0 | 6.5 |
| MSc Computer Science | 6.5 | 6.0 |
Other English tests Durham accepts
TOEFL iBT 92 with W 23 / S 23 / R 23 / L 23 (Band A); 102 with 25 each (Band B); 102 with at least 27 in each section (Band C). PTE Academic and Cambridge English C1 Advanced/Proficiency mapped to the band system on the official page.
Alternatives and thresholds change between intakes. Confirm on the official admissions page before relying on a specific alternative test.
Common questions
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See where you stand against the Durham minimum
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