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Guide to English levels
Before you join us, you will take an English placement test (or provide evidence of a recent English exam result). Our test assesses your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, and how well you are able to understand and speak English. This helps us to understand in which class you will be most successful and happy.
Click on the headings below for a summary of each level and which courses are available.
The table at the bottom of the page shows the exam score for each level, so you may want to start here to find out which level your current ability fits into. Jump to exam scores table
» Level 1: Beginner
Students who only know a few words of English
Courses we offer: English for Further Studies | Certificate of English - Intensive | One-to-One
Where it can take you: Shopping, simple travel and tourism
» Level 2: Elementary
You have a small, basic vocabulary and can communicate on a simple level. You can survive in everyday situations such as shopping, greeting and travelling. You make a lot of mistakes but can make people understand you.
Courses we offer: English for Further Studies | Certificate of English – Standard | Certificate of English - Intensive | One-to-One
Where it can take you: Social situations; Travel and tourism
» Level 3: Pre-Intermediate
You can communicate well in everyday social and travel situations and understand some of what is said to you. You are familiar with basic grammar but need to develop this further. You need to build your vocabulary and listening skills.
Courses we offer: English for Further Studies | Certificate of English – Standard | Certificate of English - Intensive | One-to-One | English Language Preparation (FoundationCampus)
Where it can take you: Academic English; English for Further Studies; IELTS / ESOL Preparation; One-to-One; Certificate of Business English; Study Holidays
» Level 4: Intermediate
You are a confident speaker and understand much of what you read and hear. You have a reasonable vocabulary and can survive well in most situations. You now need to become more fluent and accurate, use more complex structures and sophisticated vocabulary.
Courses we offer: Academic English | English for Further Studies | IELTS Preparation | Certificate of Business English | Certificate of English – Standard | Certificate of English - Intensive | One-to-One | English Language Preparation (FoundationCampus)
Where it can take you: Pre-University academic programmes
» Level 5: Upper Intermediate
You can communicate effectively in most situations, discussing and expressing opinions on a wide range of topics. You will continue to broaden your vocabulary to become more fluent and accurate.
Courses we offer: Academic English | IELTS / ESOL Preparation | Certificate of Business English | Certificate of English – Standard | Certificate of English - Intensive | One-to-One | English Language Preparation (FoundationCampus)
Where it can take you: Pre-University academic programmes; some university degree / diploma courses; Internship; some English in the workplace
» Level 6: Advanced
You express yourself clearly and effectively. You have a sound grasp of major tenses and grammatical structures. You read widely and can follow the majority of what is heard on TV, radio and film.
Courses we offer: Academic English | IELTS / ESOL Preparation | Certificate of Business English | Certificate of English – Standard | Certificate of English - Intensive | One-to-One
Where it can take you: University degree / diploma courses; Entry into the English-speaking job market
» Level 7: Proficiency
You use a range of language close to that in your own language. You have no problems understanding or communicating. You now wish to extend your vocabulary and explore the nuances of idiomatic English.
Courses we offer: ESOL Preparation | Certificate of English – Standard | Certificate of English - Intensive | One-to-One
Where it can take you: Postgraduate university degree; Senior level work in an English speaking environment
Exam scores by level:
| Level 1: Beginner | Level 2: Elementary | Level 3: Pre- Intermediate | Level 4: Intermediate | Level 5: Upper Intermediate | Level 6: Advanced | Level 7: Proficiency | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.5+ | 5.0+ | 6.5+ | 7.5+ |
| TOEFL | n/a | n/a | n/a | Paper: 425+ Computer: 113+ Internet: 38+ |
Paper: 500+ Computer: 173+ Internet: 61+ |
Paper: 575+ Computer: 232+ Internet: 91+ |
Paper: 625 - 300 Computer: 263 - 300 Internet: 106-120 |
| TOEIC | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 650+ points | 800+ points | 900+ points |
| Cambridge exam | n/a | n/a | KET | PET | FCE | CAE | CPE |
| CEFR | n/a | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 |
| ALTE | n/a | Level 0 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |
Which course for me?
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