Admissions and testing

To study at a British university, you need a high level of English to write academic essays and reports, listen to lectures and take notes, summarise academic texts, give academic presentations and take part in discussions and seminars.

If your English language skills are not at the required level, we have a range of pre-sessional English Language courses for you before you start your academic programme. They will help build your confidence using English in the classroom and in your social life. They will also help you to get to know the University and local area, adapt to life in the UK and make friends before you start your programme.
Pre-sessional English Language courses

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements have the opportunity to complete a longer pathway programme at the Teesside University International Study Centre. Upon successful completion you can progress to your degree study at Teesside University.
Preparation programmes

Most students applying for a visa to study in the UK will need to take an English Language Test . This is because your chosen university needs evidence of your ability in English before they can provide you with a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) to support your visa application.

Applicants for programmes below Bachelor’s degree level

All students who are applying for a course which is below Bachelor's degree level must provide one of the following:

• UKVI approved IELTS

Applicants for Bachelor and Postgraduate programmes

The University will accept the following tests for admission to degree and postgraduate programmes; this includes integrated programmes where a foundation course forms part of the degree:

• UKVI approved IELTS (Academic)
• Non-UKVI approved IELTS
• Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) - B2 and C1 tests
• Pearson's PTE Academic
• PTE Academic UKVI
• LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
• TOEFL iBT
• WAEC grades A1 to C6
• NECO grades A1 to C5
• SPM grades A to C
• Kenya High School Certificate Grade C+ or Higher
• Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education grades 1 to 6
• Uganda Certificate of Education grades 1 to 6

Teesside University will also accept the following English language tests for applicants for programmes at degree level and above, providing applicants also take part in an interview with the English Language Centre at Teesside University:

• Cambridge English
• Non-UK Trinity

IELTS

Please note that in addition to achieving the overall IELTS score, you must obtain a minimum score in each band of the test.

For the majority of programmes at degree level and above, the minimum IELTS band score must be 5.5 in each band.

However, the following health courses require a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 in each band:

• BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene
• BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
• BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice Studies
• BA (Hons) Social Work
• PgDip/MSc Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-registration)
• PgDip/MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration)
• MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration)

The following health courses require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 in writing alongside a minimum of 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking with a minimal overall score of 7.0.

• BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult)
• BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Child)
• BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Learning Disabilities)
• BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Mental Health)
• BSc (Hons) Midwifery

If your level of English is lower than the level required by the university, but not lower than IELTS 4.5, you can take one of our pre-sessional English courses

If your level of English is lower than IELTS 4.5, you will need to take English classes in your own country to improve your IELTS score.

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements have the opportunity to complete a preparation programme at the Teesside University International Study Centre. Upon successful completion you can progress to your degree study at the Teesside University.

Alternative English Language Tests

The University also accepts the following English language tests:

• Pearson Test of English (PTE) - Minimum band score - 59
• Cambridge English scale - Minimum band score - 160
• Trinity Integrated Skills in English ISE II - Minimum band score - ISE II Pass
• Test of English as Foreign Language iBT (TOEFL) - listening 17, reading 18, writing 17 and speaking 20

Overseas Language Qualifications

Students holding one the following qualifications at the illustrated grade or higher will be able to combine the qualification with a University interview to meet English language conditions. The academic qualification demonstrates reading and writing ability and the interview will assess listening and speaking competency. The option of meeting English language conditions in this way will be offered to eligible students holding one of the following qualifications during the admissions process:

For courses below degree level, such as pre-sessional English, foundation programmes and HNDs, students must sit a Secure English Language

• UKVI approved IELTS

To obtain a visa you will also need to meet the Home Office requirements

Once you have an offer, you will be advised on whether you need to take an additional English language test.

If you have a conditional offer, please contact International Admissions who will be able to advise you further.

What is the TELT?

As part of the application for your course at Teesside University you have been invited to take the Teesside University English Language Test (TELT) to assess your English language ability.

The TELT will help us to ensure you have the language necessary to be successful on your course. If you need to take an additional English language course before starting your studies, the TELT will help us to place you on the right course. In addition, it demonstrates you have the required level of English to apply for your tier 4 student visa.

What will I need to do in the TELT?

The TELT will assess both your speaking and listening skills. There is no separate listening test: your listening is assessed by your ability to respond to the examiner's questions.

Speaking and Listening: Both are assessed during an individual interview lasting around 12 minutes. Please have your ID with you to be checked.

• Individual questions: You will be asked questions about yourself and your plans for about 4-5 minutes.
• Topic phase: You will be given a topic to talk about for 1-2 minutes. You will have 1 minute to think about the topic and make notes before you start (please have paper and a pen ready)
• Extended discussion of the topic: You will be asked some more questions based on the topic you discussed in part 2 for about 4-5 minutes.

Where will I do the test?

The TELT will be held online via Skype. Please remove background filters before the test. You should make sure that you have a quiet, private room for the interview. Also, make sure that you have a good internet connection; if the connection is poor or frequently cuts out, the interview may have to be rescheduled. Check your headphones and speakers are working well. Finally, make sure the room so well-lit so your whole face can be clearly seen.

Can I see a sample test?

We do not provide example test papers for practice. However, the speaking tests are similar to the IELTS exam.
Practise IELTS exams and additional practice resources

How much does it cost?

The University does not charge a fee for taking the TELT, it is a free test.

What happens if I don't get the score I need?

You can take the TELT again and usually the waiting time for this is one month. This is to give you time to practice and improve your English.

How long are my results valid for?

Your results are valid for two years.

Tips for success

• Speak at a suitable volume and even pace.
• Listen carefully to the question being asked: ask for repetition/ clarification if needed.
• Try to give as full an answer as possible; give reasons, examples and explanations.
• But, make sure you answer the question!
• Avoid trying to remember and recite answers, and do not read answers
• And remember, this is a test of your English, not your subject knowledge. If you can't think of an answer for a question, the interviewer can ask you a different question.
• Any external aids, such as ChatGPT, must not be used during the exam. If the interviewer suspects use of these aids, the exam will be cancelled and not be scored. You will then need to wait a month before being retested.

Any other questions

For any other questions related to the TELT, which are not answered here, please email TELT@tees.ac.uk.

If you have already taken the test, and after 5 working days have not received your results, please contact international.admissions@tees.ac.uk.