If you are planning to take the exciting step of applying for a postgraduate degree at a world-class institution like the University of Edinburgh, understanding the entry requirements is the crucial first step. It can seem complicated, but breaking it down into two main areas—your academic qualifications and your English language proficiency—makes the process much clearer.

Meeting the Academic Bar

The primary requirement for postgraduate study is having a suitable previous academic degree. For most Masters programs, the University of Edinburgh looks for a Bachelor's degree (or an equivalent qualification) that is relevant to the program you are applying for.

1. The Right Degree Classification

What specific qualifications you need depends heavily on where you studied your Bachelor's degree:

1. UK Applicants: Most programs typically require a first-class or a strong upper second-class Honours degree (2:1). However, some programs might accept a lower second-class degree (2:2) if you have relevant professional experience.
2. International Applicants: The entry requirement is translated into the equivalent qualification from your country's education system.

For example, if you studied in the United States, you would generally need a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0, or equivalent, for programs requiring a 2:1. If you studied in China, you would need an average mark of around 80-85% depending on your institution.

Important Note: These are general guidelines. Always check the specific requirements listed on the course page for the program you are interested in, as some competitive programs may set higher standards.

2. Specialized Requirements

Beyond the overall degree classification, some programs, especially those in highly specialized fields, may have additional academic requirements, such as:

1. Having studied specific subjects or modules at the undergraduate level.
2. Demonstrating proficiency in a particular skill, like advanced statistics or programming.

Demonstrating English Language Proficiency

As the medium of instruction at the University of Edinburgh is English, all applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of English language proficiency, even if English is your first language.

Who Needs to Take an English Test?

You may be exempt from submitting a formal English test score if you meet one of the following criteria:

1. You are a national of a majority English-speaking country, as defined by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
2. You have completed an academic qualification, such as a degree, that was taught in English in a majority English-speaking country (again, as defined by UKVI).
3. You have completed an academic qualification taught and assessed in English in specific countries, like Canada, Australia, or various European countries, within the last three and a half years before the start of your program.

If you do not meet one of these exemptions, you will need to take an approved English language test.

Approved English Language Tests and Scores

The University accepts several widely recognized tests, each with specific score requirements. The requirements are categorized into four levels, A to D, with Level B being the most common for most postgraduate Masters programs.

Here are the scores typically required for the common Level B requirement:

1. IELTS Academic: An overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
2. TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test): An overall score of 92, with at least 23 in each component.
3. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): An overall score of 62, with at least 59 in each component.
4. Cambridge English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency): An overall score of 176, with at least 169 in each component.

Key Point: Some highly demanding programs, particularly those that involve a lot of writing or communication (like Law, Literature, or Philosophy), may require a higher Level C score. Always check your specific course page for the exact level required.

What to Do Next

Meeting the entry requirements is essential, but it is just one part of a successful application. You must also prepare strong supporting documents, such as your personal statement and references. Use the official university sources to confirm the exact academic standing and English level required for your chosen degree to ensure your application is as strong as possible.

References

1. https://study.ed.ac.uk/postgraduate/applying/entry-requirements/academic
2. https://study.ed.ac.uk/postgraduate/applying/entry-requirements/english-language