English language requirement

It is essential that all participants speak, write and understand English fluently.   The greater your fluency in English, the more you will benefit from the programme for the following reasons:

• Lectures are participative, and you need to follow the class discussion and participate
• Your study group will require you to take an active role in group work and group meetings
• If you are taking part in recruitment activities, employers will be looking for a high level of fluency in English.
  

How we judge your fluency in English

• We consider your experience of working and/or studying in an English speaking environment and there is a place to record this in the application form
• Your GMAT verbal and analytical writing score will give us a guide to your English ability
• Your personal statement (essay question) indicates your written English skills
• If you are shortlisted for interview, your interviewer can judge your English and will be asked to give feedback on this in their report.

It is not a condition of entry that candidates take one of the recognised English language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS but if you have taken one of these tests you should record your scores in the relevant section of the application form.  Many candidates will decide to take an English test as it is required by other institutions and by some recruiters.  TOEFL is the most widely recognised qualification internationally.

If your first language is not English and you are planning to apply for the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme (HSMP) you should note that submitting a IELTS or TOEFL score is a requirement for this scheme.

Once candidates have received an offer, many decide to undertake an advanced English course before the programme commences.  We recommend that the chosen course be intensive and of at least six weeks' duration; it should ideally be based in the UK and taught to students from a mix of nationalities.   We would strongly urge you not to use a language school that specifically caters for students of your own nationality, as it is important that English is the "common language" on the course.  You will then have to use English not only in the classroom, but also for all informal communication and social activities, and you will benefit greatly from this.  Attending an English course in the UK is also a good way to become acclimatised and experience the British way of life.  The British Council is a good source of information on English Language courses: http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning-learn-english.htm