Global Eye Health

The academic English language requirements for each of LSHTM’s programmes are categorised into one of three profiles:

• Band A (highest requirement)
• Band B (mid-range/’standard’ requirement)
• Band C (lowest requirement)

Please refer to the appropriate Programme Specification for the English language requirement Band of your preferred programme.

• IELTS (Academic)
• Pearson PTE Academic

These tests are only valid for entry for 2 years. As a result the qualification must have been completed no more than 2 years prior to enrolment.

LSHTM requires the following minimum proficiency test scores. Please refer to the appropriate Programme Specification for the Band of your preferred programme.

Last updated: 26 October 2022

The UK Government recognises the following countries as majority English-speaking countries:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• Malta
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

These countries have been classified as majority English-speaking countries by the UK Government. Further information on Student Visa requirements, including Knowledge of English, can be found on the government website. In the interest of compliance, LSHTM is not able to consider other countries as majority English-speaking countries.

If you are a national of one of these countries, you are not required to submit evidence of English language proficiency.

If you have undertaken a full degree in one of the above countries, you will not be required to submit further evidence of your English Language if the degree certificate is successfully verified with the issuing body on receipt. Any applicant found to have submitted fraudulent documentation will have their application withdrawn.

Canadian nationals are also exempt from English Language requirements but non-Canadian nationals who have studied in Canada are required to meet standard English Language requirements due to Home Office policy.

If you request to defer your entry to LSHTM, we may ask you to re-take your test if your original offer was based on a test which will be out of date at the point of registration. Our English language programme requirements and other accepted tests provide details of how long your qualification is deemed valid.

All test scores are verified with the issuing body on receipt. Any applicant found to have submitted a fraudulent score will have their application withdrawn.

LSHTM reserves the right to change minimum English Language requirements during an application cycle in-line with any compliance guidance released by the Home Office. In the event of a change in Home Office policy which affects entry requirements, the University will notify affected applicants in writing.

Applicants who are a national of a majority English-speaking country or who have successfully completed an appropriate academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree), which was taught in a majority English speaking country from the UKVI approved country list automatically meet our English Language requirements.

• UKVI’s approved country list

*Please note, Canadian nationals are exempt from English Language requirements but non-Canadian nationals who have studied in Canada are required to meet LSHTM’s standard English Language requirements due to Home Office regulations.

In order to be admitted to an LSHTM master's degree programme, an applicant must:

• hold either a first degree at Second Class Honours (2:2) standard in a relevant discipline, or a degree in medicine recognised by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) for the purposes of practising medicine in the UK, or another degree of equivalent standard awarded by an overseas institution recognised by UK ENIC or the GMC).

or

• hold a professional qualification appropriate to the programme of study to be followed obtained by written examinations and judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above.

or

• have relevant professional experience or training which is judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above.

and

• satisfy any additional requirements where prescribed for admission to a specific programme.

If you have not previously studied in the UK, you can check our guide to international equivalent qualifications for our master's degrees.

Some degree programmes may have a higher entry requirement than specified above. Please be sure to check the individual programme for any additional entry requirements.

Academic requirements

The normal minimum entrance qualification for registration at the School on a MPhil/PhD programme is evidence of an aptitude for research and at least one of the following:

• a master’s degree in a subject appropriate to the course of study to be followed (recommended)
• a qualification appropriate to the course of study to be followed, in medicine, dentistry or veterinary studies
• an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, in a relevant subject.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to meet these requirements: Band B.

Academic requirements

The normal minimum entrance qualification for registration at the School on a Doctoral programme is evidence of an aptitude for research and at least one of the following:

• a master’s degree in a subject appropriate to the course of study to be followed (recommended)
• a qualification appropriate to the course of study to be followed, in medicine, dentistry or veterinary studies
• an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, in a relevant subject.

Applicants for the DrPH study are also required to have a minimum of two year's appropriate experience.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to meet these requirements: Band B.