DCU English Language Requirements for Non-Native Speakers of English

Faculty of Science and health

In the case of all applications, evidence MUST be provided of competence in the English Language. The list below indicates the minimum standards in the English language, which should be met for entry to the postgraduate taught programmes in the Faculty of Science and Health.

Additional Notes:

1. English language certificates must be awarded within two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.

2. English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.

3. All scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

DCU Institute of Education

In the case of all applications, evidence MUST be provided of competence in the English Language. The list below indicates the minimum standards in the English language, which should be met for entry to the postgraduate taught programmes in the DCU Institute of Education.

Additional Notes:

1. English language certificates must be awarded within two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.

2. English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.

3. All scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

Faculty of Humanities and Social Science

In the case of all applications, evidence MUST be provided of competence in the English Language. The list below indicates the minimum standards in the English language, which should be met for entry to the postgraduate taught programmes in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science. 

*Please note the School of Communications programmes will have different requirements as outlined below.

Additional Notes:

1. English language certificates must be awarded within two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.

2. English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.

3. For the MA in Translation Studies and the MA in Translation Technologies:

• Non-native speakers should have a degree in English or advanced English skills (e.g. IELTS 7.0 points, Cambridge Proficiency Pass or TOEFL 600/250 points, Duolingo minimum score of 130 and a score of at least 120 in each subscore). Applicants may be called for interview, and their levels of English tested.

4. All scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

DCU Business School

In the case of all applications, evidence MUST be provided of competence in the English Language. The list below indicates the minimum standards in the English language, which should be met for entry to the postgraduate taught programmes in DCU Business School.

Additional Notes:

1. English language certificate must be awarded within two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.

2. Students with a composite IELTS 6.5 score or equivalent need a score of at least IELTS 6.5 in writing and speaking.

3. English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.

4. All scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

In the case of all applications, evidence MUST be provided of competence in the English Language. The list below indicates the minimum standards in the English language, which should be met for entry to the postgraduate taught programmes in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing.

Additional Notes:

1. English language certificates must be awarded within two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.

2. English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.

3. All scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

Postgraduate Taught Programmes Note: In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language for postgraduate taught programmes. 

This may include:

• Non-native speakers of English who in the past two years have completed their school education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. For example, applicants who have successfully achieved a 06/H7 in Leaving Certificate English, a Grade D in A Level English or an examination deemed as an equivalent by DCU.
• Applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree in the past two years, in a country where English is the official language.
• Applicants who have recently lived in a country where English is the official language for at least four years and been employed in a professional role that required a high level of written and verbal communication. Applicants will be required to provide specific documentation to evidence this e.g. residency documentation, employer statement.

Research Programmes Note: Faculty of Engineering & Computing and Faculty of Science & Health

In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language for research programmes in the Faculties noted above. 

For further details about DCU English Language Requirements, please contact DCU Admissions.