How to Apply
English Language Requirements
The LLM degrees are normally taught through the medium of English. Therefore, we need to be sure that prospective applicants will have a sufficient command of the English language so as to be able to cope with the rigours of the course. The Law School's Postgraduate Office is very happy to answer questions and to give advice on our English language requirements.
In addition Cardiff University has established an English Language Service for International Students who can provide information about English language requirements, courses and examinations.
English language requirements applicants whose first language is English
English Language requirements for applicants for whom English is not a first language
What if I narrowly fail to reach the required TOEFL or IELTS score?
English Language requirements for applicants whose first language is English
Where an applicant for whom English is a first language is seeking admission via the graduate route and the medium of instruction at the institution where they studied or are studying for their undergraduate degree is English, then we would not normally require independent evidence of English language proficiency. We would normally take the fact that they have or will have a degree of the relevant level as evidence in itself of English language proficiency.
However, we reserve the right to require independent evidence of English language proficiency in cases where we have reason to question whether or not a particular applicant does, in fact, have the requisite proficiency in English language.
Where an applicant for whom English is a first language is seeking admission via the graduate route and the medium of instruction at the institution where they studied or are studying for their undergraduate degree is not English, then we may require independent evidence of English language proficiency.
Where an applicant for whom English is a first language is seeking admission via one of the other routes, then we may, if we have reason to question whether or not a particular applicant does, in fact, have the requisite proficiency in English language, require independent evidence of English language proficiency. This might be satisfied, for example, by pointing to a GCSE/ O-Level of an appropriate standard in English.
English Language requirements for applicants for whom English is not a first language
Where an applicant’s first language is not English, then we will require independent evidence of proficiency in English. The usual means of providing such evidence would be by way of an IELTS, TOEFL test or equivalent. These will normally be required to have been achieved within 12 months of making application for the LLM programme.
In cases where an applicant is seeking entry via the graduate route and the medium of instruction at the institution where they studied or are studying for their undergraduate degree is English, we would not normally require independent evidence of English language proficiency. We usually take the fact that they have or will have a degree of the relevant level as evidence in itself of English language proficiency. However, independent evidence of English language proficiency may be required in appropriate cases.
IELTS tests
If applicants seek to demonstrate their English language proficiency by means of an IELTS test (IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System) then we require a score of at least 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each of the sub-skills and 6.5 in the writing element.
Further information on IELTS tests can be found by contacting the English Language Service for International Students. Alternatively you may wish to contact IELTS directly.
It should also be noted that Cardiff University is a recognised IELTS testing centre. There is usually an IELTS test at Cardiff University once a month. The University's English Language Service for International Students also offers preparation classes for IELTS.
TOEFL tests
Alternatively, applicants may seek to demonstrate their English language proficiency by means of a TOEFL examination (the Test in English as a Foreign Language). There are two different TOEFL examinations: the paper-based exam and the computer based exam. we require a minimum TOEFL score of 90 in the internet-based test, with a minimum of 21 in Listening, 22 in the Reading, 23 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
Further information on TOEFL can be found by contacting the English Language Service for International Students. Alternatively you may wish to contact TOEFL directly.
What if I narrowly fail to reach the required TOEFL or IELTS score?
Applicants sometimes ask if we can exempt them from the English language requirement. The answer is ‘no’. The English language requirement is in our and your interest. However, we are in some cases able to make any offer conditional on your successful completion of a pre-sessional Course in English for Academic Purposes at the English Language Service for International Students and achieving the required level at either TOEFL or IETLS. This is assessed on an individual basis and not common practice.
The length and content of such a course depends on how low your original IELTS or TOEFL score was. Therefore, we can only make such a conditional offer if you have already taken an IELTS or TOEFL test.
