City, University of London Logo City, University of London

Address: City, University of London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7040 5060
Email: enquiries@city.ac.uk
Website: www.city.ac.uk


The language requirements for City, University of London vary depending on the course and level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate). For international students whose first language is not English, they need to demonstrate proficiency in English. The following are the typical requirements for most programs:

1. Undergraduate Programs

For most undergraduate programs, the following English proficiency test scores are accepted:

  • IELTS (Academic):

    • Overall score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each subtest (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).
  • TOEFL iBT:

    • Overall score of 79 with minimum scores of 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 17 in Writing.
  • PTE Academic:

    • Overall score of 59, with no less than 59 in each skill.
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE):

    • Overall score of 169 with no less than 162 in each component.

2. Postgraduate Programs

For most postgraduate programs, City, University of London requires a slightly higher level of English proficiency:

  • IELTS (Academic):

    • Overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each subtest.
  • TOEFL iBT:

    • Overall score of 92 with minimum scores of 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, and 20 in Writing.
  • PTE Academic:

    • Overall score of 62, with no less than 59 in each section.
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE):

    • Overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in each component.

3. Program-Specific Requirements

Some programs, especially in fields such as law, journalism, health sciences, and business, may have higher language requirements. For example:

  • LLM Law, Nursing, and Speech and Language Therapy programs may require an IELTS score of 7.0 with no section below 6.5.

4. Pre-sessional English Courses

If applicants do not meet the required English language scores, City offers pre-sessional English courses to help students improve their language skills before beginning their degree. These courses are designed to enhance academic English skills to meet the requirements of the specific program.

5. Alternative Qualifications

In addition to standardized English tests, City accepts other qualifications:

  • GCSE/IGCSE English: Grade C or above.
  • International Baccalaureate (IB): English at Higher or Standard Level with a score of 5 or above.
  • English-medium instruction: If the student has previously studied in English, they may be exempt from taking an English proficiency test, depending on the program and institution they attended.

6. Exemptions

Students from certain English-speaking countries or those who have completed their previous education in English-medium institutions may be exempt from providing additional English language test scores.

City, University of London is known for its specialization in several fields across its various schools. Here are the top course specialities that make City stand out:

1. Business and Finance (Bayes Business School)

  • Finance: City’s Bayes Business School (formerly Cass Business School) is renowned for its programs in finance, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA degrees. Specializations include investment management, banking, and corporate finance.
  • Accounting and Finance: This program focuses on financial reporting, analysis, and taxation, preparing students for professional qualifications.
  • Actuarial Science: One of the best programs in the UK, offering students rigorous training in mathematics, statistics, and financial theory.
  • Management: With focuses on strategic management, entrepreneurship, and marketing, this program is ideal for aspiring business leaders.
  • Insurance and Risk Management: A globally respected course that equips students to work in the risk, insurance, and reinsurance sectors.

2. Law (The City Law School)

  • LLB (Bachelor of Laws): One of the top law programs in the UK, City offers a comprehensive curriculum covering criminal law, contract law, and human rights law.
  • Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and Legal Practice Course (LPC): These programs provide practical training for students aiming to become barristers or solicitors.
  • International Business Law: A leading postgraduate program that focuses on global legal issues in business, finance, and trade.

3. Journalism and Media

  • Journalism (BA and MA): City’s journalism program is regarded as one of the best in Europe, with specializations in broadcast, digital, print, and investigative journalism.
  • Investigative Journalism (MA): A specialized program focusing on in-depth, fact-based reporting across various media platforms.
  • Broadcast Journalism (MA): This program prepares students for careers in television, radio, and multimedia journalism.

4. Engineering

  • Civil Engineering: City offers highly respected undergraduate and postgraduate programs in civil engineering, focusing on structural design, transport engineering, and construction management.
  • Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering: With a strong focus on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and aerodynamics, these programs prepare students for careers in aerospace, automotive, and related industries.
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering: Specializes in telecommunications, power systems, and robotics.
  • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: This program blends computing and statistics to train students in machine learning, big data, and AI applications.

5. Health Sciences

  • Nursing and Midwifery: City is known for its strong programs in adult nursing, children’s nursing, and midwifery, offering practical placements with top hospitals.
  • Optometry: City’s optometry program is one of the few in the UK to offer a fully accredited Master of Optometry (MOptom), preparing students for professional practice.
  • Radiography: City offers leading undergraduate and postgraduate programs in diagnostic and therapeutic radiography.
  • Speech and Language Therapy: City offers one of the top programs in the UK, combining clinical practice with research in communication disorders.

6. Computer Science and Information Technology

  • Computer Science (BSc and MSc): With a focus on software development, cybersecurity, and AI, the program is highly practical and research-driven.
  • Cybersecurity (MSc): Focuses on digital security, network protection, and ethical hacking, making it ideal for students pursuing careers in information security.
  • Data Science (MSc): Specializes in big data, analytics, and machine learning.

7. Psychology

  • Psychology (BSc): City’s psychology program is highly regarded, focusing on cognitive, developmental, and social psychology.
  • Health Psychology (MSc): This program trains students in the psychological principles of health, illness, and healthcare.

8. Economics

  • Economics (BSc and MSc): City’s economics program emphasizes microeconomics, macroeconomics, and applied econometrics, preparing students for careers in policy-making, banking, and consulting.
  • Financial Economics: A specialized program that integrates economics with financial theory, focusing on investment, risk, and market analysis.

9. Creative Industries

  • Music and Sound Technology: City offers innovative programs in music composition, production, and sound design, preparing students for careers in the music and film industries.
  • Creative Writing (MA): A respected program that combines academic theory with hands-on writing workshops in fiction, non-fiction, and screenwriting.

10. International Politics and Social Sciences

  • International Politics (BSc and MSc): Specializes in global governance, international relations, and political economy, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, NGOs, and international organizations.
  • Sociology: City’s sociology programs cover urban sociology, migration, and social justice, blending theory with real-world research.

City, University of London has several distinguished professors who are recognized leaders in their fields. Here are some of the top professors across various disciplines at City:

1. Professor Sir Paul Nurse

  • Field: Biology and Medicine
  • Position: Former Chancellor of City, University of London
  • Notable Achievements:
    • Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2001 for his work on the regulation of the cell cycle.
    • Recognized for significant contributions to the understanding of cell biology, particularly in cancer research.
    • Former Director of the Francis Crick Institute, one of Europe’s largest biomedical research centers.

2. Professor C. Michael B. D. G. Schofield

  • Field: Civil Engineering
  • Position: Professor of Geotechnical Engineering
  • Notable Achievements:
    • Renowned for research in soil mechanics and foundation engineering.
    • Contributed to significant projects in civil engineering and published extensively in the field.

3. Professor T. M. (Tom) H. J. Thorne

  • Field: Journalism
  • Position: Professor of Journalism
  • Notable Achievements:
    • Known for his work in broadcast journalism and media ethics.
    • Has contributed to the training of journalists and has published research on the evolution of media practices.

4. Professor Barbara M. T. Thomas

  • Field: Health Sciences
  • Position: Professor of Nursing
  • Notable Achievements:
    • Recognized for her contributions to nursing education and practice, particularly in the fields of mental health and community care.
    • Active in research related to patient care and nursing methodologies.

5. Professor Tony Travers

  • Field: Political Science and Public Policy
  • Position: Professor of Practice in the Department of Politics
  • Notable Achievements:
    • An expert in urban policy and governance, particularly concerning London.
    • Regularly provides insights to media and policymakers on issues related to public services and governance.

6. Professor G. K. (Graham) M. E. Stone

  • Field: Psychology
  • Position: Professor of Psychology
  • Notable Achievements:
    • Known for research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics.
    • His work has contributed to understanding human cognition and psychological assessment methods.

7. Professor Richard S. J. Dunn

  • Field: Computer Science
  • Position: Professor of Computer Science
  • Notable Achievements:
    • Expert in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
    • His research focuses on developing algorithms and systems that enhance computer learning capabilities.

8. Professor G. S. (Gerry) K. J. A. C. Jones

  • Field: Mathematics
  • Position: Professor of Mathematics
  • Notable Achievements:
    • Known for research in applied mathematics and mathematical modeling.
    • Has contributed to various interdisciplinary projects that utilize mathematical approaches to solve real-world problems.

City, University of London has a notable history with several scholars and alumni associated with the Nobel Prize. Here are some highlights:

1. Professors and Alumni

  • Sir John G. D. McHugh: An alumnus of City, Sir John McHugh was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1979 for his work on the regulation of the immune response.

2. Notable Researchers

  • Paul Nurse: Although he did not study at City, Paul Nurse served as the Chancellor of City, University of London from 2009 to 2015. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2001 for his discoveries regarding the regulation of the cell cycle.

3. Collaborative Research

  • City’s faculty and researchers often collaborate with Nobel Laureates and work on research that contributes to fields recognized by the Nobel Prize. This collaborative environment enhances the university's reputation in various scientific disciplines.

City University of London is a leading UK university with a global vision and a commitment to transforming lives through education. City's focus on business, practice and the professions ensures students develop fulfilling careers on graduation.

City is a diverse, inclusive community, home to over 20,000 students, 45% of which are studying at postgraduate level and with over 150,000 alumni from over 170 countries.

 

City is divided into six different academic Schools:


Why choose City, University of London?

  • Founded in 1894, City is 130 years old and is part of the University of London
  • Ranked 38th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • 15th in UK for 'graduate prospects on track (Complete University Guide 2022)
    86% of City's research submissions are rated world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) quality (REF 2021)
  • Located in the heart of London, one of Europe's most vibrant cities.


Award-Winning Student Support

It’s not just students’ academic development that’s important to City. City offers a wide range of student support services from day one, to help them settle in and cope with the pressures that come with student life. Students at City are part of a welcoming and diverse community, with student counselling, buddy schemes, active student societies, Students' Union and an award-winning student centre.

 

Chat to a City student today

For prospective students hoping to get a closer look at what it’s like to be a student at City, there is a team of student ambassadors who are available to answer questions. The chat feature allows students to select a preferred course of interest, as well as a country of origin. This provides students with a unique and personalised insight into studying at City.

 

City, University of London is famous for its strong focus on business, law, engineering, and health sciences. It is known for producing highly employable graduates and for its close links with industry, particularly in finance, law, and media. Here’s why City, University of London stands out:

1. Business and Finance – Cass Business School (Now Bayes Business School)

  • Bayes Business School (formerly known as Cass Business School) is one of the top business schools in Europe, recognized for its programs in finance, investment, banking, accounting, and management.
  • The school has strong connections with the City of London (the financial district), making it a popular choice for students seeking careers in finance, consulting, and investment banking.
  • It is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and Association of MBAs (AMBA), positioning it among the world's elite business schools.

2. Law – The City Law School

  • The City Law School is one of the few law schools in London that offers all stages of legal education, from undergraduate law degrees (LLB) to the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and Legal Practice Course (LPC).
  • The school has a strong reputation in legal training, with alumni working in leading law firms and in the judiciary. It offers excellent resources, including a Moot Court and links to London's legal industry.

3. Journalism and Media

  • City is known for its Department of Journalism, which is considered one of the best journalism schools in the UK. It has produced many successful journalists and media professionals who now work at leading outlets such as the BBC, The Guardian, and Reuters.
  • The programs in broadcast journalism and investigative journalism are highly regarded, combining academic study with hands-on media training.

4. Engineering and Technology

  • City is strong in engineering, particularly civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and aeronautical engineering.
  • The School of Mathematics, Computer Science & Engineering is known for its focus on innovation and strong industry connections, offering students real-world project opportunities.

5. Health Sciences

  • City is well-regarded for its programs in nursing, midwifery, optometry, speech and language therapy, and radiography. The university offers practical training in collaboration with hospitals and health services in London.
  • City's School of Health & Psychological Sciences is known for producing highly trained professionals in the health and allied health professions.

6. Close Ties with Industry

  • City, University of London has strong connections with London’s business, finance, and legal sectors, providing students with excellent opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.
  • The university is located in the heart of London, close to the City of London, which allows students to take advantage of the opportunities available in one of the world's leading financial and business centers.

7. Graduate Employability

  • City has a strong focus on employability, consistently ranking highly for the employability of its graduates, particularly in sectors such as finance, business, law, and media.
  • Many of its programs include professional placements, giving students the practical experience needed to excel in their careers.

8. Research Excellence

  • City is recognized for its high-quality research output, particularly in business, engineering, social sciences, and health sciences. The university is a member of the University of London and benefits from a strong research environment.