If you are planning to apply for a postgraduate taught (PGT) programme at King’s College London (KCL), it is important to understand the academic and English language entry requirements clearly. This will help you prepare a strong application and avoid surprises.

1. Academic Entry Requirements

Most PGT programmes at King’s require a strong undergraduate qualification. Here are the general points:

1. The standard requirement is a UK Bachelor’s honours degree at 2:1 class or equivalent from a recognised overseas institution.
2. Some courses may ask for additional requirements — for example a specific subject background, a related bachelor’s degree, or relevant professional experience.
3. If you do not meet the standard requirement, King’s may consider your application if you have:
4. an alternative qualification of equivalent or higher level; or
5. relevant professional experience showing you can succeed in the programme.
6. International qualifications: King’s provides guidance on how overseas degrees convert to UK equivalents (for example, a four-year bachelor’s, or certain numeric thresholds in different countries).

Practical steps for applicants:

1. Check the specific programme’s webpage for its exact academic requirement — some may ask for e.g. a 2:1 in a particular subject or a minimum mark (for example 60 % in some non-UK systems).
2. If your degree is from outside the UK, verify the equivalency via the international qualification guidance.
3. If you are part-way through your undergraduate degree, ensure you provide interim transcripts and predicted final result if allowed.
4. If your background is different from the standard subject of the course, emphasise transferable skills and relevant experience in your personal statement.

2. English Language Entry Requirements

Since most programmes are taught in English, King’s requires that all applicants whose first language is not English meet specified language proficiency standards. Here’s an overview:

1. Your English test result must be from a recognised test and within two years of the programme start date.
2. King’s uses a banding system (Bands B, C, D) for different programmes which reflect the required level of English.
3. For example, Band B (used for many programmes in Social Science, Public Policy, Law, etc) requires: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each skill.
4. Band C is somewhat lower: e.g., IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with minimums of 6.5 in reading/writing and 6.0 in listening/speaking for certain humanities programmes.
5. Band D (for some STEM, health and other professional programmes) may require e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each skill.
6. Accepted English language tests include:
7. IELTS (Academic)
8. TOEFL iBT (Institution Code 0394)
9. Cambridge certificates (CAE/C1 Advanced or CPE/C2 Proficiency)
10. Pearson Test of English (Academic)
11. Oxford Test of English Advanced
12. If your first language is English, or you studied for a degree in a majority English-speaking country, you may be exempt. But this must be checked on the individual programme page.

Practical tips:

1. Check which band your chosen programme uses and aim for the minimum test scores required.
2. Make sure your test result covers each skill minimum — overall score alone may not be enough.
3. English tests take time: book early so your result is available before any deadline.
4. Upload your test certificate as part of your application (via King’s Apply) once available — don’t wait until the last minute.
5. If you fall short of the requirement, ask whether a pre-sessional English course is possible (King’s offers these in some cases).

3. Why Entry Requirements Matter

1. Meeting the academic requirement demonstrates you have the foundational knowledge to succeed in postgraduate study.
2. The English requirement ensures you will be able to participate effectively in lectures, seminars, writing, and assessment.
3. Knowing the requirements early helps you prepare: you can plan to improve your grades, take work experience, or study for an English test ahead of time.
4. Being aware of the “minimums” does not guarantee admission — many programmes are competitive and meeting the minimum is only part of what the admissions team considers.

4. How to Make Sure You’re Ready

1. Visit the course page of the PGT programme you wish to apply for and read the “Entry Requirements” section carefully.
2. Gather and prepare your documents: transcripts, certificates, test results, references, personal statement.
3. If maps of equivalency or conversions (for international degrees) are provided, check your qualification matches or is above the guideline.
4. If your background doesn’t quite match the “ideal” profile (e.g., different subject, slightly lower grade), emphasise relevant experience and skills in your application.
5. Ensure you meet both academic and English language requirements well ahead of application deadlines (and funding deadlines if applicable).
6. Keep track of whether your test result is still valid at the point of enrolment — many results expire after two years.

Reference

1. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/how-to-apply/entry-requirements
2. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements
3. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/education-ma/requirements
4. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/language-and-cultural-diversity-ma/requirements