Language Requirements
At RIAM, we teach all classes through English.
If your first language is not English and you have not been educated through the medium of English, you must have one of the following qualifications in the English language:
Access, Diploma, Bachelor's, and Master's Programmes
- Cambridge English Qualifications - Minimum overall score of 162-169 on the Cambridge English scale, i.e. minimum Grade B2 First or Proficiency Certificate. Recommended Sub-scores: minimum 160 per paper.
- Duo Lingo English Test: Minimum overall score of 95, no individual sub-scores below 90
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) IELTS 5.5. Recommended no individual band below 5.5
- Pearson English International Certification Minimum overall score of 46-50, recommended no section scores below 42-45
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) Minimum overall score of 55-60 with a minimum score in writing of 16 (and no skill below 14–16).
- Trinity College London - Trinity ISE II (B2) with at least a pass in each skill category.
Doctorate
- Cambridge English Qualifications - Minimum overall score of 180 on the Cambridge English scale, i.e. minimum Grade C1 in Advanced or Proficiency Certificate
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum overall score of 110/160, no individual sub-scores below 105
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) Minimum overall score of 6.5, no individual band below 6
- Pearson English International Certification: Minimum overall score of 63, no section scores below 59
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) Minimum overall score of 79, with a minimum score in writing of 21
- Trinity College London - Trinity ISE III Upper B2 (C1) with at least a strong pass or merit in each skill category
RIAM English Language Supports
Pre-Sessional Studies with RIAM/TCD
Where a student’s IELTS score (or equivalent) is below the required entry level of 5.5 overall, with individual components also below 5.5, RIAM offers additional English language support.
For both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree applicants, the minimum required English level is IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).
Applicants who do not meet this requirement can join RIAM’s online English language support classes prior to arrival in Dublin in September. .The RIAM Pre-Sessional English Language Programme aims to develop students’ proficiency in English across the four key academic skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Date: The RIAM Pre-Sessional course will begin on Tuesday, 5 May.
Length: The course runs online for 12 weeks on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with two-hour sessions at 11:00 am Dublin time (7:00 pm China time).
Fee: €1,000
Assessment: The course includes full assessment across four components
English Language Support Classes at RIAM
International students studying at RIAM are invited to attend free English language support classes which run from October of each year for the first Semester.
Class Details
- Day & Time: TBC
- Location: TBC
- Cost: Free of charge
- Level: All English levels are welcome
About the Classes
These classes are designed to support students in developing their English skills in a friendly and informal environment. Sessions focus on improving conversation skills while also offering guidance in key areas such as writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
What to Expect
Each class is built around a central topic. Students are grouped according to their level and work together to discuss questions or visual prompts provided by the teacher. Throughout the session, the teacher offers support with vocabulary and grammatical structures as needed.
At the end of each class, students receive feedback, and common mistakes from the discussion are reviewed and corrected together. The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere also provides a great opportunity to meet and connect with other RIAM students.
Your Teacher
Classes are led by Dr Conor Pyle Teaching Fellow in the School of Linguistic, Speech and Communication Science, who will guide and support you throughout your learning experience.
Conor Pyle - School of Linguistic, Speech and Communication Sciences | Trinity College Dublin