News

UK medical schools accepting Cambridge English trebles in a year

09 February 2011

The number of medical schools in the UK recognising Cambridge English language tests more than trebled in a 12 month period, according to new figures. As of December 2010, 26 schools from across the UK now accept the English language tests from Cambridge ESOL compared to just 7 a year earlier.

Language experts Cambridge ESOL, who compiled the figures, say this boost is part of a growing trend in the healthcare industry where language skills are becoming top of the skills agenda. Cambridge ESOL's Nicola Johnson says:

“It's essential that those coming to the UK to study medicine have the language skills they need to get the best out of academic life and these figures are very encouraging. Cambridge English assess real-life communications skills which are essential in the healthcare industry”.

The Cambridge English tests recognised include Cambridge English: Advanced and Proficiency. They are now used for entrance onto a range of Higher Education courses at medical faculties including the Universities of Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry.

The tests recognised are all set at level C1 or higher of the Common European Framework of References for Languages CEFR, an internationally recognised scale of language ability. At level C1, users can converse easily in English and are easily understood by native speakers and learners from other countries. They can understand complex verbal discussion and read long documents. Nicola Johnson says this will be a real benefit to medical students around the world:

“People who incorporate Cambridge English into their study route will not only have a more positive experience of higher education, but will also have a head start in terms of language ability when they enter the healthcare sector.”