Oxford and Cambridge are two of the few UK universities that require students to take admissions tests as part of the undergraduate application process. Which admissions test you are required to take depends on the course (and sometimes the college) you’re applying for.
This quick guide shows the admissions test required for each Oxbridge course and when you’ll need to register for it. If you need support preparing for an admissions test, our experienced Oxbridge admissions consultants and specialist test tutors are on hand to help.
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Cambridge admissions tests
For Cambridge applications, admissions tests (or written assessments) can be before, during or after the interview stage. Some Cambridge tests are college-specific for certain subjects – we’ve highlighted where this is the case in the table below.
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This table shows each Cambridge course, the admissions test required, when the test is sat and if all or some of the colleges require it.
| Course | Admissions Test(s) Required | When? | About the Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | Applicants may be required to complete a college admission assessment as part of the interview process. These assessments are designed to evaluate subject aptitude, analytical thinking and academic potential. Full details are provided by the relevant college. |
| Archaeology | No admission assessment | N/A | No admissions test is currently required. Selection is based on the UCAS application, academic record, written work (if requested) and interview performance. |
| Architecture | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | Applicants may be required to complete a college admission assessment that explores visual, analytical and creative thinking skills relevant to the course. |
| Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | The assessment may evaluate language aptitude, critical thinking and the ability to analyse unfamiliar material. Requirements vary by college. |
| Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology | ESAT | Pre-interview | The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a computer-based assessment completed in a single sitting. Candidates complete three 40-minute sections selected from Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Mathematics 1 is compulsory. Our ESAT Tutors can help you strengthen subject knowledge and develop effective test-taking strategies. |
| Classics (3-year and 4-year) | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | Applicants may be required to complete a college admission assessment designed to evaluate linguistic aptitude, analytical thinking and suitability for the course. |
| Computer Science | TMUA (all applicants). CSAT also required by Lucy Cavendish, Peterhouse, Selwyn and Trinity applicants. | Pre-interview | The Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA) assesses mathematical thinking and reasoning through two multiple-choice papers. Applicants to certain colleges must also sit the Computer Science Aptitude Test (CSAT). Our specialist TMUA Tutors can help you develop the advanced problem-solving skills required for a competitive application. |
| Design | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | Applicants may be asked to complete a college admission assessment that explores creativity, design thinking and problem-solving ability. |
| Economics | TMUA | Pre-interview | The TMUA evaluates mathematical thinking and reasoning through two multiple-choice papers. The assessment focuses on applying mathematical knowledge to unfamiliar situations. |
| Education | No admission assessment | N/A | No admissions test is currently required. Selection is based on academic achievement, application quality and interview performance. |
| Engineering | ESAT | Pre-interview | The ESAT is a computer-based assessment that evaluates scientific reasoning and problem-solving ability.If you’re applying for Engineering, alongside Mathematics 1, you’ll also complete:
|
| English | TBC | TBC | Cambridge has not yet confirmed the admissions assessment requirements for this course. Applicants should check the university website for the latest information. |
| Environment, Law, and Economics (formerly Land Economy) | No admission assessment | N/A | No admissions test is currently required. Selection is based on academic achievement, application quality and interview performance. |
| Geography | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | Applicants may be required to complete a college admission assessment designed to evaluate critical thinking, analytical skills and geographical reasoning. |
| History | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | Applicants may be required to complete a college admission assessment that explores historical analysis, critical reading and argument development. |
| History and Modern Languages | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | The assessment may evaluate historical thinking, language aptitude and the ability to analyse unfamiliar material. |
| History and Politics | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | Applicants may be required to complete a college admission assessment designed to evaluate analytical thinking, argument construction and subject suitability. |
| History of Art | No admission assessment | N/A | No admissions test is currently required. Selection is based on academic achievement, application quality and interview performance. |
| Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS) | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | Applicants may be required to complete a college admission assessment designed to evaluate critical thinking, analytical skills and academic potential. |
| Law | LNAT | Pre-interview | The National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) assesses the critical thinking, analytical reasoning and comprehension skills required for studying Law. It consists of a multiple-choice section and an essay component. Our specialist LNAT Tutors can help you prepare effectively for both sections of the assessment. |
| Linguistics | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | Applicants may be required to complete a college admission assessment designed to evaluate language analysis, logical thinking and academic potential. |
| Linguistics and Modern Languages | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | The assessment may explore language aptitude, analytical thinking and suitability for the course. |
| Mathematics | TMUA | Pre-interview | The TMUA assesses mathematical thinking and reasoning through two multiple-choice papers. The focus is on applying mathematical knowledge to unfamiliar situations rather than recalling memorised techniques. |
| Medicine (Standard Course A100) | UCAT | Pre-interview | The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a computer-based assessment consisting of five subtests: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Situational Judgement. Our expert UCAT Tutors can help you maximise your score through targeted preparation and realistic practice. |
| Medicine (Graduate Course) | UCAT | Pre-interview | The UCAT assesses the aptitude and professional attributes required for a career in medicine. Candidates complete five timed subtests covering reasoning, decision-making and situational judgement. |
| Modern and Medieval Languages (MML) | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | Applicants may be required to complete a college admission assessment that evaluates language aptitude, analytical skills and communication ability. |
| Music | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | Applicants may be required to complete a college admission assessment that explores musical aptitude, critical listening and academic potential. |
| Natural Sciences | ESAT | Pre-interview | The ESAT assesses scientific aptitude and problem-solving ability through three 40-minute sections selected from Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. |
| Philosophy | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | Applicants may be required to complete a college admission assessment designed to evaluate logical reasoning, argument analysis and philosophical thinking. |
| Psychological and Behavioural Sciences | College admission assessment | The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment. | Applicants may be required to complete a college admission assessment that explores analytical thinking, scientific reasoning and subject suitability. |
| Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion | No admission assessment | N/A | No admissions test is currently required. Selection is based on academic achievement, application quality and interview performance. |
| Veterinary Medicine | ESAT | Pre-interview | The ESAT assesses the scientific knowledge and reasoning skills required for Veterinary Medicine. Candidates complete three subject sections in a single sitting, with Mathematics 1 compulsory. |
Oxford admissions tests
For Oxford applications, all admissions tests are taken before the interview stage and are required by all colleges. Navigate your academic journey with The Profs and enhance your potential through expert guidance from Oxford Admissions Tutors, paving the way for unparalleled career growth and success. The following courses require the stated admissions tests:
| Course | Admissions Test | When? | About the Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | TMUA | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admissions): A computer-based assessment designed to evaluate mathematical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills.
All Oxford applicants must take both Paper 1 (Applications of Mathematical Knowledge) and Paper 2 (Mathematical Reasoning). Our specialist TMUA Tutors can help you build confidence, strengthen your mathematical reasoning and maximise your score. |
| Computer Science and Philosophy | TMUA | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | TMUA: A computer-based assessment that evaluates mathematical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving ability.
All Oxford applicants must take both Paper 1 (Applications of Mathematical Knowledge) and Paper 2 (Mathematical Reasoning). |
| Economics and Management | TARA | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions): A computer-based admissions test designed to assess critical thinking, reasoning and the ability to evaluate and analyse information.
All Oxford applicants must take all three modules (Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task). Note: the Writing Task will not be used by Oxford in admissions selection for this course. Looking to maximise your score? Our TARA Tutors can help you develop the skills needed to approach the assessment with confidence. |
| Engineering Science | ESAT | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test): A computer-based assessment completed in a single sitting. All Oxford applicants must take the following three modules:
Our ESAT Tutors can help you strengthen your subject knowledge and prepare effectively for test day. |
| History and Economics | TARA | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | TARA: Designed to assess analytical reasoning, critical thinking and the ability to evaluate information.
All Oxford applicants must take all three modules (Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task). Note: the Writing Task will not be used by Oxford in admissions selection for this course. |
| History and Politics | TARA | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | TARA: A computer-based assessment that evaluates reasoning, critical thinking and argument analysis.
All Oxford applicants must take all three modules (Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task). |
| Human Sciences | TARA | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | TARA: Designed to assess analytical reasoning and critical thinking.
All Oxford applicants must take all three modules (Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task). |
| Mathematics | TMUA | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | TMUA: A computer-based admissions test that assesses mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.
All Oxford applicants must take both Paper 1 (Applications of Mathematical Knowledge) and Paper 2 (Mathematical Reasoning). |
| Mathematics and Statistics | TMUA | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | TMUA: Assesses mathematical reasoning, logical thinking and problem-solving ability through two multiple-choice papers completed in a single sitting.
All Oxford applicants must take both Paper 1 (Applications of Mathematical Knowledge) and Paper 2 (Mathematical Reasoning). |
| Mathematics and Computer Science | TMUA | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | TMUA: Designed to evaluate advanced mathematical thinking and reasoning skills.
All Oxford applicants must take both Paper 1 (Applications of Mathematical Knowledge) and Paper 2 (Mathematical Reasoning). |
| Mathematics and Philosophy | TMUA | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | TMUA: A computer-based test that assesses mathematical reasoning and problem-solving ability through two multiple-choice papers.
All Oxford applicants must take both Paper 1 (Applications of Mathematical Knowledge) and Paper 2 (Mathematical Reasoning). |
| Physics | ESAT | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | ESAT: A computer-based assessment designed to evaluate scientific reasoning and mathematical ability. All Oxford applicants must take the following three modules:
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| Physics and Philosophy | ESAT | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | ESAT: Assesses scientific aptitude, mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills through a series of multiple-choice sections completed in a single sitting. All Oxford applicants must take the following three modules:
|
| Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) | TARA | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | TARA: A computer-based assessment designed to evaluate critical thinking, analytical reasoning and the ability to assess and interpret information.
All Oxford applicants must take all three modules (Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task). |
| Psychology (Experimental) | TARA | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | TARA: Evaluates critical thinking, reasoning and evidence-based analysis.
All Oxford applicants must take all three modules (Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task).
|
| Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics | TARA | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | TARA: Designed to assess reasoning, critical thinking and analytical skills rather than subject-specific knowledge.
All Oxford applicants must take all three modules (Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task). |
| Medicine | UCAT | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test): A computer-based assessment consisting of five subtests: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Situational Judgement. Our expert UCAT Tutors can help you maximise your score through targeted preparation and realistic practice. |
| Medicine (Graduate Entry) | UCAT | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | UCAT: Assesses aptitude and professional attributes required for a career in medicine. Candidates complete five timed subtests covering reasoning, decision-making and situational judgement. |
| Law (Jurisprudence) | LNAT | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law): Assesses critical thinking, analytical reasoning and reading comprehension. The assessment consists of a multiple-choice section and an essay. Our specialist LNAT Tutors can help you prepare effectively for both components. |
| Law with Foundation Year | LNAT | Pre-interview Registration and booking required. | LNAT: A computer-based assessment designed to evaluate the skills required for studying Law, including reasoning, comprehension and written communication. |
Note that additional tests may be required from international applicants to make sure you meet the English language requirements for your chosen course. Check the information provided by Oxford or Cambridge on English language requirements before applying. Embark on your path to Oxbridge success with The Profs, where experienced IELTS tutors offer personalized strategies to enhance both your English proficiency and academic interview skills, bridging the gap to your dream university.
For more information and support with an upcoming admissions test, get in touch with our expert Oxbridge admissions team today. Shape your academic future by partnering with The Profs’ Oxbridge Admissions Tutors, where expertise meets your ambition for unmatched academic success.
