UK University Admissions Tests Explained: TMUA, MAT, ESAT, STEP, UCAT
By the Bright Sprouts Academy teaching team · Updated October 2026
Quick answer
Several competitive UK courses use admissions tests alongside A-Level or IB predictions. The TMUA is used for Maths, Economics and Computer Science at universities including Cambridge, Imperial, LSE and Warwick. The ESAT is used for science and engineering at Cambridge and Imperial. Oxford sets the MAT (Maths and Computer Science) and the PAT (Physics and Engineering). STEP appears in Cambridge Maths offers, and the UCAT is used by most UK medical and dental schools. Requirements change each year, so always confirm on the university's admissions page.
Which test, for which course?
| Test | Main use | When it is usually sat |
|---|---|---|
| TMUA | Maths, Economics, Computer Science (e.g. Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, Warwick, Durham) | Autumn of Year 13 (some universities also accept a January sitting) |
| ESAT | Engineering and sciences at Cambridge and Imperial | Autumn of Year 13 (some universities also accept a January sitting) |
| MAT | Oxford Maths, Computer Science and joint courses | Autumn of Year 13 |
| PAT | Oxford Physics and Engineering | Autumn of Year 13 |
| STEP | Cambridge Maths offers; also used by some other universities | June of Year 13, after A-Levels |
| UCAT | Most UK medical and dental schools | Summer between Year 12 and Year 13 |
Why these tests are different from A-Levels
Admissions tests mostly use A-Level or GCSE content, but they test it in unfamiliar ways: multi-step problems, tight time limits and questions designed to separate students who all have top predicted grades.
This means past-paper practice, reviewing how expert solutions work, and learning general problem-solving approaches matter more than learning new content.
A sensible preparation timeline
- Early Year 12: confirm which tests your shortlisted courses require.
- Spring of Year 12: begin regular problem-solving practice beyond the syllabus.
- Summer of Year 12: sit the UCAT (for medicine) and begin timed past papers for autumn tests.
- Autumn of Year 13: sit the TMUA, ESAT, MAT or PAT around the time of your UCAS application.
- Spring of Year 13: begin intensive STEP preparation if it is part of your offer.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the TMUA hard?
It is designed to challenge strong mathematicians. Questions mostly use GCSE and early A-Level content, but they need careful logic and speed. Regular timed practice makes a significant difference.
Did the ESAT replace the NSAA and ENGAA?
Yes. Cambridge and Imperial replaced the NSAA, ENGAA and related tests with the ESAT, starting with applicants for 2025 entry.
Does the UCAT still include Abstract Reasoning?
No. Abstract Reasoning was removed from 2025. The test now has Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning and Situational Judgement.
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Last reviewed by the Bright Sprouts Academy teaching team. Exam board and university requirements change, so always check the official specification and admissions pages.