Everything you need to know about the TMUA

The Test of Mathematics for University Admission is a computer-based admissions test used for Mathematics and other mathematically demanding courses, including some Economics and Computer Science degrees. Requirements differ by university and course, so check the official page for every course on your UCAS application.

The TMUA lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. Paper 1 and Paper 2 each contain 20 multiple-choice questions and last 75 minutes. Paper 1 tests applications of mathematical knowledge. Paper 2 tests mathematical reasoning, elementary logic and proof.

No. Calculators and dictionaries are not permitted. At a Pearson VUE test centre, you use a computer and receive an erasable notebook or whiteboard and a pen for rough working. You cannot bring your own paper or notes into the test room.

No. Your score is based on the number of correct answers and you do not lose marks for an incorrect answer. It is therefore worth attempting every question, even when you need to make an informed guess.

The specification draws mainly on Higher Level GCSE and AS-level mathematics. Paper 1 focuses on applying mathematical knowledge. Paper 2 also covers the language and structure of arguments, necessary and sufficient conditions, quantifiers, proof and counterexamples.

You can take the TMUA once in an admissions cycle. Applicants to Oxford or Cambridge courses that require the test normally need the October sitting. The January sitting has limited exceptions for Cambridge mature applicants with a January deadline and Oxford Foundation Year applicants. Other candidates should check their course requirements before choosing a sitting.

For the 2027-entry cycle, the fee is £78 in the UK and Republic of Ireland and £133 elsewhere. UAT-UK offers full-fee bursaries to eligible UK candidates in financial need. Apply for a bursary or access arrangements before booking your test.

You receive one overall score from 1.0 to 9.0, reported to one decimal place. There is no universal pass mark or grade boundary. Universities decide how to use the score for each course, usually alongside the rest of your application.

UAT-UK normally releases results through your online account about four weeks after the test. Participating universities on your UCAS application receive the score automatically when the course you applied to uses the TMUA. You cannot choose which qualifying institutions receive it.

Read the current specification first, then study the official Notes on Mathematics and Notes on Logic and Proof. Use specimen questions to learn the format and complete full past papers under the 75-minute time limit. Review the method behind every mistake rather than only checking the answer key.

Yes. UAT-UK states that the content specification and question style remain unchanged now that the test is computer-based. Historic papers are still useful for learning the question style, but complete them on screen and under timed conditions where possible.