Mathematics and Engineering Tests for U.K University Admissions

Mathematics and Engineering for UK Universities

Who has to take the test?

If you are planning to apply for an undergraduate course in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science at certain universities in UK, you will be required to take Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). For engineering courses, you may need to take The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT). The information regarding this is found on the university website as a part of their entry requirement. Failing to register for the same will result in your application becoming invalid.

Why do you have to take the test?

Colleges such as the Imperial College London and Cambridge University has made these tests mandatory as they receive a number of strong applicants. Since there is a limited number of seats for these courses, the ESAT and TMUA enable the universities to shortlist candidates for the interview rounds. The test provides an indication to the university if the applicant is likely to thrive in their chosen course or not.

When to take the test

The scoring pattern of the test?

Each module of the ESAT is reported on a scale of 1 (low) to 9 (high) with scores being reported to one decimal place, allowing scores on different versions of the test in different test sittings to be reported on a common scale. It is important to know that there is no pass/fail score for the ESAT or TMUA and scores are typically assessed alongside the other information that the student provides to the university through the UCAS. This means, the transcripts, Personal Statement, and Letters of Recommendation.

Test Format

The TMUA lasts 2 hours 30 minutes in total. It is divided into two papers. Each have 20 multiple-choice questions.

Paper 1: Applications of Mathematical Knowledge (Assesses your ability to apply your knowledge of mathematics in new situations.)

Paper 2. Mathematical Reasoning (Assesses your ability to deal with mathematical reasoning, and simple ideas from elementary logic.)

The ESAT consists of five modules, each module lasts 40 minutes and contains 27 multiple choice questions. Most courses will require candidates to answer Mathematics 1 and two further modules.

Mathematics 1- Each applicant takes this

Biology/Chemistry/Physics/Mathematics2: Most candidates will take two of these modules. Some courses will specify which modules you must take, so you should carefully check the university webpages for your chosen course(s).

You are required to select the relevant modules at the time of registering for the test. The course pages of the institution will list out the modules that are required for the course. You will not be allowed to make any changes at the test center. Hence it is advised that students do their research well in advance to avoid any last-minute scramble.

You will not be allowed to use the Calculator and formula booklet is also not provided. In many curricula students are given these tools so that there is less of memorization and answers are as accurate as possible.

There is no Pass or Fail and candidate’s final scores are based on the number of correct answers. There is no negative marking for wrong answers. Hence it is worth attempting all questions.

The papers are based on the science and mathematics that students have already in school studies, so you shouldn’t need to do too much additional preparation. You must read the test specifications, familiarize yourself with the test format and the style of questions.