Key points

  • The course decides the test: engineering and science courses tend to use the ESAT, and maths, computer science and economics courses tend to use the TMUA.
  • The subject name isn't always enough, because the same subject can use a different test at a different university, so check each course page.
  • The ESAT is maths and science in 40-minute modules, and the TMUA is maths and mathematical reasoning in two 75-minute papers.

Which test do you need?

It depends on the course, so check each course page before anything else. On UAT-UK's course list for 2027 entry, engineering, physics and natural sciences courses tend to use the ESAT, while maths, computer science and economics courses tend to use the TMUA.

Both are UAT-UK admissions tests, taken on a computer at a test centre. Both are multiple choice, with no calculator and no marks lost for a wrong answer. The ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test) covers maths and science in 40-minute modules. The TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission) is maths only, in two 75-minute papers.

Which courses use the ESAT?

These courses appear on UAT-UK's list with the ESAT. It's a selection, not the full list, and module requirements differ from course to course, so check each course page.

  • Cambridge: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medicine
  • Oxford: Physics, Engineering Science
  • Imperial: Mechanical Engineering, Physics
  • UCL: Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Which courses use the TMUA?

These courses appear on UAT-UK's list with the TMUA. Again it's a selection, so check each course page. Some entries recommend the TMUA without requiring it: Durham, and Warwick's Data Science, Economics and MORSE (Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics).

  • Cambridge: Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics
  • Oxford: Mathematics, Computer Science
  • Imperial: Mathematics, Computing
  • LSE: Economics, Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
  • Warwick: Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, MORSE
  • Durham: Mathematics

Why the subject name isn't enough

The same subject can use a different test at a different university. On the same list, UCL's Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering use the TARA, a third UAT-UK test, while Imperial's Computing uses the TMUA and Imperial's Mechanical Engineering uses the ESAT.

So write down the test, and for the ESAT the modules, for every course on your shortlist. If your courses ask for different tests, read UAT-UK's booking guidance before you book.

How do the ESAT and TMUA formats compare?

The ESAT has five modules: Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Everyone takes Mathematics 1, and most courses ask for two more. Each module has 27 questions in 40 minutes and is timed separately. That's just under 89 seconds a question on average.

The TMUA has two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, taken one after the other. Each has 20 questions in 75 minutes, which is three minutes 45 seconds a question on average. There's no formula booklet.

Results differ too. The ESAT reports a separate score for each module on a 1.0 to 9.0 scale, and the TMUA reports one overall score on the same scale. Neither has a pass mark.

What does each test expect you to know?

ESAT Mathematics 1 covers topics such as number, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability, and every other ESAT module assumes you know it. Physics, Chemistry and Biology add their own science topics, and Mathematics 2 adds a further set of maths topics.

The TMUA specification has two parts of maths knowledge. Part 1 is almost all AS level pure maths, such as logarithms, differentiation and integration. Part 2 is almost all Higher Level GCSE maths. Paper 2 adds logic and proof: statements like 'if A then B', necessary and sufficient conditions, counterexamples and spotting the error in a proof.

When can you sit them?

The ESAT and TMUA share the same sittings. For 2027 entry these are 12 October 2026 to 16 October 2026 in October and 4 January 2027 to 8 January 2027 in January. Most Cambridge and Oxford applicants must sit in October. Applicants to other universities can usually choose either. In China, Hong Kong and Macau, each test has its own fixed day inside each window.

You can sit each test once in an admissions cycle, so plan for one attempt.

How to start preparing

Whichever test you need, start with UAT-UK's specification for it and mark each topic secure, rusty or not yet taught. Then sit one timed module or paper early, before you feel ready, and let your mistakes decide what you work on next.

Noetra has original mocks for both tests, written to the specifications. We never use real past-paper questions, and we're not affiliated with UAT-UK or any university.

Questions students ask

Do I need the ESAT or the TMUA for computer science?
It depends on the university. On UAT-UK's 2027 list, Cambridge, Oxford and Warwick Computer Science and Imperial Computing use the TMUA, while UCL Computer Science uses the TARA. Check each course page.
Do I need the ESAT or the TMUA for engineering?
On UAT-UK's 2027 list, Cambridge Engineering, Oxford Engineering Science, Imperial Mechanical Engineering and UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering use the ESAT. UCL Mechanical Engineering uses the TARA, so check each course page.
Is the TMUA harder than the ESAT?
They test different things, so there's no fair way to rank them. The ESAT gives you less time per question across maths and science. The TMUA gives you more time per question, includes AS level pure maths and tests reasoning about mathematical arguments.
Can I use a calculator in the ESAT or TMUA?
No. Calculators aren't allowed in either test.
How are the ESAT and TMUA scored?
The ESAT gives a separate score for each module on a 1.0 to 9.0 scale. The TMUA gives one overall score on the same scale. Neither test has a pass or fail.

Official sources

Current details were checked against these primary sources on the date shown above.