TMUA: Test of Mathematics for University Admission

What it is and who sets it

The TMUA is a computer-based, multiple-choice test of mathematical thinking and reasoning. It is used for Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics and related degrees. The content is based on Higher Level GCSE maths and AS level maths.

Set by: UAT-UK (a collaboration between Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge); delivered on computer at Pearson VUE test centres.

Which universities and courses use it

• University of Cambridge

  • Computer Science (Peterhouse and Trinity applicants also take the CSAT)
  • Economics
  • Mathematics

• Imperial College London

  • Department of Computing courses, including joint Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Department of Mathematics courses
  • BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science (Business School)

• University of Oxford

  • Computer Science
  • Computer Science and Philosophy
  • Mathematics / Mathematics and Statistics
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Mathematics and Philosophy

• LSE

  • Required: BSc Economics
  • Required: BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
  • Recommended but optional: BSc Mathematics and Economics; BSc Mathematics with Economics; BSc Financial Mathematics and Statistics; BSc Mathematics with Data Science; BSc Mathematics, Statistics and Business; BSc Data Science; BSc Economics and Data Science; BSc Actuarial Science (including with placement year)

• UCL

  • Economics BSc
  • Economics with a Year Abroad BSc

• University of Warwick

  • Required: Computer Science courses (G400, G403, GN42, G190, G4G3), except applicants eligible for a contextual offer
  • Typically required (TMUA or STEP): Mathematics (G100, G103), except contextual-offer applicants
  • Optional: Statistics courses — Maths & Stats, MORSE, Data Science (GG13, GGC3, GLN0, G0L0, 7G73, G304)
  • Optional, encouraged: Economics (L100, LLD2, LN12) — requirements 'currently under review' for 2027

• Durham University

  • Optional but 'strongly encouraged': Mathematics (G100/G103) and Mathematics and Statistics (G111/G114); essential for applicants with AS Further Maths only; a score of 5.0+ can lead to a reduced offer. Page not yet updated for 2027 entry.

Always confirm on the course page of each university you apply to.

Format, timing and scoring

• Computer-based, multiple choice, sat at Pearson VUE test centres.
• Two papers, 2 hours 30 minutes in total.
• Paper 1 – Applications of Mathematical Knowledge: 20 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes.
• Paper 2 – Mathematical Reasoning: 20 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes.
• Content is based on Higher Level GCSE maths and AS level maths.
• No calculator or dictionary allowed.

Scoring: A single overall score on a scale from 1 (low) to 9 (high), reported to one decimal place. There is no pass or fail.

Practising for the TMUA

• About 3 minutes 45 seconds per question: 20 questions in 75 minutes per paper.
• Paper 2 tests mathematical reasoning and logic, which school lessons rarely practise directly.
• No calculator, so algebra and arithmetic need to be quick and accurate.

Start with the official format and practice material: the test owner's page (opens in a new tab). Then work through timed sections, full mock papers, and a review of every mistake.

Booking, test centres and changes

Where you sit it: Pearson VUE test centres in the UK and worldwide, on computer.

Register and book your date as early as you can.

• Create your UAT-UK account as soon as accounts open: 1 June 2026 for the October sitting.
• Book your test as soon as booking opens: 20 July 2026 for October, 26 October 2026 for January. Booking closes 28 September 2026 (October) and 21 December 2026 (January).
• Apply for access arrangements or a bursary before their earlier deadlines (see Key dates).
• Find your nearest test centre with the official locator, then contact the centre to check it is open and has appointments during your test window.
• Some schools and colleges are registered Pearson VUE test centres, but most are not. Ask your school as early as possible.

Find a UAT-UK test centre (Pearson VUE) (opens in a new tab)

Changing your date: You can reschedule or cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before your test, subject to test centre availability. ESAT modules cannot be changed once booked: you would need to cancel and rebook.

Which sitting: There are two sittings: October 2026 and January 2027. Oxford and Cambridge applicants must sit in October. Imperial counts only your first score, so you get one attempt. Our advice is to sit in October unless there is a clear reason to wait, so your result is known before most decisions are made.