If you are applying to study Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, Statistics or another mathematically intensive subject at a leading UK university, you may need to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA).
Which UK universities accept the TMUA?
For the 2027 entry cycle, seven UK universities use the TMUA for selection on some undergraduate courses:
- Durham University
- Imperial College London
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- University of Warwick
- University College London (UCL)
Importantly, being on this list does not mean every applicant to the university has to take the TMUA. The requirement depends on the course. You should always check the admissions requirements for your specific programme.
Which courses require the TMUA?
1. Durham University
Durham uses the TMUA as part of its selection process for undergraduate Mathematics courses like:
- Mathematics BSc
- Mathematics MMath
- Mathematics and Statistics BSc
- Mathematics and Statistics MMath
The admissions policy specifically considers TMUA or STEP scores for applicants to undergraduate Mathematics.
2. Imperial College London
Imperial requires the TMUA for applicants to undergraduate courses in:
- Department of Computing, including joint Mathematics and Computer Science programmes
- Department of Mathematics
- BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science at Imperial College Business School
3. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
For September 2027 entry, the TMUA is mandatory for:
- BSc Economics
- BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
It is recommended but not mandatory for:
- 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 (with/without a placement year)
4. University College London (UCL)
For the 2027 entry cycle, UCL requires applicants to the Economics BSc (Econ) to take the TMUA alongside their UCAS application. UCL states that the test is intended to assess the mathematical reasoning required for the course’s quantitative content.
5. University of Cambridge
Cambridge requires the TMUA for applicants to:
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Mathematics
For most applicants, the TMUA must be taken in the October sitting, as these courses have Cambridge’s October application deadline.
6. University of Oxford
Oxford uses the TMUA for a number of mathematically intensive courses, including:
- Computer Science
- Computer Science and Philosophy
- Mathematics / Mathematics and Statistics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mathematics and Philosophy
For the 2027 entry cycle, applicants must take the test in the October sitting.
7. University of Warwick
Warwick uses the TMUA for:
- Computer Science – including BSc Computer Science, MEng Computer Science, BSc Computer Science with Business Studies and Discrete Mathematics courses
- Mathematics
- Economics – optional
- Statistics-related courses such as Mathematics & Statistics, MORSE and Data Science – optional.
When can you take the TMUA?
For 2027 entry, there are two TMUA test sittings:
| October 2026 | January 2027 | |
| Who can take it? | All candidates for 2027 entry | Applicants to UAT-UK institutions other than Oxford and Cambridge, subject to course requirements |
| Account creation opens | 1 June 2026 | — |
| Test booking opens | 20 July 2026, 3 PM BST | 26 October 2026, 3 PM GMT |
| Test booking closes | 28 September 2026, 6 PM BST | 21 December 2026, 6 PM GMT |
| Test window | 12–16 October 2026 | 4–8 January 2027 |
| Results available | 16 November 2026 | 8 February 2027 |
You can sit the TMUA only once during an admissions cycle. Therefore, if you sit the test in October, you cannot retake it in January. UAT-UK states that there is no advantage to choosing one sitting over the other.
You must register and book the test in advance. UAT-UK cannot accept bookings after the stated deadlines. Tests are delivered through Pearson Test Centres, and candidates are advised to book early to maximise their chances of getting their preferred test centre and appointment.
What is the TMUA test format?
The TMUA lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes and consists of two papers:
| Paper | What does it test? | Format | Duration |
| Paper 1: Applications of Mathematical Knowledge | Applying mathematical knowledge in unfamiliar situations | 20 multiple-choice questions | 75 minutes |
| Paper 2: Mathematical Reasoning | Mathematical reasoning and elementary ideas from logic | 20 multiple-choice questions | 75 minutes |
You cannot use a calculator or dictionary during the test. There is also no negative marking, so you should attempt every question.
How is the TMUA scored?
The TMUA does not have a pass or fail score.
You receive one overall TMUA score, reported on a scale from 1.0 to 9.0, to one decimal place. Scores are designed to allow results from different test versions and sittings to be compared on a common scale. Universities use the TMUA score alongside other information in your application.
How should you prepare for the TMUA?
The TMUA is designed to assess mathematical thinking and reasoning using mathematics that students are likely to have encountered in their school studies.
This does not mean that you should simply revise your school mathematics textbook. You need to become comfortable with unfamiliar problems, logical reasoning and applying familiar mathematical ideas in unfamiliar ways.
UAT-UK recommends that candidates:
- Read the TMUA specification
- Review the Notes on Logic and Proof
- Familiarise themselves with the question format
- Attempt the official practice tests under timed conditions
- Use the free preparation materials available on the UAT-UK website
A preparation course is not compulsory, and UAT-UK itself recommends familiarising yourself with the test format and practising with its official materials.
How much does the TMUA cost?
For the 2027 entry cycle, the TMUA costs:
- £78 for candidates in the UK and Republic of Ireland
- £133 for candidates sitting the test elsewhere (INR 17,235)
What happens after you take the TMUA?
Your results will be made available through your UAT-UK account approximately six weeks after the test sitting. Your results are also automatically sent to the relevant TMUA institutions included in your UCAS application. You do not need to send your score separately to each university.
Conclusion
The TMUA is particularly important for students targeting highly selective UK courses in Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics and related quantitative subjects.
- If you’re planning to take the test in October 2026 (test sitting 1), you can register for the TMUA from 20 July 2026. The registration deadline is 28 September 2026.
- If you’re planning to take the test in January 2027 (test sitting 2), you can register for the TMUA from 26 October 2026. The registration deadline is 21 December 2026.
Planning to apply to the UK? Make sure you understand the admissions tests, UCAS deadlines and course-specific requirements before you submit your application.
