For many undergraduate courses, prospective students must clear a subject-specific admissions test. These test scores are weighed alongside academic transcripts and predicted grades, personal statements, teacher references, and interview performance (for shortlisted applicants).
Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT)
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Format: Computer based at an authorised Pearson VUE test centre
Required for:
- Computer Science
- Computer Science and Philosophy
- Mathematics/Mathematics and Statistics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mathematics and Philosophy
Physics Aptitude Test (PAT)
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Online with multiple choice questions
Content: Physics and mathematics problems
Required for:
- Engineering Science
- Materials Science
- Physics
- Physics and Philosophy
University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Multiple-choice, four timed sections
Required for: Medicine
Sections:
- Verbal reasoning
- Decision making
- Quantitative reasoning
- Situational judgement
Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT)
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice exam (Section A: 42 question & Section B: Essay)
Required for:
- Law
- Law with Law Studies in Europe
Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)
Duration: 90 minutes (Section 1) + 30 minutes (Section 2)
Format: Multiple-choice and writing task
Required for:
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics (both sections)
- Other courses may require Section 1 only (Economics and Management, Experimental Psychology, History and Economics, Human Sciences Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics.)
Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT)
Duration: 30 minutes per test except the Philosophy section which lasts 60 minutes
Format: 10 sections ( 20 multiple choice questions, and 10 English-translation questions)
Required for:
- European and Middle Eastern Languages
- Classics and Modern Languages
- English and Modern Languages
- History and Modern Languages
- Modern Languages
- Modern Languages and Linguistics
- Philosophy and Modern Languages
Classics Admissions Test (CAT)
Duration: 1 hour per paper
Format: 3 separate computer based tests (the Latin Translation Test, the Greek Translation Test, the Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT).
Required for:
- Classics
- Classics and English
- Classics and Modern Languages
- Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Philosophy Test (PHILAT)
Duration: 60 minutes
Content: Philosophical reasoning skills
Required for: Philosophy and Theology
Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT)
Duration: 90 minutes
Format: 80 multiple-choice questions
Content: GCSE-level science and mathematics knowledge and application
Required for: Biomedical Sciences
Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test (AHCAAT)
Duration: 90 minutes
Format: 2 questions (short passage and image of an artefact from the ancient world)
Required for: Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
Preparation Strategy for Students
If you’re in Grade 11:
- Identify required test for target course
- Review test specifications and past papers
- Build foundational knowledge in relevant subjects
- Practice problem-solving and time management
If in Early Grade 12:
- Register for required test (June-September)
- Complete intensive practice using official materials
- Take timed mock tests
- Identify and address weak areas
- Sit for tests in October
- Submit UCAS application by October 15
Conclusion
Strong performance in admissions tests does more than boost your application, it signals academic readiness, resilience under pressure, and the analytical and critical-thinking skills tutors at Oxford value highly. By combining early preparation, disciplined practice, and strategic revision, you give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in a competitive process.
