What you need to know
Who should sit the test?
If you are applying to study Mathematics or a mathematics-related degrees such as Economics and Computer Science at a UAT-UK institution, you may need to take the TMUA. You must check the university webpages for your chosen course to see if the TMUA is required. Failure to register for your admissions test may invalidate your application.
What is in the test?
The TMUA is based on content typically covered within Higher Level GCSE mathematics courses or AS level mathematics. Please refer to Test Specification for more details.
How is the TMUA scored?
You will receive one single overall score for the TMUA.
Results for each module are reported on a scale from 1 (low) to 9 (high) to one decimal place. This allows us to share scores from various test versions and sittings on a unified scale.
There is no pass/fail score for the TMUA. Scores are typically used alongside other information provided as part of your university application.
Test Format
The TMUA lasts 2 hours 30 minutes in total. It is divided into two papers.
| Paper | What does it test? | Content | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Paper 1: Applications of Mathematical Knowledge |
Assesses your ability to apply your knowledge of mathematics in new situations. |
20 multiple-choice questions |
75 minutes |
|
Paper 2: Mathematical Reasoning |
Assesses your ability to deal with mathematical reasoning, and simple ideas from elementary logic. |
20 multiple-choice questions |
75 minutes |
Good to know
You will not be able to use a calculator or dictionary.
There is no pass or fail for the TMUA. You should aim to do the best you can.
Your final scores are based on the number of correct answers you give. You do not lose marks for wrong answers, so it’s worth attempting all questions.
How to Prepare
The focus of the TMUA is on mathematical thinking and reasoning skills. It uses mathematics that you are likely to have already learned in your school studies, so the best way to prepare is to familiarise yourself with the test format and style of questions. We recommend that you read the test specification, Notes on Logic and Proof, and answer the practice test under timed conditions.
View TMUA ResourcesCandidate Support
UAT-UK is committed to removing barriers to entry. Bursaries are available to UK candidates in financial need, and we can work with you to ensure you have the appropriate access arrangements for your test.
Bursary Scheme
Our bursaries are available to UK candidates. To be eligible you, or your parent/guardian, must meet certain criteria and be able to provide the required documentation. Bursaries, where granted, will cover the full cost of your test. Make sure you apply for this before you book your test. We will not be able to reimburse you after you have paid for a test.
Access Arrangements
You should let us know if you require any access arrangements for your test and provide appropriate documentary evidence. Make sure you apply for this before you book your test. We will not be able to make adjustments to the test when you arrive at the Test Centre.
Preparation Materials
The TMUA is based on mathematics that you are likely to have already learned in your school studies. We provide free preparation materials so that all candidates can familiarise themselves with the style of questions and identify topics where revision might be needed.
TMUA for Universities
There are several universities using the TMUA for selection to some courses in Mathematics, Economics, or Computer Science.
If you are applying to a maths, economics or computer science degree at any of the universities shown, you must refer to the relevant course pages of each institution’s website to find out if they require the TMUA. Failure to register for the TMUA where it is compulsory may invalidate your application.
Depending on the University to which you are applying, the TMUA may be a compulsory part of your application, or it may be optional. Make sure you know the requirements for the specific courses to which you intend to apply.
If you are applying to Cambridge and are required to sit the TMUA you must sit it in the October test sitting. All other candidates can choose whether to sit the test in October or January.
Booking and Sitting the TMUA
You must register in advance to sit the TMUA in one of our two sittings per year. Applicants to the University of Cambridge must sit in the October sitting. Ensure you are familiar with the relevant deadlines as we are unable to make exceptions to these.
When you book your test, you will select an available Pearson VUE Test Centre. The earlier you book, the more likely it is there will be appointments at your preferred Test Centre.
The TMUA costs £75 for candidates in the UK and Republic of Ireland. For those sitting elsewhere, it costs £130.
Before the test
Before you can register for a test, you need to make a UAT-UK account and enter your personal details.
From your dashboard, you can apply for a bursary or request access arrangements if needed. Make sure you do this before you book a test.
Then, follow our instructions on how to book your test.
Free practice materials are available to help you prepare for your test.
On the day
Familiarise yourself with our test day information. You can also watch the video about what to expect at your Pearson VUE Test Centre. Ensure you arrive on time for your test so you have time to check-in. Please be aware you will need to present photographic ID that complies with our ID Policy.
After the test
You will be notified when your test results are available to you via your UAT-UK account. This will be approximately six weeks after your test sitting. Results will automatically be sent to any TMUA institutions included in your UCAS application.