ESAT or TMUA?
Your course decides.
They test different kinds of thinking.
ESAT tests subject modules for engineering and science. TMUA tests mathematical thinking for maths and related courses.
What the official lists say
| Test | What it measures | Cambridge examples | Imperial examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| TestESAT | What it measuresMaths 1 plus course-specific subject modules. | Cambridge examplesEngineering, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine. | Imperial examplesAeronautics, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics. |
| TestTMUA | What it measuresMathematical knowledge and mathematical reasoning. | Cambridge examplesComputer Science, Economics, Mathematics. | Imperial examplesBusiness School, Computing, Mathematics. |
The tests are not interchangeable
ESAT
Maths 1 plus the modules your course picks. 27 questions in 40 minutes each, scored 1.0 to 9.0.
TMUA
Two papers of 20 questions, 75 minutes each, scored 1.0 to 9.0.
Before you register
Do I need ESAT or TMUA?
Your course decides. ESAT is for engineering and science courses, TMUA for maths and related courses.
Can I need both tests?
Yes, if two of your courses ask for different tests.
Which Cambridge courses list these tests?
Cambridge lists ESAT for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Engineering, Natural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine. It lists TMUA for Computer Science, Economics and Mathematics. Peterhouse and Trinity also list CSAT for Computer Science.
Which Imperial courses list these tests?
Imperial lists ESAT for several engineering and science departments, including Aeronautics, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Physics. It lists TMUA for Business School, Computing and Mathematics.
Is there a pass mark?
No. Universities read your score with the rest of your application.