Updated and compiled by Patricia Nehme, Certified Educational Planner July 2025
This chart provides a concise overview for students applying to UK universities for Fall
2027 entry. It covers key standardized admissions tests across academic disciplines, test
dates, university requirements, and preparation tips, based on current guidance from
Oxford, UAT UK, and other UCAS universities.
Key Admissions Tests by Subject Area
Medicine and Dentistry
• UCAT – Used by most UK medical/dental schools (e.g., KCL, Edinburgh, Bristol,
Manchester, Glasgow).
Law
• LNAT – Required by Oxford, LSE, UCL, KCL, Durham, Bristol, Nottingham, Glasgow, SOAS.
Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science
• MAT – Required by Oxford, Imperial, Warwick (great resource for MAT)
• TMUA – Required by Cambridge, LSE, Warwick, Durham, UCL.
Thinking and Reasoning
• TSA – Used by Oxford (e.g., PPE, E&M), UCL (Social Sciences).
Humanities & Languages
• CAT – Oxford Classics.
• MLAT – Oxford Modern Languages.
Engineering, Physics, Natural Sciences
• PAT – Required by Oxford for Physics, Engineering Science, and Materials Science.
• ESAT – Used by Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, LSE (via UAT UK).
Business & Management
• No universal test, but TSA or TMUA required by selective programs (e.g., Oxford E&M, LSE
Econ).
UAT UK Standardized Tests
UAT UK administers tests adopted by top-tier UK universities including Cambridge,
Imperial, UCL, LSE, Bristol, Durham, and Warwick. These assessments offer early
benchmarking before A-level results are released.
Tests Offered:
• ESAT – Engineering & Science Admissions Test
• TMUA – Test of Mathematics for University Admissions
• TARA – Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions
Test Windows for 2026 Cycle (applying for Fall 2027 entry):
• October 2026: ESAT (Oct 8–9), TMUA (Oct 13–14), TARA (Oct 15–16)
• January 2027: ESAT/TMUA/TARA – dates TBD
• Booking closes ~September 29, 2026
• Register via Pearson VUE; all tests are computer-based.
Application Timeline Tips
• Register for UAT UK account by June
• Apply for bursaries or access accommodations before booking
• Book your test early (book in July for October tests)(book in October for January tests)
• Use free resources (sample tests, logic/problem guides) from UAT-UK
• Scores valid for one application cycle only
• Don’t list UAT UK tests on UCAS form — results sent directly to unis
Required Tests by University
• Oxford: MAT, PAT, CAT, TSA, LNAT, UCAT
• Cambridge: TMUA, ESAT, LNAT, UCAT
• Durham: LNAT, TMUA (some courses)
• KCL: LNAT, UCAT, MAT (some courses)
• Nottingham: UCAT
Sources
• UCAT
• LNAT
Updated and compiled by Patricia Nehme, Certified Educational Planner July 2025