The Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) is a standardized test of Mathematics reasoning and thinking skills taken by students applying to UK University programmes in Mathematics and related fields, and for some programs worldwide. If you are a student in high school working towards a course of study in either Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, or another mathematical-based course of study, understanding the TMUA and the implications of the TMUA can be essential in your university application planning.
The TMUA at a Glance
Test Format: Two Papers, each 75 minutes long, consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions (2 hours 30 minutes in total).
Paper Format:
Paper 1: Applications of Mathematical Knowledge - this paper will assess your capability to apply various mathematical principles to new situations.
Paper 2: Mathematical Reasoning - this paper tests your capability of constructing and evaluating a mathematical situation, (including reasoning from logic).
No calculators or formula booklets are allowed. Since no formula booklets are allowed, you must recall related mathematical formulae and do mental arithmetic or write on the provided scratch booklets.
Grading System: There is no penalty for incorrect answers. Your test score will be based on your correct responses only.
Delivery: The TMUA is delivered by Pearson VUE test centers internationally, and the October 2023 and January 2024 sittings are during this time. The TMUA will be delivered in October and January.
Cost: £75 in the UK and Ireland and £130 elsewhere.
Who Should Take the TMUA?
TMUA applies to you if:
You are applying for undergraduate programs in mathematics, computer science, economics or related quantitative pathways at universities that require or recommend the TMUA as part of the application.
Universities in the UK that require or recommend TMUA include (as examples):
University of Cambridge (Computer Science, Economics) — requires sitting October
Imperial College London (Computing, Mathematics, Economics, Finance & Data Science)
London School of Economics (LSE) (Economics, Econometrics & Mathematical Economics, and similar)
University of Warwick (Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics & Management; etc.)
Durham University (Mathematics, Mathematics & Statistics; recommends taking TMUA)
In some cases, even if a university does not expressly require TMUA, they may still use TMUA scores as part of holistic admissions.
Eligibility and Preparation:
The TMUA is intended for students who have studied mathematics to a level comparable to UK Higher Level GCSE or AS-level mathematics.
It is intended for high school students interested in furthering their studies in a mathematics-related degree at competitive schools and who want to furnish evidence of their problem-solving and deductive reasoning abilities.
International students should verify the specific requirements of the institution and course in question as some institutions (including some outside the UK) accept TMUA scores.
Why Take the TMUA?
Demonstrate Mathematical Thinking: The TMUA requires more than simple recall; it will require you to draw on mathematical knowledge in unfamiliar settings and to reason logically, both necessary for studying in demanding university programs
Helps Your Application: A good TMUA score may help strengthen your application, particularly for competitive courses where mathematical skills are a common factor in selection.
A Good Predictor of University Success: Research has shown that TMUA performance is a good predictor of mathematics results related to first year university exams, particularly for mathematics-based courses.
Registration Information
Registration: Begins in late July; deadlines are specific to participation (e.g. if you are writing in October, the deadline is late September).
Access Arrangements: For students with documented needs; must apply ahead of time
Results: will be provided on a scale from 1 (low) to 9 (high) but there is no pass or fail
Exam Day: Bring a valid photo ID with you to the test location and arrive as early as you can.
Overall, the TMUA is a challenging, non-calculator mathematics admissions test required or suggested by top UK universities for applicants applying to mathematics, computer science, economics or related degrees. If you are a high school student wanting to pursue these areas, especially at colleges such as Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, or Warwick, the TMUA will help you be better prepared for your courses. Achieving a strong performance in the TMUA may help distinguish you from other applicants and show universities that you are ready for the rigors of study in mathematics.
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