What is the TMUA?
The TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission) tests mathematical thinking and reasoning, not syllabus recall. First used in 2016, it is now part of the UAT-UK testing framework. There are two papers of 20 multiple-choice questions each, scored from 1.0 to 9.0:
- Paper 1 — Applications of Mathematical Knowledge20 questions · 75 min
- Paper 2 — Mathematical ReasoningLogic & proof · 20 questions
Which universities require the TMUA — and for which courses
The TMUA is used by some of the UK's most selective universities for maths, computer science and economics. From 2026 entry Oxford replaced its MAT with the TMUA. Here's the course-by-course picture — required versus recommended.
University of OxfordNew for 2026 entry — replaces the MAT · October sitting only
Official page ↗- Mathematics / Mathematics and StatisticsRequired
- Computer ScienceRequired
- Mathematics and Computer ScienceRequired
- Mathematics and PhilosophyRequired
- Computer Science and PhilosophyRequired
University of CambridgeOctober sitting only
Official page ↗- MathematicsRequired
- Computer ScienceRequired
- EconomicsRequired
Imperial College London
Official page ↗- MathematicsAll Mathematics programmesRequired
- ComputingIncl. joint Mathematics and Computer ScienceRequired
- Economics, Finance and Data ScienceRequired
LSE (London School of Economics)
Official page ↗- EconomicsRequired
- Econometrics and Mathematical EconomicsRequired
- Mathematics & Economics, Financial Maths, Data Science…Recommended across LSE's quantitative degreesRecommended
University of Warwick
Official page ↗- Computer ScienceRequired
- Mathematics (incl. MORSE, Stats)TMUA or STEP · a strong score can lower your offerRecommended
Durham University
Official page ↗- Mathematics / Mathematics and StatisticsTMUA or STEP · 6.0+ can reduce the grade offerRecommended
Requirements change from year to year — always confirm on each university's official course pages before you book. Compiled from the official admissions pages of the universities listed and UAT-UK.
Practise with the official past papers
Unlike brand-new exams, the TMUA is well established — UAT-UK publishes eight years of past papers, full worked solutions and on-screen practice, all free. That is the best preparation material there is, so we point you straight to it and our tutors work through it with you. Below are a few original questions just to feel the style.
A taste of the style — pick an answer to reveal the worked solution.
Paper 1 · Applications
Q1. How many distinct real values of satisfy ?
Paper 2 · Reasoning
Q2. Consider the statement: "For every real number , if then ." Which of the following is its negation?
Paper 2 · Reasoning
Q3. It is known that "if it rained, then the match was cancelled." You are told only that the match was cancelled. Which conclusion is logically valid?
Original TMUA-style questions, not official past papers. For full practice, use the official papers above.
Learn the TMUA from research mathematicians
One to one with a G5 or top-UK maths PhD or postdoc — people who reason and prove for a living, which is exactly what Paper 2 rewards. Pay by the session; see who you'd work with before you commit.
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TMUA questions, answered
Is the TMUA just harder A-level maths?
No. It tests reasoning and proof-style thinking over speed and recall. Preparation is about how you think, which is why a research mathematician makes a strong tutor for it.
What's the difference between Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Paper 1 (Applications of Mathematical Knowledge) applies familiar A-level material to less familiar problems. Paper 2 (Mathematical Reasoning) is about logic and proof — spotting valid arguments, negations and counterexamples. Each is 20 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes.
Are there official TMUA past papers?
Yes — UAT-UK publishes eight years of past papers (2016–2023) with full worked solutions, plus free on-screen specimen tests. They are the best practice material, and your tutor can work through them with you.
How are sessions run?
One to one, online or in London, booked by the session from your wallet. Your tutor is an active PhD or postdoc researcher — not a former student teaching on the side.
Can you teach the TMUA? We need you.
If you teach A-level Maths to a high standard and enjoy proof and reasoning, you can teach the TMUA — Paper 2 is reasoning, the part most tutors find hardest to coach and where a real mathematician shines. Demand is high and strong tutors are scarce. Apply and start on your own terms.
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