--- title: "Which Universities Need TMUA, STEP or ESAT? UK Admissions Guide" description: "UK maths admissions tests explained for 2027 entry: TMUA, ESAT, TARA and STEP, which university courses use each, the 2026 to 2027 dates, and computing applications." canonical: https://learn.modernagecoders.com/uk-university-admissions-maths-and-computing-guide source: src/pages/uk-university-admissions-maths-and-computing-guide.html --- > UK maths admissions tests explained for 2027 entry: TMUA, ESAT, TARA and STEP, which university courses use each, the 2026 to 2027 dates, and computing applications. In short For 2027 entry, UAT-UK runs three on-screen admissions tests: the TMUA for mathematics, computer science and economics, the ESAT for engineering and science, and the TARA, which Oxford and UCL use. Its course list names seven universities: Cambridge, Durham, Imperial, LSE, Oxford, UCL and Warwick. OCR runs STEP, which Cambridge, Warwick and Imperial use. Oxford's MAT ended after 2025; Oxford now uses the TMUA. Modern Age Coders teaches TMUA and STEP mathematics and A Level Computer Science live online, in groups or one-to-one. Where to start ## Three courses for a university applicant The admissions tests, the A Level that most maths-heavy courses expect, and the computing A Level behind a computer science application. [![TMUA and STEP Preparation (Oxford MAT Now TMUA) course thumbnail](/images/tmua-mat-step-prep.webp) UA / 01 TMUA and STEP preparation Ages 16 to 18: TMUA logic and pacing in the autumn, then STEP 2 and 3 through to June. Open the syllabus →](/courses/tmua-mat-step-preparation-course)[![A Level Further Maths course thumbnail](/images/a-level-further-maths.webp) UA / 02 A Level Further Maths STEP 3 assumes it, and Cambridge Computer Science asks for it where a school offers it. Open the syllabus →](/courses/a-level-further-maths-course)[![A Level Computer Science for AQA 7517 and OCR H446 course thumbnail](/images/a-level-computer-science-aqa-ocr.webp) UA / 03 A Level Computer Science AQA 7517 or OCR H446 papers, Python, and mentoring on how to run the project yourself. Open the syllabus →](/courses/a-level-computer-science-course-aqa-ocr) Every hurdle, one table ## What are the UK maths and computing admissions tests, and who sets each one? Four live tests and one retired one. UAT-UK delivers the TMUA, ESAT and TARA on screen at Pearson test centres; OCR sets STEP on paper in June; the Oxford MAT ran from 2007 to 2025. | Hurdle | Run by | Used by, as stated | Format | When | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission) | UAT-UK, on screen at Pearson test centres | Seven universities, for some mathematics, economics and computer science courses | Two papers of 20 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes each; no calculator; one overall score from 1 to 9 | 12 to 16 October 2026 or 4 to 8 January 2027 | | ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test) | UAT-UK, on screen | Imperial, Cambridge, Oxford and UCL, for engineering and science courses | Five modules of 27 questions and 40 minutes; Mathematics 1 for all, usually plus two more; a score per module | Same two windows as the TMUA | | TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) | UAT-UK, on screen | Oxford and UCL, including UCL Computer Science | Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, 22 questions each, plus a Writing Task of up to 750 words; 40 minutes each | Same two windows | | STEP 2 and STEP 3 | OCR, written, at a registered STEP centre | Cambridge, Warwick and Imperial | Three hours each; 12 questions (8 pure, 2 mechanics, 2 probability and statistics); six highest-scoring answers count, each out of 20; grades S, 1, 2, 3, U | 14 June 2027 (STEP 2) and 21 June 2027 (STEP 3) | | Oxford MAT | Oxford Mathematical Institute | Nobody since 2025; Oxford now uses the TMUA | Retired | Not running | | Oxbridge interviews | Oxford and Cambridge colleges | Shortlisted applicants: about three per place at Oxford Mathematics; historically 75% to 80% of Cambridge Mathematics applicants | Oxford Mathematics: online, about 25 minutes each; Cambridge: one or two interviews totalling 35 minutes to an hour for most | December 2026; Cambridge's main period is 7 to 18 December 2026 | | UCAS personal statement | UCAS | Every UCAS applicant | Three questions, at least 350 characters each, 4,000 characters in all | With the application; 15 October 2026 for Oxford | | AQA A-level Computer Science 7517 | AQA | Schools in England; not available to private candidates | Paper 1 on screen and Paper 2 written, 2 hours 30 minutes and 40% each; NEA 75 marks, 20% | Summer of Year 13; see AQA's timetable | | OCR A Level Computer Science H446 | OCR | Schools, and private candidates based in the UK | Components 01 and 02 written, 140 marks, 2 hours 30 minutes and 40% each, no calculators; project 70 marks, 20% | Summer of Year 13; see OCR's timetable | | A Level Computer Science NEA | AQA or OCR, marked by the school | Every A Level Computer Science candidate | 75 marks at AQA, 70 at OCR; 20% at both | Through Year 13, to school deadlines | | EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) | AQA 7993, Pearson and others | Optional; UCAS names it as evidence for question 2 | 120 guided learning hours; an artefact plus a report of at least 1,000 words at AQA | Usually Year 12 into Year 13 | | BTEC IT Unit 4 Programming | Pearson | Students on the BTEC Level 3 Nationals in IT (2016) | Internally assessed, 90 guided learning hours, at most two summative assignments | Set by the college | Sources: UAT-UK's [TMUA](https://esat-tmua.ac.uk/about-the-tests/tmua-test/), [ESAT](https://esat-tmua.ac.uk/about-the-tests/esat-test/) and [TARA](https://esat-tmua.ac.uk/about-the-tests/tara/) pages and [key dates](https://esat-tmua.ac.uk/deadlines/); OCR's [STEP Mathematics pages](https://www.ocr.org.uk/students/step-mathematics/); the Oxford Mathematical Institute [MAT page](https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/study-here/undergraduate-study/maths-admissions-test); interview pages, UCAS and the four specifications, read 31 October and 1 November 2026. We are not connected with UAT-UK, OCR, AQA, Pearson, UCAS or any university. By university, 2027 entry ## Which universities need the TMUA, STEP or ESAT for 2027 entry? UAT-UK's Course List for 2027 entry, updated April 2026, names seven universities. A test can be compulsory for one degree and only recommended for its neighbour, so the codes matter. | University | TMUA | ESAT | TARA | STEP | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | University of Cambridge (C05) | Compulsory: Computer Science G400, Economics L100, Mathematics G100 | Compulsory: Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine | Not listed | Normally part of the conditional offer for Mathematics; both papers usually asked for | | University of Oxford (O33) | Compulsory: Computer Science, Computer Science and Philosophy, Mathematics and Computer Science, Mathematics and Philosophy, Mathematics | Compulsory: engineering, physics and biomedical courses | Compulsory: PPE, Economics and Management, Experimental Psychology and others | Not listed by OCR | | Imperial College London (I50) | Compulsory: Computing courses, Mathematics courses, Mathematics and Computer Science, Economics, Finance and Data Science | Compulsory: engineering, physics and life sciences courses | Not listed | Named by OCR as a user; check Imperial's course page | | University of Warwick (W20) | Compulsory except for contextual offers: Computer Science, Discrete Mathematics, Mathematics; recommended: Data Science, Economics, Mathematics and Statistics, MORSE and others | Not listed | Not listed | Warwick's own page: Mathematics applicants typically take TMUA or STEP | | London School of Economics (L72) | Compulsory: Economics L101, Econometrics and Mathematical Economics L140; recommended for the other listed courses | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed by OCR | | UCL (U80) | Compulsory: Economics L100 and L101 | Compulsory: Electronic and Electrical Engineering H600, H601 | Compulsory: Computer Science G400, G402, Computer Science and Mathematics G430, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence H700 and others | Not listed by OCR | | Durham University (D86) | Recommended: Mathematics G100, G103, Mathematics and Statistics G111, G114 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed by OCR | Sources: UAT-UK, [Course List 2027 Entry](https://uat-wp.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/01172717/Course_List_2027_Entry_Final.pdf) (PDF, April 2026); OCR's STEP student pages; the Cambridge undergraduate STEP page; the University of Warwick [admissions tests page](https://warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/admissions-tests/). "Not listed" means the list or OCR does not name it there; always check the course page. ### Two surprises in the list UCL Computer Science uses the TARA, a reasoning and writing test, not the TMUA. And Imperial lists eight Computing degrees separately, G400 to GG47, while Warwick leaves Computer Systems Engineering outside its TMUA rule: the code decides, not the department. ### When two sources disagree For Warwick Mathematics, UAT-UK's list says the TMUA is compulsory, yet Warwick's own page says applicants typically take TMUA or STEP, with offers to those without a TMUA score conditional on grade 2 in any STEP paper. Act on the university's page; it sets the offer. Hub section one ## Which admissions tests and interviews will a maths applicant face? A Cambridge mathematics applicant can face all three stages: the TMUA in October, an interview in December and STEP in June. Oxford has the TMUA and interviews; engineers sit the ESAT. These five pages take each stage in depth. **The TMUA.** Our [TMUA preparation page](/tmua-preparation) is for any Year 13 student whose course list triggers the test, whatever the subject; most of it is about the logic paper, where strong A Level students often lose time. **STEP.** The [STEP 2 and STEP 3 guide](/step-maths-preparation) suits a student holding, or expecting, a Cambridge or Warwick offer that names a STEP grade. It is unlike the on-screen tests: long written answers, a June date and a grade from S to U. **The ESAT.** Engineers, physicists and natural scientists need the [ESAT maths page](/esat-maths-preparation), which covers the two mathematics modules and how to book the right modules. **The retired MAT.** Anyone searching for the Oxford test will find on the [Oxford MAT page](/oxford-mat-preparation) what replaced it and whether the old papers still repay the effort. **Interviews.** The [Oxbridge maths interview page](/oxbridge-maths-interview-problem-solving) is about speaking mathematics aloud: it is for shortlisted applicants in November and December, and it practises taking a hint rather than reciting technique. | Test | Questions you answer | Time | Time per question (ours) | What that pace rewards | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | TMUA, each paper | 20 | 75 minutes | 3 minutes 45 seconds | Precise reading and quick structure-spotting | | ESAT, each module | 27 | 40 minutes | About 1 minute 29 seconds | Fluent arithmetic without a calculator | | TARA, each multiple-choice module | 22 | 40 minutes | About 1 minute 49 seconds | Reasoning in words rather than symbols | | STEP, each paper | 6 count, out of 12 set | 180 minutes | 30 minutes | Stamina and complete, correct arguments | **Same mathematics, rising depth.** UAT-UK says the TMUA draws on Higher GCSE and AS level mathematics; Cambridge says STEP 2 is based on A Level Mathematics and AS Further Mathematics, and STEP 3 on a typical Further Mathematics A Level syllabus. As the content climbs, the pace falls, so STEP is never just a slower TMUA. Interviews test something else again: Cambridge's mathematics faculty says there are no trick questions, though some problems are meant to leave you stuck for a while. Formats from UAT-UK's test pages and OCR's STEP scoring page; Cambridge's STEP content summary from the Faculty of Mathematics STEP page; interview statements from the Oxford Mathematical Institute TMUA page and the Cambridge Faculty of Mathematics. Time per question is our division, not a published figure. The 2026 to 2027 calendar ## When are the UK admissions tests in 2026 and 2027? The on-screen tests run from 12 to 16 October 2026 and from 4 to 8 January 2027; Oxford and Cambridge applicants must use October. Interviews follow in December. STEP 2 is on 14 June 2027 and STEP 3 on 21 June 2027. | Date | What happens | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | 1 June 2026 | UAT-UK accounts, bursary and access arrangement requests open | UAT-UK | | 20 July 2026 | Booking opens for the October sitting | UAT-UK | | 28 September 2026, 6pm UK time | October booking closes | UAT-UK | | 12 to 16 October 2026 | TMUA, ESAT and TARA window 1 | UAT-UK | | 15 October 2026, 6pm UK time | UCAS deadline for Oxford | Oxford Mathematical Institute | | 28 October 2026 | Booking opens for the January sitting | UAT-UK | | 16 November 2026 | October results to candidates | UAT-UK | | December 2026 | Oxford Mathematics interviews, online | Oxford Mathematical Institute | | 7 to 18 December 2026 | Cambridge main interview period | University of Cambridge | | 21 December 2026 | January booking closes | UAT-UK | | 4 to 8 January 2027 | Window 2, not for most Oxford or Cambridge applicants | UAT-UK | | 8 February 2027 | January results to candidates | UAT-UK | | 1 March to 4 May 2027 | STEP registration, by a STEP centre | OCR | | 14 June 2027 and 21 June 2027 | STEP 2, then STEP 3 | OCR | | 12 August 2027 | STEP results | OCR | From UAT-UK's [Key Dates and Deadlines for 2027 Entry](https://esat-tmua.ac.uk/deadlines/), OCR's [STEP key dates](https://www.ocr.org.uk/students/step-mathematics/key-dates-and-fees/), the Oxford Mathematical Institute TMUA page and the Cambridge interviews page, read 1 November 2026. Candidates in China, Hong Kong and Macau sit on fixed days inside each window; UAT-UK lists them. Fees are set by UAT-UK and OCR and are not printed here. **One sitting per cycle.** UAT-UK says there is no advantage to either session, but a candidate can sit only once within an admissions cycle, and Imperial adds that only the first score is considered. For a student applying to neither Oxford nor Cambridge, January buys an extra term of A Level teaching before the test. Hub section two ## What does a computer science application need besides an admissions test? Mathematics first, then evidence of computing. Cambridge's Computer Science department puts its main weight on Mathematics and Further Mathematics and calls A Level Computer Science valuable where offered. These seven pages cover the rest. **Something to write about.** The [personal statement projects page](/computer-science-personal-statement-projects-uk) helps a Year 12 student who has nothing to put in UCAS question 1 yet; it proposes small, measurable builds and a log, and it never touches the statement itself. **Choosing the A Level.** Start with the [A level Computer Science tutor page](/a-level-computer-science-tutor-online-uk) if you do not yet know your board, or you study at home, since whether you can sit as a private candidate decides between the two main specifications. **AQA 7517.** Students at an AQA school should read the [AQA 7517 page](/aqa-a-level-computer-science-7517-help), which is built around the on-screen Paper 1 and the program AQA releases before it. **OCR H446.** The [OCR H446 page](/ocr-a-level-computer-science-h446-help) is its opposite number: two handwritten papers with no calculator, and the only coding done in a project of the student's choosing. **The project.** For the coursework on either board, the [A-level Computer Science NEA page](/a-level-computer-science-nea-help) sets out how the marks divide and what each board allows on AI help. **An EPQ artefact.** A student who wants a computing project outside the A Level, such as an app or a model, should open the [EPQ computer science page](/epq-computer-science-artefact-mentoring), which is clear about where a mentor must stop. **The vocational route.** The [BTEC IT programming page](/btec-it-programming-unit-help) is for college students on Unit 4, whose assignments are assessed internally under strict authenticity rules. ### The personal statement in 2026 UCAS now asks three questions instead of one essay: at least 350 characters each, 4,000 characters in all, spaces included. Applicants must also declare the statement was not copied or provided from another source, artificial intelligence software included. ### Our line on coursework and statements We teach computing and the method of running a project on practice material of our own. We never write, edit or rewrite a student's NEA, EPQ, BTEC assignment or personal statement. Cambridge applicants to Peterhouse or Trinity also sit the Computer Sciences Aptitude Test (CSAT). From UCAS list to test list ## How do you work out which admissions tests you need? Write out your five UCAS choices with their course codes and look each one up. Five steps, then two worked plans of our own. 1. **List the five codes.** Take each course's UCAS code from the university's course page, for example G400 or GG14, not just the subject name. 2. **Look each code up in UAT-UK's course list.** Note TMUA, ESAT or TARA, whether it is compulsory or recommended, and for the ESAT the exact modules. 3. **Read each course page.** UAT-UK says this is your responsibility; STEP requirements, college tests such as the CSAT and later changes appear there. 4. **Choose the window.** An Oxford or Cambridge choice fixes October; otherwise pick either, once per cycle. 5. **Book by the deadline, after any bursary or access request.** January booking closes on 21 December 2026 at 6pm UK time. | Choice (illustrative) | Code | Test it triggers | Status | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Cambridge Computer Science | G400 | TMUA (plus CSAT at Peterhouse or Trinity) | Compulsory; October | | Imperial Computing | G400 | TMUA | Compulsory | | Warwick Computer Science | G400 | TMUA | Compulsory unless eligible for a contextual offer | | UCL Computer Science | G400 | TARA | Compulsory | | Durham Computer Science | Not in the list | None listed | Check Durham's course page | ### What plan A comes to Two different tests, the TMUA for three choices and the TARA for UCL, both in October because of Cambridge: one account, two bookings. Durham is in our example because the list is silent on it, which means its course page decides, not that there is no test. ### Worked plan B, ours: mathematics Cambridge, Warwick, Imperial and Durham Mathematics (all G100) plus LSE Mathematics with Economics G1L1. The list makes the TMUA compulsory for the first three and recommended for Durham and LSE, so one October TMUA serves all five. A Cambridge offer would then normally add STEP 2 and STEP 3 in June 2027. Plans A and B are ours, written on 1 November 2026 from UAT-UK's Course List 2027 Entry, Cambridge's Computer Science and STEP pages and Warwick's admissions tests page. They are not a recommendation of any university or any combination of choices. Honest about preparation ## Do you need a tutor for the TMUA, ESAT or STEP? Not necessarily, and the test owners say so. UAT-UK writes that "the best way to prepare is to familiarise yourself with the test format and style of questions", and publishes free materials for every test. ### What is free UAT-UK specifications, Notes on Logic and Proof and practice tests; OCR's STEP past papers and examiner reports; Cambridge's STEP Support programme. ### What a class adds A timetable, a teacher who marks working, and a group to compare wrong answers with. It helps most when logic, proof or Further Maths is new. ### What nobody can add Cambridge says interview preparation companies are not endorsed and have no exclusive information. The same holds for every test here: there are no secret questions, and we promise no score, grade, interview or offer. A two-year route ## From Year 12 to results day: the order we suggest Our suggested sequence for a mathematics or computer science applicant. Each stage ends with something the student can show. | When | Stage | Sign it is done | | --- | --- | --- | | Year 12, autumn and spring | 1. A Level pure secure, Further Maths begun | Algebra, sequences and calculus no longer need notes | | Year 12, summer | 2. Tests identified, logic learned, a project started | Five course codes looked up; a working program with a log | | Year 13, September to October | 3. TMUA, ESAT or TARA booked and sat | Both papers finished in time with nothing left blank | | Year 13, November to December | 4. Interview practice, if shortlisted | Can talk through a stuck problem and use a hint | | Year 13, January to June | 5. STEP, if an offer names it | Six full answers in three hours on an old paper | ### If the plan is computer science Stage 2 carries more weight: the summer project feeds UCAS question 1. Keep it separate from the NEA, which must be new work done under the school's supervision. ### If the plan is mathematics at Cambridge All five stages apply. Cambridge says STEP is aimed at roughly the top 5% of A Level mathematics candidates, so slow early progress on old papers is normal. The full list ## What we teach university applicants Grouped by the part of the application each course supports. I ### Admissions tests TMUA, STEP, harder problems UA / T / 01 #### TMUA and STEP preparation Both stages, autumn to June. [Open the syllabus](/courses/tmua-mat-step-preparation-course) UA / T / 02 #### Olympiad and competition maths Problems that reward persistence. [Open the syllabus](/courses/olympiad-competition-mathematics-mastery) UA / T / 03 #### Problem solving and algorithms Logic and reasoning about code. [Open the syllabus](/courses/problem-solving-dsa-masterclass-teens)II ### Sixth-form mathematics A Level and IB UA / M / 01 #### A Level Maths The content under every test. [Open the syllabus](/courses/a-level-maths-course-pure-mechanics-statistics) UA / M / 02 #### A Level Further Maths Assumed by STEP 3. [Open the syllabus](/courses/a-level-further-maths-course) UA / M / 03 #### IB Mathematics For Diploma students applying to UK courses. [Open the syllabus](/courses/ib-mathematics-aa-ai-masterclass)III ### Computing A Level and beyond UA / C / 01 #### A Level Computer Science AQA 7517 and OCR H446. [Open the syllabus](/courses/a-level-computer-science-course-aqa-ocr) UA / C / 02 #### Cambridge International 9618 For international schools. [Open the syllabus](/courses/cambridge-a-level-computer-science-9618-course) UA / C / 03 #### Competitive programming Timed problems in code. [Open the syllabus](/courses/competitive-programming-for-teens-course) How lessons run ## Live admissions classes, timed to the application year Weekdays or weekends, flexible: choose your batch, or for a very personalised plan choose 1-on-1 at your convenience, weekend mornings or weekdays. Weekday evenings Content and logic, after school. Weekend mornings Full timed papers and long questions. 1-on-1 One applicant, one course list. ### Codes before classes The first lesson maps the student's UCAS codes to the tests they trigger. ### Two speeds Short timed items for the on-screen tests; slow, complete write-ups for STEP. ### Working shown Every answer, even a multiple-choice one, is explained aloud or on paper. ### Groups of 15 to 20 Comparing different routes to one answer is how reasoning gets sharper. ### Practice of our own Lessons use questions we wrote; official papers stay with the student. ### No outcomes promised We promise no score, grade, interview or offer from any university. Student work ## What our students build Projects our students have published in maths, programming and machine learning, some of them the kind a computer science applicant can describe in UCAS question 1. More in the [student labs](/student-labs). ![NutriLife AI nutrition coach project screenshot](/images/projects/nutrilife.webp) AI and ML #### NutriLife An AI nutrition coach that reads what you eat and works you toward a target. by Bhavya · [Open it](https://nutrilife-bhavya.lovable.app) ![Misti AI chatbot for maths and coding screenshot](/images/projects/misti.webp) AI and ML #### Misti A chatbot that answers mathematics and programming questions, built and deployed by a student. by Harshit · [Open it](https://misti.modernagecoders.com) ![GuardianX AI internet safety assistant screenshot](/images/projects/guardianx.webp) AI and ML #### GuardianX An assistant that helps a young person recognise unsafe situations online. by Vivaan · [Open it](https://guardianx-cybersaver.lovable.app) ![SkyCast weather forecast application screenshot](/images/projects/skycast.webp) Web app #### SkyCast A weather forecasting site with live conditions for any location. by Krish Fees ## Fees Test fees go to UAT-UK or OCR, and UAT-UK bursaries can cover the whole fee for eligible UK candidates. Our classes are a separate monthly fee, and most applicants stop once their last test or interview is done. Free first class USD 0 no card required - A free first class - Your UCAS codes mapped to tests - No card details Book it Group batch USD 100 a month, billed in US dollars - Groups of 15 to 20 - One teacher all year - Timed papers marked - Monthly, stop any time Start here One to one USD 150 a month, billed in US dollars - One student, one teacher - Planned around one course list - For a close deadline Enquire What families say ## Rated 4.9 across 547 Google reviews Reviews copied word for word from our Google business profile. ★★★★★ "The one step solution for my son. Modern Age Coders make learning coding so simple that kids love it. The teachers explain complex concepts clearly with practical exercises and interactive content." Ria Mukherjee Parent ★★★★★ "Modern Age Coders has been a game-changer for me. I struggled to grasp IT concepts and coding before joining, but their classes transformed everything. I can now confidently write complex programs with ease." Samriddha Mondal Student ★★★★★ "One of the most wonderful education centres out there. Education is not limited to school syllabus but focuses on skill development." Vansh Agarwal Student ★★★★★ "My child Dhairya is really enjoying the Modern Age Coders classes. This is his first online class and he eagerly looks forward to it. I can already see his improvement, and the teachers are very cooperative." Sonam Oswal Parent of Dhairya ★★★★★ "Modern Age Coders have wonderful teachers who teach in a clear, easy and practical way. The teacher boosts students' confidence and inspires them to learn without hesitation." Sonu Goyal Parent ★★★★★ "I highly recommend this computer coding class! The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about coding." Ritu Kedia Parent Admissions questions ## What applicants and parents ask about UK admissions tests ### Which universities use the TMUA? UAT-UK's course list for 2027 entry names seven: Cambridge, Durham, Imperial, LSE, Oxford, UCL and Warwick. It is compulsory for some courses, such as LSE Economics, and only recommended for others, such as Durham Mathematics. ### Which universities require STEP? OCR says STEP is used by the University of Cambridge, the University of Warwick and Imperial College London. At Cambridge it normally forms part of the conditional offer for Mathematics, and Warwick accepts it as an alternative to the TMUA for Mathematics. ### What is the difference between the TMUA and STEP? The TMUA is an on-screen multiple-choice test in October or January, two 75-minute papers with one overall score. STEP is a written OCR exam in June, three hours a paper, where you choose six of twelve questions and receive a grade from S to U. ### Does Oxford still use the MAT? No. Oxford's Mathematical Institute says the MAT was used from 2007 to 2025 and will not take place again. Applicants for Mathematics, Computer Science and the joint honours courses now take the TMUA in the October sitting. ### Do all computer science courses need the TMUA? No. Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial and Warwick use it for computer science, but UAT-UK lists the TARA, not the TMUA, for UCL Computer Science. Universities outside UAT-UK's list of seven do not appear in it at all, so each course page is the authority. ### When are the admissions tests for 2027 entry? UAT-UK runs the TMUA, ESAT and TARA from 12 to 16 October 2026 and from 4 to 8 January 2027. OCR sets STEP 2 on 14 June 2027 and STEP 3 on 21 June 2027. ### Do I need a tutor for university admissions tests? UAT-UK says familiarity with the format and question style is the main preparation, and its materials are free. A class helps when logic, proof or Further Maths is new; it guarantees no result. ### Will you write or check my personal statement or NEA? No. We teach computing and project method on our own practice material, but never write, edit or rewrite a statement, NEA, EPQ or BTEC assignment: UCAS and the boards require your own work. ### What days are classes on? Weekdays or weekends, flexible: choose your batch, or for a very personalised plan choose 1-on-1 at your convenience, weekend mornings or weekdays. ### Are you connected with UAT-UK, OCR or any university? No. We are an independent teaching company with no link to UAT-UK, OCR, AQA, Pearson, UCAS or any university. Students register and book their own tests. Related pages ## Beyond admissions tests The school courses these tests sit on, and enrichment that strengthens a mathematics or computing application. ### [Further Maths tuition online](/further-maths-tuition-online) The A Level that STEP 3 takes for granted. ### [A Level Maths tuition online](/a-level-maths-tuition-online) Pure, mechanics and statistics for Years 12 and 13. ### [British Mathematical Olympiad](/british-mathematical-olympiad-bmo-preparation) Proof-writing practice that carries over to long STEP answers. ### [British Informatics Olympiad](/british-informatics-olympiad-preparation) A timed programming contest for computing applicants. ### [IB Extended Essay mentoring](/ib-extended-essay-maths-computer-science-mentoring) The IB counterpart of an EPQ in maths or computing. ## Every page in this guide ### Admissions tests and interviews - [TMUA preparation](/tmua-preparation) - [STEP maths preparation](/step-maths-preparation) - [ESAT maths preparation](/esat-maths-preparation) - [Oxford MAT preparation](/oxford-mat-preparation) - [Oxbridge maths interview preparation](/oxbridge-maths-interview-problem-solving) ### Computer science applications - [Computer science personal statement projects](/computer-science-personal-statement-projects-uk) - [A level Computer Science tutor online](/a-level-computer-science-tutor-online-uk) - [AQA A-level Computer Science 7517 help](/aqa-a-level-computer-science-7517-help) - [OCR A-level Computer Science H446 help](/ocr-a-level-computer-science-h446-help) - [A-level Computer Science coursework help](/a-level-computer-science-nea-help) - [EPQ computer science artefact mentoring](/epq-computer-science-artefact-mentoring) - [BTEC IT programming unit help](/btec-it-programming-unit-help) More guides: [UK maths exam boards and specification codes](/uk-maths-exam-boards-and-specification-codes) · [UK maths year by year, Reception to Year 11](/uk-maths-year-by-year-guide) · [UK selective school maths tests: 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+](/uk-selective-school-maths-tests-guide) · [UK maths enrichment, competitions and able pupils](/uk-maths-enrichment-and-competitions-guide) Start here ## Book a free admissions class Tell us your intended courses and the year you apply. In the free class we map your UCAS codes to their tests and try a short problem together. You can also look through [every course we run](/courses) or see [how our live classes work](/how-we-teach) first. [WhatsApp us](https://wa.me/919123366161?text=Hello%20Modern%20Age%20Coders%2C%20I%20am%20applying%20to%20UK%20universities%20for%20maths%20or%20computer%20science%20and%20would%20like%20a%20free%20class.) · [+91 91233 66161](tel:+919123366161) · [connect@modernagecoders.com](mailto:connect@modernagecoders.com) Taught live from India, scheduled in UK time around sixth-form hours; WhatsApp from a UK number is quickest. ### Want a class sooner? Book a priority demo A priority demo is a full class of about 45 to 60 minutes. After the class the mentor sends a written skill report and a personal learning roadmap on WhatsApp. If you enrol, the demo fee is adjusted against your first month's fee. Share your demo Order ID with us on WhatsApp and we take it off. [Book a priority demo](/book-demo) ## Keep exploring Modern Age Coders ### More maths tuition - [UKMT Maths Challenge Tutoring](/ukmt-maths-challenge-tutoring) - [WJEC A Level Maths Help (Wales): Units, UMS and A*](/wjec-a-level-maths-help-wales) - [UK Olympiad in AI Preparation](/uk-olympiad-in-artificial-intelligence-preparation) - [AQA A Level Further Maths 7367 Help: Papers and Options](/aqa-a-level-further-maths-7367-help) - [GCSE Computer Science Tutoring](/uk-gcse-computer-science-tutoring) - [AQA GCSE Maths 8300 Help](/aqa-gcse-maths-8300-help) - [Times Tables Tutor Online UK](/times-tables-tutor-online-uk) - [Maths Masterclasses UK: Royal Institution and Online Stretch](/maths-masterclasses-for-able-students-uk) - [A Level Computer Science Tutor Online](/a-level-computer-science-tutor-online-uk) ### Learn more - [Maths Tutor vs Tuition Centre UK: Kumon, Explore Learning, Cost](/maths-tutor-vs-tuition-centre-uk) - [Online vs Face-to-Face Maths Tuition UK: Cost Compared](/online-vs-face-to-face-maths-tuition-uk) - [Group vs One-to-One Maths Tuition: Cost, Evidence, Fit](/group-vs-one-to-one-maths-tuition) - [College Maths Course: Calculus, Linear Algebra to Analysis](/courses/college-mathematics-complete-masterclass) ### From the blog - [Maths Learning Guides](/blog/topic/maths) - [AP CSP vs AP CSA: Which Is Harder, and Which to Take First](/blog/ap-csp-vs-ap-csa-which-to-take-first) - [BODMAS Rule Explained: The Left to Right Step](/blog/bodmas-rule-explained) - [10 Best Free Vibe Coding Platforms and Tools in 2026](/blog/best-free-platforms-for-vibe-coding) ### Start here - [Book a free demo class with Modern Age Coders](/book-demo) - [Real projects built by Modern Age Coders students](/student-labs) Free class[Priority demo](/book-demo)[Call us](tel:+919123366161) --- *Canonical: https://learn.modernagecoders.com/uk-university-admissions-maths-and-computing-guide*