Overview

Problem Solving Matters is a course for Year 12 students from state-funded schools, academies and colleges who are interested in applying to study Mathematics, Mathematical Sciences or other highly mathematics-dependent courses at University. It is designed to prepare students for the way they will have to think to achieve success in the MAT, TMUA and other problem solving mathematics examinations, including STEP, by developing their mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.

It is provided in partnership with six British universities: The University of Oxford, Imperial College London, Durham University, The University of Bath, The University of Manchester and The University of Warwick.

The course consists of three face-to-face study days, three summer assignments and four online follow-up sessions.

For further information about admissions tests, see: TMUA - UAT UK, MAT - University of Oxford and STEP - OCR.

Aims

• To introduce mathematical problems of the difficulty level of the University Admissions Test
• To develop students' problem solving skills so they have confidence in applying for universities that require admissions tests or take them into consideration
• To provide information about the requirements of applicants for a maths or maths-rich undergraduate degree
• To provide support for students preparing for the MAT or TMUA admissions tests

Who will benefit from attending?

Any student who wishes to apply for a university that requires or accepts the MAT or TMUA admissions tests will benefit from attending. The course also provides a good base for preparing for the STEP examinations.

Please note the course is not suitable for GCSE students.

Content

The study days will focus on specific problem solving skills that students will need to develop, featuring workshops where students will be supported by mentors from the hosting university. 

• Study day 1 focuses on curve sketching and coordinate geometry
• Study day 2 focuses on calculus, surds, indices and logarithms
• Between study day 2 and 3 students will attempt three summer activities; one on curve sketching, one on geometry and one on logarithms and indices. Students will be supported with this work by mentors provided by each of the university hosts
• Study day 3 focuses on trigonometry, combinatorics and sequences and functions

Other information

This course takes place at six university venues. It is identical at all venues and applicants are asked to select the venue that is in the best geographic location for them. Applicants may be offered a place at an alternative venue if their first choice of venue reaches capacity.

Applications received by 10th May are more likely to be successful. You are more likely to be allocated to your first choice university if you apply before this date. If we are unable to offer you a place at your preferred venue and no suitable alternative place can be found, we can give you access to an online version of the course using recordings from previous years. Further information will be sent if and when this becomes necessary.

Lunch will not be provided on the face to face study days. We recommend that students bring their own packed lunch as it is often difficult to purchase lunches on the day.

Eligibility

This course is for year 12 students from state-funded schools, colleges and academies in the United Kingdom. 

Students attending a school or college in the UK should click the apply button on this page, and register for an MEI account using their current school/college address and their pupil email address. Applications made using personal details will not be eligible.

We also welcome applications from home educated students, if you are home educated please email [email protected] before submitting an application to request an MEI account. When emailing, students should state they intend to apply for Problem Solving Matters and include their home address and email.

Cost

This course is free to attend.

We regret that we will be unable to provide financial support for travel to the venue. Please take this into account when making your venue choices.

Study schedule

The 3 face to face study days take place on Saturdays, with the approximate timings of arrival from 9:30am, to end at the latest 4.15pm.

The dates for each venue are as follows:

FAQs

"Will I be able to claim my travel costs?"

We regret that we will be unable to provide financial support for travel costs. Please take this into account when making your venue choices.

"Will lunch be provided at the study days?"

Lunch will not be provided on the face-to-face study days. It would be best to bring a packed lunch as it may be difficult to purchase on the day.

Participant feedback

I feel more ready for any type of questions that might come up on my admissions test. They covered a good range of MAT and TMUA questions & how to deal with them. Tutors are nice and supportive.

Very helpful because we don't see questions like this at school, so I wouldn't know where to start.

Super useful skills developed! Mentor was super helpful at explaining everything. Amazing experience - thanks so much to the hosts and mentors!

Key facts

• Reference:#13632
• Audience:Students
• Target year:Year 12
• Curriculum focus:University admissions tests
• Mathematical focus:Problem solving
• Event format:Blended
• Duration:20 hours
• Study days:3
• Region:National
• Venue:Multiple venues
• Start date:14 Jun 2025
• Course times:09:30 - 16:15
• Fee:Free