MAT and TMUA

Problem Solving Matters 2021 - Developing the problem solving skills necessary for the Mathematics Admission Test and the Test of Mathematics for University Admission

This course is for year 12 students from state-funded schools, academies and colleges. It is designed with those who plan to sit the MAT and TMUA examinations. It also provides a good grounding for those students who will be planning to sit one or more of the STEP examinations. Students who are interested in applying for places at Oxford University, Imperial College, Durham University and Warwick University to study Mathematics will find this course particularly useful. It is also open to students who wish to improve their mathematical problem solving skills in preparation for a university course. Please note that due to the level of mathematics expected at the start of the course, it is not suitable for GCSE students.

Problem Solving Matters prepares students for the way they will have to think to achieve success in the MAT, TMUA and other problem-solving mathematics examinations by developing their mathematical thinking and problem solving skills.

The course usually consists of three face to face study days, (at one of the following venues : University of Oxford, Imperial College London, Durham University, Warwick University, Bristol University and University of Manchester), three summer assignments and four online follow-up sessions.

The study days 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. The course is identical at all venues and applicants are asked to select the most appropriate venue for them.

The three summer assignments consist of small investigations to develop thinking skills and short exercises to develop technique. The assignments are marked by a student's mentor and feedback is provided.

In line with government and university guidance, the 2021 course will again run entirely online.

Problem Solving Matters runs from June to October, with live interactive sessions on Saturdays 19 and 26 June, 3 and 10 July, 25 September and 2 October.

How to apply

The application process for 2021 will open at the end of March.

The latest information on this course can be found on the AMSP website.

If you have any further queries about the course please contact AMSP admin

MAT and TMUA

The MAT examination is used by the University of Oxford as a means of selecting students for interview. Imperial College, London require students to sit the MAT as part of their entrance requirements for their Mathematics undergraduate degrees. The University of Warwick will reduce their A level grade requirements for students who achieve a good result in the MAT. The MAT examination is a two and a half hour paper consisting of ten multiple choice and four longer questions.

The TMUA examination is accepted by a number of universities, including the University of Durham and the University of Warwick, and is used as a means to give an offer with reduced A level grade requirements. The TMUA consists of two 20 question multiple choice papers lasting 75 minutes each. The second paper has a strong focus on reasoning, logic and proof.

For the current list of universities requiring/accepting the MAT and TMUA, visit the Admissions Testing Service Website.

For the MAT

For the TMUA

Preparing for the MAT and TMUA

MEI administers two courses specifically aimed at providing support for the MAT and TMUA

Problem Solving Matters is designed for year 12 students who are moving into year 13 and runs from June in Year 12 to October of Year 13.

Online MAT and TMUA Preparationis designed for Year 13 students preparing to sit either the MAT or the TMUA and runs from September until the end of October.

For students who gain a place on the Problem Solving Matters course there is no need to also attend the online preparation course as they cover the same ground.

Then, in two blocks so that the one currently booking can be moved to the top when necessary.

Online MAT and TMUA Preparation

This course consists of seven one to one and a half hour online tutorials. Students apply for either the online MAT course or the online TMUA course.

Each live online session will include discussion of key points and examples from past papers. Course participants will be given access to recordings of the sessions should they not be able to attend a live session. Participants will also be given access to additional online resources including extra notes, exercise sheets and solutions.

All that is needed to participate in the sessions is a computer with a broadband internet connection. No further equipment is needed - communication with the course tutor during the live sessions is via the instant chat feature of the virtual classroom in which the sessions take place.

Overview of course and applications

How to apply

The 2020 course has now been completed. The application process for 2021 will open in May 2021.

The latest information on this course can be found on the AMSP website.

If you have any further queries about the course please contact AMSP admin