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Several selective universities ask students applying to maths-related degree courses to take university admissions tests.
These tests may form part of the offer for a place on the course or may reduce the UCAS points score required. These are generally required in addition to specific A level grades (or alternative qualifications). MEI provides the key information for these tests and offers a wide variety of support for both students and teachers.
What are the TMUA, AEA, MAT and STEP?
TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission)
Which Universities: please view our Which tests do universities ask for? page for more information
Length: 2 hours 30 minutes in total
Format: Divided into two parts: Applications of Mathematical Knowledge and Mathematical Reasoning
When can you register: registrations normally open at the end of July and close at the end of September
STEP (Sixth Term Examination Papers)
Which Universities: University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Warwick
Length: 2 hours 30 minutes in total
Format: Divided into two parts: Applications of Mathematical Knowledge and Mathematical Reasoning
When can you register: registrations normally open at the end of July and close the end of September
MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test)
Which Universities: University of Oxford
Length: 6 hours in total, 3 hours for each paper
Format: There are two STEP mathematics papers: STEP 2, and STEP 3, consisting of 12 questions: 8 pure, 2 mechanics, and 2 statistics/probability
When can you register: registrations normally open in March and close in May
Advanced Extension Award (AEA qualification)
There is no additional teaching content for Edexcel AEA Mathematics, only an additional exam on the A level Mathematics content you have already learnt.
If you’re studying A level Mathematics, you may want to consider taking the AEA as a way of boosting your UCAS score. A distinction is worth 40 UCAS points, and a merit is worth 24 points.
It’s important to ensure you’re well-prepared, because the questions in these tests are longer and less structured than most A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics examination questions. You’ll benefit from getting used to this style of question beforehand and gaining confidence in tackling them.
Courses for Students
Setting out in Problem Solving
Designed to help students start to build strategies to approach unfamiliar problems in mathematics along with information on what university entrance exams are out there.
Audience: Year 12 When: Nov Format: 1 online sessions Cost: Free
Problem Solving Matters
Prepare students for success in problem solving mathematics examinations (MAT, TMUA & STEP), by developing their mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Audience: Year 12 When: June – Sept Format: 3 in-person days, mentor support, and online sessions Cost: Free
Preparing for the STEP (Sixth Term Examination Papers)
Online specialist tuition to support student preparing for the STEP. A free course for Year 13 students from state-funded schools, academies and colleges in the lead up to STEP.
Audience: Year 13 When: 9 Feb Format: 10 online sessions Cost: Free
Preparing for the MAT (Mathematics Admission Test)
Specialist tuition to support students preparing for the MAT which takes place in the lead up to the tests for students in state-funded schools, academies and colleges.
Audience: Year 13 When: Sept Format: 7 online sessions Cost: Free
Preparing for the TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission)
Specialist tuition to support students preparing for the TMUA which takes place in the lead up to the tests for students in state-funded schools, academies and colleges.
Audience: Year 13 When: Sept and Nov Format: 7 online sessions Cost: Free
Preparing for the MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) – On Demand
Prepare for the MAT at your own pace, explore key ideas, complete interactive tasks and questions with feedback throughout, covering the most common topics of the tests.
Audience: Years 12 & 13 When: On demand Format: 7 online modules Cost: Free
Preparing for the TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission) – On Demand
Prepare for the TMUA at your own pace, explore key ideas, complete interactive tasks and questions with feedback throughout, covering the most common topics of the tests.
Audience: Years 12 & 13 When: On demand Format: 7 online modules Cost: Free
Support of teachers
If you are looking for support as a teacher, our Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP), which is funded by the DfE had the following courses on offer:
Next Steps for Your A level Students
On Demand Professional Development Courses – a selection of on-demand courses for A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics teachers.
