The change for 2027 entry
For the admissions cycle beginning in 2026, Oxford will not run the Mathematics Admissions Test. Applicants to the Mathematics and Computer Science courses listed by Oxford and UAT-UK must take the TMUA instead.
Twenty-five multiple-choice questions plus two longer typed questions. The longer questions allowed partial credit.
Two consecutive papers, each containing 20 equally weighted multiple-choice questions. Working receives no partial credit.
TMUA and MAT at a glance
Twenty-five multiple-choice questions followed by two longer typed-response questions.
The longer questions could receive partial credit for working.
Use old MAT material for non-routine mathematical thinking, not as a current-format simulation.
Twenty equally weighted multiple-choice questions in each paper, with no scheduled break.
Answers are right or wrong: working receives no partial credit and incorrect answers are not penalised.
Paper 2 assesses mathematical reasoning and simple ideas from elementary logic.
The largest practical difference is the answer format. Each TMUA question is marked correct or incorrect; working receives no partial credit. The test still produces one overall score from 1.0 to 9.0, not a pass/fail result. That makes checking, elimination and time allocation more important.
What still transfers from MAT preparation?
Do not discard useful MAT work. The multiple-choice questions and the broader culture of non-routine problem solving remain relevant. The important question is whether a task strengthens a skill the TMUA actually measures.
Old MAT material can supplement TMUA preparation. It cannot reproduce the current two-paper format.
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Why Paper 2 deserves separate attention
Strong school mathematics does not automatically make the language of proof effortless. A single reversed implication can turn a convincing answer into a wrong one. Read the official Notes on Logic and Proof, then practise the ideas inside actual Paper 2 questions rather than only as definitions.
How to adjust an Oxford preparation plan
Check the TMUA specification against what you have already covered.
Learn the assessed Paper 2 language and proof methods.
Work in shorter, mixed sets with decisions under a clock.
Sit both papers under complete exam conditions.
Where to check current Oxford rules
This comparison owns the old-test-to-new-test transition. For the exact Oxford courses, UCAS codes, October deadlines and Oxford's description of shortlisting, use our Oxford TMUA guide for 2027 entry. The official April 2026 course list does not place an Oxford Foundation Year course under TMUA, so do not infer a January TMUA route from UAT-UK's generic Foundation Year exception.
Practise the test Oxford will actually use.
Keep the mathematical depth. Add Paper 2 precision, multiple-choice judgement and the 75-minute clock.
Explore TMUA mock papers