Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA)
Overview
The Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) tests your mathematical thinking and reasoning skills.
You need to take the TMUA if you are applying for entry to 2025 Imperial undergraduate courses in:
- the Department of Computing, including joint Mathematics and Computer Science
- BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science offered in Imperial College Business School
You can choose whether you sit the test in October 2024 or January 2025 – though we strongly encourage you to register for test sitting 1, where possible.
- Test sitting 1: 16 and 17 October 2024 (register for this test between Thursday 1 August and Monday 16 September 2024); or
- Test sitting 2: 8 and 9 January 2025 (register for this test between Thursday 24 October and Monday 9 December 2024).
About TMUA
Test format
The TMUA lasts 2 hours 30 minutes in total. It is divided into two parts.
You will not be able to use a calculator or dictionary.
There is no pass or fail for TMUA. You should aim to do the best you can.
Your final scores are based on the number of correct answers you give. You do not lose marks for wrong answers, so it's worth attempting all questions.
Test dates
You must register and book a time well in advance of the test taking place.
We will only accept the results from your first test sitting per admissions cycle (even if you sit the test twice), so you should aim to do the best you can.
We will only accept the results from one test in each admissions cycle, but you can choose whether you sit the test in October or January.
- Test sitting 1: 16 and 17 October 2024; or
- Test sitting 2: 8 and 9 January 2025.
There is no advantage to sitting the test in the first or second sitting. However, we strongly encourage you to register for test sitting 1, where possible, to have access to the widest choice of time slots in your chosen location.
How to register for the TMUA
You must be registered in advance to sit the TMUA.
- If you're planning to take the test in October 2024 (test sitting 1), you can register for the TMUA from 1 August 2024. The registration deadline is 16 September 2024.
- If you're planning to take the test in January 2025 (test sitting 2), you can register for the TMUA from 24 October 2024. The registration deadline is 9 December 2024.
Access arrangements
If you normally have access arrangements in your public exams, you can apply for the same arrangements. You will need to submit an application and may need to provide supporting evidence in advance. Find out more about the eligibility and apply online for access arrangements on the TMUA website.
- If you're planning to take the test in October 2024 (test sitting 1), you will be able to apply for access arrangements from 3 June 2024. You must also register to sit the test by Thursday 29 August 2024.
- If you're planning to take the test in January 2025 (test sitting 2), you will be able to apply for access arrangements from 23 September 2024. You must also register to sit the test by Thursday 21 November 2024.
TMUA for other universities
TMUA is used in the selection process of several UK universities, including the University of Cambridge.
If you’re applying to other universities that require TMUA, you only need to take the test once. If you are applying to the University of Cambridge, you must take the test in the October sitting.
TMUA costs
There is an entry fee for the TMUA.
UK candidates in financial need can apply for a bursary voucher to book the TMUA free of charge. Learn about eligibility criteria and apply for a bursary on the TMUA website.
- If you're planning to take the test in October 2024 (test sitting 1), you will be able to apply for a bursary voucher from 3 June 2024. The deadline to apply for a bursary voucher is the same as the test registration deadline for test window 1 – Monday 16 September 2024.
- If you're planning to take the test in January 2025 (test sitting 2), you will be able to apply for a bursary voucher from 23 September 2024. The deadline to apply for a bursary voucher is the same as the test registration deadline for test window 1 – Monday 9 December 2024.
How to prepare for the TMUA
The focus of the TMUA is on mathematical thinking. It uses mathematics you will have already learned in your school studies, so there is no need to take a preparation course or to do much preparation beyond familiarising yourself with the test format and style of questions.
We recommend that you read the test specification and notes on Logic and Proof, to identify any topics that you might need to revise.
Free practice materials are available on the TMUA website.