What is TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission)?
The Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) is an admissions test of mathematics for university admission. Furthermore, it is for applicants who are interested in pursuing a Mathematics or mathematics-related undergraduate courses such as Economics and Computer Science at certain universities, including the University of Cambridge. In most cases, the TMUA test is also not compulsory (However, it is a requirement for the University of Cambridge!) Furthermore, a good performance on it may result in a reduced offer at your applications to other universities.
In this article, we will explain everything that you need to know about the TMUA 2024, such that you would have a comprehensive and full understanding on what the test is about– how do you register for the test, when do you take the test, how it is scored, and what the assessment is actually looking out for.
Changes to TMUA 2024
Cambridge Admissions Assessment Testing announced that they will no longer be administering the TMUA test. Instead, this has been taken over by Pearson VUE. In a recent statement, they said:
“The Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) will be used for Economics and Computer Science degrees at Cambridge, and both the ‘Economics, Finance and Data Science’ and Computing degrees at Imperial. A number of other UK universities will also use the TMUA for assessing applications for mathematically-based courses.”
Who has to sit for the TMUA 2024?
If you are applying to study Mathematics or mathematics-related degrees such as Economics and Computer Science at certain universities (specifically 10 universities), you are encouraged to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). These universities include:
- University of Cambridge
- University of Bath
- Cardiff University
- Durham University
- Lancaster University
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- University of Nottingham School of Mathematical Sciences
- University of Sheffield
- University of Southampton
- University of Warwick
The full list of courses can be found in the link here: Courses
Specifically for applicants at the University of Cambridge, all applicants for Computer Science and Economics, including applicants to mature Colleges, are required to take the TMUA exam.
Why do you have to sit for the TMUA 2024?
Most of the applicants to the University of Cambridge have amazing personal statements, great references by their teachers and school, as well as stellar grades. Hence, with so many qualified applicants competing for the limited positions at Cambridge, it can be difficult for the admissions tutors to choose between well-qualified candidates. Furthermore, applicants would not only come from different schools, but they would also come from different education systems worldwide. Hence, the TMUA is one way Cambridge uses to differentiate between candidates.
Typically, the Test of Mathematics for University Admissions is also used for one or all of the following three reasons: (1) Shortlisting; where the University of Cambridge uses it as a deciding factor on who to invite for interviews, (2) Offer reduction; the University of Cambridge might give a lower A level or equivalent offer if you do well on the test, (3) Final selection; the University of Cambridge might require a certain grade in the test, alongside your A levels, to meet your offer.
What is a good TMUA score?
The TMUA is considered alongside other aspects of the application, as well as alongside the scores of other candidates who applied to the same course. There is also no specific mark that will guarantee a shortlisted application.
That being said, the TMUA is scored on a scale from 1.0 to 9.0, with 1.0 being the lowest and 9.0 is the highest possible grade. In previous years, the average score was 5.4. However, the scale is designed such that around a third of test takes will achieve overall scores higher than 6.5. Hence, applicants should also be aiming for a score of above 6.5, with a score above 7.0 being ideal.
What does the TMUA test in 2024?
The Test of Mathematics for University Admissions is based on AS Level as well as Higher Level GCSE Mathematics. Candidates who are taking the TMUA would also be required to take two TMUA papers. Both have a duration of 75 minutes with a total of 20 multiple-choice questions each.
The first paper includes questions that assess pure Maths in new unfamiliar situations, while the second paper includes questions that assess mathematical reasoning and logic.
When are the TMUA test dates in 2024?
New tests will be computer-based and will begin in October 2024. Tests will be administered at a Pearson VUE test centre. You can also find entry costs involved (and bursaries) on the university websites. Two sittings are planned for TMUA (October 2024 January 2025). Furthermore, Cambridge applicants need to take the TMUA test in October.
How to Register for TMUA 2024
Applicants must register in advance to sit the TMUA exam.
You will need to visit the Pearson VUE website, where you:
- create an account
- find your nearest test centre
- book and pay for the test
You can register for the TMUA from 1 August 2024. It is also important to note that the registration deadline is 16 September 2024.
How much does it cost to take the TMUA 2024?
Pearson VUE (the administrators of the admissions test), charge candidates for taking the TMUA, depending on if you are within the UK and ROI or abroad.
| Description | Cost |
| Standard registration fee within the UK and ROI | £75 |
| Standard registration fee outside the UK/ROI | £130 |
Bursary vouchers can be applied for and will be granted if you meet the necessary criteria.
What format will the TMUA 2024 take?
It is a paper-based test that consists of two different papers. Each paper is 75 minutes long, and it is also taken one after the other. Both papers consist of 20 multiple choice questions each.
Questions across the two papers carry equal weight and there will be no penalty for incorrect answers, so candidates are advised to attempt all questions. There is also no formulae booklet for this test; students are expected to understand and recall all relevant formulae. No calculators are allowed in the test.
The content of Part 1 is almost all covered within the pure mathematics specification of an AS level in mathematics, and the content of Part 2 is almost all covered within a Higher Level GCSE mathematics course. There is some duplication of content across Parts 1 and 2.
The first paper will test the candidate’s ability to apply their mathematical knowledge in a variety of contexts. Candidates will be expected to know and use the following mathematical content:
- Algebra and functions
- Sequences and series
- Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
- Trigonometry
- Exponentials and Logarithms
- Differentiation
- Integration
- Graphs of Functions
- Number
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Measures
- Statistics
- Probability
The second paper will test the candidate’s ability to apply their conceptual knowledge to constructing and analysing mathematical arguments. For this paper candidates are expected to be familiar with the contents listed above, as well as:
- The Logic of Arguments
- Mathematical Proof
- Identifying Errors in Proofs
How is the TMUA 2024 scored?
Results for TMUA are reported on a scale that runs from 1 (low) to 9 (high), with scores being reported to one decimal place. The scale has been designed so that approximately one-third of candidates will achieve overall scores higher than 6.5. High scores are capped at 9.0.
How will you know your TMUA 2024 score?
You can access you results through the Pearson VUE booking portal, approximately six weeks after taking the TMUA test. The results will be automatically shared with universities, so you don’t need to send them on.
What TMUA score do you need to get?
What is considered a ‘good’ TMUA score depends on the university you’re applying for. Some universities specify a cut-off score for considering applicants and, in most cases, the TMUA is not a requirement but a recommendation, so you can choose whether or not to submit your result based on what score you get. The table below shows the TMUA cut-off scores for each university.
| University | TMUA cut-off score |
| University of Cambridge | |
| University of Bath | |
| Durham University | 6.5 or above = automatically eligible for a reduced offer Below 6.5 to a certain threshold (around 4.5) = used as positive evidence of your mathematical ability |
| Lancaster University | 4.5 or above |
| London School of Economics (LSE) | |
| University of Nottingham | |
| University of Sheffield | 5.0 or above |
| University of Southampton | |
| University of Warwick |
Can you retake the TMUA 2024?
You are not allowed to retake the TMUA within the admissions cycle that you are applying for. Cambridge would not be allowing resits and would not be accepting marks if you took the TMUA more than once in the same application cycle.
However, if you were unsuccessful with your application and would like to reapply in the future, you would be able to retake the TMUA in the next application cycle and use that for your next application. The TMUA test results are only valid for one year, so you would have to resit it if you reapply. To be sure to ace the TMUA, check out our top 10 tips for preparing for the TMUA.
Conclusion
The TMUA exam is a highly crucial part of your Cambridge application. Admissions tutors would be using it to determine if you have the necessary problem-solving and critical thinking skills to do well in your chosen subject at a University level.
The TMUA may seem challenging and daunting at first, but with preparation, you would be able to rise to the challenge! You can check out our TMUA past papers and our other TMUA guide articles as well as our TMUA top tips (such as our Top 10 tips for preparing for the TMUA) to learn more. Oxbridge Mind also offers 1-1 TMUA tutoring, and our expert TMUA tutors can guide you to TMUA success.
FAQs
→What does TMUA mean?
The TMUA is the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA), which is an aptitude test used in undergraduate admissions for some courses at Cambridge. It tests problem-solving, critical thinking, and essay writing ability.
→Who takes the TMUA?
The TMUA is typically taken by students who are applying for undergraduate programs in mathematics, computer science, and engineering at universities that require or recommend the test.
→What is the format of the TMUA?
The TMUA is a two and a half hour paper-based test that consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. The questions are designed to assess a candidate’s mathematical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and ability to think critically.
→How is the TMUA scored?
The TMUA is scored on a scale of 1-9, with 9 being the highest score. The score is based on the number of correct answers and is adjusted for the difficulty of the questions.
→How can I prepare for the TMUA?
To prepare for the TMUA, candidates can practice with past papers, review mathematical concepts and problem-solving strategies, and familiarize themselves with the test format and time constraints. There are also several online resources and courses available to help candidates prepare for the test.
→Why is the TMUA important?
The TMUA is important because it provides universities with a standardised way of assessing a candidate’s mathematical ability. A good score on the TMUA can improve a candidate’s chances of being accepted into their desired programme and university.
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