Specialized Program Tests
Some universities require you to sit an admissions test as part of the application process for specific majors. If you apply for a course that requires an admissions test, you’ll need to check the registration deadline for the test, when you will sit it, and what it includes, as well as the deadline for your UCAS application.
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Most admissions tests happen between August and November the year before you're due to start your studies – some even earlier, before you’ve sent your UCAS application!
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Remember to check the date of your admissions test – some take place before the UCAS application deadline.
Specialized Program Testing
Resources
LNAT
The Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) is a standardized test used for admissions to law programs in certain universities in the United Kingdom and other countries. The LNAT is designed to assess a candidate's aptitude for the skills necessary for the study of law, such as critical thinking, reasoning, analysis, and written communication.
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​The LNAT consists of two main sections: the multiple-choice questions and the essay. The multiple-choice section presents passages followed by questions that evaluate a candidate's ability to comprehend, analyze arguments, and draw conclusions. The essay section requires candidates to choose one of several prompts and construct a well-structured and coherent argument.
BMAT
The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is a specialized aptitude test used for admissions to certain medical and biomedical science courses in the United Kingdom and other countries. Developed by Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing, BMAT assesses a candidate's skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific knowledge.
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BMAT consists of three main sections: Section 1, the Aptitude and Skills Test, evaluates problem-solving and critical thinking through multiple-choice questions; Section 2, the Scientific Knowledge and Application Test, assesses scientific understanding and application; and Section 3, the Writing Task, requires candidates to write a short essay in response to a prompt.
MAT
The Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) is a specialized exam used by the University of Oxford for admissions to its undergraduate mathematics courses and some related programs. Developed by the University of Oxford, MAT assesses a candidate's aptitude for advanced mathematical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning.
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MAT consists of two main sections: Section 1 includes multiple-choice questions that evaluate mathematical skills and knowledge, while Section 2 consists of longer, more complex questions that assess a candidate's ability to analyze and solve intricate mathematical problems.
STEP
The Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) is a specialized mathematics exam used by the University of Cambridge for admissions to its undergraduate mathematics and related courses. The STEP exams assess candidates' advanced mathematical problem-solving skills and their ability to handle complex mathematical concepts.
STEP is divided into three papers: STEP I, STEP II, and STEP III. Each paper consists of challenging, open-ended questions that require candidates to apply their mathematical knowledge creatively to solve intricate problems. The questions are designed to test candidates' understanding of mathematical principles and their capacity to think critically and analytically.
Oxford
Oxford University's rigorous admissions process often involves requiring you to take multiple specialized exams tailored to your chosen courses. These exams assess your aptitude, skills, and knowledge relevant to your intended field of study. Some of these exams are TSA, ELAT, GAT, HAT, MAT, MLAT, PAT, etc.
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Link: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/admissions-tests