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Science & EngineeringCambridge · Imperial College London

ESATEngineering and Science Admissions Test

The successor to the NSAA and ENGAA. used by Cambridge and Imperial for science and engineering courses.

Duration
40 minutes per module, multiple modules
Modules
Mathematics 1 + two from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths 2
Questions
27 multiple choice per module
Calculator
On-screen calculator provided
Who takes this

Who the ESAT is for

Applicants for Engineering, Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Chemical Engineering and related courses at Cambridge and Imperial.

Registration

When and where

Registration opens in August. The ESAT is sat in October and again in January for some courses. Confirm windows against your chosen university.

Preparation timeline

Phase 01

Year 12 summer

Consolidate A-Level Year 1 content in your chosen science modules.

Phase 02

Sept – early Oct

Drill module-by-module. Target 27 questions in 40 minutes.

Phase 03

Final 2 weeks

Full timed mocks. Review pacing per module.

The syllabus

5 core areas

01.

Mathematics 1

Algebra, geometry, statistics, probability. A-Level Year 1 standard.

02.

Mathematics 2

Calculus, sequences, advanced algebra. A-Level Year 2 standard.

03.

Physics

Mechanics, electricity, waves, thermal, materials, atomic.

04.

Chemistry

Atomic structure, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibria, organic.

05.

Biology

Cells, biochemistry, exchange, genetics, evolution, ecology.

Strategy

Examination strategy

  • 01Choose your two optional modules based on confidence, not on prestige.
  • 02Practise with the on-screen Pearson VUE interface, not paper printouts.
  • 03Budget 1 minute 30 per question and move on ruthlessly.
Common mistakes

What goes wrong

  • ·Treating the ESAT like the BMAT. the format and timing differ significantly.
  • ·Spending too long on early questions and rushing the harder back end.
  • ·Ignoring the on-screen calculator and trying to do everything mentally.

Frequently asked

Does Oxford use the ESAT?+

No. Oxford uses subject-specific tests (PAT for Physics, MAT for Maths). The ESAT is Cambridge and Imperial.

Can I retake?+

There is one sitting per cycle for most universities. Imperial offers a January sitting for some courses.

Latest Update

The ESAT replaced the NSAA and ENGAA from the 2024 cycle. Materials labelled NSAA/ENGAA remain useful but the format is now digital and modular.

Ready to begin ESAT?

Take the 20-minute diagnostic. receive a personalised report identifying your strongest and weakest topics.