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Mathematics & LogicOxford · Cambridge · Imperial · LSE · …

TMUATest of Mathematics for University Admission

Mathematical reasoning for Oxford Computer Science, Economics & Mathematics applicants.

Duration
Two 75-minute papers
Questions
20 per paper, multiple choice
Marking
Scored 1.0 to 9.0 (calibrated)
Calculator
Not permitted
Who takes this

Who the TMUA is for

Applicants for Computer Science, Economics, and certain Mathematics-related courses at top UK universities. Increasingly required as a baseline filter before interview.

Registration

When and where

Registration opens in early August and closes in late September. The test is sat in mid-October at authorised test centres.

Preparation timeline

Phase 01

12+ months out

Master core A-Level Pure content. Begin TMUA-style logic puzzles weekly.

Phase 02

6 months out

Work through Paper 1 topic-by-topic. Build a personal mistake notebook.

Phase 03

3 months out

Begin timed Paper 2 sets. Drill logic and proof comprehension.

Phase 04

1 month out

Sit two full mocks under exam conditions. Review every error.

The syllabus

8 core areas

01.

Algebra & functions

Manipulating expressions, polynomial division, transformations of graphs.

02.

Sequences & series

Arithmetic, geometric, recurrence relations, sigma notation.

03.

Coordinate geometry

Lines, circles, intersections, loci and parametric forms.

04.

Trigonometry

Identities, equations and small-angle approximations.

05.

Exponentials & logarithms

Laws, equations, modelling growth and decay.

06.

Differentiation & integration

Standard techniques and applications to area and rate.

07.

Probability & counting

Conditional probability, combinatorics, expectation.

08.

Logic & proof

Truth tables, necessary vs sufficient, contrapositive and counterexample.

Strategy

Examination strategy

  • 01Spend the first 30 seconds of every question deciding whether to solve, skip, or eliminate.
  • 02Eliminate two answers before computing. TMUA options often share structure.
  • 03Track timing by question number, not by stopwatch.
  • 04Treat the last five questions as 'budget'. never sacrifice them for one tough mid-paper item.
Common mistakes

What goes wrong

  • ·Confusing 'if A then B' with 'if B then A'.
  • ·Misreading 'at least one' versus 'exactly one' in probability questions.
  • ·Forgetting that the TMUA penalises slow accuracy more than fast guesses.
  • ·Treating Paper 2 as 'just harder Paper 1' rather than a different skill set.

Frequently asked

Do I need a calculator?+

No. The TMUA is a non-calculator exam. Computation is deliberately kept light; the test rewards reasoning.

Is the TMUA harder than the MAT?+

Different. The MAT is essay-style maths. The TMUA is fast, multiple-choice logic and reasoning. Many students prepare for both.

What is a good score?+

Strong applicants generally score 6.5 or higher overall, though the threshold varies by course and university each year.

Latest Update

From the 2024 cycle the TMUA is delivered digitally at Pearson VUE centres. Practice with on-screen interfaces, not paper.

Ready to begin TMUA?

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