When you may need a Maths tests
Important: our approach to Mathematics tests has changed for 2025 entry
Additional Maths tests are only considered for certain Mathematics degrees, and only if you have not studied sufficient content in your other qualifications.
Tests are only used for these degrees:
BSc/MComp Computer Science & Mathematics
BSc Economics & Mathematics
BSc/MMath Mathematics
BSc Mathematics & Statistics
We do not use Maths tests for BSc Mathematics, Statistics & Data Science or BSc/MSci Mathematics & Physics.
You do not need a Maths test if you study A level Further Mathematics or IB HL Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches. If you are studying outside the UK in another country’s school system, whether or not you need a Maths test will depend on how we assess the mathematics content of your qualifications.
We will not consider the results of any test you have taken when selecting applicants for an offer or confirming your place unless it is required. For example, if you have studied A level Further Mathematics, your performance in any test will not affect your application either way.
An additional Maths test is essential if you have only studied Further Maths at AS Level on the relevant courses.
2024 and before
Before 2025, relevant courses offered alternative (reduced) offers for applicants who performed well in an accepted additional Maths test.
Acceptable Maths tests
We consider the following Mathematics tests if you make an application to our degrees in Mathematics or Statistics (including joint degrees with Computer Science or Economics):
- Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP)
- GCE Advanced Extension Award in Mathematics (AEA)
Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA) and Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT)
For the 2024 entry and before we also accepted strong performance in TMUA or MAT on the same basis as we accept STEP.
For 2025 onwards we will no longer be considering TMUA or MAT scores in our admissions.
What are the benefits of taking a Mathematics test?
While taking a Mathematics test is not always essential, you may nevertheless find practicing more advanced questions helpful to prepare you for the type of study you will encounter on your degree.
Maths tests in your offer conditions
You do not have to declare you are taking STEP or AEA on your UCAS application. If we make an offer where an additional Maths test is required, it will automatically include STEP or AEA.
How do I sit a Mathematics admissions test?
Tests are sat at registered test centres, which may be your school or college. If your school or college is not a registered test centre, they can apply to be one. Your school will also need to be the ones to register you for the test.
The STEP and AEA papers are both sat in June and quite often at the end of A level examinations. Find out more about registering for these tests.
If you live outside of the UK, there are many countries with registered test centres for STEP. You can find them by selecting your country and the qualification you wish to take. Find your nearest test centre
You may also be able to get advice from your local office of the British Council if the exam board website does not contain all of the information that you require.
Which STEP paper should I sit?
There are two STEP papers and we do not specify a particular one in our offers.
STEP 2 is based on A level Mathematics and some of A level Further Mathematics.
STEP 3 is based on both A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics and is more stretching than STEP 2.
Are the tests graded and what are we looking for?
STEP is graded in ascending order: U, 3, 2, 1 and S. We look for applicants to obtain 2 in any STEP paper.
The AEA paper has three grades: U, Merit and Distinction. We look for applicants to obtain a Merit.
How should I prepare for my test?
If you are unable to get additional support from your school or college, there are plenty of online resources that can help you prepare:
- Cambridge run an online STEP Support Programme
- MEI offer online support for STEP and MAT
- NRICH offer online advanced problem-solving modules
- The Advanced Mathematics Support Programme run various problem-solving events
We would recommend using some of these resources to familiarise yourself with the syllabus, test format and examples of previous papers.