Skip to main content

Guide to mathematics tests for undergraduate admissions

A guide to the Maths test we expect students to undertake if they wish to apply to Bath for an undergraduate Maths course.

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):

Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA)

For the 2024 entry and before we also accepted strong performance in TMUA on the same basis as we accept the MAT.

For 2025 onwards we will no longer be considering TMUA scores in our admissions.

Why do we use these tests as part of the admissions process?

For students studying A levels, these tests provide us with another way to determine your potential to study at Bath, and helps promote fairness, allowing for the recognition of additional evidence of your mathematical ability through alternative offers.

For applicants studying other qualifications or who have not studied A level Further Mathematics, these tests help us to ensure that you are academically prepared for the advanced mathematics content of our courses.

If you study certain qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma, we do not consider additional Mathematics tests. Our typical requirements for qualifications awarded outside the UK often require you to also sit one of these tests. If you study qualifications for which we do not publish typical requirements, please contact Undergraduate Admissions for further guidance.

Mathematics tests are considered as part of the our application process for these degrees:

  • BSc Mathematics
  • MMath Mathematics
  • BSc Mathematics & Statistics
  • BSc Computer Science & Mathematics
  • MComp Computer Science & Mathematics
  • BSc Economics & Mathematics

Mathematics tests are not normally considered for the following degrees:

  • BSc Mathematics, Statistics & Data Sciences
  • BSc Mathematics & Physics
  • MSci Mathematics & Physics

What are the benefits of taking a Mathematics test?

While taking a Mathematics test is not always essential, they help you prepare for the type of study you will encounter on your degree. They may also help to develop your problem-solving skills and enhance understanding of your A level content.

How will these tests affect my offer?

How we use these tests depends on what qualifications you are taking. If you study A levels, a Maths test may either be required or entitle you to an alternative offer (depending on your level of Further Mathematics).

If you study A level or Pre-U Mathematics and Further Mathematics:

Taking a Mathematics test may mean you are eligible for an alternative offer where the requirement for your third subject (not Mathematics or Further Mathematics) is one grade lower than our typical requirements.

If you take the MAT we will receive your score before making a decision on your application. If you perform well and are successful in gaining an offer, you will be made our alternative offer.

If you do not take MAT (or if you do not perform as well) and are successful in gaining an offer, you will receive our typical offer and an alternative offer including STEP/AEA papers.

If you study AS level Further Mathematics:

If you study Further Mathematics at AS level only, you will be required to take one of these qualifications as part of your offer.

If you sit the MAT, we will hold your application until we have received your results so we can take them into account when making a decision.

If you are not studying Further Mathematics at all, we would encourage you to consider our BSc Mathematics, Statistics & Data Sciences degrees.

How do we know if you are taking a Mathematics admissions test?

If you have decided to take the MAT, you should declare it in the ‘pending qualifications’ section of your UCAS application. We will also remind you when you apply to let us know in case you have missed it.

If we are not aware you are taking the MAT, we will assume that you are not taking them and any offer we make will be based on STEP or AEA.

If you are considering taking STEP or AEA, you do not have to declare it on your UCAS application. If we make an offer, it will automatically include STEP or AEA (either as a requirement or as part of an alternative offer).

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 MAT exams take place in October or early November.

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 either the MAT or STEP qualifications. 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.

MAT does not follow a conventional grading system and performance fluctuates each year. We set the level each year based on how all test-takers have performed.

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:

We would recommend using some of these resources to familiarise yourself with the syllabus, test format and examples of previous papers.

Enquiries

If you have any questions, please contact us.

On this page