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Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA)

The Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) tests your mathematical thinking and reasoning skills.

Which LSE programmes use the TMUA in their selection process?

For these two programmes for September 2025 entry taking the TMUA is mandatory – all applicants are required to take the test.

  • BSc Economics
  • BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics

For these eight programmes for September 2025 entry taking the TMUA is recommended but not mandatory – applicants are encouraged to take the test and a good score may make an application more competitive.

  • BSc Mathematics and Economics
  • BSc Mathematics with Economics
  • BSc Financial Mathematics and Statistics
  • BSc Mathematics with Data Science
  • BSc Mathematics, Statistics, and Business
  • BSc Data Science
  • BSc Actuarial Science
  • BSc Actuarial Science (with a placement year)

You can choose to sit the test in October or January:

  • 16/17 October 2024
  • 8/9 January 2025

Either sitting is acceptable for applicants to LSE but applicants are strongly encouraged to take the first sitting as this will allow the widest availability of time slots and locations. 

Test format

 The TMUA lasts 2 hours 30 minutes in total. It is divided into two parts.

Part

What does it test?

Content

Duration

Part 1: Applications of Mathematical Knowledge

Assesses your ability to apply your knowledge of mathematics in new situations.

20 multiple-choice questions

75 minutes

Part 2: Mathematical Reasoning

Assesses your ability to deal with mathematical reasoning, and simple ideas from elementary logic.

20 multiple-choice questions

75 minutes

You will not be able to use a calculator or dictionary.

There is no pass or fail for TMUA. You should aim to do the best you can.

Your final scores are based on the number of correct answers you give. You do not lose marks for wrong answers, so it's worth attempting all questions.

Test dates

You must register and book a time well in advance of the test taking place.

We will only accept the results from your first test sitting per admissions cycle (even if you sit the test twice), so you should aim to do the best you can.

We will only accept the results from one test in each admissions cycle, but you can choose whether you sit the test in October or January.

  • Test sitting 1: 16 and 17 October 2024; or 
  • Test sitting 2: 8 and 9 January 2025.  

There is no advantage to sitting the test in the first or second sitting. However, we strongly encourage you to register for the first test sitting, where possible, to have access to the widest choice of time slots in your chosen location.

How to register for the TMUA

You must be registered in advance to sit the TMUA.

  • If you're planning to take the test in October 2024 (test sitting 1), you can register for the TMUA from 1 August 2024. The registration deadline is 16 September 2024.
  • If you're planning to take the test in January 2025 (test sitting 2), you can register for the TMUA from 24 October 2024. The registration deadline is 9 December 2024.

Access arrangements

If you normally have access arrangements in your public exams, you can apply for the same arrangements. You will need to submit an application and may need to provide supporting evidence in advance. Find out more about the eligibility and apply online for access arrangements on the TMUA website.

  • If you're planning to take the test in October 2024 (test sitting 1), you will be able to apply for access arrangements from 3 June 2024. You must also register, via the Pearson VUE website, to sit the test by Thursday 29 August 2024.
  • If you're planning to take the test in January 2025 (test sitting 2), you will be able to apply for access arrangements from 23 September 2024. You must also register to sit the test by Thursday 21 November 2024.

TMUA for other universities

TMUA is used in the selection process of several UK universities. If you’re applying to other universities that require TMUA, you only need to take the test once.

How much does the TMUA cost?

There is an entry fee for the TMUA. The fee for entry to the standard version is:

  • Tests taken in the UK the Republic of Ireland: £75
  • Tests taken outside the UK: £130

Bursary voucher

UK candidates in financial need can apply for a bursary voucher to book the TMUA free of charge. If you are eligible you will receive a unique bursary voucher code which will allow you to book the test without paying. Learn about eligibility criteria and apply for a bursary on the TMUA website.

  • If you're planning to take the test in October 2024 (test sitting 1), you will be able to apply for a bursary voucher from 3 June 2024. The deadline to apply for a bursary voucher is the same as the test registration deadline for test window 1 – Monday 16 September 2024.
  • If you're planning to take the test in January 2025 (test sitting 2), you will be able to apply for a bursary voucher from 23 September 2024. The deadline to apply for a bursary voucher is the same as the test registration deadline for test window 1 – Monday 9 December 2024.

How to prepare for the TMUA

The focus of the TMUA is on mathematical thinking. It uses mathematics you will have already learned in your school studies, so there is no need to take a preparation course or to do much preparation beyond familiarising yourself with the test format and style of questions.

We recommend that you read the test specification and notes on Logic and Proof, to identify any topics that you might need to revise.

Free practice materials are available on the TMUA website.

Test Results

You will be able to get your results through the Pearson VUE booking portal, approximately six weeks after you take the test.

The results will be automatically shared with us, so you don’t need to send them on.