To help us select the candidates most likely to succeed on our Mathematics (G100 or G103) or Mathematics and Statistics (G111 or G114) courses, you’re strongly encouraged to sit one of the optional tests below. Achievement of a high enough score may also entitle you to a reduced offer.
For applicants with AS Further Mathematics only, a good pass in one of these tests is an essential requirement for the course.
The tests we consider include:
TMUA
MAT
STEP
Other Evidence
TMUA is designed to give you the opportunity to demonstrate you have the essential mathematical thinking and reasoning skills needed for a demanding undergraduate Mathematics or Mathematics-related course.
Register for this test:You can choose whether you sit the test in October 2024 or January 2025 – though we strongly encourage you to register for test sitting 1, where possible.
The test:
What scores do Durham look for?
If you achieve a score of 5.0 or above in TMUA you're automatically eligible to be considered for reduced offer i.e. one grade below our standard offer (A*AA with an A* in Maths or Further Maths instead of A*A*A – including A*A* in Maths and Further Maths).
For applicants with AS Further Maths, a TMUA of 5.0 or above would be required to be considered for an offer of A* in A level Maths + AA in two other A levels + a in AS Further Maths.
If your score is below 5.0 down to a certain threshold (determined each year but can be between 3.2 and 3.5) then we still view this as positive evidence of your mathematical ability and you still have a good chance of receiving our standard offer.
Please note that in 2024 the scoring system changed such that:
A score of 6.5 from 2023 will equate to a score of 5.0 from 2024 onwards.
A score of 4.5 from 2023 will equate to a score of between 3.2 and 3.5 from 2024 onwards.This is a change to the scoring scale, and not a change to the standard we're looking for.
Access Arrangements:If you normally have access arrangements in your public exams, you can apply for the same arrangements for the TMUA. You'll need to submit an application to UAT-UK 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.
TMUA Costs & Bursary Scheme
There is a fee for taking TMUA, however UK candidates in financial need can apply for a bursary to book the TMUA free of charge.
Find out more about the TMUA bursary scheme
MAT is a paper-based test lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes set by the University of Oxford. It aims to test the depth of your mathematical understanding. If you are taking MAT then we will consider the score you achieve in this test in place of the TMUA.
If you sit MAT, we won't receive your results automatically. You'll need to submit evidence of the test by uploading this on your portal.
Find out more information about MAT, including costs and how to register
A score in MAT of 60% or higher would normally make you eligible to be considered for a reduced offer.
2025-2026 Admissions Cycle onwards:
From the 2025-26 admissions cycle we'll no longer be accepting the MAT test.
STEP Mathematics is a well-established mathematics examination designed to test you on questions that are similar in style to undergraduate mathematics.
We make alternative offers based on STEP so if you are sitting STEP then you should mention this on your UCAS application form, either listing it in the qualifications section, mentioning it in your personal statement or asking your referee to bring it up in your reference.
Achieving a grade 2 in any STEP paper will also make you eligible to be considered for a reduced offer.
We also consider favourably evidence of mathematical ability such as the Advanced Extension Award, Mathematics Challenges and Olympiades.
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