Do you need to take an admissions test?

There are various university admissions tests that you may need to take before you apply, and each university will decide which tests they’d like you to take for different degree courses.

• Some tests are very widely used, such as the UCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test), which is used by almost every medical school.

• Some tests are used by several universities, such as the LNAT (Law National Admissions Test), which is used by nine different law schools.

• Some tests are specific to one university (such as the CAT, MAT and MLAT, run exclusively for the university of Oxford).

These are all detailed on this website, but in summary:

• If you are applying to a medical degree you’ll probably need to take one.

• If applying for law you may need to take one (but not for most courses).

• If you are applying for mathematics, science, engineering, law or medicine courses at the University of Cambridge or at Imperial College, there is most likely a test requirement.

• If you are applying to the University of Oxford you will need to take an admissions test for many, but not all, subjects.

• If you are applying to UCL for some engineering, economics, computer science, management sciences, political studies, or social sciences courses, you will need to take an admissions test.

• If applying to the University of Warwick for their Maths, Economics or Computer Science courses, you’ll need to take an admissions test.

• If applying to LSE or Durham University for various Maths, Economics or related courses, there may be a compulsory or optional admissions test.

• If applying for one of a number of Allied Health Professional courses at Ulster University, you’ll need to take an admissions test.

Note

• There are also many universities and courses who will invite you to take part in interviews, auditions and tests at their university after you apply. These are not typically covered by this website.