TMUA
Structure
Overview
OverviewTMUA is an admissions test for mathematics/economics courses at several leading UK universities, administered by Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing. The University of Cambridge uses it for the assessment of applicants to its Economics course.
Format
FormatPaper 1: 20 MCQ (mathematical knowledge, 75 min); Paper 2: 20 MCQ (mathematical reasoning & proof, 75 min)
Paper 1: 20 multiple-choice questions, testing application of mathematical knowledge (75 minutes); Paper 2: 20 multiple-choice questions, testing mathematical reasoning and proof (75 minutes).
Structure
Structure DetailsEach paper has 20 questions and lasts 75 minutes, without a calculator. The knowledge requirements are limited to the official M/MM entries and are not equivalent to the whole of A-Level Mathematics; Paper 2 additionally tests everyday-language mathematical reasoning and proof.
Scoring
ScoringEach question is worth 1 marks, with no negative marking. A standardised score (1–9) is given for each paper separately, and institutions assess candidates holistically.
Preparation tips
Key Tips- ▸Paper 2 is a distinctive feature of the TMUA: it tests mathematical reasoning, relying not on memorisation but on logical analysis — doing more questions of this type will improve your problem-solving thinking.
- ▸The TMUA is usually taken at the end of 10, and intensive preparation needs to start in late 9.
- ▸Cambridge Economics places considerable weight on the TMUA score (approximately 6.5+); well-prepared students can use it to complement their A-Level results.
Registration and results
Registration & ResultsDates and arrangements change. Check the current official information before registering.