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Oxford MAT Comprehensive Guide

XIE TAO

Independent Teacher

Table of Contents

Oxford MAT Comprehensive Guide

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Table of Contents
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The Oxford MAT, also known as the Maths Admissions Test, aims to test the depth of mathematical understanding of applicants for maths and computer science-related courses.

I. Latest changes in 2024 Oxford MAT

1. Changes in the test organiser

In 2024, Oxford University will deliver its admission tests through Pearson VUE, a global leader in online testing. Previously, Oxford terminated its cooperation with Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing (CAAT) in 2023 and with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in 2024.

Note: The Oxford Department of Mathematics will still set the test papers.

2. Changes in the test format

The Oxford MAT test will be online and no longer have paper-based answer sheets.

In 2024, the MAT will consist of 25 multiple-choice questions and two longer questions. Candidates must type responses for the long questions.

What’s more, all candidates should attempt all 27 questions. Before this, students applying for Oxford Computer Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Computer Science and Philosophy courses need to answer different questions.

II. Key dates for 2024 Oxford MAT

August 15

Registration for Oxford MAT test begins

October 4

Registration deadline for Oxford MAT test

October 31

Test date for the MAT

Late November

Interview invitations sent [1]

January of the following year

Results released [2]

[1]Oxford University notifies candidates who meet the requirements for an interview by email, also known as the “interview invitation.”

[2]Candidates applying to Oxford University have their MAT scores sent automatically. Candidates can request further feedback from the college they applied to.

III. Who has to sit the Oxford MAT?

1. University of Oxford

Courses

UCAS Code

Mathematics

G100

Mathematics and Statistics

GG13

Mathematics and Philosophy

GV15

Mathematics and Computer Science

GG14

Computer Science

G400

Computer Science and Philosophy

IV15

2. Can applicants to Oxford maths and computer science courses use TMUA / STEP / BMO / IMO scores instead of MAT?

No. All applicants to Oxford maths and computer science-related courses must sit the Oxford MAT test. Still, Oxford recommends students submit their STEP scores.

3. Does Warwick University accept MAT scores for maths-related courses?

The University of Warwick has changed the admission test requirements for 2025 entry. MAT scores are no longer accepted, and students are required with TMUA scores. If there is no TMUA score, it can be replaced by a STEP grade 2 or above. Before 2024, the University of Warwick required a TMUA score of 6.5 or above, but the requirement for 2025 entry has yet to be released. For details, please visit the official website of the University of Warwick.

IV. How to register the Oxford MAT?

1. Create the Oxford admissions test user account

  1. Go to the registration portal and follow the instructions to create your account.
    • You will be asked for your UCAS ID number in this process. You should enter the UCAS ID now if you have already opened an application with UCAS. If you haven’t started an application, you must return to this account and enter your UCAS ID as soon as possible once you have opened an application with UCAS. This is important because Oxford needs to match your test registration with your application.
  2. Select the course.
    • After creating your profile, you will be asked to select your chosen course from a drop-down menu. The course code can be found on this page.
    • Once you have chosen a maths or computer science-related course, you will automatically be registered for the Oxford MAT.
    • You can change your course selection and register for a different test during the application window from 15 August to 4 October.

2. Book your test at Pearson VUE

  1. Once registered for Oxford MAT, you will be automatically transferred to Pearson VUE’s test booking platform.
    • Read and agree to Oxford’s test policies before proceeding.
    • Choose the test centre. You can use the ‘Find a test centre’ function to locate the test centres near your address.
  2. Make an appointment
    • Choose your test date.
    • If multiple test sittings exist at your chosen test centre, you can select the time to sit your test and book the appointment.
  3. Check the confirmation that your test has been successfully booked and all booking details are correct.

3. For more information

For more information on Oxford MAT registration, access arrangements, and other details, please refer to our blog ‘How to Register for Oxford MAT’.

V. Oxford MAT test format

Delivery method

Online computer-based test

Duration

150 minutes (2½ hours)

Question type

25 multiple-choice questions and two long questions

Formula Booklet

Not allowed

Calculator

Not allowed

Bilingual dictionaries

Not allowed

VI. How is it scored?

In total, the Oxford MAT test is marked out of 100:

There are 25 multiple-choice questions and each question is worth 2 or 3 or 4 marks.

There are two long questions and each question is worth 15 marks.

All candidates should attempt all questions.

VII. Contents assessed in Oxford MAT

1. Updates in the syllabus

The MAT syllabus is not revised annually; the latest version is the 2018 version. That is, after the MAT test format is reformed in 2024, the syllabus and the scope of the test will remain unchanged.

2. Brevity of syllabus does not equal limited test scope

The MAT syllabus is concise and covers only the pure mathematics of A Level mathematics (excluding A Level further mathematics), which is less content than the whole A Level Maths syllabus.

However, the concise syllabus does not mean that MAT is simpler than high school maths tests. Oxford aims to provide a fair assessment by covering content commonly taught in high school mathematics courses, which ensures that most students know how to handle Oxford MAT without facing unfamiliar concepts.

3. Beyond-syllabus questions

Some multiple-choice and short-answer questions cover knowledge such as number theory, recursion, and algorithms, which are not included in the MAT or the high school syllabus. However, students can still solve the questions by using the knowledge they have already learned, which aims to test their ability to apply learned mathematical knowledge to new problems. Hence, “beyond-syllabus” questions might appear in the MAT.

4. What will be assessed in Oxford MAT?

The MAT includes questions typically taught in A Level mathematics courses, such as algebra, plane geometry, coordinate geometry, calculus, and probability. In addition, it covers popular topics from mathematical competitions, including number theory, as well as knowledge related to basic algorithms that are not tested in A Level mathematics and mathematics competitions.

For reference, the following two tables list the distribution of topics and difficulty of some MAT multiple-choice and short-answer questions in recent years.

For an in-depth analysis of MAT topics and difficulty, please refer to our blog “Oxford MAT Secrets: An In-depth Research.”

VIII. How difficult is Oxford MAT?

Some indication of the changes in the difficulty of Oxford MAT can be seen in the fluctuating trend of average scores over the last few years. (Check two sets of statistics below)

1. MAT average scores from 2007-2022

2. Comparison of Oxford MAT scores across two time periods

The rise in the difficulty of the MAT exam in recent years reflects the growing mathematical proficiency of the candidates and the intensifying competition.

Please refer to the following blog for an in-depth analysis of the difficulty of Oxford MAT.

IX. How to prepare for Oxford MAT? Is there any recommended resources?

1. Preparation strategies for Oxford MAT

There are mainly two categories of the preparation strategies:

  • Systematic review + question practice
  • Question practice + targeted training

Students can choose a suitable strategy according to their circumstances.

The specific time to start preparing depends on whether the student has experience in STEP preparation, mathematical competitions, and their educational curriculum.

Please check the blog “How to prepare for Oxford MAT” for more detailed preparation strategies and planning suggestions for the Oxford MAT.

2. Official preparation resources

Students can access preparation resources for the Oxford MAT test on the official Oxford Mathematics Department website, which includes lecture videos, past papers with solutions, and live classes.

Please refer to the following blog for more detailed preparation strategies for the Oxford MAT.

3. UEIE "MAT preparation set"

The 2024 MAT standard course (7th edition), edited and taught by Xie Tao, includes the “MAT preparationset” – PDF materials, detailed lecture videos, and practice workbooks — and also the bonus of 2024 MAT categorised questions and MAT past papers with online problem-solving and analysis.

With a total of 23 lectures, approximately 23 hours of videos, and over 1000 pages of supplementary materials containing 1043 practice questions, this course provides thorough coverage of the Oxford MAT.

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