I. Latest changes in 2024 Oxford MAT test
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 test
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.
The Oxford MAT test, also known as the Maths Admissions Test, aims to test the depth of mathematical understanding of applicants for maths and computer science-related courses.
III. Who has to sit the Oxford MAT test?
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. Imperial College London
Courses
UCAS Code
Mathematics (3-year course)
G100
Mathematics (4-year course)
G103
Mathematics (Pure Mathematics)
G125
Mathematics, Optimisation and Statistics
GG31
Mathematics with a Year Abroad
G104
Mathematics with Applied Mathematics / Mathematical Physics
G1F3
Mathematics with Mathematical Computation
G102
Mathematics with Statistics
G1G3
Mathematics with Statistics for Finance
G1GH
3. 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.
4. Does the computer science course at Imperial College require students to sit the Oxford MAT test?
Starting from 2024, computer science-related courses at Imperial College London require students to sit the TMUA test. STEP scores are no longer required, and MAT scores cannot replace TMUA scores.
5. 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 test?
Due to the change in test organiser, the details of the 2024 Oxford MAT test have yet to be released. Please refer to the Oxford official page for the latest information.
V. Test format
Delivery method
Online computer-based test
Duration
150 minutes (2½ hours)
Question type
25 multiple-choice questions and two long questions
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 test
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 test 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 test?
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 test?
Some indication of the changes in the difficulty of Oxford MAT test 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 test 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 test.
IX. How to prepare for the test? Is there any recommended resources?
1. Preparation strategies for Oxford MAT test
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 test.
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 test.
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 test.
