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Mathematics Institute

MAT, TMUA and STEP

We ask many of our applicants to sit one of these papers:

These are administered by Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing (CAAT). The MAT paper is set by Oxford. The TMUA and STEP are set by CAAT.

IMPORTANT: Note that from summer 2021, STEP 1 will no longer exist and only STEP 2 and STEP 3 will go ahead, see https://www.admissionstesting.org/for-test-takers/step/about-step/Link opens in a new window

Why does Warwick recommend them?

These tests help you develop problem solving skills needed for a Warwick Mathematics degree and, at the same time, deepen your understanding of the A-Level material. They are not as scary as you might think! Try a past paper from one of the links below, and have fun.

Which paper do I need to sit?

We leave this up to you and your school. Students who take MAT or TMUA and do well are likely to receive a lower offer from us. Other students are likely to receive our standard offer which will ask that they sit STEP in June. There are online help sessions for those who take STEP.

Where and when?

MAT and TMUA are in October, and STEP is usually in late June. Please consult the above links for the precise dates and details of how to register, and also speak to your school. Applicants from outside the UK (or their schools) may also be able to get this advice from their local office of the British Council (click on 'Contact', then 'Find office' after selecting your country).

What grade are we looking for in the MAT?

The MAT does not have a grading system and the average mark fluctuates from year to year. We have in the last few years asked for a mark of around 65 to qualify for our reduced A-level offer (A* Maths, A* Further Maths, A). Students doing less well have the chance to take STEP in June.

Feedback on the MAT

If you are a Warwick applicant sitting the MAT and you would like to know your mark you can obtain this by emailing mathsadmissions@warwick.ac.uk after the 31 March (please do not contact us before this date as we will be still busy processing offers). To help us find your mark please let us know in your email your full name, date of birth and UCAS number.

What grade are we looking for in the TMUA?

For the October 2022 entry we expect to make a reduced offer (A* Maths, A* Futher Maths, A) to most applicants who have a grade of 6.5 (out of 9.0) or higher. Applicants who score lower will get the chance to take STEP in June.

Which STEP papers do we accept?

As above, there are now only two STEP papers, STEP 2 and STEP 3. If STEP is part of the offer you receive from us then we are happy to accept either of these two STEP papers and you may attempt whichever you like.

Specifications and past papers

How should I prepare?

Don't worry if your school does not provide help with preparation for these tests. There are plenty of resources to help you prepare:

STEP Course for Warwick Offer Holders

The Advanced Maths Centre at Warwick provides a set of targeted online resources to students and a series of live online sessions to help students prepare for STEP. Students who have applied to study mathematics at Warwick for whom STEP forms a part of their offer of a university place should complete a form in order to be able to access these online resources or the live online sessions. Details of how to access to the form will be sent directly to students with their offer. These preparation sessions will start around early February.