ESAT Guide 2026: Complete Guide for 2027 University Entry

The Engineering and Science Admissions Test, usually shortened to ESAT, is an admissions test used for selected engineering, science and veterinary courses.

For 2027 entry, ESAT is used by courses at:

• University of Cambridge

• Imperial College London

• University of Oxford

• UCL

The test assesses how well you can apply Mathematics and Science knowledge to unfamiliar problems.

It is not designed simply to check whether you can remember facts or repeat standard classroom methods. The questions require you to select relevant information, recognise underlying principles and solve problems quickly without a calculator.

Most candidates complete three modules:

1. Mathematics 1

2. One additional module

3. A second additional module

Each module lasts 40 minutes and contains 27 multiple-choice questions. Mathematics 1 is compulsory for every ESAT candidate.

This guide explains:

• Who must take ESAT

• Which universities and courses use it

• Which modules you need

• The 2026 and 2027 test dates

• Registration and fees

• How ESAT scoring works

• What counts as a good result

• How to prepare for every module

• Access arrangements and bursaries

• What happens on test day

• How universities receive and use your score

For an overview of the wider admissions-test system, read Complete Guide to University Admissions Tests [Complete Guide to University Admissions Tests].

What Is ESAT?

ESAT stands for:

Engineering and Science Admissions Test

It is a computer-based, multiple-choice admissions test delivered at Pearson test centres.

The test is managed by University Admissions Tests UK, normally called UAT-UK. UAT-UK is a collaboration between Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge.

ESAT is designed for applicants to academically demanding courses in areas such as:

• Engineering

• Physics

• Natural Sciences

• Chemical Engineering

• Biological Sciences

• Veterinary Medicine

• Biomedical Sciences

• Electronic and Electrical Engineering

The exact requirement depends on the university and course.

A Physics applicant and a Biological Sciences applicant may both take ESAT but complete different modules.

What Does ESAT Assess?

ESAT assesses your ability to:

• Apply mathematical and scientific knowledge

• Solve unfamiliar problems

• Interpret information

• Work with graphs and data

• Recognise relationships

• Use proportional reasoning

• Rearrange and apply equations

• Eliminate incorrect possibilities

• Work accurately under time pressure

The content is based on Mathematics and Science that candidates are likely to have studied at school. UAT-UK recommends checking the official specification for any gaps and becoming familiar with the test’s style rather than attempting to learn large quantities of new material.

Who Needs to Take ESAT?

You need to take ESAT when it is listed as a compulsory admissions test for your exact university course.

Do not assume that every engineering or science degree requires it.

A university may require ESAT for one department but use:

• TMUA for another course

• TARA for another course

• UCAT for Medicine

• No admissions test at all

You must check:

1. The university

2. The exact course

3. The course code

4. The intended entry year

5. The required ESAT modules

6. Whether you must take the October or January sitting

UAT-UK warns that failing to register for ESAT when it is compulsory may make an application invalid. It also states that module combinations are course-specific and cannot be changed at the test centre.

Which Universities Use ESAT?

For the 2027 admissions cycle, ESAT is used by selected courses at Cambridge, Imperial, Oxford and UCL.

Cambridge ESAT Courses

Cambridge requires ESAT for applicants to:

• Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

• Engineering

• Natural Sciences

• Veterinary Medicine

Cambridge Engineering Modules

Cambridge Engineering applicants must take:

• Mathematics 1

• Mathematics 2

• Physics

Cambridge Natural Sciences Modules

Cambridge Natural Sciences applicants take:

• Mathematics 1

• Two modules selected from:

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Mathematics 2

  • Physics

Your module choices should reflect your subjects and the area of Natural Sciences for which you are applying.

Applicants indicate whether they are primarily interested in Biological or Physical Natural Sciences, and their existing subject preparation can influence the academic areas discussed during selection.

Cambridge Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Modules

Applicants take:

• Mathematics 1

• Two modules selected from:

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Mathematics 2

  • Physics

Your choices should be based on the university guidance, your current subjects and the areas most relevant to your application.

Cambridge Veterinary Medicine Modules

Applicants take:

• Mathematics 1

• Two modules selected from:

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Mathematics 2

  • Physics

Veterinary Medicine applicants should not assume that ESAT replaces academic subject requirements. Cambridge separately requires appropriate scientific preparation for the degree.

Oxford ESAT Courses

For 2027 entry, Oxford requires ESAT for:

• Biomedical Sciences

• Engineering Science

• Physics

• Physics and Philosophy

This is a significant change because Oxford previously used other university-specific science and engineering admissions tests.

Oxford Biomedical Sciences Modules

Oxford Biomedical Sciences applicants must take:

• Mathematics 1

• Any two of:

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Mathematics 2

  • Physics

Applicants should select modules that reflect their qualification subjects and strongest relevant preparation.

Oxford Engineering Science Modules

Oxford Engineering Science applicants must take:

• Mathematics 1

• Mathematics 2

• Physics

Oxford Physics Modules

Oxford Physics applicants must take:

• Mathematics 1

• Mathematics 2

• Physics

Oxford Physics and Philosophy Modules

Oxford Physics and Philosophy applicants must also take:

• Mathematics 1

• Mathematics 2

• Physics

Oxford Foundation Year

Applicants to Oxford’s Engineering Science with Foundation Year must take:

• Mathematics 1

• Mathematics 2

• Physics

Unlike standard Oxford undergraduate applicants, eligible Foundation Year applicants may use either the October 2026 or January 2027 sitting.

Imperial College London ESAT Courses

Imperial requires ESAT for undergraduate courses in the following departments:

• Aeronautics

• Chemical Engineering

• Civil and Environmental Engineering

• Dyson School of Design Engineering

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• Life Sciences

• Mechanical Engineering

• Physics

Imperial publishes the following department-level module requirements:

Imperial department	Required modules
Aeronautics	Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics
Chemical Engineering	Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Chemistry
Civil and Environmental Engineering	Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics
Dyson School of Design Engineering	Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2
Electrical and Electronic Engineering	Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics
Life Sciences	Mathematics 1, Chemistry, Biology
Mechanical Engineering	Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics
Physics	Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics

Most Imperial applicants therefore take three modules. Design Engineering applicants take two.

Check the individual course page before booking because departments and course arrangements can be updated.

UCL ESAT Courses

For the 2027 admissions cycle, UCL requires ESAT for:

• Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng

• Electronic and Electrical Engineering MEng

Applicants must take:

• Mathematics 1

• Any two of:

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Mathematics 2

  • Physics

Although applicants can select any two additional modules from that list, they should consider the course content and their strongest relevant subjects.

ESAT Modules Explained

There are five ESAT modules:

1. Mathematics 1

2. Mathematics 2

3. Biology

4. Chemistry

5. Physics

Mathematics 1 is compulsory for all candidates.

Most applicants take Mathematics 1 plus two additional modules. Each module contains 27 questions and lasts 40 minutes.

Module	Questions	Time
Mathematics 1	27	40 minutes
Mathematics 2	27	40 minutes
Biology	27	40 minutes
Chemistry	27	40 minutes
Physics	27	40 minutes

A standard three-module ESAT therefore contains:

• 81 questions

• 120 minutes of testing

There are no scheduled breaks between modules.

Mathematics 1

Mathematics 1 is completed by every ESAT candidate.

It assesses core mathematical knowledge and your ability to apply it efficiently.

Preparation should include areas such as:

• Number

• Fractions and percentages

• Ratios and proportion

• Algebra

• Equations and inequalities

• Graphs

• Geometry

• Trigonometry

• Probability

• Statistics

• Interpreting data

Use the official specification as the absolute boundary for testable content.

Questions may combine several familiar ideas. A problem that appears to be about geometry might also require algebraic rearrangement, proportional reasoning or graph interpretation.

Mathematics 2

Mathematics 2 is taken by applicants whose courses require more advanced mathematical problem-solving.

It is compulsory for courses including:

• Cambridge Engineering

• Oxford Engineering Science

• Oxford Physics

• Oxford Physics and Philosophy

• Many Imperial engineering courses

• Imperial Physics

The module may draw on more advanced school Mathematics content and require greater confidence with mathematical relationships and multi-stage reasoning.

Applicants should be comfortable:

• Manipulating algebraic expressions

• Solving equations

• Interpreting functions

• Working with graphs

• Applying trigonometry

• Using calculus where included in the specification

• Linking several mathematical ideas

• Testing possible solutions efficiently

Do not assume that taking A-level Further Mathematics automatically makes the module easy. ESAT questions are designed to require application, not only topic familiarity.

Biology

The Biology module assesses the application of biological knowledge.

Depending on the current specification, preparation may involve areas such as:

• Cells

• Biological molecules

• Enzymes

• Genetics

• Variation

• Organ systems

• Exchange and transport

• Homeostasis

• Ecology

• Experimental methods

• Interpreting biological data

The module can require you to use information presented in:

• Graphs

• Tables

• Diagrams

• Experimental descriptions

• Unfamiliar biological contexts

Do not rely entirely on memorising definitions.

Practise asking:

• What biological principle is involved?

• Which variable changed?

• What conclusion is supported?

• Is the relationship causal?

• What would an appropriate control be?

• Does the evidence support every part of the statement?

Chemistry

The Chemistry module tests how well you can apply chemical principles.

Relevant areas may include:

• Atomic structure

• Bonding

• Formulae and equations

• Moles

• Quantitative Chemistry

• Energetics

• Rates

• Equilibria

• Acids and bases

• Redox

• Periodicity

• Organic Chemistry

• Experimental methods

Questions may require you to:

• Balance equations

• Use ratios

• Interpret unfamiliar reactions

• Calculate quantities without a calculator

• Compare structures

• Apply bonding models

• Analyse experimental evidence

• Identify trends

Check the official ESAT specification rather than relying only on your examination-board specification.

A topic may be presented differently or assessed through a more unfamiliar problem.

Physics

The Physics module assesses the use of physical principles and mathematical reasoning.

Relevant preparation may include:

• Motion

• Forces

• Energy

• Momentum

• Electricity

• Circuits

• Waves

• Optics

• Thermal Physics

• Matter

• Radioactivity

• Experimental data

• Units and dimensions

Physics questions often reward:

• Drawing a simple diagram

• Identifying the governing relationship

• Checking units

• Using proportional reasoning

• Considering limiting cases

• Estimating an answer

• Eliminating physically impossible options

Avoid starting every question by searching mentally for a memorised equation.

First identify what is happening physically.

Is ESAT a Knowledge Test or an Aptitude Test?

It is a mixture of both.

You need the mathematical or scientific knowledge listed in the specification.

However, knowing the content is not enough.

ESAT focuses on your ability to use familiar knowledge in unfamiliar situations. UAT-UK states that candidates should concentrate on the test format, question style and any specification gaps because the underlying content is generally drawn from school study.

A student who has memorised every formula but struggles to select the appropriate one may find the test difficult.

A successful candidate needs to combine:

• Secure core knowledge

• Flexible reasoning

• Efficient calculation

• Careful reading

• Time management

Are Calculators Allowed in ESAT?

No.

You cannot use a calculator or dictionary.

You should prepare to complete calculations using:

• Mental arithmetic

• Written working

• Estimation

• Algebraic simplification

• Fractions

• Ratios

• Standard form

• Exact values

• Proportional reasoning

Mathematics Skills to Practise Without a Calculator

Make sure you can work confidently with:

• Fraction arithmetic

• Percentage change

• Ratio division

• Powers and roots

• Scientific notation

• Rearranging formulae

• Cancelling factors

• Approximation

• Common trigonometric values

• Graph gradients

• Areas and volumes

• Unit conversions

The answer choices can often help.

You may not need an exact decimal if you can:

• Eliminate answers with the wrong sign

• Eliminate answers with impossible units

• Estimate the correct scale

• Compare the relative sizes

• Simplify the expression before calculating

Is There Negative Marking?

No.

You do not lose marks for incorrect answers. UAT-UK therefore advises candidates to attempt every question.

If time is running out:

1. Eliminate any clearly incorrect options.

2. Make the best available choice.

3. Submit an answer to every remaining question.

Leaving a question unanswered removes any chance of gaining the mark.

ESAT Dates for 2027 Entry

There are two test windows for the 2027 entry cycle.

October 2026 Sitting

Stage	Date
Accounts, bursaries and access-arrangement requests open	1 June 2026 at 3pm
Test booking opens	20 July 2026 at 3pm
Access-arrangement request deadline	14 September 2026 at 6pm
Bursary request deadline	21 September 2026 at 6pm
Test booking closes	28 September 2026 at 6pm
Test window	12 to 16 October 2026
Results released	16 November 2026

January 2027 Sitting

Stage	Date
Access-arrangement and bursary applications reopen	5 October 2026 at 3pm
Test booking opens	26 October 2026 at 3pm
Access-arrangement request deadline	7 December 2026 at 6pm
Bursary request deadline	14 December 2026 at 6pm
Test booking closes	21 December 2026 at 6pm
Test window	4 to 8 January 2027
Results released	8 February 2027

UAT-UK cannot accept bookings after the published deadlines.

Which ESAT Sitting Should You Take?

Cambridge Applicants

Most Cambridge applicants must use the October sitting.

The main exception is an eligible mature applicant applying through Cambridge’s January application route.

Oxford Applicants

Applicants to standard Oxford undergraduate courses must use the October sitting.

Eligible Oxford Astrophoria Foundation Year applicants can use either October or January.

Imperial Applicants

Imperial applicants can use either the October or January test window.

UCL Applicants

UCL applicants should follow the course and UAT-UK guidance. As UCL courses use the January UCAS deadline, applicants can use an available permitted ESAT sitting, subject to current course instructions.

Is One Sitting Easier?

No official advantage is attached to either sitting.

UAT-UK states that applicants to institutions other than Cambridge and Oxford may choose either window, but can sit the test only once during the admissions cycle.

Choose according to:

• Your university choices

• School examinations

• Preparation time

• Application deadlines

• Other admissions tests

• Availability at your preferred test centre

Can You Take ESAT in October and Retake It in January?

No.

Each UAT-UK test can be taken only once within the admissions cycle.

Attempting to register under another account or sit ESAT twice can be treated as misconduct.

How Much Does ESAT Cost?

For the 2027 entry cycle:

Test-centre location	ESAT fee
UK or Republic of Ireland	£78
Other countries	£133

The fee depends on the location of the test centre, not your nationality or home address.

This is the fee for the ESAT test, not a fee per module.

Is There an ESAT Bursary?

Yes.

UK candidates in financial need can apply for a bursary covering the full test cost.

You must apply through your UAT-UK account before booking. UAT-UK cannot apply a bursary retrospectively after you have paid.

Apply early because:

• Evidence may be required

• Review can take several working days

• You need approval before booking

• Test-centre appointments may become limited

How to Register for ESAT

Step 1: Create a UAT-UK Account

Create an account using accurate personal details.

Make sure your:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Contact details

match your identification and UCAS information.

UAT-UK sends registered candidates its Candidate Handbook, which explains booking and test-day procedures.

Step 2: Check Every Course

Before selecting modules, list every course for which you might apply.

Record:

• University

• Course

• Required test

• Required modules

• Required sitting

Do this before booking because you cannot change your module selection at the test centre.

Step 3: Apply for a Bursary or Access Arrangements

Complete these applications before selecting and booking the test.

UAT-UK states that it cannot:

• Add approved access arrangements to an existing booking

• Apply a bursary after a test has been paid for

Step 4: Select ESAT and Your Modules

Choose:

• Mathematics 1

• The additional modules required by your courses

Check the selection carefully.

For example, an applicant applying to both Oxford Engineering and Cambridge Engineering needs:

• Mathematics 1

• Mathematics 2

• Physics

One ESAT sitting can be used for both applications.

Step 5: Choose a Test Centre and Appointment

ESAT is delivered through Pearson’s international network of test centres.

Book early to improve your chances of finding:

• A nearby centre

• A convenient time

• An appropriate date

• An appointment reflecting your approved access arrangements

UAT-UK advises early booking because local availability can become limited.

Step 6: Add Your UCAS Personal ID

Add your UCAS Personal ID to your UAT-UK profile when available.

UAT-UK uses this and other personal data to match your ESAT result with relevant UCAS applications.

What If Your Courses Require Different Modules?

Check all your choices before booking.

Suppose you are considering:

• Cambridge Engineering, requiring Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics

• Oxford Biomedical Sciences, allowing Mathematics 1 and any two additional modules

You should select:

• Mathematics 1

• Mathematics 2

• Physics

This satisfies the compulsory Cambridge combination and is also permitted for Oxford Biomedical Sciences.

UAT-UK states that when one course allows a free module choice and another imposes a compulsory module, you should select the compulsory module.

Can You Take Four ESAT Modules?

Most candidates take three modules.

In limited situations, applicants whose different university choices create incompatible compulsory combinations may need permission to take four modules.

Do not book an extra module simply to increase your score or demonstrate broader knowledge.

Follow the UAT-UK process and contact it through your account where your combinations genuinely conflict.

How Is ESAT Scored?

You receive a separate score for each module.

Scores are reported:

• On a scale from 1.0 to 9.0

• To one decimal place

For example, your result could be:

Module	Score
Mathematics 1	6.3
Mathematics 2	5.8
Physics	6.7

There is no combined overall ESAT score published by UAT-UK.

Universities receive and interpret the individual module scores.

How Are Raw Marks Converted?

Your score is based on the number of correct responses, but it is not simply reported as a percentage.

UAT-UK analyses candidate responses using item-response modelling and equates different versions of the test to account for small differences in difficulty.

The resulting performance is reported on the common 1.0 to 9.0 scale.

Is There an ESAT Pass Mark?

No.

UAT-UK does not publish a universal pass mark or grade boundary.

Each university and course decides how to use ESAT results alongside the rest of the application.

What Is a Good ESAT Score?

There is no score that guarantees an interview or offer.

A “good” score depends on:

• Your chosen university

• Your chosen course

• The annual applicant cohort

• The module

• How the university weighs ESAT

• Your academic profile

• Contextual information

• Interview performance

• The number of available places

UAT-UK sets the reported scale so applicants can compare their performance with that of the wider test cohort. Its explanation of results is released alongside the scores.

Avoid relying on:

• Unofficial score converters

• Old PAT, ENGAA or NSAA thresholds

• Predicted social-media cut-offs

• Practice-test percentages presented as official scores

Practice tests do not provide a formal scaled score because annual scaling depends on the live candidate cohort.

How Do Universities Use ESAT Scores?

Universities decide how much weight to give ESAT.

They may use scores to:

• Select applicants for interview

• Compare applicants with similar grades

• Assess mathematical or scientific preparation

• Review individual modules

• Make final admissions decisions

• Consider applications alongside contextual data

UAT-UK automatically sends your result to participating institutions when your UCAS course requires ESAT. The result is matched course by course, so an institution should see it only where the selected course uses the test.

Does ESAT Guarantee an Interview?

No.

A strong score can improve your application, but universities may also consider:

• GCSE results

• Predicted or achieved grades

• Required subjects

• Personal statement answers

• Academic reference

• Contextual information

• Interviews

• Other selection information

Oxford states that admissions tests form one part of its wider assessment of academic potential and suitability.

Can a High ESAT Score Make Up for Lower Grades?

Possibly to a limited extent, depending on the university’s selection system.

It does not normally replace:

• Compulsory subjects

• Minimum grades

• English language requirements

• Required qualifications

For example, a strong Physics module score would not automatically replace a course requirement for A-level Mathematics.

Read Required Subjects Explained [Required Subjects Explained] and Can You Get Into University With Lower Grades? [Can You Get Into University With Lower Grades?].

When Are ESAT Results Released?

October 2026 results are scheduled for:

16 November 2026

January 2027 results are scheduled for:

8 February 2027

You receive the results through your UAT-UK account.

UAT-UK generally releases ESAT and TMUA results approximately four weeks after each test window.

Do You Send Your ESAT Score to Universities?

No manual score submission is normally required for participating courses.

UAT-UK and Pearson work with UCAS to match your result and send it automatically to institutions where your course requires ESAT.

Make sure your personal details are consistent across:

• UAT-UK

• Pearson booking

• Identification

• UCAS application

How Long Should You Prepare for ESAT?

A preparation period of around six to ten weeks may suit many applicants.

You may need longer when:

• You have specification gaps

• Some content has not yet been taught

• You are taking three demanding modules

• You are balancing other admissions tests

• Your school examinations are close to ESAT

• You need to rebuild non-calculator skills

The quality of preparation matters more than the number of weeks.

Read How to Prepare for an Admissions Test [How to Prepare for an Admissions Test] for a general preparation framework.

Eight-Week ESAT Preparation Plan

Week 1: Confirm Modules and Read the Specification

• Confirm the test requirement for every course.

• Select the correct modules.

• Read the official specification.

• Turn each module into a topic checklist.

• Complete a small set of specimen questions.

• Identify unfamiliar content.

• Create an error log.

Do not begin by completing several full tests.

First understand what can be assessed.

Week 2: Repair Knowledge Gaps

Revise the most important missing topics.

For each topic:

1. Review the principle.

2. Complete a standard school-level question.

3. Complete an ESAT-style application question.

4. Explain the correct method.

5. Record any mistake.

Focus on understanding rather than memorising answer patterns.

Week 3: Build Non-Calculator Fluency

Practise:

• Fractions

• Ratios

• Standard form

• Algebraic simplification

• Estimation

• Graphs

• Formula rearrangement

• Unit conversion

• Mental arithmetic

Complete short sets where the goal is to find the most efficient method.

Week 4: Practise Each Module Separately

Complete untimed and lightly timed sets for:

• Mathematics 1

• Module two

• Module three

Identify whether your problem is:

• Knowledge

• Method

• Interpretation

• Calculation

• Timing

Spend more preparation time on areas where improvement is possible.

Week 5: Introduce Full Module Timing

Complete individual 40-minute modules.

Practise:

• Starting promptly

• Monitoring time

• Flagging difficult questions

• Moving on

• Answering every question

• Maintaining accuracy

Review the entire module afterwards.

Week 6: Use Mixed and Historic Questions

Use the official ESAT archive.

UAT-UK provides selected historic:

• ENGAA papers

• NSAA papers

It marks questions that are outside the current ESAT specification, so follow the official annotations rather than treating every historic question as relevant.

Week 7: Complete a Full Three-Module Test

Complete three modules back to back under realistic conditions.

Use:

• 40 minutes per module

• No calculator

• No dictionary

• No break between modules

• The Pearson practice interface where possible

Then review:

• Accuracy by module

• Timing by module

• Questions left unanswered

• Repeated error types

• Whether fatigue affected the third module

Week 8: Consolidate

In the final week:

• Revisit recurring errors.

• Complete short timed sets.

• Review important equations and principles.

• Practise non-calculator methods.

• Confirm your test centre.

• Prepare valid identification.

• Read the Candidate Handbook.

• Protect your sleep.

Avoid completing exhausting full tests immediately before the real assessment.

Official ESAT Preparation Resources

UAT-UK provides:

• ESAT specification

• ESAT Guide

• Specimen tests

• Practice tests

• Explained answers

• Historic ENGAA questions

• Historic NSAA questions

• Pearson test-player practice

The specimen tests contain explanations, while practice tests are intended to be completed under timed conditions.

The Pearson practice software reflects the navigation and accessibility features used at the test centre. UAT-UK recommends using a desktop rather than a mobile device.

Do You Need Paid ESAT Coaching?

No.

UAT-UK states that all necessary preparation information and materials are available free of charge. It does not endorse private coaching companies and cannot verify the accuracy of their advice.

A commercial course may provide:

• Extra structure

• Additional questions

• Tutor feedback

• Progress tracking

• Accountability

Before paying, check whether it:

• Uses the current ESAT format

• Reflects your exact modules

• Follows the official specification

• Uses no-calculator methods

• Provides accurate explanations

• Avoids unrealistic guarantees

Be cautious of any service claiming to offer:

• Leaked questions

• Live-test content

• Guaranteed scores

• Guaranteed interviews

• Secret module predictions

Sharing or seeking live test content breaches UAT-UK security rules.

Mathematics 1 Preparation Strategy

Build Fast Core Skills

You should be able to complete basic operations without hesitating.

Practise:

• Rearranging equations

• Simplifying fractions

• Working with proportional relationships

• Interpreting graphs

• Estimating values

• Recognising common geometric relationships

Translate Words Into Mathematics

For each question:

1. Identify the unknown.

2. Define the relevant quantities.

3. Write the relationship.

4. Remove unnecessary information.

5. Check whether the answer choices allow a shortcut.

Use the Options

Multiple-choice options can help you:

• Substitute possible values

• Eliminate negative or impossible results

• Compare orders of magnitude

• Test boundary cases

• Identify the correct units

Do not automatically complete a long algebraic derivation when testing the options would be faster.

Mathematics 2 Preparation Strategy

Strengthen Algebra

Many difficult mathematical problems become easier after careful algebraic simplification.

Practise:

• Factorising

• Expanding

• Rearranging

• Substitution

• Solving simultaneous relationships

• Recognising equivalent expressions

Understand Graphs and Functions

Be comfortable interpreting:

• Intercepts

• Gradients

• Turning points

• Transformations

• Increasing and decreasing behaviour

• Areas under curves where specified

• Relationships between a function and its derivative where specified

Avoid Brute Force

Before calculating, ask:

• Is there symmetry?

• Can I use a special value?

• Can I eliminate options?

• Is there a proportional relationship?

• Can the expression be factorised?

• Does the sign determine the answer?

Biology Preparation Strategy

Link Knowledge to Evidence

Biology questions may present unfamiliar organisms, experiments or processes.

Focus on the transferable principle.

For example:

• Enzyme activity

• Diffusion

• Genetic inheritance

• Negative feedback

• Selection

• Energy transfer

Analyse Experiments

Practise identifying:

• Independent variable

• Dependent variable

• Control variable

• Control group

• Source of error

• Appropriate conclusion

• Limitation

• Further investigation

Read Graphs Carefully

Check:

• Axis labels

• Units

• Scale

• Error bars

• Whether data are continuous

• Whether the graph shows correlation or causation

Chemistry Preparation Strategy

Practise Quantitative Chemistry Without a Calculator

Work on:

• Moles

• Formula masses

• Concentration

• Gas relationships

• Reacting ratios

• Percentage yield

• Atom economy where included

• Dilution

• Balancing equations

Simplify numbers before multiplying or dividing.

Apply Structure and Bonding

Be ready to connect:

• Bonding

• Structure

• Physical properties

• Reactivity

• Periodic trends

Follow the Evidence

If a question provides unfamiliar chemical information, use it.

Do not reject a valid conclusion simply because you have not seen the substance before.

Physics Preparation Strategy

Draw a Diagram

A simple diagram can reveal:

• Forces

• Direction

• Distances

• Angles

• Circuit structure

• Ray paths

• Energy changes

Check Units

Units can identify the correct:

• Formula

• Conversion

• Answer option

• Order of magnitude

Use Proportional Reasoning

Instead of calculating every value, ask:

• If this doubles, what happens to the outcome?

• Is the relationship linear?

• Is it inverse?

• Does the variable appear squared?

• Which quantities remain constant?

Test Physical Reasonableness

Ask whether the answer:

• Has the correct sign

• Has sensible units

• Is too large or too small

• Obeys conservation principles

• Matches the expected direction of change

ESAT Time Management

With 27 questions in 40 minutes, you have an average of approximately:

1 minute and 29 seconds per question.

Some questions will take much less time. Others will take longer.

Do not attempt to spend exactly the same amount of time on every question.

Suggested Checkpoints

Time used	Approximate progress
10 minutes	Questions 1 to 7
20 minutes	Questions 8 to 14
30 minutes	Questions 15 to 21
Final 10 minutes	Complete remaining questions and review

Adjust this based on your own practice.

The purpose is to notice a serious timing problem before the module ends.

When to Move On

Move on when:

• You do not know how to begin

• Your method has become very long

• You have repeated the same calculation

• You are choosing between two answers without progress

• The question is consuming time needed for easier marks

Select a provisional answer, flag it if possible and return later.

Access Arrangements

UAT-UK offers access arrangements for candidates with disabilities, illnesses or learning differences.

Requests must be supported by suitable evidence explaining:

• The condition

• Its effect on testing

• Why the requested arrangement is appropriate

Possible arrangements may include:

• Extra time

• Pause-the-clock rest breaks

• Separate room

• Reader

• Recorder

• Approved medical items

• Accessibility adjustments

Apply Before Booking

You must request access arrangements before booking your test.

UAT-UK cannot add adjustments to an existing appointment.

Applications can take up to ten working days to review, so do not wait until the deadline.

Evidence From School or College

If you are currently in education, you may need a school or college letter confirming your normal way of working in public examinations.

The letter should clearly state relevant arrangements, such as:

• Percentage of extra time

• Rest breaks

• Separate-room entitlement

• One-to-one invigilation

School examination arrangements do not transfer automatically. You must complete the UAT-UK process.

International ESAT Applicants

ESAT is delivered through Pearson test centres internationally.

Candidates outside the UK and Republic of Ireland pay the international test fee of £133.

Book early because test-centre availability may vary by country.

China, Hong Kong and Macau

For security reasons, ESAT is available on restricted dates in these locations.

For the 2027 cycle, the available ESAT dates are:

• 12 or 13 October 2026

• 6 January 2027

Oxford and Cambridge candidates must still follow the rules requiring the October sitting unless a stated exception applies.

What Happens on ESAT Test Day?

ESAT is taken at a Pearson test centre.

UAT-UK recommends arriving approximately 30 minutes before your appointment. Candidates who arrive more than 15 minutes late may be refused entry and lose their fee.

What You Need

Bring:

• Original, valid photographic identification

• Appointment confirmation

Your booking name must match your identification exactly.

If it does not, you may be refused permission to test.

Accepted Identification

Accepted identification can include:

• Passport

• Photocard driving licence, where permitted

• Approved government-issued identification

The exact rules depend on the test-centre country.

UK candidates without standard identification may be able to request an exemption through their UAT-UK account.

Personal Items

You cannot take personal items into the testing room, including:

• Phone

• Watch

• Notes

• Books

• Bag

• Wallet

• Food

• Drink

Food and water require prior approval where medically necessary.

Rough Work

The test centre provides:

• An erasable notebook

• A pen

Check that the pen works before the test begins. Additional sheets can be requested from the invigilator.

Breaks

There are no scheduled breaks between modules.

If you leave the room without approved pause-the-clock breaks, your test time continues.

Prepare by completing full modules back to back before test day.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Report any technical, environmental or health problem immediately to the test-centre staff.

Ask for an incident reference number before leaving.

UAT-UK states that incidents should be reported at the centre or within 24 hours, with any request for investigation sent to Pearson within the relevant follow-up period.

Do not wait several days and then report:

• Computer failure

• Excessive noise

• Fire alarm

• Illness during the test

• A problem with approved adjustments

What If You Are Ill Before the Test?

Use the relevant UAT-UK process before sitting.

If you choose to continue without reporting a serious issue, you are normally declaring yourself fit to test. UAT-UK may not act on circumstances reported only after the test.

Where permitted, rescheduling may be preferable to sitting while seriously unwell.

Common ESAT Mistakes

Booking the Wrong Modules

Module requirements are course-specific and cannot be changed at the test centre.

Assuming Every Candidate Takes Mathematics 2

Mathematics 1 is compulsory for everyone. Mathematics 2 depends on the course.

Using Outdated PAT, ENGAA or NSAA Guidance

Historic papers can be helpful, but the current ESAT specification and booking rules take priority.

Using a Calculator During Practice

Calculators are not allowed in the live test.

Revising Only Facts

ESAT requires application and problem-solving.

Ignoring Mathematics 1

Every candidate takes it, including Biology-focused applicants.

Completing Full Tests Too Early

Learn the content and question types before using limited official practice tests.

Not Reviewing Mistakes

Practice volume alone does not create improvement.

Leaving Questions Blank

There is no negative marking.

Spending Too Long on One Problem

One difficult question can cost time needed for several easier marks.

Applying for a Bursary After Paying

UAT-UK cannot reimburse a test booked before bursary approval.

Booking Before Access Arrangements Are Approved

Adjustments cannot be added to an existing booking.

Assuming January Is a Retake Opportunity

You can sit ESAT only once during the admissions cycle.

Arriving Without Valid Identification

You may be refused entry and lose the test fee.

Sharing Live Questions

Discussing or distributing secure test content can be treated as misconduct.

ESAT Registration Checklist

•  I have checked every university course.

•  I know whether ESAT is compulsory.

•  I know which sitting I must use.

•  I know my required modules.

•  I have checked for conflicting module combinations.

•  I have created a UAT-UK account.

•  My personal details match my identification.

•  I have applied for a bursary where eligible.

•  I have applied for access arrangements.

•  My bursary or arrangements were approved before booking.

•  I have booked a test centre and appointment.

•  I have saved the confirmation.

•  I have added my UCAS Personal ID.

ESAT Preparation Checklist

•  I have read the official specification.

•  I have downloaded the ESAT Guide.

•  I have made a topic checklist for every module.

•  I have identified knowledge gaps.

•  I practise without a calculator.

•  I am confident with fractions and ratios.

•  I can rearrange equations efficiently.

•  I use estimation and elimination.

•  I understand every major question type.

•  I keep an error log.

•  I complete individual timed modules.

•  I have practised three modules back to back.

•  I use the Pearson test interface.

•  I attempt every question.

•  I know when to move on.

•  I have reviewed relevant historic questions.

•  I have avoided questions outside the current specification.

•  I am protecting time for my school qualifications.

ESAT Test-Day Checklist

•  Correct test date and time

•  Correct test-centre address

•  Travel route planned

•  Arrival planned for 30 minutes early

•  Valid original photographic identification

•  Name matches the booking

•  Appointment confirmation

•  Access arrangements shown correctly

•  Test rules read

•  Incident-reporting process understood

•  Strategy for each module

•  Timing checkpoints

•  Plan for difficult questions

Frequently Asked Questions About ESAT

What Does ESAT Stand For?

ESAT stands for Engineering and Science Admissions Test.

Which Universities Use ESAT?

For 2027 entry, selected courses at Cambridge, Imperial College London, Oxford and UCL use ESAT.

Which Cambridge Courses Require ESAT?

Cambridge requires it for:

• Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

• Engineering

• Natural Sciences

• Veterinary Medicine

Which Oxford Courses Require ESAT?

Oxford requires it for:

• Biomedical Sciences

• Engineering Science

• Physics

• Physics and Philosophy

Which Imperial Courses Require ESAT?

Imperial requires it for courses within:

• Aeronautics

• Chemical Engineering

• Civil and Environmental Engineering

• Design Engineering

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• Life Sciences

• Mechanical Engineering

• Physics

Which UCL Courses Require ESAT?

For 2027 entry, UCL requires it for Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng and MEng.

How Long Is ESAT?

Each module lasts 40 minutes.

Most candidates take three modules, giving a total test time of 120 minutes.

How Many Questions Are in ESAT?

Each module contains 27 multiple-choice questions.

A three-module test contains 81 questions.

Does Everyone Take Mathematics 1?

Yes.

Mathematics 1 is compulsory for all ESAT candidates.

Does Everyone Take Mathematics 2?

No.

Mathematics 2 is required only for particular courses.

Can You Choose Your ESAT Modules?

It depends on the course.

Some courses specify every module. Others require Mathematics 1 and allow you to choose two additional modules.

Can You Change Modules on Test Day?

No.

You must book the correct modules in advance.

Are Calculators Allowed?

No.

Calculators and dictionaries are not allowed.

Is There Negative Marking?

No.

You do not lose marks for an incorrect answer.

Should You Guess?

Yes, where you cannot complete the question.

Use elimination where possible and enter an answer because there is no negative marking.

How Is ESAT Scored?

Each module receives a separate scaled score from 1.0 to 9.0, reported to one decimal place.

Is There a Pass Mark?

No.

Universities decide how to use the scores within their selection processes.

What Is a Good ESAT Score?

There is no universal good score.

Your competitiveness depends on the course, annual cohort and the rest of your application.

When Do ESAT Results Come Out?

October 2026 results are scheduled for 16 November 2026.

January 2027 results are scheduled for 8 February 2027.

Do Universities Receive Your Score Automatically?

Yes, for participating courses listed on your UCAS application that require ESAT.

Do You Add ESAT to Your UCAS Application?

You should add your UCAS Personal ID to your UAT-UK profile, but you do not normally enter or send the result manually.

Can You Take ESAT Twice?

No.

You may take it only once during the 2027 admissions cycle.

Can You Take ESAT and TMUA?

Yes, if different courses require both tests.

You need to register and pay for each test separately unless a bursary applies.

Can You Take Four ESAT Modules?

Only in limited situations where your university choices impose genuinely conflicting compulsory combinations.

Follow UAT-UK guidance rather than booking extra modules unnecessarily.

Is ESAT Harder Than A Levels?

ESAT draws on school-level Mathematics and Science but applies the knowledge through unfamiliar, tightly timed questions.

It is designed to differentiate between academically strong applicants. UAT-UK warns that candidates should not expect the same percentages they achieve in normal school examinations.

When Should You Start Preparing?

Six to ten weeks of structured preparation may suit many candidates.

Start earlier if you have significant specification gaps or several admissions tests.

Are Old ENGAA Papers Useful?

Yes, when used through the official UAT-UK archive.

UAT-UK marks questions that fall outside the current ESAT specification.

Are Old NSAA Papers Useful?

Yes, but only the relevant questions identified by UAT-UK should guide current preparation.

Are Old PAT Papers Useful for Oxford Applicants?

Some individual problems may help develop Physics and Mathematics problem-solving, but the current ESAT specification and official preparation resources should be your priority.

PAT is not the test that 2027 Oxford Physics and Engineering applicants register to take.

Do You Need Paid Coaching?

No.

UAT-UK provides the necessary preparation materials free of charge and does not endorse commercial preparation providers.

Can You Get Extra Time?

Possibly.

You must request access arrangements, provide suitable evidence and receive approval before booking.

Is There an ESAT Bursary?

Yes.

Eligible UK applicants can receive a bursary covering the full test fee. Apply before booking.

Can International Students Take ESAT?

Yes.

The test is delivered at international Pearson test centres. The fee outside the UK and Republic of Ireland is £133.

Can You Take ESAT at Home?

ESAT is normally taken in person at a Pearson test centre.

Follow UAT-UK guidance if exceptional circumstances affect access to a centre.

What Happens If You Miss the Booking Deadline?

UAT-UK does not accept late bookings.

If ESAT is compulsory, failing to book may make your university application invalid.

What If You Are Ill on Test Day?

Follow the special-consideration and rescheduling process before sitting where possible.

Once you begin without reporting the issue, you are normally declaring yourself fit to test.

Does a High ESAT Score Guarantee an Offer?

No.

Universities assess ESAT alongside grades, subjects and other application information.

Does ESAT Replace an Interview?

No.

Some universities use ESAT to help shortlist applicants and then use an interview as a separate part of selection.

Final Thoughts on ESAT

ESAT is demanding, but it is also highly preparation-friendly.

You do not need secret methods or expensive coaching.

You need to:

1. Confirm your exact modules.

2. Read the current specification.

3. Repair genuine knowledge gaps.

4. Practise without a calculator.

5. Apply familiar ideas to unfamiliar problems.

6. Introduce timing gradually.

7. Review every mistake.

8. Use official UAT-UK materials.

9. Attempt every question.

10. Arrive with the correct identification and booking details.

The most dangerous ESAT mistake happens before the test even begins: registering for the wrong modules or missing the booking deadline.

Check every course first.

Once your registration is correct, focus on accurate reasoning and efficient problem-solving.

The test is designed to challenge students with excellent school grades. Finding questions difficult does not mean that your preparation has failed.

Stay calm, collect the accessible marks and avoid allowing one difficult problem to consume the time available for the rest of the module.