Common
Questions

The Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) is a two-and-a-half-hour, multiple-choice admissions test used by a number of leading UK universities — including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, Warwick, Durham, and UCL — as part of their selection process for Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, and related courses. It consists of two papers: Paper 1 tests the application of mathematical knowledge, and Paper 2 assesses mathematical reasoning and proof. Grades run from 1.0 to 9.0. Oxford now uses the TMUA under new guidance, having moved away from its previous MAT. Crucially, the TMUA is not a knowledge test — it tests how you think mathematically, and involves a lot of exam technique.

This is one of the most important things to understand, and one of the most common sources of underperformance. A-Level Maths rewards structured, method-driven solutions — you learn the technique, apply it, and get the marks. TMUA rewards something different: the ability to reason quickly under pressure about unfamiliar mathematical situations, often with no obvious method to reach for. Students who are excellent at A-Level frequently find TMUA harder than expected, because the instincts A-Level builds — find the right formula, work through the steps — can actively work against you. Developing the right kind of thinking is exactly what my preparation method is designed to do.

TMUA scores above 6.5 are considered strong, and scores above 7.0 are competitive for top universities including Oxford and Cambridge. For context, the median score across all candidates is around 4.0, and fewer than 1 in 10 candidates score above 7.0. I scored 8.5. What's realistic for you depends on your starting point and the work you put in — but structured preparation consistently makes a significant difference. The students who perform below expectations are almost always those who prepared using A-Level instincts alone, without understanding what the test actually demands. That's precisely the gap I work to close.

No. Oxford has transitioned to the TMUA under new guidance and no longer uses the MAT (Mathematical Admissions Test) as its standard admissions assessment. I scored very strongly in both — achieving 77 on the MAT and 8.5 on the TMUA — providing a deep understanding of both tests and with the transition Oxford has made. For the 2026 cycle and beyond, the TMUA is the relevant test for Oxford Mathematics applicants.

Yes. Cambridge now requires all Mathematics applicants to sit the TMUA, so it is the admissions test for both Oxford and Cambridge Mathematics. Note that Cambridge applicants must sit the TMUA in October; other universities also accept the January sitting. STEP hasn't gone away, though: you don't take it before applying, but Cambridge offers usually include a STEP condition — typically at least a grade 1 in STEP 2 or STEP 3. The problem-solving skills we build for the TMUA carry straight over into STEP preparation.

The earlier the better, within reason. For the October sitting, I'd recommend beginning structured preparation in June or May at the latest — that gives enough time to progress through all five stages of the method properly rather than rushing the final phases. Starting in the summer term also means you can build momentum gradually rather than cramming in August. If you're coming to me later than that, it's still very much worth it — but we'd prioritise differently. Get in touch and I can advise on a realistic plan for your timeline.

This depends on your starting point, your target university, and how much independent study you're putting in alongside sessions. As a rough guide: a student starting from a solid A-Level base would typically benefit from at least 5–10 hours of one-to-one TMUA tutoring, combined with significant independent practice between sessions. Students with less secure foundations, those targeting the very top scores, or students also seeking Oxford/Cambridge interview preparation may benefit from more. The first introductory session is designed specifically to help work this out — I'll get a sense of where you are and give you an honest assessment of what's needed.

Sessions are conducted online via video call and are fully interactive — this isn't passive instruction. Depending on where we are in the programme, a session might involve working together to help you understand key TMUA-specific content, discussing tailored problem sheets, or reviewing mock tests done outside of lessons via the TMUA paper simulator. Every session is planned around your individual progress and what will move the needle most at that point in your preparation.

Yes — interview coaching is one of my two core specialisms. Oxford and Cambridge mathematics interviews are a distinct challenge from any written test: you're expected to think out loud through unseen problems, engage with a tutor who is pushing back on your reasoning, and demonstrate mathematical curiosity under pressure. This is something you can prepare for effectively. My interview coaching includes full mock interviews conducted in a realistic format, followed by detailed written feedback and specific, structured guidance on what to develop before your next session. The mock interviews I offer are flexible and can be adjusted to fit any mathematical discipline, including Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics.

Large agencies offer structure and resources, but you're often matched with one tutor from a pool with variable experience of the specific test. The relationship is mediated by account managers and portals, and fees are often lacking in transparency, with agency overheads leading to tutoring that is below the quality you are paying for. With me, you'll experience clear and transparent rates, quality tutoring that has not been priced up by management companies, and you'll constantly receieve my full attention. I take on a limited number of clients alongside my degree, so every tutee receives genuinely focused preparation rather than a scaled programme handed out to everybody. The free 30 minute consultation lets you judge for yourself whether I am the right fit for you before committing.

Yes — all sessions are online, so location is no barrier whatsoever. I'm happy to work with students anywhere in the world. The TMUA is sat at Pearson VUE test centres globally, so international students applying to UK universities are very much part of the candidate pool. We'd simply agree on session times that work across time zones. Get in touch and we can discuss logistics.

Simply email me at ned.broderick@btinternet.com with a brief note about the sort of help you would be looking for. I'll respond to arrange a 30-minute video call at a time that suits you, and we can discuss the process there in a lot more detail. There's no obligation — it's a chance to meet, talk through what you need, and work out whether we're a good fit before any commitment is made.