TMUA specification: what is on the test

Where to find it

UAT-UK publishes the TMUA Content Specification as a PDF on its website. Read the specification itself rather than a summary, because it is the only authoritative list of what can be examined. We link to it in the sources below.

What level of maths it assumes

UAT-UK describes the test as using content typically taught in Higher level GCSE mathematics or AS level mathematics. You do not need to have studied Further Mathematics. The difficulty comes from applying familiar ideas in unfamiliar situations, with no calculator.

How the two papers differ

• Paper 1, applications of mathematical knowledge: 20 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes.
• Paper 2, mathematical reasoning: 20 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes, covering reasoning and simple ideas from elementary logic.
• Together that is 2 hours 30 minutes. There is no calculator and no negative marking.

How to turn the specification into a revision plan

Our <a href="/tmua/topics/">topic pages</a> and the <a href="/tmua/practice-questions/">free practice questions</a> are a quick way to test each area.

• Go through each item in the specification and mark it green, amber or red for how confident you feel.
• Spend the first weeks on the red items, using short sets of questions rather than long papers.
• Read UAT-UK's Notes on Logic and Proof before you start Paper 2 practice.
• Move to timed full papers in the last few weeks.