Understanding Admissions Tests for Undergraduate Entry at Imperial College London

If you are planning to apply for undergraduate study at Imperial College London, it is important to be aware that while there is no single university-wide admissions test, many departments require applicants to sit one of several specific tests.

This post will walk you through the admissions tests that may apply, explain how they are used and give practical tips to prepare.

What are the Admissions Tests and Why They Matter

Imperial uses admissions tests to fairly assess applicants’ potential beyond grades alone. These tests help the university evaluate skills such as reasoning, subject-knowledge and problem-solving.

Which test you need depends on the course you apply for. Some departments require one or more of the following:

Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)
Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA)
University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)

It is critical that you check the specific course page on Imperial’s website to see which, if any, test(s) you must take.

ESAT – Engineering and Science Admissions Test

For many of the engineering and science-based departments at Imperial, the ESAT is required.

Key details:

Applicants to departments including Aeronautics, Chemical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics and the Dyson School of Design Engineering must sit ESAT.
The test is computer-based and delivered by UAT-UK.
There are two sittings for ESAT for the 2026 entry cycle:
Sitting 1: 9-10 October 2025 (booking from 31 July to 29 September)
Sitting 2: 6-7 January 2026 (booking from 27 October to 19 December)
Modules required: Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2; and for most departments either Chemistry or Physics. For the Dyson School only the two Maths modules are required.

Tips for ESAT preparation:

Revise mathematics (especially problem-solving) and relevant science depending on your course (either chemistry or physics).
Familiarise yourself with the question format and timing.
Book early and ensure you meet deadlines for your chosen sitting.

TMUA – Test of Mathematics for University Admissions

The TMUA is required for certain mathematics, computing or data science courses at Imperial.

Key details:

It assesses mathematical thinking and reasoning rather than pure subject knowledge.
Used for departments such as the Department of Mathematics, Department of Computing (including joint Mathematics & Computer Science), and the BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science in the Business School.
Similar to ESAT, TMUA has two sittings (October & January) and is computer-based.

Tips for TMUA preparation:

Focus on reasoning, logical thinking and how to apply mathematics in unfamiliar contexts.
Practice under timed conditions as the test is intense and requires concentration.

UCAT – University Clinical Aptitude Test

For many medical courses, including standard entry medicine at Imperial, the UCAT is used.

Key points:

This test is an aptitude test covering verbal reasoning, decision-making, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning and situational judgement (in the UK version).
You must register and sit UCAT at approved test centres before applying (check Imperial’s website for the entry cycle you’re applying for).
It is particularly relevant for medicine and related health-care programmes.

Tips for UCAT preparation:

Develop speed and accuracy—questions are time-pressured.
Practice all sections of the test; do not neglect situational judgement questions.
Consider using official practice material and full-timed mock tests.

GAMSAT – Graduate Medical School Admissions Test

If you are applying for a graduate-entry medicine programme at Imperial, you may be required to sit the GAMSAT instead of (or as well as) UCAT.

Key details:

GAMSAT assesses critical thinking, problem-solving and written communication.
It may involve multiple sessions over one day, and expects a broader level of ability than purely school science.
Specific test dates and registration deadlines vary and you should consult the GAMSAT website and Imperial’s course page.

Tips for GAMSAT preparation:

Prepare for a wider range of content than standard school science.
Work on essay writing and critical reading, since one component is written communication.
Understand the test structure well and practise under realistic conditions.

Final Thoughts

Understanding which test applies to your course at Imperial—and preparing early—can give you a significant advantage. To summarise:

Check your chosen course page on Imperial’s website to see if an admissions test is required.
Register for the correct test(s) in time and meet booking deadlines.
Allocate ample time for preparation: practice under timed conditions and focus on areas of weakness.
Treat the test as one key component of your application (alongside your personal statement, reference and qualifications).

If you start early and stay organised, you can approach the admissions test with confidence and increase your chances of success at Imperial.

References

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