Admissions Tests

Institutions' Own Tests

These tests have normally been devised by the institutions themselves, but some have been devised by test bodies working with HEIs for specific course/programme tests.

Please note that the majority of these tests have been in use for a number of years, but are all brought together here in one place to provide a useful overview of the overall position relating to admissions testing in the UK. Most of these tests are taken at the same time as interview. The tests included here do not include portfolio presentations, auditions, performance, or manual dexterity tests.

SPA's admissions tests information is derived from a number of sources. These are the test bodies own websites, information as declared by HEIs on UCAS Course Search for 2012 entry (and deferred entry for 2013) plus information taken directly from HEIs and their literature/websites. Details of institutions’ own tests have been taken from the UCAS Course Search declarations. Wherever possible we have provided a link to the HEI's website where there is specific information about the test. If we were unable to find such a link we have used the statement about the test which appears on UCAS Course Search. If we were unable to locate a link to the test information and there was no statement on UCAS Course Search we have provided a link to the relevant course page on the HEI’s website.

We are very keen to hear from any HEIs where test information has recently been added to your website and you would like this to be reflected on the SPA website. Please contact Annie Doyle, SPA Senior Project Officer at a.doyle@spa.ac.uk.

Tests listed by Institution
Tests listed by Course

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Test information by Institution

Anglia Ruskin University
Bedford College
University of Bedfordshire
Birkbeck College - University of London
The University of Birmingham
Bournemouth University
Bradford College: An Associate College of Leeds Metropolitan University
British School of Osteopathy
Brunel University London
University of Cambridge
Cardiff University
City University London
De Montfort University
University of Glamorgan, Cardiff and Pontypridd
Glasgow Caledonian University
The University of Gloucestershire
Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education
University of Hertfordshire
Highbury College
Hull College
The University of Hull
University of Kent
Kingston University
Kirklees College
Lancaster University
Liverpool Community College
Liverpool John Moores University
London Electronics College
London Metropolitan University
London South Bank University
The Manchester Metropolitan University
New College Durham
North East Worcestershire College
Nottingham Trent University
University of Oxford
Ravensbourne
St Helen's College
South Essex College
Stockport College
University Campus Suffolk
Swansea Metropolitan College
University of Ulster
University of the West of Scotland
Wakefield College
University of Westminster
The University of York
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Anglia Ruskin University
Primary Education with Modern Foreign Languages (Initial Teacher Training)
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Bedford College
Business - applicants may be required to undertake a basic skills literacy test
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University of Bedfordshire
Midwifery
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Birkbeck College, University of London
English
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The University of Birmingham
Social Work
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Bournemouth University
Computer Animation Arts - applicants will be expected to sit a maths, logic and life drawing test
Computer Visualisation and Animation - at interview, applicants will be given maths, logic and art tests
Scriptwriting for Film and Television - selected applicants will be asked to submit a 10 - 15 page short script based on a theme chosen by the University
Software Development for Animation Games and Effects - applicants will be required to take a maths and logic test
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Bradford College: An Associate College of Leeds Metropolitan University
Engineering - institution own test
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British School of Osteopathy
Osteopathy - an evaluation day takes place, with practical assessments, a written test and interview
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Brunel University
Journalism - written test to examine applicants’ communication skills and interest in journalism is incorporated into the Open Day
For applicants applying to Music courses at Brunel University there is an admissions test for those who do not hold formal music qualifications
English and Music
Film & Television Studies and Music
Games Design and Music
Music
Musical Composition
Musical Performance
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University of Cambridge
Applicants for the following courses may be asked to take an admissions test and/or to submit an essay produced in school or college depending on the policy of the College considering their application. Details of each College's requirements can be found by using the links below:

Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic
Archaeology & Anthropology
Architecture
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Classics
Computer Science
Economics
Education
Engineering
English
Geography
History
History of Art
Land Economy
Law
Linguistics
Modern and Medieval Languages
Music
Natural Sciences
Philosophy
Politics, Psychology & Sociology
Theology & Religious Studies
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City University London
Nursing - Adult
Nursing - Child
Nursing - Mental Health
Midwifery - institution own test
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De Montfort University
Journalism
Pharmacy (4 years)
Social Work (Leicester)
Youth and Community Development
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University of Glamorgan, Cardiff and Pontypridd
Journalism - 25 minute written paper comprising of a test of knowledge on recent events, a proof reading exercise and a brief written piece as to why the applicant wishes to gain a place on the course
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Glasgow Caledonian University
Multimedia Journalism
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The University of Gloucestershire
Primary Education: 3-7 Foundation/Key Stage 1 - tests of maths and english will be required
Primary Education: 5-11 Key Stage1/Key Stage 2 - tests of maths and english will be required
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Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education
Applied Computing with Multimedia Technologies - institution own test
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University of Hertfordshire
Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging - institution own test
Nursing - Children's - institution own test
Social Work - institution own test
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Highbury College
Computer Networking - diagnostic testing in communication and numeracy skills may be required
Software Engineering - diagnostic testing in communication and numeracy skills may be required
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Hull College
Acting (BA Hons) - applicants may be required to submit a short essay following interview
Acting (Foundation Degree) - applicants may be required to submit a short essay following interview
Biomedical and Applied Sciences (Foundation Degree) - ESOL test for overseas candidates
Community Performance - applicants may be required to submit a short essay following interview
Computing Top Up - initial assessment in maths, english and ICT
Crime and Community Safety
Criminology with Applied Social Science - ESOL test for overseas candidates
Dance - applicants may be required to submit a short essay following interview
Music Performance (BA Hons) - induction tests may be required for communications and music theory
Music Performance (Foundation Degree) - induction tests may be required for communications and music theory
Music Production (BA Hons) - induction tests may be required for communications and music theory
Music Production (Foundation Degree) - induction tests may be required for communications and music theory
Musical Theatre - applicants may be required to submit a short essay following interview
Retail Store Management - initial assessment for literacy, numeracy and ICT
Sports Studies - ESOL test for overseas candidates
Stage Management and Technical Theatre (BA Hons Top-up) - applicants may be required to submit a short essay following interview
Stage Management and Technical Theatre (Foundation Degree) - applicants may be required to submit a short essay following interview
Travel and Tourism Management - ESOL test for overseas candidates
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The University of Hull
Social Work including professional qualification
Social Work (Postgraduate)
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The University of Kent
Journalism and the News Industry - a compulsory test of applicants’ written English set by the department must be passed
Politics and International Relations with a year in China or Hong Kong - an assessed essay on a subject specified by the School of Politics & International Relations is required
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Kingston University
Aircraft Engineering - one hour test covering mathematics and physics-based questions
Aircraft Engineering (Norwich) - June intake - one hour test covering mathematics and physics-based questions
Nursing - Registered - essay question and numeracy test
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Kirklees College
Animal Management - mature applicants without formal qualifications will be asked to complete a screening test
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Lancaster University
Accounting Auditing and Finance - any offer for the course will only be made after successful attendance at an assessment centre organised by Ernst & Young, in collaboration with the University
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Liverpool Community College
Music and Audio Production - applicants write a short essay based on a set question which changes every year
Performing Arts (Drama) - the admissions test involves a learned monologue no longer than 2 minutes. In addition, there is a 5 minute presentation on one of three topics concerning important aspects of theatre. The interview comprises of three questions around interest in the course, influences, strengths and limitations, applicants must also bring an example of written work
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Liverpool John Moores University
For all courses listed below, mature applicants and those applying with less familiar qualifications may occasionally be asked to take a maths diagnostic check.

Automotive Engineering (BEng 3 years or 4 year sandwich)
Automotive Engineering (MEng 4 years or 5 year sandwich)
Electrical and Electronic Engineering (BEng 3 years or 4 year sandwich)
Electrical and Electronic Engineering (MEng 4 years or 5 year sandwich)
Mechanical and Marine Engineering (BEng 3 years or 4 year sandwich)
Mechanical and Marine Engineering (MEng 4 years or 5 year sandwich)
Mechanical Engineering (BEng 3 years or 4 year sandwich)
Mechanical Engineering (MEng 4 years or 5 year sandwich)
Pharmacy
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London Electronics College
Computing(HNC/HND) - institution own test
Electronic Engineering (HND/HNC) - institution own test
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London Metropolitan University
Music Education - performance, aural ability, musical understanding and written English
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London South Bank University
For all courses listed below, applicants are required to be successful in numeracy and literacy assessment at interview. This assessment is benchmarked at Adult Literacy and Numeracy Level 2. Applicants are offered support through a sample numeracy and literacy paper which is included in the interview invitation letter. Applicants may also attend scheduled numeracy support sessions prior to interview. In preparation for an interview at LSBU it is very important that applicants visit the Faculty of Health and Social Care Interviews web page.
If applicants attend without the appropriate original documents and copies LSBU may not be able to interview you.

Diagnostic Radiography- institution own test
Learning Disability Nursing and Social Work
Midwifery Practice
Nursing - Adult (DipHE Graduate Entry 2 years)
Nursing - Adult (Advanced Diploma 3 years)
Nursing - Adult Health (BSc Hons)
Nursing - Children's (DipHE Graduate Entry 2 years)
Nursing - Mental Health - institution own test
Nursing - Mental Health (DipHE Graduate Entry 2 years)
Nursing - Children's (Advanced Diploma 3 years)
Nursing Studies - Child Care (BSc Hons)
Operating Department Practice
Occupational Therapy - written tasks at interview will assess writing and grammar skills and applicants' ability to problem-solve and think logically and creatively
Social Work
Therapeutic Radiography
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The Manchester Metropolitan University
Social Work/Diploma in Social Work BA (Hons)
Social Work (PGDip/MA)
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New College Durham
Social Work
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North East Worcestershire College
Social Work - an institution own test will be conducted on interview day
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Nottingham Trent University
Broadcast Journalism - a short test is sent to selected applicants, involving writing an essay and recording a news bulletin
Primary Education (4 years) - English Language Test
Print Journalism - computer based test, which involves writing a newspaper story based on a press release
Secondary Design and Technology Education - English Language Test
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University of Oxford
Classics
Classics and English
Classics and Modern Languages
Classics and Oriental Studies (Classics with Oriental Studies - Q8T9)
Classics and Oriental Studies (Classics with Oriental Studies - T9Q8)
Computer Science
Computer Science and Philosophy
Economics and Management (E&M)
Engineering Science
Engineering, Economics and Management (EEM)
English and Modern Languages
English Language and Literature
European and Middle Eastern Languages (EMEL)
Experimental Psychology
History (Ancient and Modern)
History and Economics
History and English
History and Modern Languages
History and Politics
Mathematics
Mathematics and Computer Science
Mathematics and Philosophy
Mathematics and Statistics
Modern Languages
Modern Languages and Linguistics
Oriental Studies
Philosophy and Modern Languages
Philosophy and Theology
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
Physics
Physics and Philosophy
Psychology and Philosophy
Theology and Oriental Studies
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Ravensbourne
Applicants for the courses below are subject to a brief written test

Animation Practice
Broadcast Audio Technology - brief written test
Broadcast Information Technology - brief written test
Broadcast Operations - brief written test
Broadcast Technology (2 year Foundation Degree) - brief written test
Broadcast Technology (3 year Foundation Degree) - brief written test
Digital Film Production - brief written test
Editing and Post Production - brief written test
Outside Broadcast Technology - brief written test
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St Helen's College
Music Production and Sound Design - institution own test
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South Essex College
Counselling - if shortlisted for interview a brief will be sent to the applicant asking for a suitable written submission outlining personal and/or professional reasoning for undertaking the course Music Performance and Practice - students will be expected to have performance ability or theory skills and understanding of at least Grade 5 equivalent which will be determined at an audition. The audition will include a written test.
Social Work - at interview applicants will be required to take part in a case conference simulation and case study exercise
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Stockport College
Electrical & Electronic Engineering - initial Assessment
Mechanical Engineering - initial Assessment
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University Campus Suffolk
Diagnostic Radiography - occupational health assessment
Film - institution own test
Health and Wellbeing - institution own test
Midwifery
Nursing - Adult - institution own test
Nursing - Child Health
Nursing - Mental Health
Operating Department Practice
Radiotherapy and Oncology- institution own test
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Swansea Metropolitan University
For applicants with a non-traditional background, Psychology and Counselling courses will sometimes ask applicants to write a few paragraphs at interview to establish if the applicant needs to attend a Study Skills/ Academic Writing course as a condition of any offer.

Counselling and Drama
Counselling and Educational Studies
Counselling and Psychology
Drama and Psychology
Educational Studies and Psychology
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University of Ulster
Dietetics
Occupational Therapy
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Radiography (Diagnostic)
Radiography (Therapeutic)
Speech & Language Therapy
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University of the West of Scotland
Nursing - Adult - institution own test
Nursing - Adult with Registration - institution own test
Nursing - Mental Health - institution own test
Nursing - Mental Health with Registration - institution own test
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Wakefield College
Computing
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University of Westminster
Fashion Merchandise Management - short maths test to ensure applicants have the minimum standard required to undertake this business-related degree course
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The University of York
Psychology - mature applicants will be subject to a test for basic mathematical knowledge and reasoning at Open Day
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Test Information by Course

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W XYZ
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Accounting
Cardiff University - Cardiff Business School conducts an evaluation of applicants from non-traditional backgrounds which involves a direct discussion and assessment of their attributes and applications

Accounting and Economics
Cardiff University - Cardiff Business School conducts an evaluation of applicants from non-traditional backgrounds which involves a direct discussion and assessment of their attributes and applications

Accounting and Finance
Cardiff University - Cardiff Business School conducts an evaluation of applicants from non-traditional backgrounds which involves a direct discussion and assessment of their attributes and applications

Accounting and Management
Cardiff University - Cardiff Business School conducts an evaluation of applicants from non-traditional backgrounds which involves a direct discussion and assessment of their attributes and applications

Accounting Auditing and Finance
Lancaster University - any offer for the course will only be made after successful attendance at an assessment centre organised by Ernst & Young, in collaboration with the University

Accounting with a European Language (4 years)
Cardiff University - Cardiff Business School conducts an evaluation of applicants from non-traditional backgrounds which involves a direct discussion and assessment of their attributes and applications

Acting (BA Hons)
Hull College - applicants may be required to submit a short essay following interview

Acting (Foundation Degree)
Hull College - applicants may be required to submit a short essay following interview

Aircraft Engineering
Kingston University - one hour test covering mathematics and physics-based questions

Aircraft Engineering (Norwich)
Kingston University - June intake - one hour test covering mathematics and physics-based questions

Animal Management
Kirklees College - mature applicants without formal qualifications will be asked to complete a screening test

Animation Practice
Ravensbourne - brief written test

Applied Computing with Multimedia Technologies
Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education - institution own test

Archaeology/French (4 years)
Cardiff University

Architectural Engineering (BEng/MEng)
Cardiff University

Automotive Engineering
Liverpool John Moores University (BEng 3 years or 4 year sandwich) - mature applicants and those applying with less familiar qualifications may occasionally be asked to take a maths diagnostic check
Liverpool John Moores University (MEng 4 years or 5 year sandwich) - mature applicants and those applying with less familiar qualifications may occasionally be asked to take a maths diagnostic check