Maths test for Mathematics courses
If you are applying to one of the courses listed below but you are not studying A-level Mathematics or equivalent, we may ask you to take a maths test.
Our first year assumes a sound understanding of mathematics on the syllabus at A-level. If you do not have a maths A-level (or equivalent qualification), we will set you a test to assess your familiarity with that material.
Relevant courses
The information on this page applies to the following maths courses:
- BSc Mathematics (G100)
- BSc Mathematics with Study Abroad in a Modern Language (G101)
- BSc Mathematics with Statistics (G1G3)
- BSc Mathematics with Statistics for Finance (G1G4)
- BSc Data Science (G1G5)
- BSc Data Science with a Year in Industry (G1G6)
- BSc Mathematics and Computer Science (GG14)
- BSc Mathematics and Philosophy (VG51)
- BSc Mathematics and Physics (GFD3)
- MEng Mathematics and Computer Science (GG1K)
- MSci Mathematics (G103)
- MSci Mathematics with Study Abroad (G105)
- MSci Mathematics with Study Abroad in a Modern Language (G104)
- MSci Mathematics with Statistics (G1GH)
- MSci Mathematics and Philosophy (GV15)
- MSci Mathematics and Physics (GFC3).
Booking your maths test
If we require you to take the maths test, our Admissions Team will contact you. We will send you an email explaining how to register online.
On the day
On a pre-arranged day the test will be emailed to you. You will have 24 hours to complete the test, scan/photograph and email your written answers back to us. You may refer to notes or texts but you should complete the test without assistance so that we have a reliable assessment of your mathematical background. This is so we can assure ourselves you can be successful in our first year.
Preparing for the maths test
See Maths exam list of topics (PDF, 121kB) for further information. You are also welcome to view this sample Mathematics exam practice paper (PDF, 159kB) in advance.
You can also find specifications and past papers for UK A-level examinations on exam board websites, including AQA, Edexcel and OCR.
Your test results
The department will pass your results to the Admissions Team, who are responsible for making decisions on offers. You will be informed of the decision on your application as soon as possible via UCAS.
Accessibility advice
If you are usually entitled to extra time in assessments, you must contact the Admissions Team in advance to request additional time. Please see the relevant applicant information document for your test for further information and contact details.
For advice on studying with a disability, contact our Disability Services team on +44 (0)117 331 0444 or disability-services@bristol.ac.uk.
If you have questions or need to change your test date
If you are unsure whether you will be required to sit the maths test, need to change a booked test or if you have any questions about the process, please contact us: math-info@bristol.ac.uk.