The Oxford TSA: A Guide

Will you have to sit the TSA in November?

Oxbridge Interviews is very pleased to announce our online course, which helps you prepare to sit the TSA by giving you plenty of examples, explanations, and practice questions. We will help you build your confidence and identify areas that need more revision. You can find out more about our TSA Online Course here. 

What is it?

The Oxford Thinking Skills Assessment is a 2-hour test taken by applicants applying to study certain undergraduate courses at the University of Oxford. The TSA is designed to help standardise the admissions process, which, due to the variety of applicant's backgrounds and subject areas, can involve very difficult and complex decisions. The test is designed to examine whether students have the aptitude and skills to succeed at Oxford.

Does it apply to me?

The Oxford TSA must be sat by individuals applying to study the following subjects:
Economics and Management
Experimental Psychology
Geography
History and Economics
Philosophy and Linguistics
Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE)
Psychology and Linguistics
Psychology and Philosophy

When is it?

Entries generally open at the start of September, and close around mid-October. The test itself normally takes place at the start of November, but it is worth checking the TSA website to confirm the exact dates.

What do I have to do?

The test is completed with pen and paper and consists of two sections:

1. The Thinking Skills Assessment lasts for 90 minutes and consists of 50 multiple choice questions that measure a candidate’s numerical and spatial reasoning, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
2. The Writing Task lasts for 30 minutes, and consists of a choice of one from four essay questions, and measures a candidate’s ability to organise ideas in a clear and concise manner, and communicate them effectively. The questions are not subject-specific.

For more information and past papers, visit the Admissions Testing Service website.