About the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) Oxford
The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) Oxford is a 2-hour pre-interview test for applicants to undergraduate courses at the University of Oxford. It is designed to help tutors assess whether candidates have the skills and aptitudes needed to study the following courses:
- Economics and Management
- Experimental Psychology
- Human Sciences
- Philosophy and Linguistics
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
- Psychology and Linguistics
- Psychology and Philosophy.
If you're applying for a joint course, you may also need to take a separate test in your other subject. You can confirm which test(s) your course requires at ox.ac.uk/tests. Separate registration is required for each test.
Candidates applying to study Chemistry (F100) and History and Economics* (LV11) will be required to take Thinking Skills Assessment: Section 1 (TSA S1) as part of their application. Section 1 is a 90-minute test that consists of 50 multiple-choice thinking skills questions. Test-takers for these subjects will not be required to take Section 2 (the writing task). Applicants for Chemistry, and History and Economics must ensure that they are registered to take Thinking Skills Assessment: Section 1 (TSA S1).
* Applicants for History and Economics also need to take the History Aptitude Test (HAT).
The information in this section is for applicants to the University of Oxford. For information about TSA: Section 1 for Land Economy at the University of Cambridge, please visit this section.
Test format
TSA Oxford is a pen-and-paper test. It consists of two sections:
- Section 1: Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)
- Section 2: Writing Task.
Separate answer sheets will be provided for each section. Calculators cannot be used.
Section 1: Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)
Section
|
What does it test?
|
Questions
|
Timing
|
| Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) |
Problem-solving skills, including numerical and spatial reasoning. Critical thinking skills, including understanding argument and reasoning using everyday language. |
50 multiple- choice questions |
90 minutes |
Section 2: Writing Task
Section
|
What does it test?
|
Questions
|
Timing
|
| Writing Task |
The ability to organise ideas in a clear and concise manner, and communicate them effectively in writing. Questions are not subject-specific. |
Candidates must answer one essay question from a choice of four |
30 minutes |
Please note, applicants for Chemistry, and History and Economics are not required to do the writing task.
Delivery
TSA Oxford takes place on Wednesday 31 October 2018, usually at 09.00 GMT. The scheduled start times for international centres will vary, depending on where they are in the world. For exact timings, please check with your school or centre.
Most candidates will sit the test at their own school or college. Other candidates can find an open centre.