About the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) UCL
The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) UCL is a 90-minute, multiple-choice test which is used for applicants to R990 European Social and Political Studies (ESPS) and LV01 International Social and Political Studies (ISPS).
Test format
TSA UCL is a paper-based test. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, testing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
| 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 |
Scoring
TSA is a multiple-choice test giving 1 mark per question.
Scores are calculated on the TSA scale to one decimal place (running approximately 0–100). The scale is an estimate of the candidate’s ability, which makes scores comparable by factoring in question and overall test difficulty, using the Rasch statistical technique.
Marking of TSA UCL is automated. Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing does not accept requests for re-marks.
Delivery
Candidates take TSA as a paper-based test on an assessment day to be advised by the university.
Results
Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing does not release TSA results directly to candidates. Results will be passed to UCL.