Which ESAT modules do I need to sit?

One of the most common ESAT questions is which modules to prepare. The answer is set by your course, not by you, so the first step in any ESAT preparation is to confirm your exact combination.

How the structure works

The ESAT has five available modules: Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Most candidates sit three of them:

• Mathematics 1 is compulsory for everyone.
• Two further modules are determined by the course you apply to.

Each module is 27 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes, so three modules is two hours of testing. Some courses fix all three modules, while others require Mathematics 1 and let you choose two sciences from a set list. A few courses require only two modules. Because the combination is course-specific, always check the requirement for your exact course.

Examples by university

The tables below are illustrative for 2027 entry. Requirements can change, so confirm yours on the official university page and on our requirements pages.

Cambridge

• Engineering: Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics
• Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine: Mathematics 1 plus any two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics 2

Imperial College London (modules are fixed per course)

• Mechanical, Civil, Aeronautical and Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Physics: Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics
• Chemical Engineering: Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Chemistry
• Life Sciences: Mathematics 1, Chemistry, Biology
• Design Engineering has its own combination, so check the Imperial page

UCL

• Electronic and Electrical Engineering (BEng and MEng): Mathematics 1 plus any two of Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry, Biology

Oxford

• Engineering Science, Materials Science and Physics: Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics

Why this matters for revision

There is no point revising a module your course does not test. Once you know your three modules, focus entirely on them. Read the official ESAT preparation materials for each one, then close any gaps with our topic-by-topic textbook and practise under timed conditions with our past papers.

For the full picture of the test, see what is the ESAT, and when you are ready to plan your revision, follow how to prepare for the ESAT. Always confirm your course's exact requirement on the official Cambridge, Imperial or UCL page.