ESAT for Physics at Imperial
For Physics at Imperial College London, you sit Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics in the ESAT.
Which ESAT modules for Physics?
For Physics you sit these fixed modules. You cannot change them on test day.
- Mathematics 127 questions, 40 min
- Mathematics 227 questions, 40 min
- Physics27 questions, 40 min
How Imperial uses the ESAT for Physics
Imperial College London requires the ESAT for most of its Engineering degrees and Physics, and weighs the score heavily when deciding who to interview and make offers to. Note that Computing uses the TMUA instead, and Bioengineering, Materials, and Earth Science currently use no admissions test, so check your specific course. You can sit in October or January, unless you are also applying to Cambridge, in which case you must sit in October.
Confirm the requirement for your exact course on the official Imperial admissions page.
Key ESAT dates for 2027 entry
- Registration opens: 20 July 2026
- Registration deadline: 28 September 2026 (register yourself, through UAT-UK via Pearson VUE)
- Test sitting: 12 October 2026 (October). Imperial accepts the October or January sitting, but you must sit in October if you are also applying to Cambridge.
- Results: November 2026
What score do you need?
Each ESAT module is marked on the UAT-UK scale from 1.0 to 9.0, and there is no fixed pass mark. Imperial reads your score alongside your predicted grades, personal statement and, where it interviews, your interview. Competitive scores vary by course and year, so treat any target you see quoted online as a guide rather than a cutoff.
Prepare for the ESAT for Physics
Sit full past papers (including the NSAA and ENGAA papers the ESAT replaced) with worked solutions, then practise the modules above.
Physics ESAT: frequently asked questions
- Which ESAT modules do I sit for Physics at Imperial?
- You sit Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics.
- Do I need the ESAT for Physics at Imperial?
- Yes. Imperial College London requires the ESAT for Physics.
- When do I sit the ESAT?
- Imperial accepts the October or January sitting, but you must sit in October if you are also applying to Cambridge.
- How do I register for the ESAT?
- Registration is through UAT-UK (via Pearson VUE). For 2027 entry it opens on 20 July 2026 and closes on 28 September 2026. You must register yourself before the deadline.
- What ESAT score do I need for Physics at Imperial?
- Each ESAT module is marked on the UAT-UK scale from 1.0 to 9.0, and there is no fixed pass mark. Imperial reads your score alongside your predicted grades, personal statement and, where it interviews, your interview. Competitive scores vary by course and year, so treat any target you see quoted online as a guide rather than a cutoff.