ESAT for Engineering Science at Oxford
For Engineering Science at University of Oxford, you sit Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics in the ESAT.
Which ESAT modules for Engineering Science?
For Engineering Science 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 Oxford uses the ESAT for Engineering Science
From 2027 entry, Oxford replaces the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) with the ESAT for Physics, Engineering Science, and Physics and Philosophy. This is a major change: Oxford applicants now sit the same UAT-UK test already used by Cambridge and Imperial, so ESAT preparation counts across all three. Materials Science no longer requires an admissions test at all. Oxford applicants sit the ESAT in the October window.
Confirm the requirement for your exact course on the official Oxford 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). From 2027 entry (applications in autumn 2026), the ESAT replaces the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT). Oxford applicants sit in October. Materials Science no longer requires an admissions test.
- 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. Oxford 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 Engineering Science
Sit full past papers (including the NSAA and ENGAA papers the ESAT replaced) with worked solutions, then practise the modules above.
Engineering Science ESAT: frequently asked questions
- Which ESAT modules do I sit for Engineering Science at Oxford?
- You sit Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics.
- Do I need the ESAT for Engineering Science at Oxford?
- Yes. University of Oxford requires the ESAT for Engineering Science.
- When do I sit the ESAT?
- From 2027 entry (applications in autumn 2026), the ESAT replaces the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT). Oxford applicants sit in October. Materials Science no longer requires an admissions test.
- 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 Engineering Science at Oxford?
- Each ESAT module is marked on the UAT-UK scale from 1.0 to 9.0, and there is no fixed pass mark. Oxford 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.