Engineering and science routes
Engineering and Science Admissions Test
ESAT has five modules: Mathematics 1, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics 2. Most courses require Mathematics 1 plus two further modules.
For candidates applying to engineering, natural sciences, physics, veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences and related STEM courses. Always confirm requirements on the university course page.
Test structure
ESAT
Modules
5 modules, selected by course
Per module
40 minutes / 27 multiple-choice questions
Typical total
3 modules, 120 minutes
Compulsory
Mathematics 1
Booking information
Target course page
Compulsory, recommended or not required
Module requirement
Mathematics 1 and the further required modules
Test window
Mainland China / Hong Kong / Macau: 12 October or 13 October; other regions: 12-16 October 2026. Final availability should be checked in the UAT-UK / Pearson booking system.
ESAT modules must match the target-course requirements; an incorrect module selection may affect the application.
Checked: 19 Jul 2026. Booking, test windows and result timing should be verified on UAT-UK deadlines.
Booking note
October 2026 test sitting
12-16 October 2026Mainland China / Hong Kong / Macau: 12 October or 13 October; other regions: 12-16 October 2026. Final availability should be checked in the UAT-UK / Pearson booking system.
Most Cambridge or Oxford applicants must sit in October, except limited mature-college or Foundation Year routes with January deadlines.
January 2027 test sitting
4-8 January 2027Mainland China / Hong Kong / Macau: 6 January; other regions: 4-8 January 2027. Final availability should be checked in the UAT-UK / Pearson booking system.
The January sitting is generally not available for Cambridge or Oxford applicants unless an official January-deadline exception applies.
Requirement Check
Mainly engineering, natural sciences, physics, life sciences and selected electrical/electronic engineering routes.
Confirm whether the target course requires ESAT and check the specified module combination.
All ESAT candidates take Mathematics 1; most courses require two further modules, and the exact combination must be checked against the university course page.
Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau have specified test dates; candidates elsewhere usually book within the 12-16 October 2026 window. Final availability should be checked in the UAT-UK / Pearson booking system.
4 routes
Module check
Engineering: Mathematics 1 + Mathematics 2 + Physics. Other courses: Mathematics 1 + any two from Biology / Chemistry / Physics / Mathematics 2.
9 routes
Module check
Engineering and physics routes commonly require Mathematics 1 + Mathematics 2 + Physics; life-science and ecology routes commonly require Mathematics 1 + Chemistry + Biology; Chemical Engineering requires Mathematics 1 + Mathematics 2 + Chemistry; Design Engineering uses Mathematics 1 + Mathematics 2 only.
11 routes
Module check
Engineering and physics routes commonly require Mathematics 1 + Mathematics 2 + Physics; Biomedical Sciences requires Mathematics 1 + any two from Biology / Chemistry / Physics / Mathematics 2.
2 routes
Module check
Mathematics 1 + any two from Biology / Chemistry / Physics / Mathematics 2.
Before booking ESAT, re-check the target course page, especially the Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and science-module combination.
GCSE-level breadth and depth: units, number, ratio, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability.
Core A-Level mathematics: functions, sequences, trigonometry, calculus, graphs and proof-like thinking.
Electricity, magnetism, mechanics, thermal physics, matter, waves and radioactivity.
Useful for medicine, natural sciences and course-specific combinations.
Each ESAT module receives a separate 1.0-9.0 score.
There is no official pass/fail score; universities use results alongside the wider application.
Scores from different versions and sittings are statistically placed on a common scale.
01
Check the target course page before booking Mathematics 1 and any further modules.
02
Study the official topic scope and complete representative questions.
03
Practise 40-minute blocks to improve pace and answer selection.
04
Use UAT-UK public samples and online mocks to become familiar with the computer-based format.
Preparation checklist
01
Open the target university course page and confirm whether this test and modules are required.
02
Read official preparation materials before choosing the practice order.
03
Use practice samples to inspect knowledge, timing and errors; they do not replace official scoring.
04
Turn the weakest 1-2 areas into task cards: notes, five basics and one timed set.