TSA – The Thinking Skills Assessment Test is required as part of the selection procedure for applications to undergraduate courses in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Economics and Management, Experimental Psychology and Psychology, Philosophy and Physiology (PPP) at the University of Oxford. This test assesses thinking skills, critical and otherwise as well as general aptitude. Furthermore the following skills are tested: Problem-solving skills, including numerical and spatial reasoning. Critical thinking skills, including understanding argument and reasoning using everyday language. This test is also required for certain courses at Cambridge University and University College London.
TSA – Thinking Skills Assessment Tutors

TSA Course & TSA tutors
TSA Oxford, Cambridge, & UCL Courses.
Exam Format:
TSA Oxford is a written test consisting of two sections, firstly the Thinking Skills element with 50 MCQs to complete over 90 minutes. The thinking skills element of section 1 tests a candidates problem-solving skills, numerical and spatial reasoning, Critical thinking skills, argument and reasoning skills. A further section two entails a written task over 30 minutes assessing the ability to organise ideas clearly and concisely, and communicate them effectively in writing. The questions set are not subject-specific. The whole test lasts 2 hours.
TSA Chemistry (Oxford) From 2016 Oxford Chemistry applicants. TSA Chemistry is a 90 minute exam that is essentially Section 1 of TSA Oxford with 50 multiple choice thinking skills questions complete in 90 minutes. Candidates applying for Chemistry F100 will not be required to take Section 2 which is the writing task.
TSA Cambridge is a paper exam, and essentially similar to the Thinking Skills Assessment Oxford core Section one element. 50 multiple-choice questions, testing problem-solving and thinking skills over 90 minutes.
TSA UCL is a paper test consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions, testing problem-solving and critical thinking skills over 90 minutes.
The following courses require the TSA:
University | Course |
University of Cambridge (C05) |
G400 Computer ScienceL100 Economics H100 Engineering L000 Human, Social, and Political Sciences KL41 Land Economy BCF0 Natural Sciences (Physical and Biological) C800 Psychological and Behavioural Sciences |
University | Course |
University of Oxford (O33) | CV85 Psychology and Philosophy
C830 Experimental Psychology (EP) CQ81 Psychology and Linguistics LN12 Economics and Management L0V0 Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) L700 Geography VQ51 Philosophy and Linguistics F100 Chemistry (From 2016 TSA Chemistry) |
University | Course |
UCL (U80) | R990 European Social and Political Studies
R992 European Social and Political Studies: Dual Degree BA |
Courses are delivered 1-1 for the Thinking Skills Assessment with past paper practice and expert advice by Graduates from Oxford Colleges. Many of our tutors hold PhDs and other postgraduate qualifications in their subjects, indicative both of their passion for, and expertise as well as extensive experience with these thinking and aptitude tests.
If you’d like arrange private lessons or have any questions about our TSA courses and TSA tutors in London and Oxford please call us on Tel: +44 (0) 207 665 6606 or you can send us an email via our contact form.
Resources & TSA Practice Tests:
http://www.admissionstestingservice.org/for-test-takers/thinking-skills-assessment/tsa-oxford/about-tsa-oxford/ TSA Oxford Practice Papers and Test advice (Including TSA Chemistry).
http://www.admissionstestingservice.org/for-test-takers/thinking-skills-assessment/tsa-cambridge/about-tsa-cambridge/ TSA Cambridge Practice Papers
http://www.admissionstestingservice.org/for-test-takers/thinking-skills-assessment/tsa-ucl/about-tsa-ucl/ Thinking Skills Assessment UCL Practice Papers, Exam Tips and Preparation