Do I need to sit the TSA?
The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) is a form of assessment used to measure aptitude in critical thinking and problem solving. The TSA is a requirement only for those looking to study certain courses at Oxford University:
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics
- Economics and Management
- Experimental Psychology
- History and Economics
- Human Sciences
- Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics.
A similar test – the TST – is used by UCL when assessing applicants to their European & International Social & Political Studies course.
Cambridge used to use the test for their Land Economy (BA) course but this is no longer the case.
Certain independent schools produce their own modified version of the exam (sometimes called a Critical Thinking test) for 16+.
What is the TSA?
The TSA is a reliable indicator that you are able to think quickly and accurately, and are adept in multiple disciplines. You will need to rapidly evaluate and interpret information, and come to logical conclusions.
At Oxford, the test is divided into two sections, with only those looking to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics required to sit Section 2.
- Section 1 consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and aims to assess problem-solving skills and numerical reasoning. You will also be tested on your critical thinking skills, incorporating the understanding of argument and basic reasoning, using language of the everyday.
- Section 2 evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in writing, and to organise concepts in a clear and precise manner. Candidates choose one question from four and questions are non subject-specific.
This exam tests a variety of skills, which helps prepare you for higher learning. Success in the TSA is a reliable indicator that you are able to think quickly and accurately, and are adept in multiple disciplines. You will need to rapidly evaluate and interpret information, and come to logical conclusions.
Types of questions in the TSA include:
- Verbal reasoning
- Numeric reasoning
- Spatial reasoning
- Deductive reasoning
The format is usually multiple choice, although there are instances where an essay is also required. Please double check this before you sit the exam relating to your course/institution.
How do I register for the TSA?
For 2025-entry, registration for the TSA at Oxford is already open and candidates can apply to sit the test until 4th October 2024. It is recommended that you do this as early as you can. More information can be found on the Oxford University website.
Candidates will then sit the TSA on 24 October 2024.
What is the TSA for?
For students, the test may seem like another frustrating barrier to entry to top institutions. However, the value of the TSA extends far beyond this. Preparation for the exam equips students with the ability to process vast amounts of information quickly, and also helps prepare them for future exams relating to their chosen career path.
For example, the TSA is remarkably similar in structure and style to the psychometric tests used by top employers. By having an edge at a younger age, students will be more able to manage the questions set by employers once they come to the application stage. It also helps with improving decision making – something we could all benefit from.
Do I need to take the TSA for Cambridge University?
If you are applying to study Land Economy at the University of Cambridge, you are no longer required to sit the TSA.
Do I need to take the TSA for Oxford University?
If you are studying one of the following courses, you will need to take the TSA:
- Economics and Management - LN12
- Experimental Psychology - C830
- History and Economics - LV11
- Human Sciences - BCL0
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics - L0V0
- Philosophy and Linguistics - VQ51
- Psychology and Linguistics - CQ81
- Psychology and Philosophy - CV85
Applicants for History and Economics also need to take the History Aptitude Test (HAT). Please note that if you are doing a joint honours programme, you will need to abide by the entry requirements for the other subject(s) too. This may require you sitting further exams.
You can confirm which test(s) your course requires at on the Oxford University website.
Do I need to take the TSA for UCL?
For the UCL European & International Social & Political Studies course most applicants will now sit the TST or Thinking Skills Test, which replaced the TSA in 2022.
This follows the same format as Section 1 of the (discontinued) Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) used by Cambridge – and the same as the TSA that continues to be used by Oxford University. Candidates will be invited to one of two sittings of the test. The test will be completed online.
Sitting 1: Saturday, 15th February 2025
Sitting 2: Saturday, 15th March 2025
How to prepare for the TSA:
- For Section 1, the allotted time per question is brief (under 2 minutes per multiple choice question), so students will need to work through the problems with speed and accuracy.
- Calculate the number of minutes you have per question before the exam.
- While preparing, have a timer in front of you, so you can see how long you are spending on each question.
- Spending too long on one question could put your overall score in jeopardy. If you run out of time on a question, make an educated guess, and move on.
- The questions tend to increase in difficulty as you move through the exam. Do not get complacent about time if you find the early questions straightforward.
- If you are already strong in Maths, you may want to put more emphasis on the verbal reasoning/essay questions, and vice versa.
- Some of the questions contain lots of data that you will have to interpret quickly (e.g. statistics tables, graphs etc.) There are often red herrings intended to throw you off – be mindful of this.
- Similarly, statements and arguments put forward can force you to make assumptions early. Always question your assumptions, and try to read all of the possible multiple choice answers before committing.
- Read the question twice!
- Only complete your practice exams under timed conditions, once you have a complete understanding of the types of questions being asked. I would recommend doing at least one past paper untimed, slowly and methodically. Think accuracy first, then speed.
- For the essay question, thinking of it like a debate or a discussion can be helpful. Think of the major arguments, of course, but be sure to think critically, in order to tease out some of the more subtle aspects of the question. Even if you have a strong opinion, make sure to express how others with different viewpoints could respond the question.
Where can I find past papers for the TSA?
Confusingly, the TSA used to be administered by Cambridge University, but is now licensed by Oxford who maintain and provide all elements of the test, including past papers. The test is now online and the platform has changed, but the range of past papers – found via this link TSA Past Papers. – are still relevant. Working through them will be hugely valuable in helping you to feel prepared and confident on test day.
There is also an online TSA practice test. that will allow you to explore the current testing platform for 2025 entry.
The University also advise that all applicants will be invited to take a sample paper online well in advance of the actual test date.
TSA Recommended Reading
John Butterworth and Geoff Thwaites, Thinking Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Thinking Skills Assessment tutors
Looking for extra support? If you are interested in finding out more about how Keystone Tutors can help you prepare for the TSA, visit our TSA tutors page. We also regularly run group TSA & TST online preparation courses.