HAT FAQs

What is HAT?

The History Aptitude Test (HAT) is a two-hour subject-specific admissions test, which is taken by applicants to the University of Oxford’s undergraduate degree courses in History and its joint schools. Cambridge Assessment is working in partnership with the University of Oxford to administer the HAT from the November 2011 test sitting.

Further information and FAQs about the HAT can all be found on the University of Oxford’s Faculty of History website, www.history.ox.ac.uk, on its pages for the History Aptitude Test.

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Who needs to take HAT?

All students applying for the following courses at the University of Oxford are required to take the History Aptitude Test: History (V100), History (Ancient and Modern) (V118), History and Economics (LV11), History and English (VQ13), all History and Modern Languages courses, History and Politics (LV21).

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When is HAT taken?

The HAT will take place on 7th November 2012 at 9.00am GMT.

International candidates should check with their centre to confirm the start time.

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Where can HAT be taken?

Typically, candidates sit the HAT at their school or college. Candidates who do not attend a school or college will need to find an open centre where they can take the test.

Candidates who cannot find a centre should contact the HAT Support Team.

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How much does HAT cost?

There is no charge for candidates sitting HAT in 2012.

Some open centres may charge an administrative fee for organising and administering the HAT on behalf of external candidates.

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Can HAT fees be refunded?

Cambridge Assessment does not refund administration fees to candidates.

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As a candidate how do I register for HAT?

You cannot register yourself for HAT; you must be registered by an approved HAT centre.

If you are currently attending a school or college you should approach your Examinations Officer to discuss whether or not your school can accommodate for you to sit the HAT there; other candidates should find an open centre where they can sit the HAT.

If you cannot find a centre near you to take the HAT you should contact the HAT Support Team.

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As an Examinations Officer how do I register my candidate for HAT?

Candidates must be registered by you through the Entries Extranet. If your centre has not offered Cambridge Assessment Admissions Tests before you will need to register with us.

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What preparation materials are available for HAT?

A specimen paper and sample answers with tutors’ comments; past papers with marking schemes and helpful general guidance including FAQs can all be found on the Faculty of History’s website, www.history.ox.ac.uk, on its undergraduate admissions pages for the History Aptitude Test.

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When will HAT exam materials arrive at the centre?

HAT exam materials will arrive with the examination centre approximately a week to ten days before the date of the exam marked with a sticker stating “Admissions Tests Materials Enclosed”.

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What writing equipment should be used for HAT?

Candidates should use a black or blue ink pen. Please check the University of Oxford’s Faculty of History website www.history.ox.ac.uk History Aptitude Test pages for the most up-to-date information.

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When will HAT results be published?

The University of Oxford does not issue results automatically, but from 10th January 2013, candidates may apply to their College in writing, or by email to schools.liaison@history.ox.ac.uk to find out their HAT score.

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Do the changes to HAT administration from 2011 onwards affect any other University of Oxford undergraduate admissions tests?

The changes for the November 2011 test onwards, regarding the registration of candidates and despatch and return of scripts via Cambridge Assessment, apply to the History and Physics Aptitude Tests only.

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Need More Information?
Email: HAT Support Team
Call: +44 (0)1223 55 33 99
Opening Hours: 0900 - 1700 GMT


About the Test
Details about the format and content of the HAT


Dates & Costs
Find out when tests are taking place and how much they cost


Test Preparation
HAT resources for candidates and teachers, including past papers and specifications.


Registration
Information for candidates and teachers about the HAT registration process