PAT FAQs

What is PAT?

The Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) is a two-hour subject-specific admissions test, which is taken by applicants to all University of Oxford Physics and Engineering undergraduate degree courses. Cambridge Assessment is working in partnership with the University of Oxford to administer the PAT from the November 2011 test sitting.

Further information and general FAQs about the PAT can all be found on the University of Oxford’s Department of Physics website, www.physics.ox.ac.uk, on its undergraduate ‘study here’ pages for the Physics Aptitude Test.

Back to top ▲
Who needs to take PAT?

All students applying for the following courses at the University of Oxford are required to take the Physics Aptitude Test: Physics (3 year course F300; 4 year course F303), Physics and Philosophy (VF53), Engineering Science (various course codes), Engineering, Economics and Management (EEM) (HLN0), Materials Science (FJ22), Materials, Economics and Management (MEM) (FLN0).

Back to top ▲
When is PAT taken?

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

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

Back to top ▲
Where can PAT be taken?

Typically, candidates sit the PAT 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 PAT Support Team.

Back to top ▲
How much does PAT cost?

There is no charge for candidates sitting PAT in 2012.

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

Back to top ▲
Can PAT fees be refunded?

Cambridge Assessment does not refund administration fees to candidates.

Back to top ▲
As a candidate how do I register for PAT?

You cannot register yourself for PAT; you must be registered by an approved PAT 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 PAT there; other candidates should find an open centre where they can sit the PAT.

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

Back to top ▲
As an Examinations Officer how do I register my candidate for PAT?

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.

Back to top ▲
What preparation materials are available for PAT?

A sample paper with a set of model solutions and past papers with reports can all be found on the University of Oxford’s Department of Physics website, www.physics.ox.ac.uk, on its undergraduate ‘study here’ pages for the Physics Aptitude Test.

Note from the University of Oxford’s Department of Physics: Past papers and sample papers dated before May 2006 are based on an earlier syllabus and are not relevant to the current test. Past papers and sample papers dated from May 2006 but before May 2008 involved two separate papers and the use of calculators was permitted in the physics test but not the maths test. These papers can, therefore, provide general guidance on the likely content of future papers, but retain the old format and can include quite complicated numerical computations on the physics papers. The Department of Physics do not provide sample answers or a mark scheme for these papers.

Back to top ▲
When will PAT exam materials arrive at the centre?

PAT 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”.

Back to top ▲
Are calculators allowed for PAT?

No calculators, tables, formula sheets or data books may be used.

Please check the University of Oxford’s Department of Physics website www.physics.ox.ac.uk Physics Aptitude Test pages for the most up-to-date information.

Back to top ▲
Do I have to show my working?

The University of Oxford’s Department of Physics advises candidates to show all their working, so that partial marks can be awarded even if the final answer is incorrect.

Back to top ▲
What writing equipment should be used for PAT?

Candidates should only need a pen but may also use a pencil for sketching if wished.

Please check the University of Oxford’s Department of Physics website www.physics.ox.ac.uk Physics Aptitude Test pages for the most up-to-date information.

Back to top ▲
What is the pass mark for the test?

The University of Oxford’s Department of Physics advises: there is no pass mark as such for the test, but there is a threshold mark, below which it is unlikely that candidates will be placed on the interview short-list. This mark will not be determined until the results of the tests are available, but past experience suggests that a threshold mark in the range of 45% to 52% is likely.

Back to top ▲
When will PAT results be published?

For Physics courses: the College to which the candidate applied will provide feedback on the test after the admissions process is complete, usually after Christmas.

Back to top ▲
Do the changes to PAT 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 Physics and History Aptitude Tests only.

Back to top ▲
Need More Information?
Email: PAT 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 PAT


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


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


Registration
Information for candidates and teachers about the PAT registration process