TSA Oxford FAQs

What is TSA Oxford?

The TSA Oxford is a two hour test consisting of two sections:

  • Section 1: a 90-minute multiple-choice component, which includes 50 questions designed to measure a candidate’s problem solving (reasoning using numerical and spatial skills) and critical thinking skills (reasoning using everyday written language).
  • Section 2: a 30-minute writing task, which gives a candidate the opportunity to show that they can communicate effectively in writing, organising their ideas, presenting them clearly and concisely.

About the test

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Who needs to take TSA Oxford?

Candidates applying to take PPE (L0V0), E&M (LN12), EP (C830) or Psychology and Philosophy (CV85) at the University of Oxford during the application cycle 2010/2011 need to take TSA Oxford.

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When is TSA Oxford taken?

The TSA Oxford will take place on 3rd November 2010 at 9.00am GMT.

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

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Where can TSA Oxford be taken?

Typically, candidates sit the TSA Oxford 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.

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How much does TSA Oxford cost?

There is no charge for candidates sitting TSA Oxford in 2010.

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

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Can TSA Oxford fees be refunded?

Cambridge Assessment does not refund administration fees to candidates.

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As a candidate how do I register for TSA Oxford?

Candidates cannot register themselves for TSA Oxford; they must be registered by an approved TSA Oxford 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 TSA Oxford there; other candidates should find an open centre where they can sit the TSA Oxford.

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As an Examinations Officer how do I register my candidate?

Candidates must be registered by their Examinations Officer through our 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 are access arrangements?

Access arrangements is the term given to any pre-examination adjustments based on history of need and provision. That is to say that a candidate may have dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dysorthographia, or working memory deficit and require extra time, the use of a laptop or some other physical requirement.

It is important for candidates to consult with their centre notifying them of any access arrangements the candidate may have and the candidate should be prepared to provide clinical evidence as requested.

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What evidence should an Examinations Officer submit for candidates with access arrangements?

Examinations Officers do not need to submit any evidence to Cambridge Assessment but candidates may be asked to provide evidence of any need for access arrangements at interview.

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Where should requests for special considerations be sent?

Special considerations are used to indicate to institutions that a candidate suffered temporary illness, injury or disposition at the time of the assessment. Oxford University will be asked to take the special consideration into account when considering applications. No adjustment will be made to candidates' results.

Requests for special considerations should be completed on the form below and sent with an accompanying letter on school headed notepaper within seven days of the test date to:

Admissions Tests Team
1 Hills Road
Cambridge
CB1 2EU
United Kingdom

Special Considerations Form

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What preparation materials are available for TSA Oxford?

Preparation materials for TSA Oxford.

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When will TSA Oxford exam materials arrive at the centre?

TSA Oxford 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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Is extra time allowed for candidates without English as their first language?

Extra time is not allowed for candidates without English as their first language.

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What writing equipment should be used for TSA?

Candidates should use a soft pencil for Section 1 of the Oxford TSA. It would also be helpful if you have an eraser available should you need to erase and fill in another answer.

For Section 2 of the Oxford TSA you must use a black ink pen.

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Are dictionaries allowed for TSA Oxford?

No, dictionaries and bi-lingual dictionaries may not be used.

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Are calculators allowed for TSA Oxford?

No, calculators cannot be used.

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When will TSA Oxford results be published?

TSA Oxford results will be released from 00:00hrs GMT via our Results Online System on 14th January 2011.

Online Results - Candidates
Online Results - Centres

Results Online User Guide - Candidates (PDF, 888 KB)
Results Online User Guide - Centres (PDF, 486 KB)

Results Online only supports Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers, if you are using any other browser you may not be able to use the Results Online system. Internet Explorer and Firefox can both be downloaded for free from www.microsoft.com or www.getfirefox.com

Please note: results will only be released to candidates who have applied to one of the courses requiring TSA at the University of Oxford.

 

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Can previous TSA Oxford results be used as part of a new application?

TSA Oxford results are only accepted by the University of Oxford in the year candidates apply for university. Candidates should sit the TSA Oxford in November 2010 if they are applying to start university in 2011 or for a deferred place in 2012.

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Can TSA Oxford results be queried?

Cambridge Assessment does not accept result enquiries.

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Need More Information?
Email: TSA Oxford Support Team
Call: +44 (0)1223 55 33 38
Opening Hours: 0900 - 1700 GMT


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


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


Test Preparation
TSA resources for candidates and teachers, including past papers, recommended reading lists and specifications.


Registration
Information for candidates and teachers about the TSA registration process