ESAT

Course Features
No of Sessions	16
No of Hours	32
Content	Yes
No of Students	5 per classroom batch 3 for online batch

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ESAT: The Definitive ESAT Starter Guide For 2026The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a computer-based assessment used by Cambridge and Imperial College London for undergraduate science and engineering courses. It tests ability to apply school-level math and science knowledge through multiple-choice questions. The test consists of three, 40-minute modules (usually Maths 1, and two others) taken at a Pearson VUE center, with sittings in October or January.

Key ESAT Information
Purpose: Evaluates aptitude for demanding STEM undergraduate studies.
Structure: Five subtests (Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
Requirements: Applicants take three modules (Mathematics 1 + two others), each containing 27 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes.
Usage: Used by Cambridge and Imperial for courses like Engineering, Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine.
Key Constraints: No calculator or dictionary allowed.
Timing: Tests must be booked through the UAT-UK website for either October or January sessions.
Scoring: Scores are provided on a scale of 1.0 to 9.0 per module.

Preparation and Scoring
Preparation: Best prepared for by reviewing the test specification and practicing with specimen tests.
Scoring: No pass/fail. Scores are based on correct answers, with no penalty for wrong answers.
Calculators: Candidates are not permitted to use calculators.
Registration: Registration is handled by Pearson VUE.
Bursaries: UK candidates in financial need can apply for a bursary for a free test.

Key Tips
Time Management: Each section is 40 minutes, and time is not carried over if a section is completed early.
Methodology: Focus on applying scientific knowledge rather than just recalling facts.
Practice: Familiarize yourself with the computer-based format and the use of onscreen tools.

Complete Curriculum

Module: Mathematics 1

Session	Area	Topic	Subtopics
1	Mathematics 1	Number & Units	Standard form, sig. figs, unit conversions, estimation, orders of magnitude
2	Mathematics 1	Ratios & Proportion	Fractions, percentages, ratios, direct/inverse proportion
3	Mathematics 1	Algebra Basics	Expressions, rearranging, factorisation
4	Mathematics 1	Algebra Advanced	Quadratics, inequalities, simultaneous equations
5	Mathematics 1	Geometry	Angles, polygons, circles, area, volume
6	Mathematics 1	Trigonometry	SOHCAHTOA, sine/cosine rule (basic), bearings
7	Mathematics 1	Statistics	Averages, spread, interpreting graphs
8	Mathematics 1	Probability	Tree diagrams, conditional probability, independence

Module: Mathematics 2

Session	Area	Topic	Subtopics
1	Mathematics 2	Algebra & Functions	Indices, surds, functions, composite/inverse functions
2	Mathematics 2	Graphs & Transformations	Graph sketching, transformations, inequalities
3	Mathematics 2	Coordinate Geometry	Straight lines, circles, intersections
4	Mathematics 2	Trigonometry	Identities, radians, trig graphs
5	Mathematics 2	Exponentials & Logs	Laws of logs, exponential growth/decay
6	Mathematics 2	Calculus I	Differentiation basics, gradients
7	Mathematics 2	Calculus II	Tangents, optimisation, rates of change
8	Mathematics 2	Sequences & Series	Arithmetic, geometric, sigma notation, modelling

Module: Physics

Session	Area	Topic	Subtopics
1	Physics	Motion	Scalars/vectors, SUVAT, graphs of motion
2	Physics	Forces	Newton's laws, friction, free-body diagrams
3	Physics	Energy	Work done, KE, GPE, conservation, efficiency
4	Physics	Materials & Pressure	Density, pressure in fluids, stress/strain
5	Physics	Waves	Wave properties, speed, refraction, reflection
6	Physics	Electricity I	Charge, current, potential difference
7	Physics	Electricity II	Resistance, circuits, power, IV graphs
8	Physics	Advanced Physics	Magnetism, electromagnetic induction, radioactivity, uncertainties

Module: Chemistry

Session	Area	Topic	Subtopics
1	Chemistry	Atomic Structure	Subatomic particles, isotopes, electron configuration
2	Chemistry	Periodicity	Trends, atomic radius, ionisation energy, group properties
3	Chemistry	Bonding & Structure	Ionic, covalent, metallic, intermolecular forces
4	Chemistry	Quantitative Chemistry	Moles, empirical/molecular formula, % yield, atom economy
5	Chemistry	Chemical Reactions	Types, balancing, acids/bases, salts
6	Chemistry	Redox	Oxidation states, electron transfer, electrolysis basics
7	Chemistry	Energetics	Enthalpy, bond energies, reaction profiles
8	Chemistry	Rates & Equilibrium	Collision theory, rate factors, Le Chatelier, equilibrium constants

Module: Biology

Session	Area	Topic	Subtopics
1	Biology	Cells	Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic, organelles, microscopy
2	Biology	Membranes & Transport	Diffusion, osmosis, active transport
3	Biology	Cell Cycle	Mitosis, meiosis, stem cells
4	Biology	Genetics	DNA structure, inheritance, Punnett squares, variation
5	Biology	Enzymes	Lock-and-key, induced fit, temperature/pH effects
6	Biology	Human Physiology	Heart, lungs, digestion, transport systems
7	Biology	Plants & Ecosystems	Photosynthesis, nutrient cycles, food webs
8	Biology	Advanced Biology	Genetic engineering, evolution, selection, data interpretation