About the exam
ESAT Exam structure
An independent study guide with 601 original multiple-choice questions aligned to the current Engineering and Science Admissions Test specifications for Mathematics 1, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics 2.
Issuer and path
ESAT Study Guide is administered through UAT-UK. Check official resources before booking, retesting, or relying on a stale requirement.
Mathematics 1
27 scored + 0 pretest
Compulsory no-calculator mathematics spanning units, number, ratio, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability.
Biology
27 scored + 0 pretest
Cells, genetics, variation, enzymes, animal and plant physiology and ecosystems, with Mathematics 1 assumed.
Chemistry
27 scored + 0 pretest
Atomic structure, bonding, quantitative and physical chemistry, reactions, organic chemistry and analysis, with Mathematics 1 assumed.
Physics
27 scored + 0 pretest
Electricity, magnetism, mechanics, thermal physics, matter, waves and radioactivity, with Mathematics 1 assumed.
Mathematics 2
27 scored + 0 pretest
Advanced algebra, sequences, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, logarithms, calculus and function graphs on top of Mathematics 1.
Confirm every intended course before choosing modules
For 2027 entry, UAT-UK lists 12-16 October 2026 and 4-8 January 2027. Cambridge and Oxford applicants normally use October, subject to the handbook's stated Cambridge mature-college and Oxford Astrophoria Foundation Year exceptions; Imperial and UCL accept either current sitting. Check all UCAS codes before booking because course combinations can change the required module set.
Official Outline Coverage Map
Coverage is mapped to official outline item counts so content depth can be checked without hard-coding a single exam.
| Topic | Official outline items | Your questions | Your flashcards | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units, Number and Exact Calculation | 2 | 30 | 6 | Priority |
| Ratio, Proportion and Change | 1 | 30 | 6 | Priority |
| Algebra, Equations and Graphs | 1 | 31 | 6 | Priority |
| Geometry, Measures, Trigonometry and Vectors | 1 | 30 | 6 | Priority |
| Statistics and Probability | 2 | 30 | 6 | Priority |
| Cells, Membranes and Cell Division | 3 | 23 | 6 | Priority |
| Inheritance, DNA and Protein Synthesis | 2 | 23 | 6 | Priority |
| Gene Technologies, Variation and Evolution | 2 | 22 | 6 | Good |
| Enzymes and Animal Physiology | 2 | 22 | 6 | Good |
| Ecosystems and Plant Physiology | 2 | 22 | 6 | Good |
| Atomic Structure, Periodicity and Bonding | 3 | 23 | 6 | Priority |
| Formulae, Quantitative Chemistry and Redox | 3 | 23 | 6 | Priority |
| Group Chemistry, Separation and Acids | 3 | 23 | 6 | Good |
| Rates, Energetics and Electrolysis | 3 | 22 | 6 | Priority |
| Organic Chemistry, Metals and Analysis | 5 | 22 | 6 | Good |
| Electricity and Magnetism | 2 | 23 | 6 | Priority |
| Motion, Forces and Elasticity | 4 | 23 | 6 | Priority |
| Mass, Momentum and Energy | 3 | 23 | 6 | Priority |
| Thermal Physics and Matter | 2 | 22 | 6 | Good |
| Waves, Optics and Radioactivity | 2 | 22 | 6 | Good |
| Algebra, Functions, Sequences and Series | 2 | 23 | 6 | Priority |
| Coordinate Geometry and Trigonometry | 2 | 23 | 6 | Priority |
| Exponentials and Logarithms | 1 | 22 | 6 | Priority |
| Differentiation and Integration | 2 | 22 | 6 | Priority |
| Function Graphs and Synthesis | 1 | 22 | 6 | Priority |
How to use this guide
How to prepare for the current ESAT
Confirm your course combination, build no-calculator fluency from Mathematics 1 upward, and use official Pearson materials for authentic timing and interface rehearsal.
1. Identify the target
State the requested quantity, relationship, mechanism or conclusion and note its units, signs and constraints.
2. Model the information
Translate words, diagrams, tables or experimental context into equations, proportional relationships or a causal biological model.
3. Select the principle
Choose the smallest relevant mathematical rule or science concept from the specification before manipulating the data.
4. Execute exactly
Keep algebra, fractions, surds and units visible; make each inference or calculation checkable without a calculator.
5. Verify the option
Check magnitude, dimensions, limiting behaviour, biological plausibility and the exact wording before selecting one answer.
Annual specification, course-first plan
Cover the modules you need without inventing one ESAT total
Each selected module produces its own score. The study allocation covers all five specifications for future authoring but is not an official weighting or a claim that every candidate takes every module.
Mathematics 1: Number and Algebra
Units, number, ratio, proportion, algebraic manipulation, equations and graph interpretation.
Choose a topic to open below
Mathematics 1: Geometry and Data
Geometry, measures, trigonometry, vectors, statistics and probability.
Choose a topic to open below
Biology: Cells and Genetics
Cell structure and transport, division, inheritance, DNA, gene technologies and variation.
Choose a topic to open below
Biology: Systems and Ecology
Enzymes, animal physiology, homeostasis, disease, ecosystems and plant physiology.
Choose a topic to open below
Chemistry: Foundations and Quantities
Atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, formulae, equations, quantitative chemistry and redox.
Choose a topic to open below
Chemistry: Processes and Applications
Separation, acids, rates, energetics, electrolysis, organic chemistry, metals, tests and environmental chemistry.
Choose a topic to open below
Physics: Fields and Mechanics
Electricity, magnetism, motion, forces, momentum, work, energy and power.
Choose a topic to open below
Physics: Matter, Waves and Radiation
Thermal transfer, particle models, pressure, waves, optics, sound, the electromagnetic spectrum and radioactivity.
Choose a topic to open below
Mathematics 2: Algebra and Geometry
Functions, polynomials, sequences, series, coordinate geometry and trigonometry.
Choose a topic to open below
Mathematics 2: Analysis and Graphs
Exponentials, logarithms, differentiation, integration and synthesis of function graphs.
Choose a topic to open below
Units, Number and Exact Calculation
Work fluently with standard and compound units, fractions, indices, surds, standard form, bounds and estimation without a calculator.
Key rules
Rule 1
Convert related units before combining quantities and preserve compound-unit meaning.
Exam cue: Write the target unit beside the quantity before converting.
Rule 2
Use exact fractions, surds, powers and standard form until an approximation is requested.
Exam cue: Look for cancellation and exact structure before doing decimal arithmetic.
Rule 3
Distinguish upper and lower bounds from rounded values and choose appropriate accuracy.
Exam cue: Use interval endpoints when a rounded measurement is involved.
Common traps
Applying a linear conversion factor to area or volume.
Prevention: Do not use calculator-dependent shortcuts, import a fact outside the annual specification or overlook a unit, sign, scale or course-module boundary.
Rounding an intermediate value and losing the correct option.
Prevention: Do not use calculator-dependent shortcuts, import a fact outside the annual specification or overlook a unit, sign, scale or course-module boundary.
Treating a displayed rounded value as exact.
Prevention: Do not use calculator-dependent shortcuts, import a fact outside the annual specification or overlook a unit, sign, scale or course-module boundary.
Memory anchors
Unit first
Convert every quantity to compatible units before substitution.
Square and cube
Area factors square; volume factors cube.
Exact before decimal
Keep fractions, surds and π exact until approximation is needed.
Standard form
Write a × 10ⁿ with 1 ≤ a < 10.
Bounds
A rounded value represents an interval, not one exact input.
Estimate
Use simple nearby values to test order of magnitude.
Next best moves
Quick check-up
Use a short quiz to confirm the rule pattern is actually sticking.
Check-up Questions
Convert 72 km h⁻¹ to m s⁻¹.
A rectangle is 3.2 m by 45 cm. What is its area?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Open another topic next
Official resources
Verify the details with the official sources
Use these links for eligibility, scheduling, handbook rules, and issuer updates. Our guide helps you study; official sources tell you what the testing partner currently requires.
ESAT overview
Current UAT-UK modules, module choice, question count, timing, tools, marking and 2027-entry test windows.
ESAT Content Specification
Annual specification for assessment in October 2026 and January 2027, covering all five modules and the Mathematics 1 prerequisite.
UAT-UK preparation
Official route to specifications, specimen and practice tests and recommended preparation order.
ESAT guide and archive
Official preparation guidance and archived NSAA and ENGAA materials, with the current specification taking priority.
Pearson specimen and practice tests
Official delivery partner's desktop test-player materials for format, navigation and accessibility familiarisation.
UAT-UK Course List for 2027 Entry
April 2026 list of the 56 current ESAT course entries and their required module combinations.
UAT-UK Candidate Handbook 2027 Entry
Current booking, selection-change, test-centre, timing, working-material, attempt and UCAS-matching rules.
ESAT results
Official separate-module 1.0-to-9.0 reporting and the no-pass-mark boundary.
UAT-UK key dates
Current booking, access-arrangement, bursary, test-window and result dates for the entry cycle.
Cambridge ESAT requirements
Current Cambridge science and engineering admissions-test guidance and course-specific module selection.
Imperial ESAT requirements
Current Imperial course groups, fixed combinations and Design Engineering exception.
Oxford admissions tests
Current Oxford admissions-test guidance and course-page boundary for ESAT applicants.
UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering ESAT
Current UCL ESAT requirement for Electronic and Electrical Engineering applicants.
FAQ
Common ESAT questions
Is this an official UAT-UK resource?
No. This is an independent study guide. The annual UAT-UK content specification, candidate handbook, course list, Pearson practice system and the admissions page for your exact course remain authoritative.
Are these recalled ESAT questions?
No. All 601 questions, choices and explanations were written independently from the public specification. They are module-labelled practice material, not copied, recalled or reconstructed secure test content.
What are the current ESAT modules?
The five modules are Mathematics 1, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics 2. Each has 27 multiple-choice questions and 40 minutes. Modules are timed and scored separately.
Which modules must every candidate take?
Mathematics 1 is compulsory. Most courses then require either a fixed pair or any two from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics 2. Imperial Design Engineering currently requires Mathematics 1 and Mathematics 2 only.
Does each science or Mathematics 2 module assume Mathematics 1?
Yes. The annual specification states that all modules assume Mathematics 1 knowledge. Preparing Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics 2 does not remove the Mathematics 1 foundation.
How is ESAT marked and reported?
A correct answer receives one raw mark and an incorrect answer receives no deduction. UAT-UK reports each module separately on a 1.0-to-9.0 scale to one decimal place. It does not publish a pass mark or combine the module scores.
Can time saved in one module be used in another?
No. Every selected module has its own 40-minute timer. Unused time does not carry forward, and a completed module cannot be reopened.
Can I use a calculator or bring rough paper?
No calculator or dictionary is permitted. The Pearson VUE centre supplies an erasable booklet, whiteboard or laminated sheet and marker; candidates may not bring personal paper or pens into the testing room.
Which ESAT modules does Imperial currently require?
The current list uses four profiles: Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics for engineering and physics courses; Mathematics 1, Chemistry and Biology for bioscience courses; Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Chemistry for Chemical Engineering; and Mathematics 1 with Mathematics 2 for Design Engineering. Check the exact UCAS course code before booking.
Which ESAT modules does Cambridge currently require?
Cambridge Engineering currently requires Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics. Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Natural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine require Mathematics 1 plus any two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics 2.
Which ESAT modules does Oxford currently require?
Oxford Biomedical Sciences currently requires Mathematics 1 plus any two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics 2. The listed engineering, physics and physics-and-philosophy courses require Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics. Exact course and Foundation Year pages remain controlling.
Which ESAT modules does UCL currently require?
The current list covers UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng and MEng. Both require Mathematics 1 plus any two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics 2.
What if applications to different courses require different modules?
Choose the set required across the intended courses before booking. Some combinations may require four modules, which UAT-UK reviews. A booked module selection cannot simply be edited; the current handbook directs candidates to cancel and rebook if a change is needed, subject to availability and deadlines.
Which annual specification does this guide use?
The content map uses the current UAT-UK specification labelled for assessment in October 2026 and January 2027, which is the 2027-entry cycle. ESAT content, dates and course use are annual, so candidates should recheck the specification for their own cycle.
Why is a full ESAT mock disabled in this guide?
The current Pass Harbor framework does not reproduce candidate-specific combinations of two, three or approved four separately timed Pearson modules or generate official separate scaled scores. Use the official Pearson specimen and practice tests for full interface rehearsal.