What Is the ESAT and How to Prepare for It

The ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test) is the admissions test used by the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London for their engineering and science courses. It replaced the older NSAA and ENGAA tests. If you're applying for Engineering, Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering or a related course, here's what you need to know.

Who needs the ESAT?

The ESAT is required for a range of competitive science and engineering courses at Cambridge and Imperial. Exactly which course requires it — and which modules — is set by the university, so your first step is always to check your specific course page. It's administered by UAT-UK through Pearson VUE test centres.

The modules

The ESAT is made up of subject modules. Mathematics 1 is the compulsory core; you then sit the additional modules your course requires, chosen from Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Each module is a timed, multiple-choice paper.

• Mathematics 1 — compulsory for all candidates.
• Mathematics 2 — for engineering and maths-intensive courses.
• Physics, Chemistry, Biology — sit the ones your course specifies.
• Confirm your exact module combination on your course page before you register.

How to prepare

1. 1Lock down the A-Level content the relevant modules assume — fluency here is everything.
2. 2Practise applying that knowledge to unfamiliar, multiple-choice problems.
3. 3Build speed: the ESAT is tightly timed, so learn to move quickly and eliminate wrong answers.
4. 4Do full, timed modules near the end, and review every mistake carefully.

“The ESAT tests how fast you can apply what you know — not how much harder maths you can do.”

When to start

With autumn sittings, the summer and early autumn before you apply is the ideal time to prepare. A couple of months of structured weekly work makes a real difference on a timed, technique-heavy test.

Get specialist support

Beyond Tutors offers one-to-one online ESAT preparation across every module — see our dedicated ESAT tutoring page, or book a free trial to get started.