PhilAT (Philosophy Admissions Test)

What is the PhilAT?
How do I register?
Test preparation and practice materials
When do I take the test?
What should I expect on test day?
How do I get my results?

What is the PhilAT?

The PhilAT is a 60-minute test designed to test a candidate's philosophical reasoning skills. There is no expectation that you will have undertaken any formal study of philosophy, and it is not a test of philosophical knowledge. You will normally be asked to undertake a comprehension exercise and write a short essay or answer a structured question.

Candidates should attempt Part A, which consists of one question, and one question only from Part B. The two questions you answer will be given an equal weighting, so you are advised to spend half of the available time on each of them.

All candidates applying for Philosophy and Theology are required to sit the Philosophy Test (or PhilAT).

If you are applying for Philosophy, Psychology and Linguistics (PPL) or Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), you need to take the TSA only.

If you are applying for any Philosophy and Modern Languages course at Oxford, you need to take the relevant parts of the MLAT. Please note that the content of the Philosophy section of the MLAT is the same as the PhilAT mentioned here but you should register for the MLAT.

This Oxford admissions test is now computer-based, and you will need to arrange to take it at a Pearson VUE authorised test centre. You will be able to register to take the PhilAT from Thursday 15 August 2024 until Friday 4 October 2024. Instructions on how to do this can be found under the How do I register? tab on this page.

All applicants taking this test will be invited to practise taking a sample paper online in advance of test day. We also strongly recommend that you explore all the past papers and resources available under the Test preparation and practice materials tab. As the content and structure of this test has not changed, all existing online resources and past papers are still valuable preparation.

How do I register?

Candidates can register to take their admissions test free of charge between Thursday 15 August and Friday 4 October 2024 and we strongly recommend you do this as soon as possible.

It is particularly important that you register early if you are requesting access arrangements, as this involves a few additional steps. You will be required to submit documented evidence of eligibility as soon as possible and have this accepted by Oxford.

When registering for your test you will be asked for your UCAS ID but if you haven't yet started your UCAS application, you can come back and fill this in later. However, it is important you do this or we may not be able to match your test score with your Oxford application.

Please read these instructions thoroughly before booking your admissions test. In summary, the steps you will need to take are as follows:

Step 1: From 15 August, go to the registration portal and follow the instructions to create your own Oxford admissions test user account and register for your test. It will be easier to do this if you know your course code which is VV56.

Step 2: Let us know if you would like to request access arrangements for your admissions test. Depending on what your requirements are, this may take up to ten days to organise and your Pearson VUE test centre may be booked on your behalf. Anyone requesting access arrangements will be required to provide supporting documentation from a medical or educational specialist. If at all possible, we recommend uploading this when you register for your test as this will expedite the process. In all cases, you must provide this evidence of eligibility by 20 September (or at the time of registering if doing so after 20 September).

Step 3: Once registered, follow the instructions to book your test at a Pearson VUE test centre. If you have requested category 2 or 'other' access arrangements, this will be done on your behalf, just follow the on-screen instructions.

You will receive direct email confirmation of successfully arranging your test appointment, giving the date, appointment time and duration and address of the test centre selected. If you do not receive this confirmation, make sure to check your spam folders. You can expect to receive emails about your test from: [email protected] and [email protected].

Please note that the duration of your test appointment will show as longer than the time of your test. It will allow for you to arrive 15 minutes early, undergo ID and security checks and other preliminary procedures.

No changes to your test appointment can be made after test registration closes on 4 October.

Additional support

View our FAQs or contact Oxford’s undergraduate applicant helpdesk with questions regarding your application
Contact Pearson VUE customer service with queries about your test centre booking
You can make changes to your test appointment by signing into your Oxford Admissions Test user account and selecting 'manage appointment'.

Read the video transcript.

Test preparation and practice materials

We recommend exploring the test preparation and practice materials below.

The practice test allows you to familiarise yourself with the new online test platform and format for 2025-entry. Please note that as this is for practice only, you will not be able to submit this for a score or feedback after taking the test.

PhilAT practice test

Although the test platform has changed, the content of the test is similar to in previous years so working through past papers will still be very valuable preparation and should help you to feel confident on test day.

Read the video transcript.

Past papers

Preparation advice

The following information, written by an Oxford tutor, outlines the different types of questions you will come across in the test and discusses ways to approach them.

The University does not endorse, or allow use of, its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial use.

When do I take the test?

Candidates will take the PhilAT on 22 October 2024 at Pearson VUE test centres.

What should I expect on test day?

You will be taking your admissions test at a Pearson VUE test centre and we advise that you read Pearson VUE's guidance on what to expect on your test day. This includes information on:

Reschedule and cancellation policies
Pearson VUE test centre management
ID requirements
Candidate rules
Test centre check-in procedures
Personal belongings (including information on note taking)
In the test room
Breaks

How do I get my results?

Admissions tutors will receive the results of all candidates' tests directly and in time to make their shortlisting decisions in November.

Test scores will be automatically distributed to all applicants shortly after college decision letters are sent in January. Applicants will still be able to write to their college to request feedback.

PhilAT (Philosophy Admissions Test)

What is the PhilAT?