PhilAT (Philosophy Admissions Test)
2025 PhilAT test date: 24 October
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.
We 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.
This Oxford admissions test is now computer-based, and you will need to arrange to take it at a Pearson VUE authorised test centre. Instructions on how to do this can be found under the How do I register? tab on this page.
How do I register?
Guidance for candidates on how to register for and book your admissions test will be made available soon.
Test preparation and practice materials
A test preparation guidance video and practice test hosted by the online test platform will be made available for candidates soon.
In the meantime, candidates can view the past papers and resources below to get a sense of the types of questions asked in the test. Please note that although the exact format of this year's test may differ slightly from these materials, working through past papers will still be very valuable preparation.
Past papers
- PhilAT 2022
- PhilAT 2021
- PhilAT 2020
- PhilAT 2019
- PhilAT 2018
- PhilAT 2017
- PhilAT 2016
- PhilAT 2015
- PhilAT 2014
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.
- Guidance for Part A comprehension-style questions
- Guidance for Part B logic-style questions
- Guidance for Part B half-hour essay questions
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 at Pearson VUE test centres on 24 October 2025.
What should I expect on test day?
More information on what to expect on test day will be made available soon.
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 after college decision letters are sent in January. Applicants will still be able to write to their college to request feedback.
