Philosophy Test
New arrangements for this test for 2025-entry will be communicated at the earliest opportunity. In the meantime, you are welcome to explore the test preparation and practice materials which you may find helpful.
What is the Philosophy Test?
All candidates applying for Philosophy and Theology are required to sit the Philosophy Test.
If you are applying for Philosophy, Psychology and Linguistics (PPL) or Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), you need to take the TSA.
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 Philosophy test mentioned here but you should register for the MLAT.
How do I register?
New arrangements for this test for 2025-entry will be communicated at the earliest opportunity.
Test preparation and practice materials
New arrangements for this test for 2025-entry will be communicated by the start of the new admissions cycle in Spring. In the meantime, you are welcome to explore the test preparation and practice materials and resources which you may find helpful.
Past papers
The Philosophy Test is a 60-minute exam 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. Familiarise yourself with the format of the paper using the following past papers and remember to sit at least one paper in test conditions.
- Philosophy Test 2022 (also used for the online practice test)
- Philosophy Test 2021
- Philosophy Test 2020
- Philosophy Test 2019
- Philosophy Test 2018
- Philosophy Test 2017
- Philosophy Test 2016
- Philosophy Test 2015
- Philosophy Test 2014
The University does not endorse, or allow use of, its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial use
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?
New arrangements for this test for 2025-entry will be communicated at the earliest opportunity.
