Admissions tests
From 2027 entry onwards, some Astrophoria Foundation Year courses will require applicants to take an admissions test as part of the application process.
Bursaries are available to cover the cost of the test.
Admissions tests for Astrophoria Foundation Year courses
From 2027 entry onwards, some Astrophoria Foundation Year courses will require applicants to take an admissions test as part of the application process. These tests are used alongside the UCAS application, Foundation Year Additional Application Questionnaire (FYAAQ), and interviews (for shortlisted applicants) to help assess academic potential and readiness for study at undergraduate level.
The admissions tests used for Foundation Year courses are:
- LNAT for the Foundation Year in Law
- TARA for the Foundation Year in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), a UAT UK test
- ESAT for Engineering Science pathways within Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS), a UAT UK test
These tests are taken before submitting your UCAS application and require advance registration. This means you should begin preparing your Foundation Year application earlier than in previous admissions cycles.
Financial support for tests
UK candidates in financial need may be eligible for a bursary to cover the full cost of their admissions test. These bursaries are not provided by the Astrophoria Foundation Year, but by the organisations who run the admissions tests.
Bursaries are available for candidates who meet specific eligibility criteria.
If you would like to apply for a bursary to cover the cost of your admissions test, please check the deadlines carefully and ensure you apply in time.
Which test will I have to take?
Engineering Science options with Foundation Year
All Engineering Science applicants must take the ESAT as part of their application. The test is run by UAT-UK.
The focus of the ESAT is on your ability to use and apply your science and mathematics knowledge. It uses science and mathematics that you are likely to have already learned in your school studies.
Foundation Year in Law
All applicants must take the LNAT as part of their application. LNAT is the national admissions test for Law.
The LNAT test helps you understand if Law is the right career path for you, and it helps universities check that you'll be able to succeed on a Law course.
Foundation Year in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
All Foundation Year in PPE applicants must take the TARA as part of their application. The test is run by UAT-UK.
The focus of the TARA is on generic skills essential for undergraduate study. You do not need subject specific knowledge.