UCL: TARA requirements for 2027 entry

TARA is required for the six UCAS courses below. UCL uses test results alongside the UCAS application. Mechanical Engineering joins TARA for 2027 entry; European and International Social and Political Studies instead use UCL's own Thinking Skills Test. UCL 2027 selection guidance (accessed 2026-09-24).

Format and score context

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving each contain 22 multiple-choice questions with 40 minutes per module. Writing allows 40 minutes for one of three prompts, with a maximum of 750 words. Unused time does not transfer between modules. Calculators are not permitted. Official specification (accessed 2026-09-23).

UAT-UK reports separate Critical Thinking and Problem Solving scores from 1.0 to 9.0. It forwards the writing response to universities without scoring it. There is no test pass mark. UAT-UK TARA guidance (accessed 2026-09-24). This draft supplies no numerical admissions target: no course-specific official competitive score was established in this research. Do not treat a raw practice mark as an official scaled result.

Booking calendar

Book by 28 September 2026, 18:00 UK time, for 12 to 16 October 2026. Where January is permitted, book by 21 December 2026, 18:00 UK time, for 4 to 8 January 2027. You can sit once per cycle. In China, Hong Kong and Macau, the TARA dates are 14 October and 7 January, within the applicable window. UAT-UK deadlines (accessed 2026-09-24).

Editorial preparation advice: begin with the official question guide, review the reason for each error, then try an unseen timed test. For Problem Solving, write down what is being asked before calculating. For Critical Thinking, separate the conclusion from the evidence. Keep time spent and raw accuracy separate in your practice log.

UCL permits either sitting; applicants who also need an October test for Oxford must meet that earlier requirement. UAT-UK sitting guidance (accessed 2026-09-24).

FAQ provenance: the questions below adapt observed questions about writing exemptions, January sittings, preparation resources, timing and essay preparation, accessed in the research snapshot on 2026-09-23. They are paraphrases, not quotations. Answers use the official sources cited in this page; preparation suggestions are editorial.

Computer Science BSc and MEng

Computer Science BSc (G400); Computer Science MEng (G402). TARA is required. Course requirements (accessed 2026-09-24) Course requirements (accessed 2026-09-24).

Complete Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Writing. Module requirement (accessed 2026-09-23).

Apply by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time, the equal consideration deadline. Use either test window in the calendar above. Application deadline (accessed 2026-09-24); Permitted sittings (accessed 2026-09-24).

Study Abroad and Year in Industry options are chosen after enrolment through G402, rather than through extra UCAS course codes. Study options (accessed 2026-09-24).

Score guidance: use the university policy and separate-module explanation above. This research establishes no numeric course target.

Preparation, editorial advice: Practise reasoning without code: model a problem with a small table or diagram, then test the boundary cases. Give the Writing Task its own practice session instead of treating strong mathematics as sufficient preparation.

Three applicant questions

Computer Science and Mathematics MEng

Computer Science and Mathematics MEng (G430). TARA is required. Course requirements (accessed 2026-09-24).

Complete Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Writing. Module requirement (accessed 2026-09-23).

Apply by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time, the equal consideration deadline. Use either test window in the calendar above. Application deadline (accessed 2026-09-24); Permitted sittings (accessed 2026-09-24).

Study Abroad and Year in Industry options are chosen after enrolment through G430, rather than through extra UCAS course codes. Study options (accessed 2026-09-24).

Score guidance: use the university policy and separate-module explanation above. This research establishes no numeric course target.

Preparation, editorial advice: Use numerical confidence to check assumptions, not to overcomplicate a short problem. Practise extracting the relevant information before calculating. Include Critical Thinking and writing in every weekly plan.

Three applicant questions

Mechanical Engineering BEng and MEng

Mechanical Engineering BEng (H300); Mechanical Engineering MEng (H301). TARA is required. Course requirements (accessed 2026-09-24) Course requirements (accessed 2026-09-24).

Complete Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Writing. Module requirement (accessed 2026-09-23).

Apply by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time, the equal consideration deadline. Use either test window in the calendar above. Application deadline (accessed 2026-09-24); Permitted sittings (accessed 2026-09-24).

Study Abroad and Year in Industry options are chosen after enrolment through H301, rather than through extra UCAS course codes. Study options (accessed 2026-09-24).

Score guidance: use the university policy and separate-module explanation above. This research establishes no numeric course target.

Preparation, editorial advice: For numerical problems, sketch the relationship and label units before calculating. Pair this with argument questions and short essay plans; do not let subject revision crowd out reasoning practice.

Three applicant questions

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MEng

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MEng (H700). TARA is required. Course requirements (accessed 2026-09-24).

Complete Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Writing. Module requirement (accessed 2026-09-23).

Apply by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time, the equal consideration deadline. Use either test window in the calendar above. Application deadline (accessed 2026-09-24); Permitted sittings (accessed 2026-09-24).

Score guidance: use the university policy and separate-module explanation above. This research establishes no numeric course target.

Preparation, editorial advice: Practise turning a word problem into constraints, then eliminating impossible cases. In writing, distinguish what a technology can do from what it ought to do, and support your judgement with reasons.

Three applicant questions