What is the MAT Syllabus for Oxford 2025?

The Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) syllabus for Oxford admissions is considered challenging. The  MAT syllabus emphasises applying A-level (or equivalent) mathematical knowledge to complex problems. Your logical reasoning and problem-solving skills are tested in the examination. You cannot rote learn and clear this paper. Moreover, there is a time constraint. Nevertheless, the good news is that all questions are asked from the given curriculum. Therefore, you must understand the curriculum before sitting for the exam. This blog provides you with all the information you need about the Oxford MAT syllabus.

MAT Examination Format 

To understand the MAT syllabus, you need to know the format of the exam. The MAT examination is conducted for 2 hours and 15 minutes. The MCQ questions are asked in the first section. The 2 long form questions require not only to answer the questions, but also to justify how you have concluded.

Section	Number of Questions	Type of Questions	Scoring
Multiple-Choice (A)	25	Multiple-choice format	4 marks per question; maximum 70 marks total
Extended Response (B)	2	Typed, open-ended responses	Each is worth up to 20 marks; 40 marks combined

MAT Syllabus for Oxford Admissions

The latest Oxford MAT syllabus provided by the University is from 2018. This is because the same syllabus is being followed even in 2025. The Mathematics syllabus requires you to have a proper understanding of the subject. All the questions asked in the paper are from the following syllabus.

S.No.	Topic	Oxford MAT syllabus
1	Polynomials	Quadratic formula, completing the square, discriminant, factorisation, and Factor Theorem
2	Algebra	Solving simple simultaneous equations (1 or 2 variables), simple inequalities, binomial theorem with positive integer exponents, combinations, and binomial probabilities
3	Differentiation	Derivatives of xax^a (including fractional powers), derivatives of ekxe^{kx}, sums of derivatives, tangents/normals, turning points, second derivatives, maxima/minima, increasing/decreasing functions, differentiation from first principles
4	Integration	Indefinite integration as the reverse of differentiation, definite integrals and signed areas, integrating xax^a (where a≠−1a \neq -1) and sums thereof
5	Graphs	Graphs of quadratics, cubics, sin⁡x\sin x, cos⁡x\cos x, tan⁡x\tan x, x\sqrt{x}, axa^x, log⁡ax\log_a x; using graphs to solve equations and inequalities
6	Logarithms & Powers	Laws of logarithms and exponentials, solving equations of the form ax=ba^x = b
7	Transformations	Relationships between graphs y=f(ax)y = f(ax), y=af(x)y = af(x), y=f(x−a)y = f(x-a), y=f(x)+ay = f(x)+a and the original y=f(x)y = f(x) graph
8	Geometry	Coordinate geometry and plane vectors, equations of lines and circles, basic circle properties, arc lengths
9	Trigonometry	Solving basic trigonometric equations, key identities (tan⁡x=sin⁡xcos⁡x\tan x = \frac{\sin x}{\cos x}, sin⁡2x+cos⁡2x=1\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1, sin⁡(90∘−x)=cos⁡x\sin(90^\circ – x) = \cos x), periodicity, sine/cosine rules
10	Sequences & Series	Sequences given by formula or iteration, arithmetic and geometric progressions (including sums), conditions for convergence of infinite geometric series

MAT Syllabus Download PDF

You can download the exam syllabus PDF from here:

Oxford MAT syllabus (2018-2025)

Download here

Also Read: Understand the MAT Test Date 2025: Key Deadlines for Oxford University Applicants

MAT Syllabus for Oxford: A Difficulty Analysis 

Now that you know the Oxford MAT syllabus, it is time to understand the exact difficulty level and score. This will help you create a proper examination preparation plan.

MAT syllabus Scope:

The Mathematics Admissions Test curriculum is based on the Pure Mathematics component of A-Level Mathematics. This doesn’t include the A-Level Further Mathematics. The format has been stable and is not revised annually. The current curriculum available was published in 2018! The syllabus was updated in 2022, and the same is being followed even today.

Difficulty Assessment:

The MAT exam syllabus is considered concise because it covers only a limited number of topics. However, this doesn’t mean the examination is in any way easy. The syllabus is set in such a way that it is fair to students from across the countries. It covers the mathematical foundations and tests your knowledge of the fundamental concepts and your ability to apply them.

Generally, your mathematical thinking potential is tested. For example, your logical reasoning and your ability to solve non-standard problems.

Questions Asked Beyond the Syllabus 

At times, you can find questions being asked beyond the MAT syllabus. You will find some questions are being asked that are not covered in the A-Level or even Further Mathematics courses. Usually, such questions are asked about the following topics:

1. Logic and Proof
2. Elementary Number Theory
3. Recurrence Relations
4. Basic Algorithmic Thinking
5. In-depth applications of Sequences and Series
6. Combinatorial Problems

To learn more about the Oxford Mathematics Admissions Test questions, watch this video:

Comparison with STEP and TUMA

The MAT exam is considered challenging than standard A-level exams due to the depth of thinking required to solve questions. When you compare it with the STEP examination, the MAT exam is less difficult as it does not require you to have a broad knowledge of Further Mathematics. However, similar to the STEP exam, MAT also emphasises rigorous logic and clear expression. The exam may include more compact but expertly developed questions.

Compared to the TUMA examination, the MAT exam has less time pressure. TUMA is now being followed by Imperial College London and Warwick University. This exam gives more importance to rapid and accurate problem solving under intense time pressure.

Nevertheless, the MAT syllabus is still challenging. Even today, students find it difficult to score 75 on this examination held by Oxford.

Also Read: Learn how to register for the MAT exam for Oxford 

How to Prepare for MAT Oxford?

You can prepare for the MAT exam for Oxford by following the tips below. Keep these tips in mind for a successful preparation and to increase your chances of clearing the paper.

1. First of all, understand the MAT syllabus and the exam format. Get a solid understanding of the core topics.
2. Visit the official website and download the previous year’s papers to practise.
3. Practice mathematics questions under timed conditions 
4. Strategically, break down the long-answer problems. Justify how you have arrived at a solution.
5. Develop your problem-solving skills. You can use UKMT, TUMA Paper 1, and even the Maths Olympiad paper to prepare.
6. Work on your speed to solve problems, and learn how to do mathematical calculations mentally. For example, learn square root tricks.
7. Review your answers, identify errors and solve them. Ensure you are keeping a healthy routine.

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