Philosophy Admissions Test (PhilAT)
Admissions tests can be a daunting aspect of the application process, but there is no reason why this should hold you back. With the right guidance, they can be an excellent addition to your portfolio which really demonstrate your aptitude for the subject.
Please note that the Philosophy Admissions Test has been discontinued from 2026.
What is PhilAT for?
The PhilAT (Philosophy Admissions Test) is part of the rigorous admissions process for students looking to study either Philosophy, Philosophy and Linguistics or Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford. There is no Cambridge Philosophy admissions test, nor a philosophy admissions test for any other university.
What does the test involve?
The PhilAT is a computer based examination for which you are given 60 minutes to complete. It consists of two sections: section A and section B. In section A, you will have to read an extract from a Philosophy or Theology scholar’s work and have to answer two questions based on the given passage. One will generally demand that you clearly explain an element of what you have read, the other will be slightly more complex – you will have to evaluate the passage in relation to a theme given in the question. Section B will offer three questions, from which you choose only one. These could be based on any aspect of philosophical logic, an explanation for the subject at least one of the questions will be assumed so no prior knowledge is necessarily required.
Exam dates
Or those taking the test in 2025, it will take place on the 24th of October. All applicants must sit the exam on this day, so make sure that you are available.
Oxford no longer requires candidates to sit the PhilAT as of 2026.
How to book the test
You must book in advance and more details for this will be published on the Oxford Admissions Website soon. Once you have registered to take the test, each student must also book a spot at a Pearson VUE test centre. Many schools and colleges are registered as test centres, so ask your exams officer or any other member of staff if this applies to you.
Cost
There is no charge for Oxford admissions tests; however, some test centres charge administration costs and you may also have to consider travel costs to your nearest test centre.
Grade boundaries
There are no set grade boundaries for most admissions tests. Unlike in your A-Levels or GCSEs, your score will not be converted into a grade. Rather, your raw mark will be considered amongst the rest of your application.
What is a good PhilAT score?
Scores above 70 are incredibly rare and considered to be excellent. However, most students score 65.0. This is a good score, but will mean that the rest of your application will have to impress in order for you to be offered an interview. Do not feel disheartened if you do not achieve a score over 70 – any score between 68 and 70 is still very competitive.
PhilAT syllabus
There is no set syllabus for the PhilAT, the test is made to examine students’ aptitude for the study of philosophy, not their ability to recall information. Therefore, you do not need any formal study of philosophical ideas prior to sitting the exam.
How to prepare for the test?
It is firstly useful to look at past papers and examples to get a feel of the kinds of questions that are likely to be asked. These are available here. Once you have looked through a few of these past papers, begin to expand your knowledge on key philosophical concepts and criticisms surrounding them. Although there is not necessarily a need for any prior knowledge, it is useful to read around topics you are interested in so that you can get a feel of types of analysis within different schools of thought. Research areas such as metaphysics, epistemology and ethics to get you started. There are also many useful Philosophy resources on YouTube such as the Crash Course series which can make for some good, relaxed revision.
The most successful students will have also perfected their exam technique by carrying out timed practice papers. Therefore, when looking at past papers at the start of your revision to get a feel for the sorts of questions that are asked, reserve a couple as unseen so that you may go back to these and sit them as mock exams. This way, you will get a sense of how long you should spend, planning and writing each answer. For example, in section A, the second question requires more attention, so time concessions should be made for this.
How SLT can help
Simply Learning Tuition provides expert guidance for students applying to Oxford, Cambridge, and other highly competitive universities. Our specialist tutors offer tailored support for admissions tests such as the PhilAT, helping students develop the skills and confidence needed to excel. With a carefully matched tutor, each student receives a personalized approach designed to maximize their potential. Contact us today to take the next step toward admissions success.
How to get the test results?
You will not be able to see your admissions results until you receive your decision letter in January. If you have any further questions at this stage, you may reach out to the college you applied to for more detailed feedback.
Can you retake the PhilAT?
No, if you do not think that you performed well in the exam, you will not be able to resit it until the next round of applications the following year. However, for your own benefit, it is wise not to jump to conclusions before you receive your final decision letter. Oxford admissions teams will look at your entire application holistically. Therefore, not performing to the best of your ability in the admissions test does not necessarily mean that you will not be offered an interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good PhilAT score?
In previous years, any score above 68 was considered competitive.
Can you study for the PhilAT?
Yes, scratching up on your knowledge of key concepts as well as reviewing past papers and exemplar answers will benefit you in the exam.
What is the aptitude test for philosophy?
The Oxford aptitude test for philosophy is known as the PhilAT. More details can be found above or on the Oxford Admissions website here.
How to pass a philosophy test?
The PhilAT does not have a specific pass mark. However, you want to score at least 65 to be in with a chance of being offered an interview. To do this, you must prepare well ahead of time – make sure that you know the format of the exam and the kinds of questions you will be asked. This can be achieved by looking at past papers which can be found here. It is also a good idea to read around the subjects. Think by Simon Blackburn offers a good entry level insight. Also, keeping up with current affairs and identifying pressing issues that you can tie into your argument will make for interesting answers which showcase your inquisitive mind. These are just some ways that will enhance your chances of doing well in the exam.
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