A*AA, and no required subjects
The A-level entry qualification is A*AA and the IB requirement is 39 points including core points with 766 at Higher Level. Oxford lists no required subjects.
Undergraduate · Oxford Experimental Psychology
Oxford Experimental Psychology: TARA, subjects and fit
Oxford's Experimental Psychology is a scientific degree that works through experiments and systematic observation. It requires no particular A level subjects, but it highly recommends a science or Mathematics, it sets the TARA with all three modules, and it asks for no written work. This guide is written for families planning 2028 entry. Everything cycle-specific in it was last verified for 2027 entry, so treat it as the best guide to preparation and not as the 2028 requirement.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Oxford asks for in Experimental Psychology
Taken from Oxford's official Psychology (Experimental) course page and read on 25 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Oxford's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
A science or Mathematics is highly recommended
Oxford highly recommends one or more science subjects (which can include Psychology) or Mathematics to A level, Advanced Higher or Higher Level in the IB, and an A/7 or above in GCSE Mathematics where GCSEs are taken.
The TARA, all three modules
All applicants must take the Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA) and all three modules: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task.
No written work
Oxford says you do not need to submit any written work for this course.
At least one online interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to at least one online interview, expected to take place in December.
A scientific degree, three or four years
The degree awarded is MSci or BA and the course lasts 3 or 4 years (UCAS code C830). Students can graduate with a BA after three years or take an optional fourth year.
Official sources
Read on 25 October 2026 on Oxford's Psychology (Experimental) course page, which describes 2027 entry. The 2023-25 admissions statistics quoted in the guide are history, not a requirement. TARA sittings, booking windows and the UCAS deadline are cycle-specific and are not stated. The Department's own website was not read.
The course
Scientific psychology, not a general social-science degree
Oxford says psychology at Oxford is a scientific discipline involving the rigorous formulation and testing of ideas, and works through experiments and systematic observation rather than introspection. Students can graduate with a BA after three years, or stay for an optional fourth year composed of a research-intensive, clinically-focused or translation-focused extended project, which leads to an integrated Master's degree. A wide choice of research projects is available in the third and fourth years. If you are drawn to the social-science side of psychology, compare this with the other psychology degrees before committing.
Reading the offer
No required subject, but a clear recommendation
The absence of a required subject can mislead.
The recommendation
Oxford highly recommends studying one or more science subjects (which can include Psychology) or Mathematics to A level or the equivalent. Treat that as the practical expectation.
GCSE Mathematics
Oxford recommends an A/7 or above in GCSE Mathematics where GCSEs are taken.
Practicals
If a practical component forms part of a science A level used to meet the offer, Oxford expects you to pass it.
The TARA
All three modules, including a Writing Task
Oxford says all applicants must take the TARA as part of the application, and that all Oxford applicants must take all three modules: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task. The test's sittings and booking windows change each cycle, so they are not stated here: check Oxford's course page and the test provider's key dates.
The application
No written work, so the test and interview carry the weight
Oxford says you do not need to submit any written work. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to at least one online interview, expected to take place in December. Oxford says tutors want to see whether you appreciate the scope of scientific psychology, can evaluate evidence, consider issues from different perspectives, have a capacity for logical and creative thinking and appreciate the importance of empirical evidence in supporting arguments.
Context
How competitive the course has been
Oxford's page gives a three-year average, for 2023-25, of 34% of applicants interviewed, 12% successful and an intake of 49. Those are historical figures about past cohorts. They are not a requirement and they do not predict any individual result.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Oxford has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Oxford published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Oxford has not yet published it.
Grades, subject recommendations, the TARA modules and the interview format: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Oxford has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
UCAS deadline, TARA sittings and booking windows: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Oxford's course page and the test provider's key dates for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Build a science or Mathematics base to the end of school, start timed practice for critical thinking, problem solving and short written arguments, and read primary psychology research to test your interest.
Support
Independent support with course strategy and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the University of Oxford or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each programme. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What are the Oxford Experimental Psychology entry requirements?
A*AA at A level, or 39 IB points including core points with 766 at Higher Level. Oxford lists no required subjects but highly recommends a science or Mathematics. This is Oxford's wording for 2027 entry.
Which test is required?
The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA), with all three modules: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task.
Do I need to study Psychology at A level?
No subject is required. Oxford highly recommends one or more science subjects, which can include Psychology, or Mathematics.
Do I need to submit written work?
No. Oxford says you do not need to submit any written work for this course.
Is there an interview?
Yes. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to at least one online interview, expected to take place in December.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Oxford's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when Oxford publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Oxford Experimental Psychology
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their sciences and mathematics, how they have approached the TARA, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.