TARA for UCL Computer Science: What Applicants Need to Know

Quick answer

Applicants to UCL Computer Science BSc must take the TARA for the 2027 admissions cycle. They complete all three modules: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task.

The TARA is not a coding or Computer Science subject test. UCL uses it alongside grades and the UCAS application to help distinguish between a large number of highly qualified applicants.

Why does UCL use the TARA?

UCL Computer Science reports 5,549 applications for 210 places in 2024/25, or about 26 applications per place. Its published entry requirement is A*A*A, including an A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

UCL says that strong grades alone make applicants increasingly difficult to differentiate. The TARA provides a common measure of critical thinking, problem solving and written communication. UCL describes its review as holistic and does not publish a guaranteed TARA cutoff or a fixed percentage weighting for the test.

Which UCL Computer Science courses require it?

UCL's department guidance lists:

• Computer Science BSc
• Computer Science MEng
• Computer Science and Mathematics MEng
• Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MEng

Philosophy and Computer Science BA is run by UCL Philosophy and is not included in that list.

Which sitting can applicants use?

UAT-UK offers TARA sittings in October 2026 and January 2027. UCL applicants may use either sitting, with no advantage to taking the first rather than the second. Applicants should still check their exact course page before booking because admissions requirements can change between cycles.

What should Computer Science applicants prepare?

There is no Computer Science-specific version of the test. Preparation should follow the published TARA specification.

Critical Thinking

Candidates analyse short arguments rather than code or algorithms. Practise identifying conclusions, assumptions and flaws, and deciding how additional evidence affects a claim. Strong mathematical applicants should not assume this module will take care of itself.

Problem Solving

This module uses basic mathematics in unfamiliar situations. It rewards accurate work with ratios, percentages, tables, graphs, measures and multi-step procedures without a calculator. It is narrower than TMUA-style mathematical preparation and should be practised in its own 22-question, 40-minute format.

Writing Task

Candidates choose one of three prompts and write up to 750 words in 40 minutes. UCL says the test assesses the ability to express ideas clearly in writing, so applicants should practise the official three-part task rather than treating the essay as optional.

A practical preparation plan

1. Read the current TARA specification and question guide
2. Sit a timed diagnostic to identify the weakest module
3. Practise weak question types in focused sets
4. Complete full 40-minute modules
5. Rehearse complete papers in the computer-based interface

TaraPrep's free diagnostic provides a full paper in the simulator with immediate Critical Thinking and Problem Solving results. Further practice can then be targeted by module and question type.

What should applicants avoid?

• Preparing as though the TARA contains coding questions
• Focusing only on Problem Solving because the course requires strong Mathematics
• Using TMUA or legacy MAT material as a substitute for the TARA format
• Ignoring the Writing Task because UAT-UK does not give it a numerical score
• Relying on an unofficial score cutoff

Official sources

• UCL Computer Science BSc course page
• UCL TARA guidance for Computer Science courses
• UAT-UK TARA overview
• UAT-UK 2027-entry deadlines