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Oxford's course page for Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) says all applicants must take the Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA), including all three modules. The entry requirement is AAA at A level, or IB 39 including core points with 766 at Higher Level. No specific subjects are required, but Oxford recommends Mathematics. The application deadline is 15 October 2026.
Grades Oxford asks for
A-levels AAA; Advanced Highers AA/AAB; IB 39 (including core points) with 766 at Higher Level. Oxford says that wherever possible, grades are considered in the context in which they have been achieved.
Subjects you need
No subjects are required. Oxford recommends that applicants have studied Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent. It says a large majority of successful applicants are studying Maths to A-level or another equivalent, and that extra tuition is available for on-course students who have not studied Maths A-level. You may apply for PPE having done any combination of subjects at school.
The TARA
All applicants must take the Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA) as part of their application. Oxford lists the test dates as 12-16 October 2026, registration (account creation, access arrangements and bursary requests) opening 1 June 2026 at 3pm UK time, and the test booking window as 20 July to 28 September 2026 (6pm UK time). All Oxford applicants must take all three modules: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task. Oxford points applicants to the UAT-UK website for when and how to book, access arrangements and bursaries, preparation and what to expect on the day.
Written work and interviews
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to at least one online interview; interviews are expected to take place in December.
Applicant numbers
Oxford's course page gives these figures, as a 3-year average for 2023-25: 38% of applicants interviewed, 12% successful, and an intake of 227.
Sources
Admissions decisions are made by Oxford's colleges, so check your chosen college's page and Oxford's course page for current requirements before you apply.
Last verified: 18 October 2026
Related
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FAQs
Do I need to take the TARA to apply for PPE at Oxford?
Oxford's course page says all PPE applicants must take the Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA), including all three modules: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task. The test dates are 12-16 October 2026.
What A-levels do I need for PPE at Oxford?
The entry requirement is AAA. No specific subjects are required, but Oxford recommends Mathematics to A-level or an equivalent, and says a large majority of successful applicants are studying Maths.