Problem Solving Matters

Overview

Problem Solving Matters is a course for Year 12 students from state-funded schools, academies and colleges who are interested in applying to study Mathematics, Mathematical Sciences or other highly mathematics-dependent courses at University. It is designed to prepare students for the way they will have to think to achieve success in the Oxford Maths Admissions Test (MAT) and other problem solving mathematics examinations by developing their mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The MEI work with Oxford University, Imperial College, Durham University, University of Bath, University of Manchester and Warwick University to provide this course.

For further information about the Oxford Maths Admissions Test, see: MAT - University of Oxford 

Aims of the course

• To introduce mathematical problems of the difficulty level of the University Admissions Test
• To develop students’ problem solving skills so they have confidence in applying for universities that require admissions tests or take them into consideration
• To provide information about the requirements of applicants for a maths or maths-rich undergraduate degree
• To provide support for students preparing for the MAT or other Maths admissions tests

Who will benefit from attending

Any student who wishes to apply for a university that requires or accepts the MAT or TMUA admissions tests will benefit from attending. The course also provides a good base for preparing for the STEP examinations.

Please note the University of Oxford uses the MAT as part of its admissions process.

This course is not suitable for GCSE students.

Eligibility

This course is for year 12 students from state-funded schools, colleges and academies in the United Kingdom. Applications from home educated students are also welcomed.

Key details for 2025

This course is free to attend. Lunch is not provided. 

The 3 face to face study days take place on Saturdays, with the approximate timings of arrival from 9:30am, to end at the latest 4.15pm. The study days will focus on specific problem solving skills that students will need to develop, featuring workshops where students will be supported by mentors from the hosting university. 

• Study day 1 focuses on curve sketching and coordinate geometry
• Study day 2 focuses on calculus, surds, indices and logarithms
• Between study day 2 and 3 students will attempt three summer activities; one on curve sketching, one on geometry and one on logarithms and indices. Students will be supported with this work by mentors provided by each of the university hosts
• Study day 3 focuses on trigonometry, combinatorics and sequences and functions

Dates for 2025:

Applications for 2025 are now closed. 

If you are interested in support for the MAT, you can find the Oxford MAT livestream here.

The MEI will also be running free online courses for the MAT and applications are planned to open in June 2025, so please check the MEI website again at this time.