Oxford & Cambridge Psychology

Psychology Admissions SupportInterviews, the TARA and written work

One-to-one help for students applying to Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS) at Cambridge, or to Psychology (Experimental) or Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics (PPL) at Oxford. Our tutors are Oxford and Cambridge students and graduates.

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Which course, which test

How Oxford and Cambridge assess psychology applicants

The two universities assess psychology applicants in different ways. This is how it works for students who applied in October 2026, for entry in 2027.

Cambridge

Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS)

TestNone that you register for. Some colleges set a written assessment if they invite you to interview. The college will tell you when and how.

Written workSome colleges ask for one or two pieces. Your college will tell you.

Subjects you needAt least one of Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or Physics. Some colleges say which one.

Typical offerA*A*A at A-level, or 41–42 points in the IB with 776 at Higher Level.

Interview7–18 December 2026, online or in person, depending on the college.

Oxford

Psychology (Experimental)

TestThe TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions). You take all three parts: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and a Writing Task. Our TARA page

Written workNone.

SubjectsNone are required. Oxford recommends at least one science (Psychology counts) or Maths, and a grade A/7 or above in GCSE Maths.

Typical offerA*AA at A-level, or 39 points in the IB with 766 at Higher Level.

InterviewOnline, in December, if you're shortlisted.

Oxford

Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics (PPL)

TestThe TARA, all three parts.

Written workNone.

SubjectsThe same as Psychology (Experimental). For Linguistics, it helps to have English Language, Maths, a science or another language.

Typical offerA*AA at A-level, or 39 points in the IB with 766 at Higher Level.

InterviewOnline, in December, if you're shortlisted.

You don't need A-level Psychology for any of these courses. For Cambridge PBS, Psychology doesn't count as the science subject you need.

Entrance tests for these courses

TARAOxford Psychology (Experimental) and PPLHow the test works, and our TARA tutors.

Always confirm the details on the official Oxford and Cambridge course pages.

Not your course? See every Oxford and Cambridge course and its admissions test, A–Z.

How we help

Support for every part of the application

Interview practice

Oxford and Cambridge interviews are conversations about your subject. A tutor runs a mock interview with you, gives you honest feedback, and helps you think out loud about something new. Book one session or several, by the hour.

The TARA (Oxford)

For next year's applicants. See our TARA page for how the test works and our TARA tutors.

Cambridge written work and college assessments

We help you choose which pieces to send and practise talking about them, and you practise writing under time pressure. Your written work must be your own, so we won't write or edit it for you.

Choosing a course

Not sure whether PBS, Psychology (Experimental), PPL or HSPS suits you best? A tutor can talk you through how the courses differ.

Your Tutors

Psychology tutors

We're adding Psychology tutors now

Tell us what you need, and we'll get back to you about a tutor who fits.

Tell us what you need

How it works

Simple, flexible, by the hour

Choose your tutor

Pick a tutor from this page and send them a message. Not sure who to choose? Tell us what you need and we'll suggest someone.

Arrange a first lesson

We put you in touch with your tutor to agree a time. For students under 18, a parent is included in all messages.

Book lessons by the hour

Lessons are online. Your lessons and invoices are in your MyOxbridgeTutor account.

Our charging promise: You only ever pay for the hours you need to use, no packages or contracts. Rates vary by tutor and are shown on each tutor's profile.

Questions

Psychology admissions FAQs

Do I need A-level Psychology?

No. None of these courses requires it. Cambridge PBS needs at least one of Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or Physics. Oxford recommends a science or Maths, and Psychology counts as a science there.

Is there a test for Psychology at Cambridge?

Not one you register for. Some colleges set a written assessment if they invite you to interview. The college gives you the details.

Can a tutor write or edit my written work?

No. Your written work must be your own. A tutor can help you choose which pieces to send and practise talking about them.

How many mock interviews should I book?

We suggest a series of sessions with one tutor, as many as you need, to build your technique. A tutor who knows you can see what you're improving on and take each session further than the last.

Then book one or two sessions with tutors you haven't met. On the day, you'll be interviewed by people you've never spoken to, who ask questions in their own way. Practising with someone new shows you whether your technique holds up when the style and the questions are unfamiliar.

Ready to strengthen your Psychology application?

Tell us a little about the course and where you'd like support — interview, the TARA or choosing a course — and we'll get back to you about a tutor who fits. No packages, no obligation.

Enquire about Psychology tutoring