Prelims Mathematics and Philosophy Examination Conventions 2025-26

2. Progression through University Examinations

To qualify for your BA or MMathPhil in Mathematics and Philosophy you must pass a First and Second Public Examination. The First Public Examination in Mathematics and Philosophy is currently called the Preliminary Examination and is taken at the end of the first year. There is also a resit Preliminary Examination in Mathematics and Philosophy (Resits), which may be taken by candidates who fail to satisfy the Preliminary examiners (known as moderators). Candidates who are prevented from sitting the first Preliminary Examination by illness or other exceptional circumstances may seek permission from the Proctors instead to sit the Preliminary Examination in Mathematics and Philosophy (Resits). You must pass the Preliminary Examination before you can be admitted to the Second Public Examination, unless you already have a degree from another university and have been granted Senior Status.

The Second Public Examination has three parts: Part A taken at the end of the second year, Part B taken at the end of the third year and Part C taken at the end of the fourth year. You cannot enter for Part B until you have completed Part A of the examination, and in order to proceed to Part C, a candidate must be awarded an Upper Second Class or higher in the combined classification of Parts  A and B. Candidates who satisfy the examiners in Part A and Part B only, qualify for the award of BA in Mathematics and Philosophy; candidates who satisfy the examiners for all three parts qualify for the award of MMathPhil in Mathematics and Philosophy, with the associated classifications.