MLAT Course

What is the MLAT?

The Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) is a test used by Oxford University as part of their selection process for students to their Modern Languages courses (as well as joint honours courses involving Modern Languages). The test is computer-based and is designed to measure an applicant’s ability in a language they already study and wish to study at university, and/or their aptitude for new languages if applying to study something ab-initio.

There are eight individual sections for each of the following languages (to be taken by students who already have knowledge of the language in question):

• Czech

• French

• German

• Italian

• Modern Greek

• Portuguese

• Russian

• Spanish

The other two sections are the Language Aptitude Test (LAT, for those applying for new languages as beginners or for Russian on its own) and the Philosophy test (for those applying to Philosophy and Modern Languages).

Every section of the paper lasts 30 minutes aside from the Philosophy test, which lasts 60 minutes.

What courses require the MLAT?

The MLAT is mandatory for Oxford University applicants on the following courses: European and Middle Eastern Languages, Classics and Modern Languages, English and Modern Languages, History and Modern Languages, Modern Languages, Modern Languages and Linguistics, and Philosophy and Modern Languages.

How is the MLAT used?

Oxford University uses the MLAT as a standardised format for assessing and benchmarking their applicants. The exam rewards either the ability to accurately read, use, and analyse texts in your target language or study, or the ability to adapt to new languages and learn quickly as part of their potential degree course.

Oxford uses students’ marks in the MLAT to make decisions about which applicants they should invite to interview, giving them a further indicator in addition to predicted and achieved grades. Whilst the MLAT is important in their selection processes, it is always used as part of a matrix and considered alongside other factors submitted with the application, such as predicted grades and personal statement.