01 / Mathematics
Essay competition
Build an argument worth discussing in your UCAS application.
02 / Physics & natural sciences
To what extent is physical irreversibility a consequence of probability rather than a fundamental law?
03 / Engineering
How should an engineering system be optimised when its most consequential failure cannot be assigned a reliable probability?
04 / Open topic
Choose your own question
Your question must be in the context of maths, physics or engineering.
Awards
£150
Gold
Highly Commended
All four question options are eligible for the awards.
Rules & deadlines
- For pre-university students, including gap-year applicants.
- 1,500 words maximum. Title and bibliography excluded; headings, captions and footnotes count.
- Include a bibliography and cite your sources.
- No AI. Submit your own writing, reasoning and references.
- Free entry
- Late entry · £20
- Results
Deadlines close at 23:59 UK time. The late fee applies from 11–25 December.
Entry form not yet available. The submission link and late-payment instructions will be published here.
Use what you learn as evidence of subject exploration in your application. Torus Maths is independent of UCAS and universities; an award does not guarantee an admissions advantage.