Not every UK course requires an interview, but for competitive courses and universities like Oxford and Cambridge, it’s often the deciding factor. This guide covers common university interview questions and how to prepare properly. If you’re still working on your application, see our guide to personal statement tips first.
Quick Answer: What Do University Interviews Actually Test?
University interviews, particularly at Oxford, Cambridge, and other selective institutions, mainly test how you think and reason through unfamiliar material, not simply what you already know. Interviewers typically present an unseen problem, text, or scenario and want to see how you approach it, ask questions, and adjust your thinking when challenged.
Common Types of Questions
- Motivation questions: “Why this subject?” or “Why this university?”: prepare specific, genuine reasons rather than generic answers.
- Subject-specific problems: an unseen text, equation, or scenario related to your subject, testing how you reason through something new rather than recalling memorised facts.
- Wider reading questions: expect to be asked to expand on anything you mentioned in your personal statement, so only reference books or experiences you can genuinely discuss in depth.
- Broader significance questions: “Why does this subject matter?” or “How does this affect society?”: these test genuine engagement with the field beyond exam content.
How to Prepare
- Practise thinking aloud: interviewers want to hear your reasoning process, not just a final answer, so get comfortable talking through your thinking step by step.
- Do mock interviews: practising with a teacher, mentor, or tutor helps manage nerves and provides useful feedback on how you come across.
- Read beyond the syllabus: wider reading or research relevant to your subject gives you more to draw on and shows genuine interest.
- Review your own personal statement: be ready to expand on anything you wrote, since interviewers frequently ask follow-up questions based on it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-rehearsing answers can make responses sound unnatural, while interviewers generally prefer genuine, thoughtful reasoning over a polished script. Staying silent or giving very short answers when stuck is another common issue, since interviewers can’t assess your thinking if you don’t share it, so it’s better to talk through your reasoning even when unsure.
What If You Don’t Know the Answer?
Interviewers often expect you not to know the answer immediately, especially for deliberately unfamiliar problems, and are more interested in how you work towards one. Asking clarifying questions, thinking aloud, and building on hints the interviewer gives you is a normal and expected part of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all UK universities interview applicants?
No, interviews are mainly used by highly selective universities and courses, particularly Oxford, Cambridge, and some competitive subjects like medicine. Many other courses make offers based on the UCAS application alone.
What should I wear to a university interview?
Smart, comfortable clothing is generally recommended; interviewers are assessing your thinking and engagement with the subject, not your outfit, so prioritise feeling comfortable and confident.
How long do university interviews usually last?
This varies significantly by institution and course, from around 20 minutes to closer to an hour for some Oxbridge subjects, sometimes across multiple separate interviews.
