UK University Interviews: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Applying to a top UK university can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially when it comes to the interview stage. For many prestigious institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, and others, interviews are a crucial part of the admissions process.
If you're preparing for a university interview in the UK, it helps to know what to expect and how to present yourself with confidence. This guide outlines what the interview process involves and how you can best prepare.
Why Universities Conduct Interviews
University interviews are not designed to catch you out, but rather to assess how you think, how you respond to unfamiliar questions, and how passionate you are about your chosen subject. Academic ability is essential, but so is your ability to engage critically with ideas and demonstrate genuine curiosity.
What to Expect in the Interview
University interviews in the UK tend to focus on your academic interests rather than your personal achievements. You may be asked to:
Depending on the university and course, interviews can be conducted in person or online. You may be interviewed by one or more academics, and the conversation typically lasts between 20 and 40 minutes.
How to Prepare Effectively
Understand your personal statement. Be ready to discuss anything you've included — from books you've mentioned to extracurricular projects.
Revise your subject knowledge. You don’t need to know everything, but you should be confident discussing the core areas of the subject you're applying for.
Practice thinking aloud. Universities want to hear how you approach problems, not just whether you get the answer right. Practising this skill can make a big difference.
Do mock interviews. Rehearsing with someone who can simulate the interview setting and ask subject-specific questions helps reduce anxiety and build confidence.
Stay curious and read widely. Particularly for humanities and social sciences, being aware of current issues and debates can give you useful material to draw on in discussion.
How We Support You
Our consultancy offers tailored interview preparation services, including:
We help students feel prepared, focused, and ready to perform at their best, whether the interview takes place online or on campus.
Why Universities Conduct Interviews
University interviews are not designed to catch you out, but rather to assess how you think, how you respond to unfamiliar questions, and how passionate you are about your chosen subject. Academic ability is essential, but so is your ability to engage critically with ideas and demonstrate genuine curiosity.
What to Expect in the Interview
University interviews in the UK tend to focus on your academic interests rather than your personal achievements. You may be asked to:
- Solve problems or work through questions related to your subject
- Reflect on what you've written in your personal statement
- Discuss books, articles, or ideas that interest you
- Explain your reasoning or approach to unfamiliar topics
Depending on the university and course, interviews can be conducted in person or online. You may be interviewed by one or more academics, and the conversation typically lasts between 20 and 40 minutes.
How to Prepare Effectively
Understand your personal statement. Be ready to discuss anything you've included — from books you've mentioned to extracurricular projects.
Revise your subject knowledge. You don’t need to know everything, but you should be confident discussing the core areas of the subject you're applying for.
Practice thinking aloud. Universities want to hear how you approach problems, not just whether you get the answer right. Practising this skill can make a big difference.
Do mock interviews. Rehearsing with someone who can simulate the interview setting and ask subject-specific questions helps reduce anxiety and build confidence.
Stay curious and read widely. Particularly for humanities and social sciences, being aware of current issues and debates can give you useful material to draw on in discussion.
How We Support You
Our consultancy offers tailored interview preparation services, including:
- Subject-specific mock interviews
- Personalised feedback and coaching
- Support with refining your personal statement
- Interview strategy and mindset training
We help students feel prepared, focused, and ready to perform at their best, whether the interview takes place online or on campus.
MAY, 24 / 2025
