Common University Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

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3 days ago
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University interviews can include questions about:

Why you chose the subject
Why you applied to the course
What you wrote in your UCAS application
Your academic interests
Books, projects and supercurricular activities
Your strengths and areas for development
Teamwork and communication
Challenges you have faced
Professional or ethical scenarios
Unfamiliar academic problems
Your portfolio, performance or audition
What you hope to do in the future

You cannot predict every question.

That is not the goal.

Good interview preparation helps you:

Understand the main types of question.
Select relevant evidence.
Explain what you learned.
Structure your response.
Adapt when the wording changes.
respond naturally to follow-up questions.

UCAS recommends reviewing your application, researching the course and preparing to discuss why you want to study the subject. It also warns applicants not to exaggerate achievements because they may be asked to explain them during an interview.

For a complete preparation plan, read How to Prepare for a University Interview [How to Prepare for a University Interview].

What Questions Are Asked at a University Interview?

Questions normally fall into several broad categories.

Question category	What the interviewer may be assessing
Motivation	Why you want to study the subject
Course choice	Whether you understand what you applied for
Academic interest	How deeply you have explored the subject
Application evidence	Whether you can discuss your claims honestly
Experience	What you learned from activities or work
Skills and qualities	Communication, teamwork and organisation
Reflection	Whether you learn from challenges and feedback
Academic problems	How you reason through unfamiliar material
Professional scenarios	Judgement, safety, ethics and responsibility
Creative questions	Your ideas, influences and development
Future plans	Whether the degree fits your broader aims

Not every interview includes every category.

Oxford and Cambridge interviews are primarily academic conversations about the subject. Medicine interviews may use multiple mini interviews, scenarios and role-play. Creative courses may focus on a portfolio or audition.

How to Use These University Interview Questions

Do not write and memorise a complete script for every question.

Instead, make brief preparation notes containing:

Your main point
One or two examples
What you learned
Why the answer is relevant
A possible follow-up question

A good preparation card might look like this:

Question	Main point	Evidence	Reflection
Why Psychology?	Interested in reliability of human memory	Eyewitness testimony reading	Research findings depend on method and context
Teamwork example	Improved communication in a group project	Shared task plan and progress checks	Good teamwork requires adjustment, not just delegation
Academic challenge	EPQ argument became too descriptive	Used supervisor feedback	Seek feedback before the final draft

This allows your answer to remain natural while ensuring you have useful evidence ready.

How Long Should a University Interview Answer Be?

There is no compulsory length.

As a general guide:

A straightforward opening question may need 45 to 90 seconds.
An experience-based answer may take one to two minutes.
An academic problem may develop into a much longer discussion.
An MMI answer may need to fit a strict station time.
A portfolio discussion may continue through several follow-up questions.

Do not measure success by speaking for as long as possible.

A strong answer should be:

Relevant
Specific
Explained
Reflective
Easy to follow

Finish your answer when you have answered the question.

Common University Interview Question 1: Tell Us About Yourself

This question is not an invitation to describe your entire life.

The interviewer normally wants a brief introduction to:

Your current studies
Your main academic interest
Relevant experiences
Why you are applying

A Useful Answer Structure

What you are currently studying
What interests you academically
One or two relevant activities
Why these led to your application

Example Answer

I am currently studying Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. My main academic interest is how scientific research can be used to understand and improve human health. That developed through studying biological processes at school and completing a project on how memory affects patient communication. I have also volunteered in a care setting, which helped me understand the importance of listening and working as part of a wider team. Those experiences are why I am now applying for a healthcare-related degree.

Avoid

A long personal history
Listing every hobby
Repeating your UCAS application word for word
Starting with your name and age when the interviewer already knows them
Giving an answer with no connection to the course

Common University Interview Question 2: Why Do You Want to Study This Subject?

This is one of the most common university interview questions.

The interviewer is looking for evidence of genuine intellectual or professional motivation.

A Strong Answer Includes

A specific area of interest
How the interest developed
Something you did to explore it
What you want to understand next

Weak Answer

I have always enjoyed Economics and think it is interesting.

Stronger Answer

My interest in Economics became more specific when I studied market failure and realised that policies designed to solve one problem can create unexpected consequences elsewhere. I explored this further by reading about the effects of rent controls in different cities. What interested me most was the disagreement between economists about how evidence should be interpreted. I want to study Economics because I would like to develop the mathematical and analytical tools needed to evaluate those arguments properly.

Why This Works

The answer:

Identifies a specific interest
Gives evidence
Demonstrates independent exploration
Shows what the applicant wants to learn

Avoid

“I have always been passionate about it”
“I am good at the subject”
“It leads to a well-paid job”
“My parents suggested it”
Describing the subject only as interesting

Common University Interview Question 3: Why Did You Choose This Course?

This is different from asking why you like the general subject.

A course may have:

Particular modules
A distinctive teaching approach
Practical or clinical placements
Laboratory work
A year abroad
Professional accreditation
Flexible subject combinations
A specialist pathway

UCAS advises applicants to use the course guide and university information when preparing course-specific interview answers.

A Useful Structure

Identify a course feature.
Explain why it matters to you.
Connect it to something you have already explored.
Explain what you hope to develop.

Example Answer

I was particularly attracted to the combination of theoretical Computer Science and practical software development. I have enjoyed programming, but I also want to understand why algorithms work and how their efficiency can be evaluated. The first-year modules in discrete Mathematics and algorithms would help me build that theoretical foundation before applying it in later projects.

Avoid

Listing modules without explaining them
Repeating marketing language from the website
Saying only that the course is highly ranked
Describing facilities you do not understand
Giving reasons that apply equally to every university

Common University Interview Question 4: Why This University?

Your answer can include academic and practical reasons.

Academic reasons might include:

Course structure
Departmental strengths
Teaching methods
Research interests
Facilities
Placement arrangements
Optional modules

Practical reasons might include:

Location
Campus structure
Student support
Accommodation
Transport
Opportunities outside the course

The academic reasons should normally form the centre of your answer.

Example Answer

The course gives students a broad foundation in the first year before they specialise, which suits me because I am interested in both social and cognitive Psychology. I was also interested in the emphasis on research methods throughout the degree rather than treating them as one isolated module. That is important to me because I want to understand how psychological claims are tested and evaluated.

Avoid

“It has a good reputation”
“It is prestigious”
“The campus looks nice”
“My friends are applying”
“It is high in the league tables”

These points may contribute to your decision, but they do not provide a convincing academic answer on their own.

Common University Interview Question 5: What Interests You Most About the Subject?

Choose one area and develop it.

Do not attempt to mention every part of the discipline.

Example Structure

Name the area.
Explain the question or issue.
Give an example of your exploration.
Explain what remains uncertain or interesting.

Example Answer

I am particularly interested in the relationship between technology and privacy. While reading about facial-recognition systems, I became interested in the tension between security and individual consent. The issue is not simply whether the technology works, but who controls the data, how errors are distributed and whether people can meaningfully opt out. I would like to explore how legal frameworks respond when technology develops faster than regulation.

This answer demonstrates curiosity by identifying a question rather than pretending to have resolved the entire issue.

Common University Interview Question 6: Which Part of the Course Are You Most Looking Forward To?

Research the course before answering.

You might discuss:

A module
Placement
Laboratory work
Fieldwork
Studio practice
Dissertation
Year abroad
Clinical experience

Example Answer

I am looking forward to the fieldwork element because I have mostly encountered Geography through classroom case studies. Collecting and evaluating primary data would help me understand how decisions about sampling and measurement influence the conclusions researchers can draw.

The explanation matters more than naming the feature.

Common University Interview Question 7: What Have You Done to Explore the Subject Outside School?

This question gives you an opportunity to discuss supercurricular activities.

Examples include:

Books
Articles
Lectures
Podcasts
Documentaries
Online university courses
Competitions
Projects
Museums
Work experience
Academic societies
Subject events

UCAS’s current personal statement structure asks students to explain why they want to study the subject, how their education has prepared them and what relevant activities they have completed outside formal education. These same areas may provide useful interview material.

Strong Answer Structure

Name the activity.
Explain the central idea.
Discuss your response.
Explain what you explored next.

Avoid

Listing activities
Saying only that something was interesting
Pretending to have understood everything
Discussing a book you barely remember

Common University Interview Question 8: Tell Us About a Book You Have Read

You do not need to summarise the entire book.

Prepare to discuss:

Its main argument
One important idea
Something you agreed with
Something you questioned
How it influenced your thinking

Example Answer

I recently read a book arguing that apparently irrational decisions often reflect predictable cognitive biases. I found the discussion of framing particularly convincing because small changes in how the same choice was presented produced different responses. However, I wondered how easily findings from controlled experiments could be applied to high-stakes decisions in real life. That encouraged me to read more about the external validity of behavioural research.

Possible Follow-Up Questions

What was the author’s strongest argument?
What did you disagree with?
Was the evidence convincing?
How does it connect to another idea?
Has it changed your view?

Common University Interview Question 9: Tell Us About an Article, Podcast or Lecture

Use the same approach as you would for a book.

Do not spend the whole answer explaining the content.

Focus on:

The idea
Your analysis
What you questioned
Why it matters

Example Answer

I listened to a lecture about whether conservation should prioritise individual species or whole ecosystems. The speaker argued that protecting one popular species can sometimes divert resources from less visible but ecologically important habitats. I found this persuasive, although I also thought public engagement could be harder without recognisable species. It made me interested in how scientific and political priorities interact in conservation policy.

Common University Interview Question 10: Tell Us About Your EPQ or Independent Project

Prepare to explain:

Your research question
Why you chose it
How you found evidence
A challenge
Your conclusion
What you would improve

Example Answer Structure

My project examined…I chose it because…The most challenging part was…I responded by…I concluded…If I repeated the project, I would…

What the Interviewer May Be Assessing

Independent study
Research
Organisation
Evaluation
Reflection
Academic writing

Do not present your conclusion as unquestionable.

Acknowledge limitations where appropriate.

Common University Interview Question 11: How Have Your Current Studies Prepared You?

Discuss more than subject content.

Your studies may have developed:

Analytical writing
Mathematical reasoning
Laboratory skills
Evaluation
Research
Data interpretation
Time management
Independent learning

Example Answer

Chemistry has given me a strong scientific foundation, but it has also taught me to distinguish between a theoretical model and the evidence supporting it. Psychology has developed my ability to evaluate research methods, while Mathematics has made me more confident working with quantitative data. I think that combination would be useful for a degree involving both scientific concepts and critical evaluation.

Common University Interview Question 12: Which School Topic Have You Found Most Interesting?

Choose a topic you can discuss in depth.

Prepare:

What the topic is
Why it interests you
A question it raised
A connection to wider study

Avoid

Naming the easiest topic
Giving a lesson summary
Choosing something you cannot discuss beyond the specification

Common University Interview Question 13: Which Topic Have You Found Most Difficult?

Do not panic if asked this.

The interviewer may be assessing:

Self-awareness
Persistence
Learning strategies
Response to difficulty

A Strong Structure

Identify the difficulty.
Explain why it was difficult.
Describe what you did.
Explain what improved.
Reflect on what you learned.

Example Answer

I initially found probability difficult because I tried to memorise separate methods for each question type. I improved when I began representing the information through diagrams and identifying the events before calculating. My accuracy increased, but the main lesson was that I understand Mathematics better when I focus on the underlying structure rather than trying to recognise a memorised template.

Common University Interview Question 14: What Makes You Suitable for This Course?

Avoid making unsupported claims.

Select two or three qualities and give evidence.

Example Structure

I think I am suited to the course because…One example is…This taught me…It would be relevant because…

Example Answer

I think my curiosity and willingness to revise my ideas would suit the course. During my History coursework, I began with a very simple explanation of why a political movement gained support. As I read conflicting historians, I realised that my original argument ignored differences between regions and social groups. Reworking the argument taught me to treat my first interpretation as a starting point rather than a conclusion.

Common University Interview Question 15: What Are Your Strengths?

Relevant strengths might include:

Analytical thinking
Communication
Creativity
Organisation
Persistence
Independence
Teamwork
Reflection
Response to feedback

Give evidence rather than a list.

Example Answer

One of my strengths is responding constructively to feedback. In my first EPQ draft, I included too much information without making the argument clear. I used my supervisor’s comments to reorganise the work around three competing explanations. The final project was stronger, but I also learned to request feedback earlier rather than treating it as something that happens only after a complete draft.

Common University Interview Question 16: What Is a Weakness You Are Working On?

Choose a real area for development.

Avoid fake weaknesses such as:

“I care too much”
“I am too hardworking”
“I am a perfectionist”

unless you can explain a genuine problem and meaningful action.

A Strong Answer Includes

The weakness
Its effect
Action you have taken
Evidence of progress
What remains to improve

Example Answer

I used to avoid contributing early in group discussions because I wanted to be certain that my idea was fully formed. That sometimes meant the group moved on before I spoke. I have been working on contributing an initial thought and then developing it through discussion. I am more confident now, although I still need to make sure that careful thinking does not become unnecessary hesitation.

Common University Interview Question 17: Tell Us About a Challenge You Have Faced

The challenge does not need to be dramatic.

Possible examples include:

A difficult project
Competing deadlines
A group disagreement
A poor result
Learning a new skill
Taking on responsibility
Adjusting to change

Use the STARR structure:

Situation
Task
Action
Result
Reflection

The reflection is often the most important part.

Common University Interview Question 18: Tell Us About a Time You Failed

The interviewer is not trying to discover whether you have ever made a mistake.

Everyone has.

They may be assessing whether you:

Take responsibility
Analyse what happened
Respond constructively
Change your behaviour

Example Answer

I underestimated how long the research stage of my coursework would take and began writing before I had organised the evidence properly. The first draft became repetitive and lacked a clear line of argument. I created a more detailed evidence table, rewrote the plan and set earlier internal deadlines for later projects. The experience taught me that starting the writing quickly is not always the same as making useful progress.

Avoid

Blaming everyone else
Claiming you have never failed
Choosing a trivial mistake
Describing failure without explaining change

Common University Interview Question 19: Tell Us About Feedback You Received

A good answer demonstrates that you can:

Listen
Avoid becoming defensive
Apply advice
Evaluate whether it worked

Example Answer

A teacher told me that my essays contained strong knowledge but delayed the main argument until the conclusion. I began writing a one-sentence answer to the question before planning each essay and used it to check whether every paragraph contributed to the argument. My writing became more focused, and I now see feedback as most useful when I convert it into a specific change in method.

Common University Interview Question 20: Tell Us About a Time You Worked in a Team

Do not talk only about what the group achieved.

Explain your own contribution.

Include

The shared objective
Your role
A difficulty
What you did
The outcome
What you learned about teamwork

Example Answer

During a group presentation, we realised that two members had interpreted the task differently. I suggested that we return to the assessment criteria and agree the three points our presentation needed to establish. We then reorganised the work rather than simply attaching the separate sections together. The experience taught me that good teamwork depends on a shared understanding of the outcome, not only dividing tasks fairly.

Common University Interview Question 21: Tell Us About a Disagreement

The interviewer may be assessing how you handle conflict.

A strong answer demonstrates:

Listening
Respect
Evidence-based discussion
Willingness to compromise
Focus on the shared objective

Avoid

Presenting the other person as unreasonable
Claiming you persuaded everyone immediately
Describing conflict with no resolution
Suggesting that disagreement is always negative

Common University Interview Question 22: Tell Us About a Time You Showed Leadership

Leadership does not always mean being officially in charge.

It may involve:

Clarifying a goal
Supporting another person
Organising work
Making a decision
Keeping a team calm
Taking responsibility
Inviting quieter people to contribute

Example Answer

During a volunteering event, we had fewer helpers than expected and several tasks had not been assigned. I listed the immediate priorities, asked each person which role they felt confident completing and took responsibility for the remaining coordination. The event ran successfully, but I learned that leadership is less about giving instructions and more about creating enough clarity for other people to contribute effectively.

Common University Interview Question 23: How Do You Manage Your Time?

Use an actual example.

Discuss:

Prioritisation
Planning
Breaking down tasks
Reviewing progress
Adjusting when plans change

Avoid

I use a planner and always meet deadlines.

This is too general.

A stronger answer explains how your system works when several important deadlines compete.

Common University Interview Question 24: How Do You Handle Pressure?

Do not claim that pressure never affects you.

Explain:

How you recognise it
What practical action you take
How you maintain performance
What you have learned

Example Answer

When several deadlines overlap, I can initially feel tempted to work on whichever task appears most urgent. I now list the fixed deadlines, estimate the work remaining and divide larger tasks into shorter stages. I also build in an earlier personal deadline for important work. This does not remove pressure, but it prevents me from responding to it without a plan.

Common University Interview Question 25: How Do You Respond to Criticism?

Distinguish between:

Personal criticism
Constructive feedback
Evidence that an approach needs changing

Explain how you assess the feedback and act on useful points.

Do not say that you accept every criticism automatically.

Thoughtful judgement matters too.

Common University Interview Question 26: What Achievement Are You Most Proud Of?

The achievement does not need to be an award.

It could be:

Academic progress
Completing a project
Supporting another person
Learning a difficult skill
Overcoming a setback
Taking responsibility

Explain why it matters.

Avoid

Simply naming the achievement
Choosing something only because it sounds impressive
Taking sole credit for a group achievement
Forgetting to connect it to your development

Common University Interview Question 27: What Do You Do Outside Your Studies?

Universities are not searching for one approved hobby.

You could discuss:

Sport
Music
Employment
Volunteering
Reading
Gaming
Caring responsibilities
Creative work
Community activity

Explain what the activity contributes to your life or development without forcing every hobby to sound academic.

Common University Interview Question 28: What Current Issue Interests You?

Choose an issue connected to the course where appropriate.

Prepare to discuss:

What happened
Why it matters
Different perspectives
Your current view
What evidence could change your mind

Do not repeat a headline without understanding it.

Avoid presenting a complex debate as if one side is obviously foolish.

Common University Interview Question 29: What Is Your Opinion on This Debate?

A strong response does not need to be perfectly balanced.

It should show that you can:

Identify the central issue
Present a reasoned position
Consider a counterargument
Recognise limitations
Reach a conclusion

Use the PREP structure:

Point: State your position.
Reason: Explain why.
Example: Support the reasoning.
Point: Return to the question.

For more complex questions, add a counterargument before your conclusion.

Common University Interview Question 30: What Would Someone Who Disagrees With You Say?

This is testing whether you can challenge your own argument.

Give the strongest reasonable counterargument.

Do not deliberately create a weak opposing position that is easy to dismiss.

Then explain:

Why the objection matters
Whether it changes your view
Whether your conclusion needs qualifying

Common University Interview Question 31: Has Your Opinion Ever Changed?

Choose an example where:

You held an initial view
New evidence or experience challenged it
You reconsidered
Your final view became more informed

Changing your mind is not intellectual weakness.

It can demonstrate that you respond to evidence.

Common University Interview Question 32: Where Do You See Yourself in Five or Ten Years?

You do not need a fixed career plan.

You can discuss:

Broad professional interests
Skills you hope to develop
Questions you want to explore
Possible career directions
Further study

Example Answer

I am interested in a career involving environmental policy, although I do not yet know whether that would be through research, government or the charitable sector. My immediate goal is to develop a stronger scientific understanding of environmental systems and the analytical skills needed to evaluate policy evidence.

Common University Interview Question 33: What Will You Contribute to the University?

Possible contributions include:

Academic discussion
Student societies
Sport
Music
Volunteering
Peer support
Cultural activities
Student representation

Avoid promising to join 15 societies.

Choose genuine areas where you are likely to participate.

Common University Interview Question 34: How Will You Cope With Independent Study?

Discuss:

Planning
Seeking help
Using feedback
Managing reading
Reviewing progress
Maintaining motivation

Use evidence from:

EPQ
Coursework
Independent reading
Online courses
Employment
Long-term projects

Common University Interview Question 35: Why Should We Offer You a Place?

This can sound intimidating.

Do not compare yourself with applicants you have never met.

Focus on:

Your preparation
Your motivation
Your academic potential
Evidence of relevant qualities
Readiness to develop

Example Answer

I believe I have prepared seriously for the course through my current studies and independent exploration of the subject. I have also learned through my project work that I enjoy questions where evidence can support several interpretations. I would bring curiosity, a willingness to engage with difficult material and an openness to feedback. I know I still have a great deal to learn, which is exactly why I want to study the subject at university.

Questions About Your UCAS Application

From 2026 entry onwards, the UCAS personal statement is divided into three questions covering motivation, educational preparation and relevant experiences outside formal education. Interviewers may ask you to expand on material from any of these sections.

Prepare for questions such as:

You wrote that you are interested in X. Why?
What did you learn from this activity?
Which part of this book did you find most convincing?
How did this course prepare you?
What was your role in this project?
What do you mean by this statement?
Would you still agree with what you wrote?
Which experience influenced you most?
What did you do after completing this activity?
How does this relate to the degree?

Do not assume the interviewer is accusing you of exaggeration.

They may simply be using your application as the starting point for a conversation.

Academic University Interview Questions

Academic interviews may give you unfamiliar material rather than asking a predictable personal question.

Oxford publishes sample questions directly from tutors to help applicants understand the thinking being assessed. The university explains that questions may begin with school material or wider reading before moving into unfamiliar territory.

Cambridge describes its interviews as academic conversations designed to assess applicants’ potential for their chosen course.

Examples of Academic Question Types

You might be asked to:

Interpret a graph.
Analyse a poem.
Comment on a historical source.
Solve a mathematical problem.
Explain an unfamiliar scientific result.
Compare two arguments.
Interpret an image or object.
Suggest a hypothesis.
Challenge a claim.
Apply a principle to a new case.

These are examples of question types, not predicted live questions.

How to Answer an Unfamiliar Academic Question

Identify what you have been given.
State what you notice.
Explain any relevant knowledge.
Make your assumptions clear.
Suggest a possible approach.
Think aloud.
Respond to hints.
Revise your answer when necessary.

Useful Phrases

The first feature I notice is…

This appears to suggest…

One possible explanation is…

I am assuming that…

I would test this by…

That interpretation may be limited because…

The new information changes my answer because…

Oxford Interview-Style Questions

Oxford publishes official examples across subjects, but applicants should use them to practise reasoning rather than memorise answers.

Possible styles include:

Why does this biological process happen?
What might this graph show?
How would you test this claim?
What makes an action morally wrong?
What do you notice about this poem?
Can you prove or disprove this statement?
Why might two historians interpret this evidence differently?
What would happen if this variable changed?
Is this argument logically valid?
How could this system be improved?

Oxford Computer Science also publishes sample problems showing that applicants may be asked to investigate an unfamiliar problem and explain their thought process.

What Oxford Interviewers Are Looking For

They may be interested in:

How you begin
Whether you use available information
How you respond to guidance
Whether you test your assumptions
Whether you can develop an idea
How clearly you explain your reasoning

An immediate correct answer is not always the main objective.

Cambridge Interview-Style Questions

Cambridge interview questions are also subject-focused.

You may be asked:

What interested you in your submitted work?
How would you approach this problem?
What assumptions does this argument make?
Can you apply this concept to another example?
What does the evidence allow us to conclude?
How might this result be explained?
What would change your interpretation?
Can you think of a counterexample?

Cambridge recommends reviewing your personal statement, current studies and wider subject reading, while avoiding excessive rehearsal of fixed answers.

Medicine Interview Questions

Medical schools use different interview formats, including panel interviews and MMIs. The Medical Schools Council provides official practice stations and marking guidance for mock MMIs.

Common areas include:

Motivation for Medicine
Understanding the doctor’s role
Communication
Teamwork
Empathy
Integrity
Reflection
Ethical reasoning
Patient safety
Health inequalities
Work experience
Resilience

The Medical Schools Council identifies qualities such as honesty, integrity, communication, teamwork, empathy and respect as important attributes for medical applicants.

Why Do You Want to Study Medicine?

A strong answer should address:

Why Medicine specifically
Your understanding of the role
What you learned from experience
The challenges you recognise
Why the combination of science and patient care suits you

Avoid saying only:

You want to help people.
You enjoy Biology.
Doctors earn well.
A family member is a doctor.
You watched a medical programme.

Helping people and enjoying science are valid, but they apply to many careers.

Why Medicine Rather Than Nursing or Another Healthcare Career?

Do not criticise other professions.

Explain your understanding of the doctor’s particular role, which may include:

Diagnosis
Managing uncertainty
Integrating complex information
Shared decision-making
Responsibility within multidisciplinary care
Scientific and clinical reasoning

Show respect for the contribution of the whole healthcare team.

What Did You Learn From Work Experience?

Focus on reflection rather than the number of hours.

Discuss:

Communication
Teamwork
Patient dignity
Emotional demands
Uncertainty
Professional boundaries
Continuity of care
Responsibility

What Makes a Good Doctor?

You might discuss:

Clinical competence
Communication
Empathy
Integrity
Teamwork
Awareness of limits
Commitment to learning
Respect
Patient safety

Give examples of what these qualities look like in practice.

Medicine Scenario Questions

Possible scenarios include:

A colleague makes a mistake.
A patient refuses treatment.
Confidential information is disclosed.
A student behaves unprofessionally.
A patient requests information you cannot provide.
A team member appears unwell.
Resources are limited.

Use a structured approach:

Identify the immediate concern.
Consider safety.
Gather relevant information.
Recognise your level of responsibility.
Communicate respectfully.
Seek senior support where appropriate.
Protect confidentiality.
Reflect on follow-up action.

Read MMI Interviews Explained [MMI Interviews Explained] for a complete station guide.

Dentistry Interview Questions

Dentistry interviews may cover:

Why Dentistry?
Why not Medicine?
Manual dexterity
Communication
Patient anxiety
Teamwork
Professionalism
Prevention
Public health
Work experience
Ethical scenarios

Why Dentistry?

Discuss the combination of:

Science
Practical precision
Patient communication
Long-term care
Prevention
Problem-solving

Avoid describing Dentistry merely as a more convenient form of Medicine.

How Have You Developed Manual Dexterity?

Possible evidence includes:

Art
Craft
Musical instruments
Model making
Sewing
Electronics
Practical laboratory work

Explain what you developed rather than listing hobbies.

Nursing and Midwifery Interview Questions

Nursing and Midwifery questions may focus on:

Motivation
Communication
Teamwork
Patient dignity
Confidentiality
Safety
Equality
Resilience
Professional responsibility
Understanding the role

The NMC Code is organised around four themes: prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety, and promote professionalism and trust. These provide a useful framework for considering professional scenarios.

Why Do You Want to Become a Nurse?

Discuss:

What interests you about nursing specifically
Your understanding of the role
Relevant experience
Teamwork
Patient-centred care
The emotional and practical demands

Avoid suggesting that nursing consists only of being caring.

Compassion matters, but the role also requires knowledge, judgement, communication, organisation and safe practice.

What Would You Do if You Saw Unsafe Practice?

A strong answer should consider:

Immediate risk
Patient safety
Your own level of responsibility
Appropriate intervention
Escalation
Accurate reporting
Professional communication

Do not promise to investigate the incident entirely by yourself.

Allied Health Interview Questions

Courses such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiography, Paramedic Science and Speech and Language Therapy may ask:

Why this profession?
What does the role involve?
How does it differ from related careers?
What did you learn from experience?
How would you communicate with an anxious patient?
How would you respond to a safeguarding concern?
How do professionals work within multidisciplinary teams?
How would you manage emotional pressure?

Research the specific profession rather than preparing one generic healthcare answer.

Teaching Interview Questions

Teacher-training interviews can explore:

Why you want to teach
Why you chose the age group or subject
What makes effective teaching
Safeguarding
Behaviour
Inclusion
Communication
Subject knowledge
Resilience
Current educational issues

Official Get Into Teaching guidance advises candidates to prepare for questions on motivation, experience, subject knowledge, behaviour and safeguarding.

Why Do You Want to Teach?

Discuss:

Your interest in learning and development
Relevant experience
What you understand about the role
The demands you recognise
Why the profession suits your skills

Avoid:

I want to teach because I like children.

This does not demonstrate an understanding of teaching.

What Would You Do if a Child Disclosed a Safeguarding Concern?

A suitable answer normally includes:

Listen calmly.
Do not promise secrecy.
Do not conduct your own investigation.
Record the information accurately.
Follow the organisation’s safeguarding procedure.
Report to the designated safeguarding lead.
Act promptly where immediate danger exists.

Safeguarding knowledge is an explicit area candidates should review before a teacher-training interview.

How Would You Manage Challenging Behaviour?

Discuss:

Clear expectations
Consistency
Understanding possible causes
Calm communication
School policy
Positive relationships
Support from colleagues
Protecting learning and safety

Avoid suggesting that one punishment works for every student or situation.

Art and Design Interview Questions

Portfolio interviews may ask:

Which piece best represents you?
How did this project develop?
Which artists or designers influenced you?
Why did you choose this material?
Which experiment was unsuccessful?
What would you change?
How do you respond to feedback?
What are you working on now?
How does your sketchbook support the final work?

UCAS notes that applicants may be asked to present a portfolio or other examples of work during the selection process.

How Did This Project Develop?

Discuss:

Starting point
Research
Experimentation
Decisions
Problems
Changes
Final outcome
Next steps

The process may be more revealing than the polished final piece.

Which Piece Was Least Successful?

Do not refuse to identify one.

Choose work you can evaluate constructively.

Explain:

What you intended
What did not work
Why
What you learned
How you would develop it

Architecture Interview Questions

Architecture interviews may combine:

Portfolio discussion
Visual analysis
Spatial reasoning
Design thinking
Interest in buildings and places
Social and environmental questions

Possible questions include:

Which building interests you and why?
How does a building affect its users?
What makes a public space successful?
How did you communicate scale in this project?
How would you redesign this space?
How should architecture respond to climate change?

Avoid focusing only on whether a building looks attractive.

Consider:

Function
Materials
Context
Users
Sustainability
Accessibility
Structure

Music, Drama and Performance Interview Questions

You may be asked:

Why did you choose this piece?
How did you prepare?
Which performers influence you?
How do you respond to direction?
What was the intention behind your interpretation?
How do you work within an ensemble?
What would you change about your performance?
How do you manage performance nerves?

Be ready to discuss choices rather than simply saying that you liked the material.

Group Interview Questions and Tasks

A group may be asked to:

Rank a set of priorities.
Discuss a case study.
Design an activity.
Solve a problem.
Agree a recommendation.
Analyse a scenario.
Produce a presentation.

The assessors may observe:

Contribution
Listening
Cooperation
Leadership
Respect
Time management
Inclusion

Useful Group Interview Phrases

I agree with that point, and I would add…

Could we compare the options against the criteria?

We have not heard from everyone yet.

Would anyone like to offer another perspective?

We have five minutes left, so shall we agree our final priorities?

I understand the concern, although another interpretation might be…

Do not dominate the conversation.

Do not remain silent either.

Online University Interview Questions

Online interviews generally use the same academic or experience-based questions as in-person interviews.

Some may be:

Live
Pre-recorded
Timed
Delivered through several virtual stations

Prepare to answer clearly without relying on:

Internet searches
AI tools
Scripts
Another person in the room
Unauthorised notes

Treat the camera as the interviewer when giving a pre-recorded answer.

Pause before answering and keep the response structured.

Questions You Can Ask the Interviewer

At the end, you may be invited to ask a question.

Good questions could include:

How is feedback given during the first year?
When do students begin practical work?
How are placements allocated?
How much flexibility is there when choosing optional modules?
How are students supported in moving towards independent study?
What opportunities are available for undergraduate research?
How do students from different subject pathways adjust to the first year?
How is portfolio development supported?
How are students prepared for professional placements?

Avoid asking:

What grades do I need?
Is the course good?
Did I get in?
How much money will I earn?
A question answered clearly on the course homepage

You do not need to invent a question simply to appear interested.

Follow-Up Questions to Expect

After almost any answer, the interviewer could ask:

Why?
What do you mean by that?
Can you give an example?
What did you learn?
What evidence supports your view?
What would you do differently?
Is there another interpretation?
Does that apply in every situation?
What would someone who disagrees say?
How does this relate to the course?
What happened next?
How did you measure success?

Practise follow-ups rather than rehearsing only opening answers.

How to Structure University Interview Answers

STARR for Experience Questions

Use:

Situation
Task
Action
Result
Reflection

Best for:

Teamwork
Leadership
Challenges
Feedback
Responsibility
Conflict

PREP for Opinion Questions

Use:

Point
Reason
Example
Point

Best for:

Debates
Current issues
Motivation
Course-choice questions

Evidence and Reflection for Activities

Use:

What you did
What you noticed
What you learned
Why it matters
What you did next

Best for:

Work experience
Volunteering
Books
Lectures
Projects
Supercurricular activities

CLEAR for Professional Scenarios

Use:

C: Clarify the issue.
L: Look for immediate risk.
E: Explain responsibilities and options.
A: Act proportionately and seek support.
R: Review, record and reflect.

Best for:

Medicine
Nursing
Teaching
Social Work
Allied health

Common University Interview Answer Mistakes

Memorising a Script

This can make answers sound unnatural and inflexible.

Giving a Generic Answer

Your response should contain specific evidence.

Listing Without Explaining

Do not list five activities when one well-explained example would be stronger.

Describing Without Reflecting

Explain what changed because of the experience.

Speaking for Too Long

Answer the question and allow the conversation to develop.

Giving One-Sentence Answers

Most questions require explanation or evidence.

Repeating Your UCAS Application Word for Word

The interview should add depth.

Pretending to Know

Explain how you would approach an unfamiliar issue.

Ignoring the Exact Wording

“Why this university?” is not the same as “Why this subject?”

Using the Same Example for Everything

Prepare a varied evidence bank.

Giving a Weakness With No Improvement

Show what you are doing about it.

Blaming Other People

Take appropriate responsibility.

Treating Professional Scenarios as Personal Opinion

Use safety, ethics, responsibility and professional guidance.

Refusing to Change Your Mind

Responding to evidence can demonstrate academic maturity.

University Interview Question Practice Sheet

Prepare brief notes for the following.

Motivation

Why do you want to study this subject?
Why this course?
Why this university?
Which part of the subject interests you most?
What do you hope to learn?

Academic Interest

What have you read recently?
Which topic interests you?
What current issue have you followed?
Tell us about an independent project.
What question would you like to research?

Application

Explain an activity from your UCAS application.
What did you learn from it?
Which experience influenced you most?
Has your thinking changed since applying?
What did you explore next?

Skills and Reflection

What is your greatest strength?
What are you working to improve?
Tell us about a challenge.
Tell us about feedback.
Tell us about teamwork.
Tell us about leadership.
Tell us about a disagreement.
Tell us about a failure.

Future and University Life

Where do you see yourself in the future?
How will you manage independent study?
What will you contribute?
How do you manage time?
What questions do you have for us?

Frequently Asked Questions About University Interview Questions

What Is the Most Common University Interview Question?

“Why do you want to study this subject?” is one of the most common.

Prepare a specific answer supported by evidence.

Will They Ask Why You Chose the University?

They may.

Research the course and identify features that genuinely matter to you.

Will They Ask About Your Personal Statement?

They may ask about anything included in your three UCAS responses.

Review every activity, claim, book and project.

Will They Ask About Current Affairs?

Some courses may ask about recent developments connected to the subject.

Focus on understanding different perspectives rather than memorising headlines.

Will Oxford Ask About Your Personal Statement?

An Oxford interview may begin with your application, submitted written work or school studies before moving to unfamiliar academic material.

Are Oxford Interview Questions Impossible?

No.

They may be unfamiliar and challenging, but the purpose is to explore how you reason.

Hints and follow-up questions can form part of the discussion.

What Questions Are Asked at Cambridge Interviews?

Cambridge interviews focus on the subject and may involve academic discussion, unfamiliar problems, application material or submitted work.

What Questions Are Asked at Medicine Interviews?

Common themes include:

Motivation
Communication
Teamwork
Ethics
Empathy
Professionalism
Reflection
Patient safety

Formats differ between medical schools.

Should You Memorise Answers?

No.

Prepare key points, evidence and reflection.

How Long Should an Answer Be?

Long enough to answer the question clearly.

Most personal questions need more than one sentence but less than a long speech.

Can You Pause Before Answering?

Yes.

A short pause can help you organise your response.

Can You Ask Them to Repeat the Question?

Yes.

UCAS advises applicants to ask for clarification when they do not understand an interview question.

What if You Do Not Know the Answer?

Explain how you would approach the problem.

Use the information provided and respond to any guidance.

Can You Say “I Don’t Know”?

You can acknowledge uncertainty, but continue by explaining your reasoning or asking for clarification.

Can You Change Your Answer?

Yes.

Changing your view after considering new information can be a strength.

What if You Give a Bad Answer?

Move on.

One answer is unlikely to represent the whole interview.

Will They Try to Trick You?

Most interviewers are trying to understand how you think, not catch you out.

A question may still be deliberately challenging.

Should You Use the STAR Method?

STARR is useful for experience-based questions.

It is less suitable for academic problems or ethical discussions.

Should You Ask Questions at the End?

You can ask a thoughtful question when invited, but you do not need to ask something whose answer you already know.

Are Questions the Same for Every Applicant?

Not necessarily.

Follow-up questions often depend on the applicant’s answers, application and subject interests.

Can You Find the Exact Questions Online?

You may find old examples, but there is no reliable way to predict the live interview.

Oxford and medical admissions organisations publish authorised examples and preparation materials. Use these rather than seeking confidential questions.

Can You Share Interview Questions Afterwards?

Some universities require applicants to keep interview and admissions-assessment content confidential. Cambridge explicitly prohibits sharing interview questions, assigned pre-reading and admissions-assessment details with other applicants or commercial organisations.

Final Thoughts on Common University Interview Questions

University interview questions are not designed to reward the applicant who memorises the largest number of model answers.

They help interviewers understand:

Why you want to study the subject
What you have done to explore it
How you think
How you communicate
What you learned from experience
How you respond to difficulty
Whether you can reflect
Whether you understand the course or profession
How you use evidence
How you adapt when challenged

Prepare your ideas rather than a script.

For each likely question:

Identify your main point.
Select evidence.
Explain why it matters.
Reflect on what you learned.
Prepare for a follow-up.

Most importantly, answer the question you are actually asked.

A simple, honest and well-supported response is usually much stronger than an impressive-sounding speech that avoids the real question.