Which UK universities conduct undergraduate interviews?

Oxford and Cambridge interview almost all shortlisted applicants. Medical, dental, and veterinary schools also conduct interviews or MMIs. Some competitive courses at other universities (e.g., law at LSE) may include interviews.

What is a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)?

An MMI is a series of short interview stations, each assessing a different skill: communication, ethical reasoning, problem-solving, empathy, and subject knowledge. Medical schools use MMIs because they are more reliable than single-interview formats.

How long does a UK university interview last?

Single academic interviews typically last 20–45 minutes. Oxford tutors may interview candidates twice on the same day, in separate tutorials. MMIs usually run 60–90 minutes in total across all stations.

What questions should I expect in an Oxbridge interview?

Oxbridge interviews are academic tutorials designed to see how you respond to new information. Expect to be presented with an unseen passage, problem, or image and asked to analyse it on the spot. Questions test your ability to reason, not recall facts.

How should I prepare if my interview is online?

Treat it with the same seriousness as an in-person interview. Choose a quiet, well-lit space, dress professionally, make eye contact with the camera (not the screen), and have a glass of water nearby. Test your tech the day before.

Can UNICONS provide mock interviews?

Yes. UNICONS offers tailored mock interview sessions with experienced education counsellors and subject specialists. We provide detailed feedback after each session to help you improve before the real interview.

Guidance Hub

Perform at Your Best on Interview Day

Practical techniques for preparing for UK university interviews — from Oxbridge to medical school, we help you walk in with confidence.

Overview

Not all UK universities conduct interviews, but for competitive courses — particularly medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, Oxford, and Cambridge — an interview is a critical part of the admissions process. Being well-prepared can be the difference between an offer and a rejection.

UK university interviews are less about reciting facts and more about demonstrating intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to engage with challenging ideas. Interviewers want to see how you think, not just what you already know.

UNICONS offers structured interview coaching sessions with experienced tutors, including mock interviews tailored to your specific course and university. We cover subject-specific questions, general motivation questions, and the practical logistics of interview day.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Confirm Your Interview Format
Find out whether your interview is in-person, online (video call), or a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) — used by most medical schools. Each format requires a different preparation strategy.
2
Research the Course and University
Review your personal statement, the course content, the department's research interests, and any recent news relevant to your subject. Interviewers often ask about specific topics you mentioned.
3
Practice Subject-Specific Questions
For academic interviews (especially Oxbridge), practise discussing complex topics in your subject. Read broadly, form opinions, and practise explaining ideas clearly without notes.
4
Prepare for Motivation Questions
'Why this university?', 'Why this subject?', 'Where do you see yourself in 10 years?' Prepare authentic, specific answers — not rehearsed scripts.
5
Do Mock Interviews
Practice with your UNICONS counsellor, school teachers, and trusted adults. Record yourself and review your body language, pace, and clarity. Aim for at least 3–5 mock interviews.
6
On Interview Day
Arrive early (or log in early for online interviews). Dress smartly but comfortably. Listen carefully to each question before answering — it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment to think.