Interviewing in: Engineering
Background on subject
Engineering involves designing processes and making products to solve real-world problems.
At both Oxford and Cambridge, the first two years are spent studying the core topics, before specialising in third year. A self-directed research project is a significant part of the fourth year, leading to a MEng qualification.
Both Maths and Physics A-levels are subject requirements.
For Oxford, applicants are required to take the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT).
For Cambridge, students have to sit the Engineering Admissions Assessment, and some colleges also require STEP.
Can I interview in this subject?
You do not have to have studied Engineering at university to give a robust and rigorous practice interview in this subject.
Volunteers from the following subjects, or similar, will also be able to deliver Engineering interviews:
Interview types
There are two different types of practice interviews in Engineering, which you may be asked to deliver.
Interview on 'application material' - asking the students' questions about their personal statement, or an essay they will submit as part of their application
Interview on 'unseen material' - asking the students' questions on an article, study, or research paper they have not seen before, testing how they handle new material
SAMPLE Resources
Below you can access a folder of resources for conducting Engineering interviews:
Interview on application material - you can see a sample personal statement, highlighted with examples of questions which could be asked
Interview on unseen material - you can see examples of articles which have previously been given to students, along with questions
These resources are intended for inspiration - to give you an idea of the level, length and themes of the material we use in our practice interviews. However, should you wish to use this material in the practice interviews you deliver, just let us know so we can make sure returning students haven't seen it before!
Meet one of our VOLUNTEER INTERVIEWERS: Victoria
I graduated in 2016 with a Masters in Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering from Cambridge.
I actually was interviewed myself by OxFizz volunteers in my application. For the past year I now volunteer with OxFizz as a mock interviewer.
I love meeting inspiring students who share my passion for science and engineering, and I want to help them build their confidence in the run up to their interviews (just like OxFizz volunteers helped me in the past!).
