Cambridge Human, Social, and Political Sciences interview 2026: dates, questions, format and success rate
How Cambridge interviews for Human, Social, and Political Sciences, varies by college, 7-18 Dec 2026: the format, the questions reported for it, and the practice interview built on them.
Figures from undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk, checked 18 October 2026.
At a glance
- When: 7-18 Dec 2026 (Winter pool mid to late January 2027)
- Format: Panel interview, Varies by College (Two or three interviewers in subject interviews)
- How many: Varies by College (most applicants 1-2; some 3-4)
- Length: 35 min to 1 hour in total for most applicants (varies by College)
- Who's interviewed: Everyone with a realistic chance of an offer (around 75% of applicants)
- Before it: No pre-registered admission test (College assessment only)
How the Cambridge Human, Social, and Political Sciences interview runs
- Before: No pre-registered admission test (College assessment only)
- Interviews: Varies by College (most applicants 1-2; some 3-4), 7-18 Dec 2026, varies by college
- Each one: 35 min to 1 hour in total for most applicants (varies by College), with Two or three interviewers in subject interviews
- In the room: College admission assessment at Hughes Hall, King's and Newnham: Details will be provided by the relevant College.
- They assess: "Enthusiasm and curiosity, suitability of the course, wider reading, critical analysis", in the university's own words
Applied: 1,230. Offered: 236 (2025 cycle (applications from Sep 2024 for entry in Oct 2025 or deferred 2026)).
Questions asked
- Official sample question: Does the recent migration crisis in Europe challenge or reinforce racism?
- Official sample question: Are there conditions under which the outcomes of democratic elections should be ignored?
- Official sample question: Is American politics democratic?
Every question reported for this course is open with a free account.
Cambridge Human, Social, and Political Sciences interview FAQ
When are Cambridge Human, Social, and Political Sciences interviews in 2026?
7-18 Dec 2026 (main period).
Online or in person?
Varies by College, as a panel interview.
How long is each interview?
35 min to 1 hour in total for most applicants (varies by College). Varies by College (most applicants 1-2; some 3-4).
Is there a test?
No pre-registered admission test (College assessment only).
Related
- Oxford Foundation Year interview
- Oxford Philosophy, Politics and Economics interview
- UCL European Social and Political Studies (Dual Degree) BA interview