Imperial Aeronautical Engineering interview 2026: dates, questions, format and success rate

How Imperial interviews for Aeronautical Engineering, online, After each ESAT sitting: the format, the questions reported for it, and the practice interview built on them.

Figures from imperial.ac.uk, checked 2 November 2026.

At a glance

When: After each ESAT sitting (Usually Nov 2026 and Feb 2027)
Format: One-to-one interview, Online (Academic staff)
How many: 1
Length: 25-30 min
Who's interviewed: Applicants with excellent cumulative performance across the UCAS application and ESAT
Before it: ESAT (Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics)

How the Imperial Aeronautical Engineering interview runs

Before: ESAT (Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics)
Interviews: 1, After each ESAT sitting, online
Each one: 25-30 min, with Academic staff
In the room: Critical-thinking question (typically maths, physics or engineering)
They assess: "Motivation, academic ambitions, suitability", in the university's own words

Applied: 1,667. Offered: 326 (2025 entry (2025 UCAS cycle)).

Questions asked

Reported question: Why does drag usually increase when speed increases, and why is this a serious design constraint for aircraft?
Reported question: How would you explain the difference between lift, thrust, drag and weight to someone who thinks an aircraft simply points upward to fly?
Reported question: What topic in aerospace engineering have you changed your mind about recently, and why?

Every question reported for this course is open with a free account.

Imperial Aeronautical Engineering interview FAQ

When are Imperial Aeronautical Engineering interviews in 2026?

After each ESAT sitting.

Online or in person?

Online, as a one-to-one interview.

How long is each interview?

25-30 min. 1.

Is there a test?

ESAT (Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics).

Every Imperial course that interviews

Start a free practice interview