Imperial Design Engineering interview 2026: dates, questions, format and success rate
How Imperial interviews for Design Engineering, online, Early Nov 2026 - mid Mar 2027: 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: Early Nov 2026 - mid Mar 2027
- Format: One-to-one interview, Online (A member of Design Engineering academic staff)
- How many: 1
- Length: 25 min
- Who's interviewed: The strongest applicants on UCAS application and ESAT
- Before it: ESAT
How the Imperial Design Engineering interview runs
- Before: ESAT
- Interviews: 1, Early Nov 2026 - mid Mar 2027, online
- Each one: 25 min, with A member of Design Engineering academic staff
- In the room: Design, technical and maths questions and problems
- They assess: "Interest and aptitude", in the university's own words
Applied: 782. Offered: 181 (2025 UCAS cycle (2025 entry)).
Questions asked
- Official sample question: How would you design a gravity dam for holding back water?
- Reported by 2 sources: Why do windmills never appear stationary?
- Reported by 2 sources: Why do sausages split lengthways, rather than around the circumference?
Every question reported for this course is open with a free account.
Imperial Design Engineering interview FAQ
When are Imperial Design Engineering interviews in 2026?
Early Nov 2026 - mid Mar 2027 (rolling, about a week's notice).
Online or in person?
Online, as a one-to-one interview.
How long is each interview?
25 min. 1.
Is there a test?
ESAT.
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