Oxford Earth Sciences (Geology) interview 2026: dates, questions, format and success rate
Oxford interviews 62% of Earth Sciences applicants, online, and offers a place to 32% of those interviewed.
Figures from ox.ac.uk, checked 18 October 2026.
At a glance
- When: 14-16 Dec 2026
- Format: Panel interview, Online (Two members of academic staff per interview)
- How many: 2 (one more quantitative, one more qualitative)
- Length: Around 30 min each
- Who's interviewed: All shortlisted applicants (142 of 230 last cycle)
- Before it: No admissions test
How the Oxford Earth Sciences (Geology) interview runs
- Before: No admissions test
- Interviews: 2 (one more quantitative, one more qualitative), 14-16 Dec 2026, online
- Each one: Around 30 min each, with Two members of academic staff per interview
- In the room: Commenting on pictures of geological specimens
- They assess: "Approach to scientific problems and flexibility in working through them", in the university's own words
Applied: 230. Interviewed: 142. Offered: 46 (2025-26 cycle (2026 entry)).
Questions asked
- Official sample question: How can we estimate the mass of the atmosphere?
- Official sample question: Tell me what this rock looks like.
- Reported by 2 sources: How does the age of ice change as you walk up a glacier?
Every question reported for this course is open with a free account.
Oxford Earth Sciences (Geology) interview FAQ
When are Oxford Earth Sciences interviews in 2026?
14-16 Dec 2026.
Online or in person?
Online, as a panel interview.
How long is each interview?
Around 30 min each. 2 (one more quantitative, one more qualitative).
What percentage of applicants are interviewed?
62%, and 32% of those interviewed got an offer.
Is there a test?
No admissions test.
Related
- Oxford Engineering Science interview
- Oxford Foundation Year (Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science) interview
- Oxford Materials Science interview
- Oxford Physics interview
- Oxford Physics and Philosophy interview