Oxford Materials Science interview 2026: dates, questions, format and success rate
Oxford interviews 54% of Materials Science applicants, online, and offers a place to 39% of those interviewed.
Figures from ox.ac.uk, checked 18 October 2026.
At a glance
- When: 10-16 Dec 2026
- Format: Panel interview, Online (Oxford academic tutors)
- How many: 2 (college of choice + another college)
- Who's interviewed: All shortlisted applicants (127 of 237 last cycle)
- Before it: No admissions test
How the Oxford Materials Science interview runs
- Before: No admissions test
- Interviews: 2 (college of choice + another college), 10-16 Dec 2026, online
- Each one: With Oxford academic tutors
- They assess: "An ability to apply logical reasoning to problems in physical science, and an enthusiasm for thinking about new concepts in science and engineering", in the university's own words
Applied: 237. Interviewed: 127. Offered: 50 (2026 entry (2025-26 cycle)).
Questions asked
- Official sample question: How hot does the air have to be in a hot air balloon if I wanted to use it to lift an elephant?
- Reported question: What exactly do you mean by bioconcrete?
- Reported question: When one stretches a material, why does stress concentrate on the bottom of a crack?
Every question reported for this course is open with a free account.
Oxford Materials Science interview FAQ
When are Oxford Materials Science interviews in 2026?
10-16 Dec 2026.
Online or in person?
Online, as a panel interview.
What percentage of applicants are interviewed?
54%, and 39% of those interviewed got an offer.
Is there a test?
No admissions test.
Related
- Oxford Earth Sciences (Geology) interview
- Oxford Engineering Science interview
- Oxford Foundation Year (Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science) interview
- Oxford Physics interview
- Oxford Physics and Philosophy interview