Oxford Philosophy, Politics and Economics interview 2026: dates, questions, format and success rate

Oxford interviews 36% of Philosophy, Politics and Economics applicants, online, and offers a place to 38% of those interviewed.

Figures from ox.ac.uk, checked 18 October 2026.

At a glance

When: 7-9 Dec 2026 (Additional 11-16 Dec 2026)
Format: Panel interview, Online (Oxford academic tutors)
How many: At least 1
Length: Around 20 min each (Hertford College's three interviews, one per subject)
Who's interviewed: All shortlisted applicants (681 of 1,885 last cycle)
Before it: TARA admissions test

Before: TARA admissions test
Interviews: At least 1, 7-9 Dec 2026, online
Each one: Around 20 min each (Hertford College's three interviews, one per subject), with Oxford academic tutors
In the room: 'puzzle questions' in Politics and Economics
They assess: "Independent thinking, following and constructing arguments, thinking on novel topics", in the university's own words

Applied: 1,885. Interviewed: 681. Offered: 261 (2025-26 cycle (2026 entry)).

Official sample question: When I was at school in the 1970s, there was talk of a pensions crisis that would one day hit. The talk persisted in the 1980s, and the 1990s – and then there was a pensions crisis, and little had been done politically to prepare us for it. Is there a fault with the British political system that means we can't sensibly address serious medium and long-term problems when they are identified?
Official sample question: Are our deaths bad for us?
Official sample question: I'm having trouble with the meaning of three words: Lie, Deceive, Mislead. They seem to mean something a bit similar, but not exactly the same. Help me to sort them out from each other.

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

7-9 Dec 2026.

Online, as a panel interview.

Around 20 min each (Hertford College's three interviews, one per subject). At least 1.

36%, and 38% of those interviewed got an offer.

TARA admissions test.