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Durham University Phd Student Interview Questions
& Process

Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.

Based on 7 interview experiences · FREE TO READ

1.7 Rounds average
Average Typical difficulty
71.4% Positive experience

Candidate interview experiences

First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Durham University.

Showing 3 of 7
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Durham University

PhD Student

Research · more than a year ago

Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical

We'll start with some questions about your interests and educational background. We'll discuss the modules you liked and what you learned from them. We also want to know why you chose to pursue a PhD rather than entering the industry. Then, we'll present our current research methodology and get your thoughts on it. Finally, we'll give you a tour of the department.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • What are your thoughts on exponential functions?
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Durham University

PhD Student

Research · more than a year ago

Intern Average Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical

First, there was an introduction to the program. Then, a one-on-one interview that lasted about 20-30 minutes. I felt the interviewer was a bit rude, maybe because my answers were too long or not what he was looking for. It wasn't a great interview experience, but it might have been specific to that interviewer.

Confirmed questions6 questions
  • Could you tell us about yourself?
  • What is your motivation for pursuing this PhD at Durham specifically, as opposed to other universities?
  • What contributions do you believe you can make to our team?
Durham University logo
Durham University

PhD Student

Research · more than a year ago

Intern Easy Positive experience Decline offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Panel Presentation
Interview formats
Technical Presentation Behavioral

The interview was trustworthy, friendly, informative and supportive. They asked the right questions for evaluation and decision-making. It was important that the interview was conducted by potential supervisors. The whole experience, from setup to feedback, was valuable and informative.

Confirmed questions7 questions
  • What makes you want to attend our university?
  • Could you describe the scope of your research proposal?
  • What is your motivation for pursuing a PhD or research?

Durham University Phd Student Interview Questions

Quoted word for word from Durham University interview reports.

What is your motivation for pursuing a PhD or research?

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What is your motivation for pursuing this PhD at Durham specifically, as opposed to other universities?

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Can you answer a scientific question related to the program?

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Formats, difficulty and experience

Across all 7 Durham University interview reports.

Interview formats

Behavioral 37.5%
Technical 37.5%
Presentation 25%

Interview difficulty

Easy 28.6%
Average 71.4%
Difficult 0%

Candidate experience

Positive 71.4%
Neutral 14.3%
Negative 14.3%