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University College London Phd Student Interview Questions
& Process

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

Based on 44 interview experiences · FREE TO READ

1.7 Rounds average
Average Typical difficulty
86% Positive experience

Candidate interview experiences

First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at University College London.

Showing 3 of 44
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University College London

PhD Student

Research · nearly a year ago

Intern Average Positive experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Technical screen Panel Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation

So, I applied online first. Then I had a chat with the potential supervisor and some other professors. We talked about my past research, what I want to study, and why I'm keen on doing a PhD here. It was a pretty chill vibe, and they let me ask stuff about the project and the department.

Confirmed questions4 questions
  • Tell me about your prior research work and how it relates to this PhD opportunity.
  • What topics are you interested in researching?
  • Why do you want to pursue a PhD?
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University College London

PhD Student

Research · a year ago

Intern Difficult Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Presentation Panel Group Presentation Technical screen
Interview formats
Presentation Behavioral Technical

The PhD interview process involves two main stages. The first stage included a group interview with the studentship committee panel. I had to give a 3-minute presentation, followed by 20 minutes of questions about my presentation and my passion for pursuing a PhD. The second stage was with my potential supervisors, where I delivered a 5-minute presentation and then answered questions for 35 minutes about my presentation and my PhD plans.

Confirmed questions6 questions
  • What is your motivation for pursuing a PhD, and specifically why this program?
  • Regarding Population, Policy and Practice, what are your views on patient engagement?
  • Could you share some achievements you are particularly proud of?
University College London logo
University College London

PhD Student

Research

Intern Difficult Neutral experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Presentation Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation

Applied in December, got a response in April. Had an hour-long interview with two Doctors. They started by saying they wouldn't take much time and that it's okay if I don't get in because it's very competitive. The interview felt like a stress test, with questions about my PhD, why I'm applying, and my 5-year goals, but they also tried to convince me not to study there. I wasn't sure why they were still interviewing me.

Confirmed questions5 questions
  • What are your aspirations for the next five years?
  • Have you considered pursuing a PhD in another field?
  • What are your plans for financing your PhD studies?

University College London Phd Student Interview Questions

Quoted word for word from University College London interview reports.

Can you explain what activation energy is in the context of catalysis?

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What is the primary research currently being done in this field?

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If you had unlimited funding, what would you use it for in research?

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Regarding Population, Policy and Practice, what are your views on patient engagement?

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What are your predictions for the future of this field in the next decade?

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What attracts you to pursuing a PhD at this particular university?

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What is your perspective on current research trends in the field?

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In your opinion, what are the current limitations or challenges hindering this field?

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Formats, difficulty and experience

Across all 44 University College London interview reports.

Interview formats

Behavioral 38.5%
Presentation 30.8%
Technical 27.9%
Group 1.9%
Other 1%

Interview difficulty

Easy 6.8%
Average 61.4%
Difficult 31.8%

Candidate experience

Positive 86%
Negative 4.7%
Neutral 9.3%