How to prepare for an interview for a course at Oxford Population Health

• ‘Why do you choose this course? Why Oxford?'
• ‘Why should we select you? What is your strength compared with other applicants?’
• ‘If you had to explain your project to someone without research experience, how would you do it?’
• ‘How do you imagine your project helping in real life?’

These questions were from past interviews for courses at Oxford Population Health. They may sound scary and make you nervous in an instant, but don’t worry—this blog will help you get ready. Fourteen current students from the DPhil course, MSc in Clinical Trials, and MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology shared their interview experiences. Here, we’ve summarised their key advice. 

How did you prepare for the interview?

Mock interviews

Many students found it helpful to do mock interviews with people, either supervisors, colleagues, parents, or even people they go on first dates with.

'They don't need to be experts, they just need to be able to listen and ask you questions - sometimes the more basic the better so you really know your project inside out!'

Brainstorming possible questions

Thinking through potential questions and drafting answers is a great way to prepare. You can easily find common MSc/DPhil interview questions online, but most will be based on your presentation (if required), CV, personal statement, and course or project details.

'The University website had a lot of information regarding the interview process. I also brainstormed potential questions and how I would answer them based on my personal statement.'

 Experience from current students

Reaching out to current students can give you a better sense of what to expect. If you know someone studying or who has studied at this university, try talking to them.

'I reached out to current and old students on my course to get a sense of the interview format. I also discussed with other Oxford scholars, both in Oxford Population Health and other departments.'

What key factors contributed to your success in the interview?

Background knowledge

A deep understanding of the research proposal and related knowledge is essential. Such understanding only comes from your prior study and research experience; it's never a short-term job.

'My past research work/publication helped.'

Stay confident and calm

Being or pretending to be confident and calm during the interview is a real art. Even if they ask you something you don't know, you can still infer it based on your knowledge, just show your thinking. Trust me, your interviewers can’t tell if you're truly calm or just a great actor!

'I think I managed to convince the panel I felt calm and collected, even if that's not really how I felt.'

Enthusiasm and genuine interest

Enthusiasm is something you can’t fake ‒ interviewers can sense it. When you talk about something you truly care about, your eyes light up, and your tone naturally becomes more engaged. That kind of excitement only comes from genuinely wanting to do the course.

'Lots of enthusiasm matters - genuinely wanting to do the course very much!' 

What was the most memorable question during your interview?

DPhil in Population Health

• ‘Where do you see yourself in five years if you do or do not get into the DPhil?’‘

MSc in Clinical Trials

• ‘Describe a clinical trial that you have read about recently and discuss it.’
• ‘Talk about your favourite clinical trial.’
• ‘If you did the trials again, how would you prepare?’

MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology

• 'Explain to a non-professional person what epidemiology is.’
• ‘You said you are interested to build your career as a health policy analyst, but we do not teach policy-related courses in this MSc. So, why are you interested in this course?’
• ‘Elaborate on your research on the associations between psychological trauma and endometriosis.’

Can you suggest any tips for the presentation if it is required in your interview?

Make the slides short, concise, and easy to read. Don't crowd too much information on the slides, and instead speak about the main points. Set time for each part wisely and make sure that the interview is not the first time you've presented it!

final thoughts

From preparation tips to key success factors and memorable questions, we've explored what to expect in the interview. While all of this can help you feel more prepared, remember that every interview is unique. Here are some final words of advice from students who have been in your shoes: 

• ‘The interview is not meant to trick you, just an opportunity for you to add to your written application and show people how passionate you are about research in population health.’
• ‘Do not pretend to know everything or every concept. If you are not sure of a question, ask for clarification, then answer the best way you can ‒ if you knew it all, you wouldn't need to be on the course.’
• ‘Dressing in clothes that made me feel comfortable, professional and confident definitely helped boost my confidence.'
• ‘Don't stress ‒ you've already gotten this far, which is an achievement in itself! Be genuine, share what you know, and breathe.’

Best of luck!