This article will give you a better idea of what to expect in your Cambridge Philosophy interview – including previously asked questions, to interviews with current students!
What is the Cambridge Philosophy interview structure?
Most candidates have 2 interviews that each last around 20-25 minutes in length. Some candidates get pooled to a second college for interviews, and this means you could have up to 4 interviews over a few days!
Candidates are all given prior notice, with most getting an interview timetable, along with who will be interviewing them, a few days in advance.
Interviews take place in December. If your interview is online, make sure you have practised using the technology beforehand!
Example Past Questions from Cambridge Philosophy interviews
General questions:
- Why do you want to study Philosophy at Cambridge?
- Questions on why I talked about X in personal statement
- What is it about Philosophy that most excites you?
- Who is your favourite Philosopher?
- What skills would make you suited to be a successful student at Cambridge?
- Why this college?
- What is your favourite book/TV show/Film? What are some philosophical themes in it?
- Why Cambridge University?
- What can you contribute to college life?
- Discussion on my EPQ topic (if done)
- What did you do in your gap year?
- Discussion of my future plans for study and career
- Why is Philosophy worth studying?
- Why should we give you an offer to study Philosophy at Cambridge?
- I was asked to summarise a book mentioned in my personal statement and my opinion of it
Cambridge Philosophy interview questions:
- Firstly, we discussed things from my personal statement and EPQ. The main aim of the interview was to probe my ability to assess arguments and produce appropriate responses to them. In my second, I analysed a quote from a philosopher – they were looking to assess aptitude of analysing a difficult, unseen extract.
- The first interview started with my personal statement and my motivations for applying to the university/course, before talking through my thoughts of the significance of philosophy in different aspects of society. In my second interview, some questions had definitive answers (such as identifying logical structures), before talking about the nature of knowledge (which was purposefully asked since it was not on my A-Level syllabus). These questions had more subjective answers, and we discussed different views, with each of my answers being challenged by some counter arguments or objections.
- Can you imagine a world without Laws?
- How do you know the sun will rise tomorrow?
- Are you your body?
- Give an example of an argument with false premises but a true conclusion.
- Is it moral to hook up a psychopath (whose only pleasure is killing) to a reality-simulating machine so that he can believe he is in the real world and kill as much as he likes?
- Which questions in Philosophy interest you most?
- What do you think about the ethical implications of [a certain philosopher]’s theories?
- Given two concepts: what are the differences between the two, and how is this important for morality?
Further Questions:
- A thought experiment about knowledge.
- Given a set of statements, do they logically entail one another?
- Why do you believe what your teachers tell you?
- What is freedom?
- If you were to form a government of philosophers, what selection process would you use?
- How do we know if 1 + 1 = 2, if the concept of numbers was in fact ‘invented’ by humans?
- Is it a matter of fact or knowledge that time travels in only one direction?
- Differentiate between power and authority.
- Can animals think?
- Is it possible for a society to exist in which everyone lies all the time?
- A man is on top of a building with a sniper rifle, and lines up a shot to kill the Queen. The conditions are perfect; he has a clear view and no one has spotted him. He fires the gun and the bullet is travelling straight towards the Queen’s head, and will surely kill her. However, a second before impact, a bird flies in the way, taking the bullet and missing the Queen. Should the man be given the same sentence as if there was no bird and he killed the Queen?
- When looking back at the Nazis, the world views the men who were involved as shameful and horrendous. However, if put in a similar position to German nationals, it is likely that British men would have also followed the commands and been involved. Why then, do we look so negatively upon the Germans who were coerced, when it is possible that we too would have acted the same
What do you have to bring to your Cambridge Philosophy interview?
Whatever you feel most comfortable in! I wore smart clothes because I felt more confident in them, but the interviewer was wearing jeans and a T-shirt. The interviewers stress they do not care what you wear, they care about your passion for your subject and how you answer the questions!
When are Cambridge Philosophy interviews held?
According to Cambridge University, interviews typically take place during the first three weeks of December, with a small number of candidates interviewing in January. Most candidates are interviewed over a period of 2-3 days, but if you get pooled for another round of interviews then this period could be even longer.
Tutors then make a decision based on the performance of the applications, and offers are typically sent out to candidates in mid January.
What if my technology cuts out during the interview?
The interviewers will be used to technology not always working perfectly so do not worry – your interview score will not be affected. Try to remain calm, fix the issue yourself, and notify someone as soon as possible if the issue persists.
What are the Cambridge Philosophy interviewers like?
My interview experience was very positive!
I was very nervous at first, but the interviewers quickly put me at ease and were very smiley and chatty. Both interviewers I had were genuinely interested in what I had to say, and it was really more of an informal chat about interesting Philosophical ideas/my motivations for the subject, rather than a typical ‘scary’ interview!
Cambridge Philosophy interview tips
Relax beforehand! There is no point stressing the night before, spending all night revising and cramming. This will just make you more stressed and more tired. Get a good night’s sleep and try to relax before the interview starts.
Double check you are prepared beforehand! Such as making sure you are happy using all the technology, and that you have everything you may need during the interview (such as pens, paper and water).
It is often difficult to prepare for a Philosophy interview. The interviewers are not looking for expertise or a strong prior-knowledge base – instead they are looking for students who can think deeply about a given topic. If, during the interview you think you want to change your opinion, or if you did not consider an opposing view, recognise this and say so!
Tips for the Cambridge Philosophy interview itself
- Try to stay calm! It is totally normal to be nervous – take time to think, structure your answer, and try your best!
- Do not panic if you do not immediately know the answer. Cambridge University states interviewers want to see how you think and apply your current knowledge, rather than just assessing your final answer – so make sure you show the interview how you logically arrive at an answer step-by-step!
- Mock interviews help! Try to practise speaking out loud and on the spot with someone else beforehand!
- Show your passion for their subject! Remember to be smiley, be enthusiastic and practise positive body language!
- Think generally about Philosophical questions! Consider the themes/issues/ideas behind your favourite film/books/TV, applying it to a philosophical context.
- Know your personal statement and EPQ (if applicable)! The last thing you want is to be asked a question about a book you mentioned, but struggle to answer because you have not touched it in six months!
- Enjoy the experience! Being invited to an interview is an achievement in itself, and see this as an opportunity to discuss your interest with leading academics in the field!
Still need more support with preparing for your Cambridge Philosophy Interview? Check out our 1-1 Cambridge Philosophy Interview Tutoring packages to help secure your place at the University of Cambridge!
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