Computer Science Demonstration Interview

Are you preparing for an Oxford interview for Computer Science?

In this demonstration video, Oxford University tutor Gavin Lowe, Tutor and Director of Studies for Computer Science at St Catherine's, will take you through what to expect during the interview process.

This was recorded with a first year Computer Science student. The video begins with an introduction from the tutors explaining why they interview and what to expect from the conversation. This is followed by a sample interview, after which the tutors talk about how the interview went.

00:00 - Start
00:04 - Tutor Introduction
02:52 - Demonstration Interview
23:57 - Tutor Commentary

We recommend that you also watch our instructional video for online interviews for Computer Science at https://ox.ac.uk/interviews. This explains step by step how the technology side of things will work. For Computer Science you need a computer for video conferencing using Microsoft Teams, an interactive virtual whiteboard and Natural Handwriting Capture via a stylus.

For lots more info on what to expect from our interviews and further guidance on how you can prepare, visit: https://ox.ac.uk/interviews

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Do you have further questions? See if they’re answered below – or find out more at https://www.ox.ac.uk/interviews and https://www.ox.ac.uk/study.

Q: How will I find out if I have been invited to interview?
A: Shortlisted candidates will receive a letter or an email inviting them to interview, usually between the middle of November and early December.

Q: Will I have more than one interview?
A: This is quite likely to happen, and you might also be interviewed by more than one college. Visit our website to find out more about this process: https://www.ox.ac.uk/interviews

Q: How can I prepare?
A: Our top tip is to practise speaking about your subject and your thoughts about what you've seen or read. Check out our website for lots more suggestions of things you can do to prepare.

Q: What if I don’t know the answer?
A: There may be more than one right way to answer a question, in which case tutors will be more interested in exploring your thought process. Remember they are trying to find out how you think, so anything you say will interest them. If you think you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t panic, but try and apply your mind to it – you may surprise yourself! They are looking for evidence that you are willing to engage with new ideas, and that you can be flexible in your thinking. Top tip: don’t try and second guess what tutors are looking for – just be yourself.

Q: What happens if I need adjustments because of a disability?
A: If you need any adjustments, make sure that the college which has invited you to interview knows about these as soon as possible. Please see the interviews section of our ‘Guidance for disabled applicants’ page for more advice: https://ox.ac.uk/disabledstudents

Q: What software do I need? Do I need additional devices?
A: Everyone will need a computer with a microphone, speakers, and webcam. All interviews will be held on Microsoft Teams. If you think you might have any problems accessing the technology needed, talk to your school and if you still aren’t able to access it, then contact the college inviting you for interview. Whether you need additional software or devices will depend on the course you are applying for – visit our website to watch instructional videos which will take you through the technology requirements: https://www.ox.ac.uk/interviews

Q: Where will my interview(s) take place?
A: Online interviews should take place wherever you feel able to perform at your best. This should be somewhere you have reliable access to the required technology and a quiet space. We hope that this will be either in your school or college, or your home or similar environment. As soon as you receive your invitation to interview, we suggest that you discuss with your school or college where you would like this to take place.

For more information and FAQs, visit: https://www.ox.ac.uk/interviews