- Read selected preliminary texts slowly and note the main argument in each chapter.
- Build a glossary of key concepts, including knowledge, validity, identity, freedom and obligation.
- Practise turning short passages into premise-conclusion maps.
Free Interview Resources
Cambridge Philosophy Interview Questions
Free practice questions, preparation advice, and expert insights for Philosophy interviews at Cambridge.
1-2 interviews · supervision-styleFormat
Supervision-style interviews with problem-solving and academic discussion, often with two interviewers.
Cambridge interviews usually happen at your first-choice college. Most applicants have two interviews, with some subjects requiring a third at the pooled college. Cambridge interviews tend to involve two interviewers and may include a written assessment or pre-interview task sent on the day.
20-45 minutes per interview2 interviews at first-choice college, possibly 1 more if pooled
- -Cambridge often sends a pre-reading or stimulus material 20-30 minutes before the interview. Use that time wisely.
- -At Cambridge, you may be given a piece of paper and asked to work through a problem. Write clearly and explain as you go.
- -The supervision system at Cambridge is about collaborative learning, so interviewers want to see if you can be "taught" during the session.
Invitation → Decision: the interview timeline
Interview Invitation
Late Nov
Arrival to Interview
Early Dec
Technical Question
Mid Dec
Decision
Early Jan
Interview Invitation
Late Nov
Arrival to Interview
Early Dec
Technical Question
Mid Dec
Decision
Early Jan
- Generate counterexamples to claims and explain whether they weaken or defeat the argument.
- Read short philosophical passages aloud, then summarise the argument without notes.
- Practise revising an answer when a premise, definition or example is challenged.
- Run timed supervision-style discussions that require thinking aloud rather than scripted answers.
- Review College instructions for any reading task, assessment or written-work requirement.
- Prepare personal-statement follow-ups by explaining one argument, one objection and one revised view for each major interest.
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Recommended Resources
Book
Think
by Simon Blackburn
A broad, accessible introduction recommended on Cambridge's preliminary reading list and useful for discussing core philosophical problems.
Book
What Does It All Mean?
by Thomas Nagel
Short, question-led chapters help applicants practise explaining philosophical puzzles clearly.
Book
The Problems of Philosophy
by Bertrand Russell
Useful for epistemology, appearance/reality and the analytic tradition associated with Cambridge.
Book
Riddles of Existence
by Earl Conee and Theodore Sider
Good preparation for metaphysics and personal-identity questions of the kind often used in interviews.
Book
Logic: A Very Short Introduction
by Graham Priest
A compact way to strengthen the logic and formal-reasoning skills Cambridge Philosophy can test.
Podcast
History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
by Peter Adamson
Recommended on Cambridge's preliminary reading list; useful for broadening historical context.
Podcast
Philosophy Bites
by David Edmonds and Nigel Warburton
Short interviews with philosophers that help applicants find topics to explore independently.
Podcast
The Philosopher's Zone
by ABC Radio National / David Rutledge
Recommended on Cambridge's preliminary reading list and useful for extending subject knowledge beyond school syllabuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Cambridge course page states that no specific subjects are required for Philosophy. It recommends Mathematics, Religious Studies, Philosophy, English, History and ancient or modern languages as useful subjects for a strong application, but these are not required subjects.
The current minimum offer level is A*AA at A level or 41-42 IB points with 776 at Higher Level. Some Colleges may set offers above the minimum or specify extra conditions.
Cambridge's general interview page says most applicants have one or two interviews lasting 35 minutes to one hour in total. Philosophy applicants should be prepared for two short subject-focused College interviews unless their invitation says otherwise.
The main Cambridge interview period is 7-18 December 2026. Most invitations are sent in November, though some may arrive in early December.
For 2027 entry, Cambridge's course page says there is an admission assessment at some Colleges for Philosophy, and the College assessment page lists specific Colleges. Applicants do not need to register in advance for College assessments; the interviewing College arranges the assessment.
Current Cambridge information says Downing and St John's ask Philosophy applicants to submit two pieces of written work. At other Colleges, applicants will not usually be asked to submit examples of written work.
Cambridge says interviews help assess subject understanding, readiness for high-level study, critical and independent thinking, curiosity, openness to new ideas and enthusiasm for the subject.
If the College assessing an application is impressed but does not have a place, it may place the applicant in the Winter Pool so other Colleges can consider the file. Applicants may receive an offer from a College they did not originally apply to.