Professor Eric Kerrigan, Admissions Tutor, Electrical and Electronic Engineering

As Admissions Tutor my job is simple: to find out if you would gain the most from studying in our department. Of course you should have the potential to succeed in a challenging course, as demonstrated by meeting our entry grades, but we’re looking beyond your raw marks for a passion in developing your knowledge and understanding.

In addition to your academic ability, your application will be considered on your wider profile and an interview to assess your potential for success in your degree choice. We'll look at your personal statement and reference to understand your personal motivation, commitment to your chosen area of study, and your broader interests.

"Electrical and Electronic Engineering is profoundly shaping the human experience, providing the most powerful set of tools that has yet existed to interact with each other and our environment, on Earth and beyond! We encourage applications from all who want to learn what it takes to create our future."

Applications

The Application Process

If you are interested in applying to one of our programmes, please read the following guidelines to help with your application. 

How and when to apply

  • We have one intake a year in October.  Applications are made through UCAS by 13 January, eg for entry in October 2027 you will need to apply by 13 January 2027.   
  • All applications received at UCAS by the January deadline are given equal consideration.
  • We do not accept "Late" or "Extra" applicants.
  • We do not take applicants through UCAS Clearing.
  • We are unable to accept direct entrants or transfer students into the second, third or fourth year.
  • To be considered for this course for 2027 entry, you will need to register for,  and  sit the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) as part of the application process, See below for more info. 
  • We do not accept transfers from other departments within Imperial, including from students currently studying at Imperial. Any student wishing to join the Department must apply through UCAS and take the ESAT as part of the standard admissions process.

After successfully participating in the ESAT, and after looking at your UCAS form carefully we will then make the decision as to whether we will invite you to interview.

 

About the interview

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview. These will be held online. Autumn term interviews are normally held at the end of November - beginning of December, Spring term they are normally held mid February. 

What can I expect at my interview? 

  • A 25-30 minute one-to-one interview  with one of our lecturers on Microsoft Teams.

Interview preparation

We aim for the interview to be more of a conversation. The main purpose of the interview is for us to see whether you are suitable for the course, as much as for you to decide if Imperial is the place for you. 

You will be asked questions to understand your thought process and to see how you solve problems. The interviewer will also ask you about your motivation for the course.

  • Be ready to explain why you want to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering or Electronic and Information Engineering
  • Think of examples of team work and how you have used your time effectively
  • Think about why Imperial College and why this course
  • You may be asked questions on your personal statement so be prepared.
  • If you are taking an Extended Project, be ready to talk about it

You are not expected to wear formal interview attire, such as a suit. Please wear clothing you feel comfortable in.

Receiving an offer

If you have been successful in your interview, you will receive an offer from the Department!

Depending on your qualification, performance during the interview and other factors, the offer will vary. 

We make our decisions each year by the end of March. 

The College’s offer holder information will help you understand what needs to be done before you start your journey with us.

For questions about the steps after receiving an offer, please contact the Engineering Faculty Admissions Team.

ESAT

To be considered for this course, you will need to sit the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) as part of the application process.

If you are re-applying you will need to take the test again. Test scores are only valid for for the year of application.

The ESAT is a computer-based assessment and is made up of individual multiple-choice assessments. These will differ depending on the Imperial course you are applying to.

ESAT dates are: 

  • Test Sitting 1 (October):
     12-16 October 2026
  • Test Sitting 2 (January):
    4-8 January 2027

Find out more about the ESAT and how to register for the test.