Applications, Admissions Test and Interviews
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 31 January, eg for entry in October 2025 you will need to apply by 31 January 2025.
- 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 2025 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.
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.
Entry requirements
Imperial College London regularly considers applicants from many countries holding a wide variety and combination of qualifications.
Around half of our undergraduate intake come to us with A levels, and approximately 15 per cent with the International Baccalaureate. During a typical year, Imperial College London considers nearly 100 different qualification types, and we are experienced in dealing with complex combinations of qualifications.
Meeting academic requirements is only one of the factors we take into account when we make our decision on your application. Other factors include suitability for the course, proficiency in English (you will need to pass a College-approved English language test), reference and interview.
Your application
When considering your application we look at your academic record and predicted grades. We read your personal statement and the academic reference.
The personal statement is a very important part of the selection process as it helps us assess your interest in the subject. We want to hear why you are interested in the course and details of any skills, interests and attributes that demonstrate aptitude, motivation and interest in the course.
Show your potential
Alongsde an interest in maths, technology and electronics, we love to see potential students who show a level of curiosity about how the world works. Maybe you've had some experience of Arduino projects or robotics at school. Further Mathematics is beneficial as it helps you understand the content taught in first year, however it is not compulsory.
Students should have a very solid foundation in mathematics and physics — particularly in electricity and electronics, but the most important thing is that you have a passion for problem solving and a creative mindset. If you are someone who enjoys experimenting with circuits and has an intuition for programming, then these skills will really help you to thrive on this course.
Prospective students don't need to have experience with computer architecture or programming to succeed, however this will be a bonus. Follow your curiosity, do little projects just for the fun of it — they don’t necessarily have to achieve anything huge. Try programming projects or building games.
EEE is a challenging degree, although ultimately rewarding. Balancing getting your best grades alogside your social life and engagement with societies means you'll need to work hard on your time management.
ESAT Test and Interviews
About the ESAT Test
To be considered for this course for 2025 entry, you will need to sit the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) as part of the application process.
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.
Find out more about the ESAT and how to register for 2025 entry.
About the interview
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview. These will be held online.
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
- Be prepared to answer questions on your personal statement
- 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.
Interview Dates
Our Autumn interview dates will be confirmed in October.
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.