Imperial College London

Choose a course

When you apply to Imperial, you only apply to a specific course in an academic department and not to the university as a whole. 

  • There are more than 130 undergraduate courses, which can last between 3 and 6 years
  • There are also courses in 16 academic departments which cover science, technology, engineering, medicine, as well as business

  • A lot of the courses require maths at A-level (or equivalent)   

Personal statement

The personal statement is a key component of your application because it gives the admissions officers the chance to get to know you better. Keep in mind that you are limited to 4,000 characters, so use this space wisely. In the personal statement, you should make it clear why you want to study the course you have chosen to apply for, what your skills and experience are + how they will help you succeed in your chosen course, any work experience (though this isn’t essential for all courses at Imperial), and something which you do simply for the fun of it. Lastly, make sure that the personal statement is a reflection of you. Focus on who you are and what you can bring to Imperial. 

Application reference

Only one reference is required on the UCAS undergraduate application, so you have to make sure that your reference is included within your UCAS application. Your referee can also include achievements you are particularly proud of. 

Admissions test

There is no Imperial-wide entry test. However, some of the departments use tests as part of their admissions process. You may be invited to a departmental admissions test, and if you are, the necessary details are going to be sent to you. Keep in mind that the MBBS/BSc Medicine course uses the BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) as part of the selection process, so you have to register for this test before 30 September 2022 (this is for applications for October 2023 entry). If you will be taking this test, you can find more information on the BMAT website. Also, all BSc and MSci Mathematics courses use the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) in the selection process. You have to register for this test before 30 September 2022 (this for applications for October 2023 entry) if you choose to study one of these courses.

Interviews

Many of the departments interview applicants who demonstrate potential in their UCAS application and in an admissions test they have taken. These interviews usually happen between November and February. The department you have chosen to apply to will get in touch with you about the interview with more information, as well as whether or not you can attend online. You will be invited to an interview through the email address which you have put on your UCAS application, so it is important to check it regularly.