Online interviews technology
In December 2023 all Oxford interviews will take place online using Microsoft Teams.
On this page, you’ll find the basic technology requirements for all interviews plus additional suggestions for certain subjects. For many courses, you will require only a device on which you can participate in a Microsoft Teams meeting. For some courses, the University has recommended that you also have access to a separate tablet and stylus so that you can share handwritten notation, sketches and diagrams.
We’re committed to giving everyone a fair opportunity and are much more interested in how you can work through academic problems than what technology you have available to you. We also want to make sure that you’re comfortable in interviews, including with the technology that you are using. We do not expect schools or candidates to purchase new devices if they do not already have the recommended technology. In these cases, we will work with you to provide an alternative and our tutors will adapt the interview to suit each applicant and their situation.
If we invite you to interview, we will ask you to let us know where you will interview from (e.g. home or school/college) and what technology you will have access to. We will also share this information with other colleges who may offer you an interview to ensure that all interviewers can adapt to your circumstances. Please email undergraduate.admissions@hertford.ox.ac.uk if you’d like to discuss alternatives to using a tablet device – it may be that you have access to a whiteboard or a visualiser, or that it would be best to simply rely on using a pen and some paper.
Basic requirements
All interviews will require you to have access to a device (like a computer, laptop or tablet) on which you can participate in a Microsoft Teams meeting. You do not need to have a Microsoft account in order to use Microsoft Teams for this purpose. Your device will need:
- access to the internet and to Microsoft Teams (via the app or a web browser)
- speakers (either in-built or external) or headphones
- a microphone (either in-built or external)
- a camera/webcam (either in-built or external)
In addition, you should have plain paper and pens to hand in case you want to take any notes or are asked to write anything down. You might also like to have a copy of your personal statement and any submitted written work.
Additional recommendations
In addition to the basic requirements above, some subjects recommend that you have access to a shared virtual whiteboard and/or a touchscreen device which you can use to draw sketches and share mathematical notation.
The University has split each subject into one of three tiers:
- Tier 1 subjects have no additional recommendations
- Tier 2 subjects recommend you use a virtual Miro whiteboard
- Tier 3 subjects recommend you use a virtual Miro whiteboard and have access to a separate touchscreen device.
If you do not have access to the technology recommended, please do not worry. We will work with you and your school or college to provide alternative solutions and ensure that interviewers can adapt the interview to suit your situation. We are also aware that technical issues can mean that things do not always go completely smoothly, so we’ll be prepared to revert to simpler techniques using pens and paper if necessary and due allowances will be made for any disruption.
Please email undergraduate.admissions@hertford.ox.ac.uk if you have any questions or concerns about technology recommendations.
Click on the subjects below to find out what the recommendations are for your course and to watch a video introducing the technology suggested.
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Archaeology and Anthropology
Tier 1: Other than Microsoft Teams, you do not need any additional hardware or software. If you do not have the recommended technology, please contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
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Biochemistry
All Biochemistry interviews at Hertford College will follow a Tier 1 format, meaning that you will not require any additional technology beyond the basic requirements above. Candidates will also be interviewed at a second college, where it may be recommended to use a Tier 2 set-up. If you do not have this recommended technology, please contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative. Please watch the videos below to find out more about Tier 1 and Tier 3 interviews.
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Biology
Tier 1: Other than Microsoft Teams, you do not need any additional hardware or software. If you do not have the recommended technology, please contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
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Chemistry
Tier 3: You should have access to an online Miro Whiteboard (www.miro.com) for natural handwriting capture. If possible, this should be accessed via a web browser or app on a separate device to the one used for Microsoft Teams. This second device should have a touchscreen and be used with a stylus – as we’ll be asking you to use the stylus, bigger screens on laptops and tablets would be preferable to phones. If you do not have this recommended technology, contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
You’ll receive an email link to access the Miro whiteboard which will be used in your interview. Interviewers may post documents onto the Miro whiteboard during the interview and/or use it write out mathematical notation, draw sketches or annotate diagrams. Candidates may be asked to use their stylus on the Miro whiteboard to:
- add markings or text to an image or document using the ‘draw’ or ‘text’ tools;
- write out mathematical notation or sketch a diagram using the ‘draw’ tool with a stylus, as though writing on a piece of paper.
You can create a free account to practise using the technology in advance of the interview at www.miro.com. During the registration process, Miro asks for a company name and role – enter your full name instead and click the option ‘not company-related’ for your role.
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Computer Science & Joint Schools
Tier 3: You should have access to an online Miro Whiteboard (www.miro.com) for natural handwriting capture. If possible, this should be accessed via a web browser or app on a separate device to the one used for Microsoft Teams. This second device should have a touchscreen and be used with a stylus – as we’ll be asking you to use the stylus, bigger screens on laptops and tablets would be preferable to phones. If you do not have this recommended technology, contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
You’ll receive an email link to access the Miro whiteboard which will be used in your interview. Interviewers may post documents onto the Miro whiteboard during the interview and/or use it write out mathematical notation, draw sketches or annotate diagrams. Candidates may be asked to use their stylus on the Miro whiteboard to:
- add markings or text to an image or document using the ‘draw’ or ‘text’ tools;
- write out mathematical notation or sketch a diagram using the ‘draw’ tool with a stylus, as though writing on a piece of paper.
You can create a free account to practise using the technology in advance of the interview at www.miro.com. During the registration process, Miro asks for a company name and role – enter your full name instead and click the option ‘not company-related’ for your role.
N.B. Philosophy interviews for Computer Science & Philosophy candidates will follow a basic Tier 1 format (click on ‘Biology’ above for more details about this set-up).
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Economics and Management
E&M interviews may follow a Tier 2 set-up. You should have access to an online Miro Whiteboard (www.miro.com). This can be accessed via a web browser or app on either the same device used for Microsoft Teams or via a separate device. If you anticipate having any issues with using Miro, please contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
You’ll receive an email link to access the Miro whiteboard that will be used in your interview. Interviewers may post documents onto the Miro whiteboard during the interview and/or use it write out mathematical notation, draw sketches or annotate diagrams. Candidates may be asked to use the Miro whiteboard to add basic markings or text to an image or document using the ‘draw’ or ‘text’ tools (using either a touchscreen or the cursor on a laptop/computer). You will not be asked to write out complex mathematical notation.
You can create a free account to practise using the technology in advance of the interview at www.miro.com. During the registration process, Miro asks for a company name and role – enter your full name instead and click the option ‘not company-related’ for your role.
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Engineering
Tier 3: You should have access to an online Miro Whiteboard (www.miro.com) for natural handwriting capture. If possible, this should be accessed via a web browser or app on a separate device to the one used for Microsoft Teams. This second device should have a touchscreen and be used with a stylus – as we’ll be asking you to use the stylus, bigger screens on laptops and tablets would be preferable to phones. If you do not have this recommended technology, contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
You’ll receive an email link to access the Miro whiteboard which will be used in your interview. Interviewers may post documents onto the Miro whiteboard during the interview and/or use it write out mathematical notation, draw sketches or annotate diagrams. Candidates may be asked to use their stylus on the Miro whiteboard to:
- add markings or text to an image or document using the ‘draw’ or ‘text’ tools;
- write out mathematical notation or sketch a diagram using the ‘draw’ tool with a stylus, as though writing on a piece of paper.
You can create a free account to practise using the technology in advance of the interview at www.miro.com. During the registration process, Miro asks for a company name and role – enter your full name instead and click the option ‘not company-related’ for your role.
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English & Joint Schools
Tier 1: Other than Microsoft Teams, you do not need any additional hardware or software. If you do not have the recommended technology, please contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
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Geography
Tier 1: Other than Microsoft Teams, you do not need any additional hardware or software. If you do not have the recommended technology, please contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
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History & Joint Schools
Tier 1: Other than Microsoft Teams, you do not need any additional hardware or software. If you do not have the recommended technology, please contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
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Human Sciences
Tier 1: Other than Microsoft Teams, you do not need any additional hardware or software. If you do not have the recommended technology, please contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
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Law & Joint Schools
Tier 1: Other than Microsoft Teams, you do not need any additional hardware or software. If you do not have the recommended technology, please contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
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Mathematics
Tier 3: You should have access to an online Miro Whiteboard (www.miro.com) for natural handwriting capture. If possible, this should be accessed via a web browser or app on a separate device to the one used for Microsoft Teams. This second device should have a touchscreen and be used with a stylus – as we’ll be asking you to use the stylus, bigger screens on laptops and tablets would be preferable to phones. If you do not have this recommended technology, contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
You’ll receive an email link to access the Miro whiteboard which will be used in your interview. Interviewers may post documents onto the Miro whiteboard during the interview and/or use it write out mathematical notation, draw sketches or annotate diagrams. Candidates may be asked to use their stylus on the Miro whiteboard to:
- add markings or text to an image or document using the ‘draw’ or ‘text’ tools;
- write out mathematical notation or sketch a diagram using the ‘draw’ tool with a stylus, as though writing on a piece of paper.
You can create a free account to practise using the technology in advance of the interview at www.miro.com. During the registration process, Miro asks for a company name and role – enter your full name instead and click the option ‘not company-related’ for your role.
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Medicine
Tier 1: Other than Microsoft Teams, you do not need any additional hardware or software. If you do not have the recommended technology, please contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
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Modern Languages & Joint Schools
Tier 1: Other than Microsoft Teams, you do not need any additional hardware or software. If you do not have the recommended technology, please contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
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Music
All Music interviews at Hertford College will follow a Tier 1 format, meaning that you will not require any additional technology beyond the basic requirements above. You will also be interviewed at a second college, where it may be recommended to use a Tier 2 set-up. If you do not have this recommended technology, please contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative. Please watch the videos below to find out more about Tier 1 and Tier 2 interviews.
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Oriental Studies
Tier 1: Other than Microsoft Teams, you do not need any additional hardware or software. If you do not have the recommended technology, please contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
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Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE)
Tier 1: Philosophy and Politics
Tier 2: Economics
Philosophy and Politics interviews will follow a Tier 1 format. This means that, other than Microsoft Teams, you do not need any additional hardware or software.
Economics interviews may follow a Tier 2 set-up. You should have access to an online Miro Whiteboard (www.miro.com). This can be accessed via a web browser or app on either the same device used for Microsoft Teams or via a separate device. If you anticipate having any issues with using Miro, please contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
You’ll receive an email link to access the Miro whiteboard that will be used in your interview. Interviewers may post documents onto the Miro whiteboard during the interview and/or use it write out mathematical notation, draw sketches or annotate diagrams. Candidates may be asked to use the Miro whiteboard to add basic markings or text to an image or document using the ‘draw’ or ‘text’ tools (using either a touchscreen or the cursor on a laptop/computer). You will not be asked to write out complex mathematical notation.
You can create a free account to practise using the technology in advance of the interview at www.miro.com. During the registration process, Miro asks for a company name and role – enter your full name instead and click the option ‘not company-related’ for your role.
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Physics & Joint Schools
Tier 3: You should have access to an online Miro Whiteboard (www.miro.com) for natural handwriting capture. If possible, this should be accessed via a web browser or app on a separate device to the one used for Microsoft Teams. This second device should have a touchscreen and be used with a stylus – as we’ll be asking you to use the stylus, bigger screens on laptops and tablets would be preferable to phones. If you do not have this recommended technology, contact our Admissions Office and we will work with you to find an alternative.
You’ll receive an email link to access the Miro whiteboard which will be used in your interview. Interviewers may post documents onto the Miro whiteboard during the interview and/or use it write out mathematical notation, draw sketches or annotate diagrams. Candidates may be asked to use their stylus on the Miro whiteboard to:
- add markings or text to an image or document using the ‘draw’ or ‘text’ tools;
- write out mathematical notation or sketch a diagram using the ‘draw’ tool with a stylus, as though writing on a piece of paper.
You can create a free account to practise using the technology in advance of the interview at www.miro.com. During the registration process, Miro asks for a company name and role – enter your full name instead and click the option ‘not company-related’ for your role.
N.B. Philosophy interviews for Physics & Philosophy candidates will follow a basic Tier 1 format (click on ‘Oriental Studies’ above for more details about this set-up).