References and Interviews: Key Steps in Your Postgraduate Taught Application at Imperial College London

If you’re applying for a postgraduate taught (master’s) programme at Imperial College London, two important parts of the application process are the references and the interview (if required). Getting these right can make a big difference to your chances of admission. Here’s a clear, step‑by‑step guide to both.

1. Application Reference

On your application form, you will need to provide the contact details of two referees.

One referee must be academic (for example your university lecturer, thesis supervisor).
The second referee can be academic or, where relevant, a professional referee (for example your employer or manager in a role related to your application).
The academic referee’s report is given special importance by departments. It helps the admissions team assess your past academic performance and your motivation for the subject.

What happens after you submit your application

After you submit your application, reference‐requests are sent to your referees. You can check their status in your “My Imperial” account under the References section.
The possible statuses include “Not submitted”, “Pending sent”, “Sent”, “Complete”, or “Waived”.
If a referee has not received the email, the applicant should ask them to check their spam folder or submit the reference via email quoting the Application ID to admissions.enquiries@imperial.ac.uk.

Tips for applicants

Choose referees who know you well, especially your academic referee, and who can comment on your suitability for the course you’re applying to.
Talk to your referees ahead of time and make sure they are aware of your application, your chosen programme, and your achievements.
Provide referees with your application ID and ensure they understand the importance of submitting their reference promptly.
Keep track of the process via your “My Imperial” account to ensure your references move from “Pending” to “Complete”.

2. Interviews

Depending on the course and department, you may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.

The interview may be in person or virtual (online), depending on your circumstances and the department’s practice.
If you are shortlisted, the relevant department will contact you directly via the email address you provided with further information about the format and schedule.

What the interview assesses

Your motivation for choosing the course and for studying at Imperial.
Your understanding of the subject, ability to reason, and how you communicate your ideas.
Whether your background, experience and interests align with the course.
For some courses (especially when applied knowledge or professional experience is key), how you might apply your skills or experience in the programme’s context.

How to prepare

Review your application details, especially your personal statement, and be ready to discuss why you want the course and how your background supports that.
Research the course: its content, learning outcomes, research themes or professional links. This shows you have thought through your choice.
Practice answering typical interview questions: Why this course? What have you done to prepare? Where do you want to go afterwards?
If the interview is online, ensure you have a quiet space, a reliable internet connection, and that you are comfortable using the technology.
Be ready to ask questions: an interview is also your chance to check if the course suits you.

Conclusion

References and interviews are critical parts of your application for a master’s programme at Imperial. A strong academic reference can open the door, and performing well in the interview (if required) can make the difference between an offer and a wait‑list. Make sure you manage these parts of the process carefully: choose your referees wisely, keep their submission on track, prepare for the interview thoughtfully, and give yourself the best chance.

References

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