Entry qualifications: AAA, or IB 39 with 766 at Higher Level
The entry qualifications are AAA at A Level, or 39 IB points including core points with 766 at Higher Level.
Undergraduate · Oxford PPE
Oxford PPE: entry, Mathematics, the TARA and the interview
Oxford's Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) requirements fit on one page, but several are easy to misread. Mathematics is recommended rather than required, applicants take all three modules of the TARA, and no written work is submitted. This guide is written for families planning 2028 entry. It sets out what Oxford asks for, last verified for 2027 entry, which steps have already passed in the 2027 cycle, and what is known about the interview.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Oxford asks for in PPE
Taken from Oxford's official PPE course page and Admissions Guide, last verified on 18 October 2026 and, for the course page, re-read on 19 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement and date below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Oxford's 2028-entry dates are awaiting publication.
Mathematics is recommended, not required
Oxford recommends Mathematics for PPE applicants but does not require it.
The TARA: all three modules; 12–16 October 2026 in the 2027 cycle
The admissions test is the TARA, taken with all three modules. In the 2027-entry cycle the sitting was 12–16 October 2026 through UAT-UK, and it has passed.
No written work
Oxford does not ask for written work with a PPE application.
At least one online interview, expected in December (2027 cycle)
In the 2027-entry cycle, shortlisted candidates are invited to at least one online interview, expected to take place in December.
2027 cycle: UCAS deadline passed; decisions on 12 January 2027
In the 2027-entry cycle the UCAS deadline was 15 October 2026 and has passed. Oxford's decisions are due on 12 January 2027.
Official sources
- University of Oxford — Philosophy, Politics and Economicsox.ac.uk
- University of Oxford — Guide for applicantsox.ac.uk
Checked on 18 October 2026 against Oxford's PPE course page and Guide for applicants; the course page was re-read on 19 October 2026 with no change. Oxford can update its pages during the interview period, so confirm the details in your own invitation.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Oxford has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Oxford published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means the 2028 value is not yet published.
Qualifications, Mathematics, TARA modules and written work: last verified for 2027 entry
The entry qualifications, the Mathematics recommendation, the three TARA modules and the absence of written work in the official information above are the best guide to what to prepare. Oxford has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Deadline, TARA dates, interview period and decision date: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Oxford has not yet published these. Do not move this year's dates forward by a year, and check Oxford's PPE page and the UAT-UK key dates for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
Interview
The interview: what is known for PPE and what Oxford says in general
For PPE, Oxford says shortlisted candidates are invited to at least one online interview, expected in December. The points below come from Oxford's guidance on interviews for all of its courses.
What to expect
Oxford interviews only shortlisted candidates. Invitations usually go out between mid-November and early December, sometimes with a week's notice, and the interviews are held online on Microsoft Teams at a time that cannot be rearranged. Expect two tutors, and quite possibly more than one interview, perhaps at more than one College.
What Oxford is assessing
Tutors want to see how you think, how you respond to new ideas and how you handle material beyond your syllabus, in a discussion that follows your answers. Oxford says its decisions are not based on manners, appearance or background.
Preparing Oxford's way
Oxford's top tip is to practise thinking out loud, which need not mean formal mock interviews. It also suggests treating the interview as a learning experience like a tutorial rather than guessing what tutors want, and working through its published subject-specific sample questions and demonstration videos with tutors' commentary.
The code of conduct
Oxford's code of conduct for interviewees rules out sharing interview content, researching pre-interview material online unless permitted, using assistive technology (including AI and automatic transcription) beyond what the subject requires or a disability adjustment, recording, impersonation and observers. A breach puts an offer at serious risk of being withdrawn.
If you are in the 2027 cycle
If you have already applied for 2027 entry
For 2027 entry, the UCAS deadline and the TARA sitting have passed. Interviews are expected in December 2026 and decisions are due on 12 January 2027. Oxford's pages are the authority on every date, so use this guide to plan and your invitation for the detail.
Applied for 2027 entry
The application is in and the TARA has been sat. The next steps are the invitation, if you are shortlisted, and the interview.
How Avandy supports PPE applicants
College choice, the TARA and the interview within one plan
Avandy is a specialist academic and university admissions advisory organisation. PPE candidates are supported through the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model. A Strategic Admissions Consultant keeps the strategy consistent with the whole application, a PhD-level Academic Mentor oversees academic quality, and a Subject-specific Tutor takes the candidate through the discipline. Experienced advisers and doctoral-level specialists tailor the plan to the candidate's course and profile.
College and course strategy
College choice, the intended year of entry and the sequence of test and interview are planned together within one advisory plan.
Admissions-test preparation
Preparation for the TARA sits inside the same plan and is rehearsed, reviewed and calibrated to the candidate.
Interview preparation
Candidates practise reasoning aloud on unfamiliar problems from their own subjects, and take part in mock academic interviews that end with subject-specific feedback.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
Has Oxford published the dates for 2028 entry?
Not yet. Everything cycle-specific in this guide was last verified for 2027 entry. The 2028-entry deadline, TARA dates, interview period and decision date are awaiting publication.
Do I need A Level Mathematics for Oxford PPE?
Oxford recommends Mathematics for PPE applicants but does not require it.
Which TARA modules do I take?
All three. The sitting for 2027 entry was 12–16 October 2026 through UAT-UK and has passed.
Do I have to submit written work?
No. Oxford does not ask for written work with a PPE application.
How many interviews will I have?
For 2027 entry, shortlisted candidates are invited to at least one online interview, expected in December. Oxford says applicants are quite likely to have more than one, possibly at more than one College.
When will I hear the outcome?
For 2027 entry, Oxford's decisions are due on 12 January 2027. Oxford informs shortlisted candidates through UCAS, and Colleges follow up directly later that day. Decision dates for 2028 entry are awaiting publication.
Students and families
Talk to us about Oxford PPE
Tell us about the student's curriculum, whether they study Mathematics, the intended year of entry and whether the TARA has been taken or booked. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare. Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support; it is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Oxford or any College, and no outcome is promised.