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The power to apply logical thinking, break down complex problems into manageable components objectively, and make a reasoned judgement by evaluating information.
Explore your understanding
Applying analytical and critical thinking to a task is about being able to look at a situation and examining it carefully. Paying attention to detail, remaining focused and having determination are all key elements to apply to this process.
During the recruitment process, industry case study scenarios are sometimes used to test your analytical skills. Employers are looking to see that you are able to critically look at data, evaluate the information you have and produce proposals for suggested actions.
Find and develop your skill
How can you improve your analytical and critical thinking skills at UCL?
Travel to hone your analytical and critical thinking skills
Travel via UCL Go Abroad programmes which encompass an enriching selection of worldwide opportunities tailored to support UCL students to perform at their full potential and further develop their analytical and critical thinking skills through meeting a wide range of people. Attend an event to learn more about the global opportunities available both short term and longer term as part of your degree.
Learn how to apply analytical and critical thinking
Take part in a skills session delivered by employers to learn more about developing your analytical and critical thinking. You could also try coming to a Mock Assessment Centre where you can practice applying logic and evaluating information as part of a group task.
Use LinkedIn Learning to grow your skillset
LinkedIn Learning has a huge range of video courses supporting learning in software, creative and business skills – all free to UCL staff and currently enrolled students. Access LinkedIn learning content on how you can build your analytical and thinking skills.
Join a club or society
Join a club or society that challenges your critical thinking, such as the Consulting Society, Law for All, the International Relations Society, or even come up with your own proposal if you identify a gap.
Develop your analytical and critical thinking skills as a researcher
Access courses related to analytical & critical skills such as Introductions to science, philosophy, and key concepts to develop your skills within this area. The UCL Doc Skills Programme is open to all postgraduate research students at UCL. You’ll find more information on all the courses available on our website.
UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme
You will also be able to browse the scheduled events for researchers and those for doctoral students. Research students can also access courses mapped to the Researcher Development Framework (RDF) and one-to-one advice, practice interviews and workshops tailored to researchers.
Prepare your examples
Ask yourself:
Do you have a group project that you are working on? Was there any type of evaluation involved? Think about a piece of research, report or dissertation you completed? What analysis and evaluation processes did you use and why?
Can you describe how you have developed your analytical and critical thinking skills whilst at UCL?
Next steps:
Course projects are also a great way to develop your skills. Need some support on how to apply analytical and critical thinking? Visit our 'Psychometric and aptitude tests' page to see the different examples of problem solving and situational judgement tests.
Practice psychometric and aptitude tests
Get support on how to structure answers on analytical and critical thinking as part of an interview. Visit our Interview Skills page.
How to demonstrate your skills in an interview
Here you can find out more about how to structure your answer and demonstrate your skills along with many more resources that will help you prepare.
If you have written a draft application for any type of opportunity, our team can provide personalised practical tips and advice to help you better understand how recruiters will shortlist your application, and how you can best demonstrate your motivation and your most relevant skills / experience.