Preparing for interview
If
you have applied for a subject that requires an interview here are some
points that you might like to consider once you’ve received your invitation.
Before the Interview
You should read a copy of the application form to remind yourself about what you have written (especially the personal statement).
Read the prospectus and think about the questions that you might be asked.
You will have been sent information with your invitation, you should read it to make sure you are aware of the programme and what might be required of you.
If you are concerned about the interview process talk to your careers adviser or your tutor.
Select appropriate clothes for the interview that allow you to remain comfortable but give a good impression.
Check the time that you are meant to arrive and think about the travel implications, especially how long it will take you to get to the location of the interview, where you will park if you come in the car, whether you are going to bring a friend or member of the family with you.
On the day of the Interview
Allow yourself enough time to get to the location of the interview. If after you have begun your journey it is clear that you are going to be late then make sure you have the University’s switchboard number so that you can let us know. Arrive in good time, not too late or too early. You will be directed to the check-in desk when you arrive.
In most cases there is a general talk about the University and the programme you have applied for before the formal interview begins. Friends and parents are welcome to attend these talks. You should also have the opportunity to look around the campus and the local area.
Think about the kind of questions that you might be asked. Why do you want to study on the programme? If you are proposing to enter a particular profession after graduating (e.g. Teaching, Occupational Therapy, Radiography) what do you know about these professions? Why do you want to join the profession of your choice? The purpose of the interview is not to catch you out or trick you. We are looking for you to be able to explain to us your motivations and to tell us what you already know about your chosen profession.
When you are called for interview you are not in competition with the other students who are interviewed on the day you are invited in. If you are able to demonstrate that you have met our selection criteria at the interview then you will be offered a place.
We are looking to make sure that you have made the right choice and that you would succeed in your chosen profession. In many cases we use colleagues from outside the institution to help us with the interview process e.g. local head teachers for primary education and practising nurses, midwives, radiographers and occupational therapists for those programmes.
Always remember that the interview is a two way process. You need to assess whether the University is the right one for you to study at.