About postgrad study : Interviews

The style of interview varies greatly with course and institution. An interview gives you a chance to see the department, meet potential tutors or supervisors and possibly current students. You should treat an interview for postgraduate study in the same way that you would treat a job interview; prepare well, show enthusiasm and ask appropriate questions.

Typical Interview questions

• Why do you want to study this subject/course/research programme? Show your enthusiasm and passion for the subject. Make reference to relevant modules from your undergraduate study, projects or a dissertation that have led you to wish to develop this interest further. If you have a career aim, show how the course will help you achieve this. Explain the unique contribution your research will make to a university as well as how it will fit with existing research (if appropriate).
• Why this university/college? Demonstrate that you are familiar with the research strengths of the department and how it is regarded in the academic community. It may be the structure of the course, flexible study options, methods of assessment or the state of the art facilities that attract you. If you already study at this university, present this as a positive feature.
• What skills can you offer? Interviewers are interested both in academic and personal skills. On the academic side show the taught skills you have, such as skills of analysis, IT and research skills. On the personal side demonstrate that you have transferable skills, such as communication and presentation skills, time management and can work in a team. Do not just list skills; explain where you gained them (from work experience or undergraduate projects) and how this will benefit the course.
• What do you intend to do on completing this course? Even if you don’t have a clear career aim at this stage, some sense of direction will signal that you have a reason for completing the course and may be more committed to it and doing well in your studies.
• How do you intend to fund your study? Ensure you have prepared well for this question. Check out any possible sources of funding, including from the university, well ahead of time to see if you would be eligible. Be prepared to show how you would fund a course personally, if you are not successful in grant applications. Perhaps you will work and study part-time or use a career development loan - see Directgov - Career Development Loans for further information.
• Which part of your degree course did you enjoy the most? Ensure that you show enthusiasm for study/research. Mention parts of your current course that link to what you are applying for or that you excelled in. Expand on this by showing that you also do your own personal reading around the subject.
• What do you feel are the main differences between undergraduate and postgraduate study? This is your chance to show that you have the skills and qualities needed for independent research and study. Demonstrate that you understand that postgraduate study involves taking a more proactive attitude to study, including independent reading, critical thinking, time management, problem solving, tenacity and self discipline.
• Why should we accept you? This is a gift question. It gives you the chance to use a prepared answer. State your strengths, skills and relevant experiences putting them in the order that creates the best impression.