Interviews are with University academic staff and often members of our partnership organisations, depending on the course you are taking. For example, this may include headteachers, nursing staff or social workers.

Interviews may contain some or all of the following:

• Panel interview
• Group interview
• Written tasks
• Numeracy and literacy tests
• Practical activity

If you have additional support needs or requests for your interview, please email admission@beds.ac.uk in advance of your interview date.

• Read the information thoroughly, making sure you’re taking it in
• Check you are available for the date and time of the interview; let the university know promptly if you need to reschedule it
• For face-to-face interviews, check out practical details like train/bus times, parking and campus location (including which campus, if there’s more than one)
• Gather together any documentation you need. This may include photo ID; exam certificates (originals and photocopies); a copy of your application form and/or personal statement; your portfolio or sports kit for specialist courses
• Make a note of any questions you still have after you’ve read the information; ask them on the day

• Get ready for the questions common to any interview: strengths and weaknesses; interests and achievements; why you want to study your chosen course
• Remind yourself of what you wrote in your personal statement and be ready to go into more detail if the panel finds something interesting
• Try to develop your answers using examples of actual situations and experiences from your life
• Research your study area well so you are aware of new developments in the field and can express your view on current issues
• Find out about the university itself – its history, its specialisms, recent news coverage or notable social media posts
• Practise with mock interviews, making sure you speak clearly, expand your answers and are ready for a range of questions

• Get to the interview on time!
• Dress in a way that gives a good representation of yourself but remember it’s a more formal situation: be comfortable but also professional and appropriate
• Project confidence by making eye contact, smiling and speaking clearly; try not to fidget or slouch in the chair
• Don’t dwell on a previous answer once the interview has moved on; focus on the immediate question being asked
• If it’s a group situation, make sure you contribute but always give others a chance to have their say
• If you get flustered, take a breath and start answering the question again; don’t be afraid to gather your thoughts together before launching into your answer

Finally, be yourself. Having a good understanding of your personality, your likes and dislikes, shows maturity. You’ll also be more confident if you are true to your values and the decisions you made to get to the point of interview.