Interview Tips for Clearing

If you’re applying to university through Clearing, there are some circumstances where you may be asked to attend an interview, audition, or situational judgement test to progress your application. Here are our tips on getting the most out of this opportunity so you feel confident in finding your people and your place.

Which courses?

Here at the University of Chester, you will be invited to an interview for the following courses in Clearing, should your application be successful:

• Nursing (Adult, Children’s, Learning Disability, Mental Health)
• Social Work
• Teacher Education Primary Education (5-11) with QTS/ Early Years - Primary Education (3-7) with QTS 

You may be invited to an interview or audition if you apply for the following courses, including those with a Foundation Year. We will contact you after your application is received, should this be the case:

• Acting
• Drama
• Fashion Design
• Fashion Communication Marketing (Social Media)
• Fine Art
• Graphic Design 
• Interior Design
• Journalism (including Music Journalism and Sports Journalism)
• Music Production
• Photography
• Popular Music Performance

Do your research

The interview will be as much about you making sure you are choosing the right course as it is about us choosing the right applicants, so take time beforehand to research your course. What modules are available? Are there any work experience or placement opportunities? How will you be assessed? This knowledge will come across well in the interview and put you in good stead to ask relevant questions so you can make the most of your time with the academic staff interviewing you.

Depending on the subject you have applied for, you may well be asked to demonstrate knowledge of current issues or professional standards within your particular sector, so as well as having a good handle on the course, you should also spend some time researching more generally about topics that are likely to come up.

Get prepared

You will be provided with guidance and instructions ahead of your interview, audition or situational judgement test - make sure you read these thoroughly so you know what is expected of you. Depending on the course you have applied for, you may be asked, for example, to prepare a short presentation about a particular topic, or a piece of music to play, or a portfolio of both finished pieces and preparatory work.

You are also likely to be asked about your studies and work experience to date, and how this relates to the course. So, think about your key skills and strengths and think about how you can talk confidently about them. This is your chance to shine, so really make the most of it! It helps if you can practise with friends or family in advance.

Check the practicalities

You will be informed whether your interview is going to be online or in-person when you speak with our Admissions Team, and will be sent a link to book your slot. Ahead of the interview you will be sent full instructions in advance, but don’t hesitate to contact our Admissions Team if you have any queries. 

And finally – try to relax

This is much easier said than done, we know! But interviews, auditions, and situational judgement tests aren’t designed to be scary or intimidating – we simply want to find out more about you, your work and your experiences. Above all, we want to know that you are passionate about your subject. So try to enjoy this opportunity as much as you can. Smile, and be proud of your achievements and what you could bring to your course and the student community here at the University of Chester.