How to prepare for a university interview
If you've been invited to an interview at NTU, congratulations. It's a chance for us to get to know you beyond your application, and for you to find out more about studying at NTU.
Only a small number of undergraduate courses require an interview, including Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Paramedic Science, Veterinary Nursing and Initial Teacher Training. If you’ve been invited, there’s no need to worry about having the ‘perfect’ answer – we want to understand your motivation, experience, skills and potential.
What to expect from your NTU interview
Your interview is a two-way conversation. We’ll ask questions to help us understand why you’ve chosen your course, what you know about the profession you’re working towards and the skills and qualities you could bring to your studies and future career.
It’s also your opportunity to ask questions and find out whether NTU is the right place for you.
Most interviews are conducted by two members of academic staff. Depending on your course, you may also take part in additional activities or assessments. If this applies to you, we’ll explain what to expect in advance.
Take your time when answering questions. If you’re unsure what a question means, it’s fine to ask for clarification.
What will I be asked about?
Your questions will depend on your course, but you may be asked about:
- Your motivation – why you’ve chosen your course and what interests you about your future profession.
- Your understanding of the profession – what you know about the career you’re working towards and, depending on your course, current issues affecting the sector.
- Your skills and qualities – examples of communication, teamwork, resilience, empathy, professionalism and problem-solving.
- Your experience – what you’ve learned from your studies, work, volunteering, extracurricular activities or other relevant experiences.
- Your potential – how your experiences and qualities could help you succeed on the course.
You may also be asked about information in your application, so make sure you’re familiar with what you’ve written.
How should I prepare?
You don’t need to memorise answers. Instead, prepare by thinking about your experiences and what they’ve taught you.
Before your interview
- Check your interview email for the date, time, location or online details.
- Check whether you need to prepare anything in advance or bring any documents.
- Think about why you’ve chosen your course and what interests you about the profession.
- Read about the profession and consider any current issues that may affect it.
- Think of examples from your studies, work, volunteering or other experiences that demonstrate your skills and qualities.
- Be ready to explain what you’ve learned from those experiences.
- Practise answering questions with a teacher, adviser, family member or friend.
- Think about why you want to study at NTU and what you’d like to know about us.
On the day
If your interview is online:
- Check your internet connection.
- Test your camera and microphone.
- Choose a quiet space where you won’t be distracted.
If you have a disability, long-term health condition or additional support need, let us know before your interview. We can discuss reasonable adjustments that may help you take part confidently. Your interview invitation will include details of who to contact if you would like to discuss any adjustments.
What questions should I ask?
Your interview isn’t just about answering our questions. It’s also your chance to find out more about NTU and decide whether it’s right for you.
You could ask about:
- placements and professional experience
- teaching and learning
- facilities and resources
- student support
- careers and opportunities after your course
- student life at NTU.
Choose questions that will help you understand what studying your course and preparing for your future profession could be like.
When will I hear back after my interview?
We’ll normally make a decision within three to five working days and submit it to UCAS shortly afterwards.
In most cases, you’ll receive an update through your UCAS Hub within 10 working days.
Make sure your contact details in UCAS are up to date and keep checking your inbox for important updates about your application.
What’s next?
Once you’ve received your interview outcome, there are a few ways you can continue your journey with NTU.
Check UCAS
Keep an eye on your UCAS Hub for updates about your application.
Explore your course
Find out more about your course, including what you’ll study and the opportunities available to you.
Come to an open day
If you’re able to, book an open day to meet future lecturers and students, explore facilities and find out more about student support, placements and professional experience.
Prepare to start
If you receive and accept an offer, we’ll share information to help you prepare for your next step towards starting at NTU.
More interview guidance
If you’d like more advice on preparing for university interviews, you can also find guidance from UCAS and other university application websites.
For course-specific information, always check the interview details we send you, as the format and any additional activities or assessments can vary by course.
If you’d like more advice on preparing for university interviews, you can also find guidance from UCAS and other university application websites.
- UCAS has useful information on interview invitations
- The Uni Guide has a page of top tips on interview preparation
- Studential.com has a list of sample interview questions and ideas for answers to help you prepare
For course-specific information, always check the interview details we send you, as the format and any additional activities or assessments can vary by course.