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Interview preparation ...

How to prepare for a university interview

In advance of your interview, it's important to prepare properly. You can do this by:

- sorting out your travel and accommodation arrangements within plenty of time

- finding out exactly where the interview will take place

- thinking carefully about why you've chosen this course, making notes from your application and reading through your personal statement

- planning questions that you can ask yourself

- thoroughly researching the course and university

- ensuring you're up to date with current affairs relating to your subject

- carrying out a mock interview with a careers adviser or teacher to see how well you perform under pressure and to ensure you're adopting the right body language.


Do's and Don'ts:

- Bring portfolio

- Bring personal statement

- Bring Sketchbooks

- Don't be negative

- You can be constructively critical

- Don't give one word answers

- Don't over talk

- If you don't understand the question, ask them to rephrase the questions


Possible interview Questions:

●Why have you chosen this University/ Course?

●What do you know about this course?

●Who/what inspires your work?

●What are the strengths of your work & where would you like to improve?

●Are there any projects which have been important to you, if so why?

●What galleries, exhibitions or festivals have you been to?

●What is your understanding of the relevant industry/jobs market?

●Where do you see yourself in three/five/ten years time?

●How would you describe yourself?

●What are your main interests?

●What are your strengths and weaknesses?

●What achievement are you most proud of?

●What are your career plans?

●Why should we offer you a place?



Interview Tips:

Make sure there is evidence of:

●Passion

●Creative thinking

●Ideas/concepts

●Knowledge of subject

●Research

●enthusiasm



Jenny Keane — BA (Hons) Fine Art

“We like to see in applicants evidence of creative thinking and problem-solving skills, on our programme reflective thinking is key to driving your ideas forward.

“We also look for research skills, so talk about the depth and range of your research and if you are passionate about a specific topic.”

“Each portfolio choice should be something that has a story about it, what was the journey of the design process?"

Questions that I could ask but I need to check through the research I've done so far and check whether these questions have already been answered!


● The programme's range of teaching methods?

● Expectations for each year of the degree?

● The main characteristics looked for in a student?

● Any tips on how to succeed on this particular course?

● What does the course cover?

● How many hours a week will I be in timetabled teaching?

● How much flexibility is there?

● What assessment methods are used?

● What demands will it make on you?

● How will you learn?

● What’s the split between lectures, tutorials and self-directed study?

● What size are tutorial groups?

● What deadlines will you have to meet?

● Does it have the facilities you expect?

● What opportunities are there for you to broaden and deepen your understanding of the subject?● Are placements or study abroad on offer, where are they, how are they organised, are they paid, how do they affect tuition fees?

● What are the pros and cons of taking a joint or combined course?

● How will the course make you more employable?

● Do they offer or arrange placements?

● What have previous students gone on to do after graduating?

● What proportion go on to postgraduate study?

● Do you need to a postgraduate course to get a job?

● Do they know what past students are doing two or three years later?

● What careers guidance facilities are there?

● Do they run job fairs?

● What's on offer here that will provide opportunities for you to develop your employability skills?

● Are there any connections with local employers?

● Are there any jobs on campus available for students?

● Are there any volunteering opportunities?

● What academic support is available?

● What sports and societies are available?

● What are the transport links like?

● Are most things available on campus?


Mock Interviews


- What went well?

My interview practice with Bridie was really good. I had great feedback on my work, how I presented it, the stories behind the work and how I want to take things further.


- What could have gone better?

I could have said more about artist's that inspire me and that I am interested in, exhibitions I have been to.


- What do you still need to do to prepare?

- Look into more artists that inspire me

- Look into the courses in much more depth the evening before to refresh my memory of why I want to do the course as my brain doesn't retain information for too long.

- Get to more exhibitions (Barcelona will help!)

- Finish off my physical portfolio


Actual Interviews


Plymouth 10/02/20 - Unconditional Offer


AUB 19/02/2020


Brighton 21/02/2020


Winchester 07/03/2020


Waiting to hear back from Bristol after portfolio submission



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