Interviews
Before we make a decision on your application, we may invite you to attend an interview with staff from your academic department. This is normal practice for PhD applications, but selected masters courses also routinely interview candidates. Information about whether or not interviews are included in the selection process, and details of the format if they are, will normally be included on departmental webpages.
This page provides information about normal practice and what you can expect from an interview.
Why do departments interview candidates?
The purpose of an interview is for the department to assess your suitability for study or research on the course you've applied for, including both your motivation and your preparedness. It's also an opportunity for you to learn more about postgraduate study at the University of Sheffield.
When will the interview take place?
Suitable candidates are invited to interview after our admissions selectors have conducted an initial assessment of application and research proposals (where applicable). You'll be invited via email, and should be given at least one week's notice, more wherever possible.
What will be the format of the interview?
The invitation to interview should include the following details:
- The format (online or in person, formal or informal)
- The duration
- The interviewers – there should be at least two, one of whom will usually be your potential course lead or supervisor
- A contact point if you have any questions in advance of the interview
There are generally three different types of interview:
- Online interview: This is now one of the more common methods for interviewing prospective students, and is normal practice for anyone not currently in the UK. Make sure you're somewhere quiet and have access to a webcam.
- In-person, formal interview: You'll need to travel to the University to attend this type of interview. Ensure that you plan your route in advance and allow time for unexpected delays. This is a good opportunity to get a feel for the location, and explore the facilities.
- Informal in-person chat: You may be invited for a more relaxed and informal meeting. This is still part of the assessment process so you'll still be expected to demonstrate your suitability for the course, and you'll still need to prepare in advance.
What will be discussed?
The focus of individual interviews will depend on the academic department, the course you've applied for and the information you've provided in your application, but here are some topics commonly covered by interviewers:
- Your motivation for studying the course you've applied for, the subject area, and at Sheffield. If you've included a research proposal in an application for a PhD, the interviewers are likely to want to discuss this with you. They may ask you about the existing research and/or literature in this field, or about your methodology and timescales.
- Your academic background and relevant experience, from either study or work. The interviewers might want to probe how well you understand subject matter covered in your previous qualifications, or how your thinking has developed as a result of studying it. You may be asked technical questions, to talk about project work you have undertaken, or to explain how you think about the subject area.
- Career plans or plans for further study following your completion of the course
The interview is also an opportunity for you to find out more about your supervisors, about the research interests of the academic department and about what will be expected from postgraduate study at the University of Sheffield. It's a good idea to have some questions for your interviewers prepared in advance.
What to bring
You might want to prepare some notes to refer to in the interview. You may also want to take note of any feedback you receive during the interview. It's therefore a good idea to bring some paper and a pen, or an electronic device you can take notes on.
Some departments will ask interviewees to bring a sample of their work, for example a portfolio.