If you’re applying to university through Clearing, there are some circumstances where you may be asked to attend an interview or audition 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, we interview or audition for the following courses with vacancies in Clearing:
- Acting
- Dance
- Drama (single honours)
- Fashion Design
- Fashion Communication Marketing (Social Media)
- Fine Art (single honours)
- Graphic Design (single honours)
- Interior Design
- Music Production
- Music Production and Performance
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Performing Arts
- Photography
- Popular Music Performance
- Product Design
- Social Work (with a Foundation Year)
- Teacher Education (Primary Education (5-11) with QTS (Chester); Primary Education (5-11) with QTS (Shrewsbury); Early Years - Primary Education (3-7) with QTS (Chester)
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 or audition - 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 of your interview or audition.
Check the practicalities.
All interviews and auditions will be taking place on MS Teams. So, check in advance the date and time of your interview, and that you have the correct links to join. Again, you will be sent full instructions in advance but don’t hesitate to contact our Admissions Team if you have any queries. Try to find somewhere quiet where you won’t be disturbed. And although you may not want to wear a power suit (from the waist up anyway!), remember that first impressions still count and you should present yourself appropriately.
And finally – try to relax.
This is much easier said than done, we know! But interviews and auditions 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 your interview 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.
