[Rubysoho]

I have an interview at the University of Sheffield for English Literature/Language, and I am getting increasingly nervous about it as I have never been very good at interview's.

Although it is a subject I am very good at I am frightened of making a complete mess of the interview as my mind tends to go blank.

Does anyone have any idea of the type of thing I will get asked, will it be question's on certain author's, literary styles or just general chit-chat about my reason's for wanting to do the course??

Any help/advice will be gratefully received and appreciated!!

[wendy]

I did my degree as a mature student so didn't actually have any interviews as I was on a specifically designed access course previously. However, my daughter is now at Leeds Met in her first year on a PE Teaching degree and she went on 2 interviews and I can't remember her saying that they asked her any other questions then about what she had done at A Level. It certainly wouldn't seem logical that they would ask you any test style questions - that is why you have to sit the exams afterall. They want to know about you - what you have done, your interests, you as a person and what you would like to do when you have finished your degree. That type of thing. They are trying to assess if your real interest lays with the course and how likely you are to success or drop out not test you on your knowledge.

Hope this helps.

[muffy]

pretty much they just want to get an idea of what kind of person you are. In my interviews I just got asked about my alevels,- what had i enjoyed, what had i struggled on etc
i as doing history so got asked which periods i enjoyed so i'd guess they'll ask you which texts you found interesting, what areas you wanted to study. so getting hold of a prospectus and checking outt he course content is a good idea!
it's old advice but really just be yourself, try not to be shy and be enthusiastic.
good luck!

[beckyaa]

Yep, I agree with Muffy - do some research into the course content.

I didn't do English and didn't have an interview in Sheffield for my degree, but had one for my Masters. I knew who was interviewing me, and made sure I found out some stuff about him - what his field was etc. Doing this helped me to feel confident I was giving answers that the tutor might agree with, and also made me feel more prepared about the interview in general and more confident.

In terms of your texts and stuff, make sure they are fresh in your memory - it's amazing how quickly you forget things if you haven't looked at them for a while!

Good luck - you'll be fine!

[HarrietStar]

for my interview (for planning) i was asked about my a levels - choice of subjects and reasons, what i enjoyed, what i was proud from, and what skills i had gained. I was asked why i chose the course and any ambitions i had in terms of a career. I was also asked about hobbies and interests. When it came to any questions I had, I asked about field trips, opportunities for placements, and the social life within the department. I think i also asked about pastoral care/support.

I remember thinking the interview was pretty basic and not too worrying, it's not strict really - nothing like an Oxbridge week long residential test