Interview days
Interview days give you a taste of what it's like to be a student at Manchester and allow you to ask any questions you may have about studying here, university life or the city itself.
Although one of the major parts of the visit day is the interview, rest assured we aim to make the process as relaxed as possible. The interviews help us to get a more rounded view of you and your application to study here and allow us to discuss with you your suitability and commitment to the course. We also take into account any contextual information.
During the academic year 2024/2025 interview days will be held virtually. Further on-campus visits will be available throughout the year, providing you with further opportunities to visit the campus to see the amazing facilities we have on offer.
Before the day
- Confirm whether you are attending through UCAS. See our FAQs section on what to do if you aren't able to attend the date / time you've been allocated.
- Inform us of any disability or special requirements that you have for the interview by emailing us.
How can I prepare for my interview?
During the afternoon, you will have an individual virtual interview with one of our academic members of staff, this is an opportunity for us to make sure that you are a suitable candidate for the programme.
You will be expected to talk about some of the topics you are learning at school or college, your reasons for choosing to study the subject, and your career aspirations. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the course or studying at The University of Manchester.
If you haven’t done so already, please sign up to Zoom and familiarise yourself with the service. If this will be your first-time using Zoom, you may wish to have a trial ‘meeting’ with a friend or family member ahead of your interview session.
For the interview itself, make sure you are sitting somewhere you feel comfortable and able to talk to your interviewer and answer questions without any distractions. Your parent / carer should not be present. You will need to use your webcam, microphone, and speakers / headphones.
On the day
Our interview days are full of useful information that will help you get a sense of what to expect when studying your course at Manchester. Below is an example of the itinerary:
- 2.00pm - Welcome and introduction by the Admissions Tutor
- 2.45pm - Q&A with Ambassadors and Staff (Admissions Team and Academics)
- 3.00pm onwards – 15 minute interviews will take place
You are invited to stay in the Zoom “room” at 3pm as you wait for your interview. Here you can chat to our admissions team and ambassadors. The latest interview will be at 3.30pm.
You can go back to the Zoom meeting if your interview is an early one or can simply leave after the interview finishes.
Additional sessions
You will also be invited via email to attend a range of other events to get a taste of The University. If you are invited to an on-campus event- and meet our WP+ or WP++ flag criteria, we will be able to offer you a reimbursement of your travel costs to Manchester.
Virtual tours
Parents and carers
Parents and carers are welcome to attend any sessions we may run but cannot participate in the interviews.
Contact Information
For all enquires please contact us through the following methods:
Email address: ug-materials@manchester.ac.uk
Phone Number: +44 (0)161 529 3043
Add the above email address to your safe senders list to make sure you receive all emails from us - we don't want you to miss out on any important information.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I can’t attend on the interview day I have been given?
Please indicate on UCAS that you cannot attend the interview on the date you have been allocated and email to request a new date and time. A member of our team will be in touch with you to arrange a new date.
We will do our best to accommodate your request but cannot guarantee that alternative options will be available.
What should I wear?
There is no particular dress code for this event. We will be assessing your interest and motivation, not your dress sense.
Who can I bring with me?
We welcome you to bring along anyone who would benefit from learning more about our University in order to help you make your decision. Unfortunately, they won’t be able to participate at your 1:1 interview with an academic, but they are welcome for the remainder of the day.
Can I attend for just the interview?
We encourage you to attend as many of the talks and sessions as possible. These take place before and/or after the interview and you will receive an email about how to link into them. You will receive important information throughout the sessions and you will spend time with academics and student ambassadors, giving you the opportunity to ask questions about their experience of the course and university life. As you are making a decision about where to spend the next three or four years, it is of benefit to you to be as well informed as possible about the course and the University.
We do understand that this may not always be possible, depending on your individual circumstances. Please contact us if you are unable to attend for the whole event.
When do I find out if I am to be offered a place?
After the interview, we will make a decision on your application within two weeks. You will receive notification of this through UCAS Hub. If you have not received a decision on UCAS within two weeks of your interview date then please email us.
Do I need to be on camera?
Yes, during your interview your interviewer will need to be able to see you. It is up to you whether you have your camera switched on during the talks, but we would encourage you to do so if you feel comfortable.
Please contact us if you do not have a webcam and/or microphone so we can make further arrangements for you to attend.
What if I have technical issues on the day?
Please don’t worry, you will not be penalised for something that is beyond your control. If you are having technical problems on the day then please email us to let us know and we will rearrange your interview.
