Interviews, portfolios and auditions

Some of our courses have some further entry requirements such as a test, interview, audition or portfolio.

They are useful to help us:

• Find out why you want to study your chosen course
• Learn more about your skills and ideas related to your subject

They also help you to find out more about us and whether Middlesex is right for you.

Use this information to plan ahead and prepare for what to expect. That way you can make the most of this opportunity to show us what you can do and what you'd like to do in future.

Our interviews are designed to see what kind of person you are and why you want to study your chosen course. Use these tips to help you prepare.

• Plan your journey - travelling on London transport is easy if you plan ahead. Use the TFL website to map out your journey and check that you have the right tickets


• Arrive early - this will give you the chance to find the correct room, go to the toilet, get a drink and collect your thoughts beforehand


• Dress appropriately - you won't be expected to be in formal wear but you should present yourself as a future professional


• Look over your application again - it's likely the interviewers will ask you about what you wrote so be prepared to speak about it


• Stay calm - some nervousness can be positive and help you perform well in the interview but try to keep it under control. Take a few deep breaths before you enter the room, listen carefully to the questions and consider your answers before speaking.

Things to remember

• Show you can think for yourself - university is all about thinking for yourself so interviewers are looking for you to have your own ideas and be able to reach your own conclusions


• Show them who you are, not just what you've done - the interviewer will have an idea of what you've achieved from your UCAS form and personal statement. The interview is designed for you to meet the tutors so they can find out more about you, your interests and your personality.

Some questions to expect

• Be ready for universal questions - there will be some universal questions which are almost certain to appear in your interview such as why do you want to do this course? What makes you think you're a suitable candidate? What experience do you have in this field? Try to anticipate as many of these questions as you can and prepare an answer for them


• Show knowledge of your subject - convince the interviewers that you're passionate about your subject by demonstrating what you know. Use correct terminology and show that you're up-to-date with new developments. Come ready to have an intelligent discussion around the subject

• Read up on the course - make sure you know as much as possible about the course. Identify a specific module you're excited about and make sure you can explain why so the interviewers will see that you've given this consideration


• Think of questions to ask at the end - normally an interviewer will end by asking "Do you have any questions you'd like to ask us?". Make the most of this opportunity and think of questions in advance to ask about the course, the university or your career prospects. This will end the interview on a positive note


• If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification - don't be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat the question. That's better than guessing what they might have said and answering the question wrong.