Whatever format your interview takes, it's important to prepare. That way you can walk in (or log in) feeling calm and confident.
Preparing for a postgraduate interview doesn't necessarily need to be difficult, or time consuming. The following are some simple steps to take:
Read up on your course
If you arrive at your interview without any knowledge about your prospective course, you're unlikely to come across as an enthusiastic, passionate candidate. To make a good impression, read around your programme.
Start with the course descriptions here on FindAMasters (after all, this is the information the university thinks is important). But don't stop there. Look carefully at the faculty's website and read in detail about the different modules on offer.
Also take a look at the reading list, if there is one available. If you have already read something that's covered on the course, it could be a great thing to discuss with interviewers.
Finally, read up on the course lecturers, their areas of research, and the things they have accomplished during their careers. You don't need to be able to summarise their CV to them, but showing an awareness of their interests is a great way to demonstrate yours.
Read current research in your area of interest
What better way to impress interviewers than by showing you have read up on the very latest research in your field of study?
This is vital for PhD interviews, but it can also be important for Masters courses - particularly if you're applying to do an MRes or MPhil.
You need to have a solid grasp of the current state of research in your field, especially if your Masters will involve you carrying out research of your own. How else will you know that your work is original?
Look over your previous work
It is likely that you'll be asked to discuss the areas of your subject in which you are particularly interested. However, it may be several years since you wrote up some of your undergraduate assignments.
Reading back over your previous academic work will refresh your memory as to the different topics you studied during your Bachelors, and give you specific examples of research and work you enjoyed carrying out.
An undergraduate dissertation or final project is a particularly good conversation point, as it provides an example of an extended piece of work you have carried out independently.
Prepare some questions
Interviewers will be keen to ask you questions, but they are also likely to give you an opportunity to ask any questions of your own.
There's no need to make questions up for the sake of it, but do use this time to make sure you have a clear understanding of what the programme will offer you.
Don't be afraid to ask any course-related queries you might have, from contact hours to what previous students have gone on to do.
What to wear
When it comes to clothing, you should treat a Masters degree interview like a job interview.
There's usually no strict dress code once you're on a postgraduate course, but you should try to make a good first impression by arriving in clean and smart clothes for your interview.
This applies to all interviews, even those done by Skype (though arguably in this case it's only your waist upwards that will count, as long as you stay seated).
What to bring
You might wish to make a note of any feedback or general course information that your interviewer provides, so bring a notepad and a few pens.
You might also want to bring along a copy of some of your past work, particularly if you're keen to discuss this with your interviewer.
Finally, if you are asked to submit any work in advance of your interview, make sure you also bring a hard copy of this along with you. It's likely your interviewer will wish to discuss it with you.
At the end of the day, being prepared isn't going to hurt. Provided you can find (and carry) the material you need, it's worth having options to hand - even if you don't end up using all of them on the day.
Pre-interview tasks
Depending on your course, you might be given a task to complete before your interview.
This is particularly common if you're applying to a vocational course that isn't directly related to your undergraduate degree. In these cases, a practical task helps those in charge of admissions to check that you have the appropriate skills.
For example, if you apply to do a Masters in Journalism after doing a Bachelors in History, you might be asked to write a short article to showcase your writing.
Find out well in advance whether you're required to carry out a pre-interview task. If you are, be sure toallow yourself plenty of time to complete it to a high standard.