Masters Interviews – Questions to Expect and How to Prepare

If you're applying for a Masters, you may have to attend an interview.

Not all Masters degrees require an interview as part of their postgraduate application process. But some courses, such as MBAs, almost always meet candidates before offering places.

This page offers information on postgraduate interview questions you might be asked and some advice on preparing your answers. We’ve also suggested some questions you might want to ask yourself at a Masters interview.

During your Masters interview, it is likely that you'll be asked a number of questions regarding your academic interests, and why you want to do a Masters degree.

These are a few common postgraduate interview questions you might be asked:

Tell us a bit about yourself

There's no need to give interviewers your life story, but do use this question as an opportunity to give a bit of background information such as where you studied as an undergraduate, and what your main hobbies and interests are.

Presume your interviewers haven't memorised your CV (they probably haven't), and make sure you fill them in on your key achievements.

Why have you chosen this course?

If you've been offered an interview, chances are your prospective university thinks you have the technical or academic ability to complete a Masters course.

Now you need to prove above all else that you have the passion and the drive to see it through, and to do it well.

This type of question is an opportunity to show interviewers that you're head-over-heels about the course you're applying to do.

Be specific. Perhaps you're keen on the programme because of the expertise of the course convenor, or maybe you're particularly drawn to a certain module.

When you get to the end of a postgraduate interview, it’s likely that the admissions tutor will ask if you have any questions you have for them. It’s always a good idea to have a few of these prepared in advance – this can help you seem particularly engaged and interested in the programme.

What extracurricular opportunities does this course offer?

Asking this question gives you the chance to find out what scope there is for students to undertake work placements and internships during the Masters. The interviewer may also tell you about academic conferences you could be able to attend, as well as university societies or reading groups.

Where do students go after finishing this Masters?

This can be a great way of learning more about the employment prospects for the programme, as well as how many students go on to doctoral research. Hopefully the answer will align with your own career goals.

Is there a chance to study abroad?

If you’re interested in studying abroad, you may want to find out more about international links that your prospective university has. You might be able to complete a placement at a partner institution or take part in a research trip.

Interviews for postgraduate study can follow several different formats, depending on the university and subject you apply to study.

When invited for an interview, it is likely you may also be given a tour of the department, or a presentation to provide you with detailed information about the course structure and facilities available.

The following are some common postgraduate interview types:

A formal interview

A formal interview takes a similar format to a job interview. You might be interviewed by one tutor, or by a panel.

You're likely to be asked a series of questions relating to your decision to continue to postgraduate study, such as why you've chosen this university, and what you hope to achieve from a Masters degree.

A video interview

In some situations, it might not be easy for you to get to your prospective university. This could be the case, for example if you're an international student applying to study abroad.

In such situations, some institutions offer remote interviews using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, or other video-conferencing software.

Just like face-to-face interviews, these processes can be led by a single interviewer, or a panel. Questions are likely to be similar too, but you'll need to think differently about how you come across.

Make sure you have access to a good computer with a clear webcam and fast internet connection, set up somewhere tidy, quiet and well-lit.

An informal chat

You may be invited along for a more informal discussion with a prospective tutor. This could take place in their office, or in a coffee shop or other location on campus.

No matter how casual your interview may be, it is important to ensure you're well prepared. The questions you're asked may be less rigorous, but you'll still be expected to demonstrate an interest in your course and university – and explain why you've chosen them.

A practical test

You might be invited to carry out an aptitude test, to prove you have the necessary skills for your course.

This is more likely to be an admissions requirement for practical or vocational qualifications, such as an MBA or a professional course in Journalism.

These are generally 'on the day' tests, rather than graduate entry tests.

A presentation

If you're applying to do a research Masters (such as an MPhil or MRes) you may be asked to give a short presentation.

This will normally involve clearly outlining your research proposal and talking through your planned methodology.

An oral presentation could also be used to assess applicants for courses that develop (or require) skills in leadership and public speaking – such as MBAs.

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.