find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses

Refine courses

Posted July 31, 2025

Postgrad interview cheat sheet

Postgrad interview cheat sheet

Part of the application process for a postgraduate course will usually include an interview, particularly if you’re applying for an MBA program or a professional postgraduate qualification. This is likely to be a panel interview with several academics and faculty members.

Another option is an informal chat, which is more of a formality and chance for you to meet the team and discuss various aspects of your application – for example what areas you could specialise in and your potential research project topics.

Both of these options are likely to require you to do a presentation, for example a PowerPoint presentation, or if you are applying for an arts course – to talk through your portfolio.

What is the purpose of a postgrad interview?

Postgraduate interviews will assess your academic ability and suitability for the course. For example, the professional postgraduate courses and MBA program panel of interviewers may want to ascertain your drive and passion for the topic and your career ambitions; the arts course interviewer may ask to see examples of your artistic skills and review a portfolio of your artwork to date; the science course interviewer could be keen for you to prove that you’re up to the academic challenge; and the humanities interviewer may want to see that you’re a good fit for the course and have the necessary communication and research skills. Or indeed, the interviewers for any postgrad program may want you to demonstrate that you fulfil a combination of some or all of these eligibility requirements.

Guide to postgraduate interviews

Here is our quick guide to postgraduate interviews, how to prepare for them, what the interview is likely to include, what you should bring with you, and what topics you are likely to discuss.

1. Interview introductions

The interviewer or interview panel will start by introducing themselves and will be keen to put you at ease. They are then likely to ask you to introduce yourself, so make sure you have this prepared – with key information about your academic and professional background. Make sure you have hard copies of any required documentation, for example your undergraduate degree and proof of English language certificates.

2. Application debrief

They will then go through your application in some detail. A significant amount of time might have lapsed between your postgraduate application and postgraduate interview – make sure you reread your application before going to your interview, so you can answer any questions quickly and succinctly. They will also want to know other key factors, for example why you chose their university and postgraduate course; why you want to study this topic at postgraduate level; what are your career aspirations upon completion of the course. Make sure you have answers prepared for these questions.

3. Knowledge is power

As a potential postgrad, you are likely to need to demonstrate exceptional knowledge in your chosen area of study – so make sure you gen up on it before the interview. Some of the more professional or vocational course interviews – eg law, business or medical programs – may include a problem-solving aspect of the interview where you have to use critical-thinking skills to show how you would be an asset to the postgraduate cohort.

4. Career commitment

You will need to explain how the postgraduate course fits into your future career goals – especially if it’s a professional or vocational course like an MBA. You may also need to provide details of any relevant work experience that demonstrates you are a good fit for the program.

5. What are your weaknesses?

The interview committee might ask you what your weaknesses are. This is always a difficult question to answer… Are you a perfectionist? Do you struggle with time management? Are you nervous about public speaking? Are you reluctant to ask for help? Choose a ‘weakness’ that you can then explain in a positive light – for example, “I have always been nervous about public speaking, but have tried various techniques to give myself more experience and confidence in this by joining a student debating society as an undergraduate…”

6. What are your strengths?

They will also be keen to find out your strengths – what are you going to bring to the postgrad table? It’s important to highlight and explain your strengths without appearing overly boastful. For example, if you are a keen leader, provide examples of your leadership skills – ie if you’re the captain of your local hockey team – but also explain why this also makes you a great team player.

7. Question time

And finally… as the interview rounds up, the interviewer or interview panel will ask if you have any questions for them. Some questions might arise naturally throughout the course of the interview – but just in case it all seems relatively clear cut, have a couple of questions prepared in advance, as this will make you appear thoughtful and engaged. You could ask about subjects including student-to-staff ratio; contact hours; size of student cohort; and module flexibility.

Want to study a postgraduate program? Use our course finder to find your perfect postgrad course.

Related articles

Applying For A Masters Degree – The Complete Guide

How Do You Prepare For a Masters Degree Interview?

Dos & Don’ts Of A PhD Interview

Dos & Do Nots Of Postgrad Interviews

Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries

 

Leave a comment

All contributors must be over 16 year olds

By submitting your comment you agree to our privacy policy.

Categories