Interviews and Auditions

• BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Top-up
• Foundation Degree in Early Years

The interview is designed to assess your suitability for early years. It is expected that most, but not all, applicants will have significant experience of working in an early years setting, most often gained through placement experience. We will discuss how the course is delivered and what it involves so that it is a two way process through which you can ask as many questions as we do!

• All music, musical theatre and cabaret degrees

We will be having face-to-face auditions with a remote option being in place for overseas applicants who are unable to visit us in person. All applicants will be collected from SIZ on the day of your audition, apart from those applying to Musical Theatre Performance, where the team will meet you at the Music Block.

Depending on what course you’ve applied for, you will need to perform a combination of singing/dancing/acting/instrument playing for the audition panel. Specific details on your kind of audition will be made available on ChiView once you’ve booked a date.

• BA (Hons) Screen Acting & Creative Technologies

The BA (Hons) Screen Acting & Creative Technologies programme is a unique and dynamic course which will provide applicants with the relevant contemporary tools to launch a career in the screen-based industries.

The audition process aims to find out the applicant’s suitability to study the course while introducing them to tutors, the department’s facilities and the University.

• BA (Hons) Dance
• BA (Hons) Dance Performance
• BA (Hons) Dance Studies
• BA (Hons) Dance, Aerial and Physical Theatre
• BSc (Hons) / MSci Dance Science

We will be having face-to-face interviews with a remote option being in place for overseas and UK applicants who are unable to visit us in person. We are asking those selected for interview to provide us with an electronic portfolio submission through which we can assess your skills. Information on this and how to submit this will be emailed to you. The Dance courses at Chichester entail both practical and theoretical elements, which are essential for the development of articulate, well rounded, and intelligent dance professionals. We will be looking at your physical, creative, and academic potential.

When invited to interview, your first step is to book an interview date – you will be provided with details of how to do that. If you have booked for an online audition you will receive a Microsoft Teams invitation for you to have a group interview with a member of our audition team. Audition dates aren’t currently confirmed but we will be in touch once these have been finalised.

After your interview has taken place, you will have two weeks to submit a portfolio of recorded and written material – details of what is required will be provided.

• BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy

Your interview will be conducted online through SAMMI®, a flexible and user-friendly virtual platform. This means you can complete your interview at a time that works best for you within your chosen six-day window.

The interview will follow a Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) format, designed to give us a well-rounded view of the skills and qualities you need to become a competent Health Care Practitioner. Each station will focus on different aspects, so just do your best to show your thinking and approach.

SAMMI Step By Step Applicant Guide [PDF]

If you have any learning support needs or access requirements you would like to highlight to us, please email admissions@chi.ac.uk  ahead of your interview.

Your interview process - what to expect

Once you’ve booked your chosen interview period, we’ll send you an email with everything you need to feel prepared and confident. This will include:

• Candidate Information & Interview Guide - clear instructions to help you navigate the process.
• Top Tips - advice for getting the best from your microphone and camera.
• Your SAMMI® Access Link - plus your unique code and password.

Please make sure you complete your recorded interview within your selected 6-day window, as applications cannot be considered if interviews are not submitted on time.  It will take up to an hour for you to complete the interview process, including the practice stage.

How to prepare

• Read all the preparatory materials sent to you
• Remind yourself of the course you have applied for – the course pages (LINK to HEALTH) have detailed information
• It’s a good idea to check out the professional body’s website, as they may have  top tips to give you an idea about what to expect
• It is also a good idea to review your UCAS application. We won’t ask questions based around this information, but reading through this will remind you of why you applied for the course.

Before you begin

You will require a computer or laptop to complete your interview – you cannot use a tablet, mobile or 2-in-1 tablet (hybrid device)

When you log into SAMMI®, you’ll first see the Practice Portal. This is your chance to:

• Test your camera and microphone.
• Record a short practice session so you can check that everything looks and sounds good.
• Confirm your setup before starting the real interview.

This step ensures everything runs smoothly and helps you feel comfortable with the platform.

Your virtual interview

You will be asked five questions during your automated interview, with four minutes allocated for each.  Your interview needs to be completed in one sitting – you cannot pause and go back to it later.

• You’ll answer a series of pre-recorded questions designed to explore your understanding and motivation for a career in nursing.
• A transcript of each question will be available throughout, so you can re-read if needed.
• You’ll have four minutes per question. Take your time to explain not just what you think, but why - this often makes your answers stronger.
• If you finish early, stay on screen until the timer ends to ensure your interview is properly recorded. It’s important to remain on the screen to ensure the interview is properly completed.

After you finish

• Your responses will upload automatically to SAMMI®.
• You’ll also be prompted to download a backup copy—please accept this option. If there’s ever an issue, you can send these to us.

Important: camera & audio

You must remain visible and audible throughout the interview. If we cannot see or hear you clearly, or if there are technical issues, your interview will be considered failed. Please check your technology before starting to avoid any disruptions.

Technical support is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Your interview window runs from Wednesday to Monday, based on the dates you selected.

Who will be interviewing you?

You’ll be interviewed mainly by senior lecturers from our course teams at the University of Chichester, with additional contributions from our students, other registered health care practitioners and from our Chichester Engagement and Advisory Group (ChEAG) Chichester Engagement & Advisory Group (ChEAG) - University of Chichester

All colleagues will be prepared to record their questions on SAMMI®.

What we’re looking for in your interview

• Understanding of the profession you are entering (with examples) and why you are choosing this career.
• Your approach in how you respond to questions you are asked, your interpersonal communication skills, and your decision-making process.
• Your preparation for the course expectations, including study and placement commitment.
• Listening skills: to succeed in your interview, it's crucial to listen attentively to the questions being asked, so you can effectively address the points raised.
• Values and experiences: you’ll be asked questions which explore these, consider your answers based on expectations of your professional regulatory body, and try to use personal examples

We believe using a multiple mini-interview (MMI’s) offers a fair way to assess your thinking, your communication skills and your personal values, which will shape the kind of health practitioner you will become.

What happens after the interview?

You'll receive the outcome of your interview within six working days of the close of your interview period.

Next steps

• Accept your offer.
• Arrange your accommodation.
• Complete your DBS and Occupational Health paperwork.
• Notify the Admissions team of any changes to your circumstances.

Connect with Chichester

Once you have accepted your offer, we will invite you to join us at our ‘Connect with Chichester initiative’. You will be invited to meet the team and see our resources on applicants days alongside other regular activities so that you can get to know us.

What next if I am unsuccessful at the interview?

• Consider areas for improvement and feel free to request written feedback to help you prepare for future interviews.
• We accept applications for the next academic year, but please note that previous offers or reserve list placements do not guarantee a place or interview if you reapply.

• BA (Hons) Social Work
• BA (Hons) Social Work Degree Apprenticeship - Social Worker
• Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work
• MA Social Work

Interviews will be face-to-face for UK-based applicants, with a remote option being in place for overseas applicants who are unable to visit us in person.

The interview is designed to assess your suitability for the social work profession. It is expected that most, but not all, students will have significant experience of a statutory care agency or voluntary/private organisation providing a social work or social care service.

In accordance with the regulations for the training of counsellors and social workers, all successful applicants are required to complete a health declaration and DBS check, before beginning their studies. Failure to complete a medical declaration and DBS check will result in withdrawal of the student’s place.

For all PGCE Primary and Secondary routes, interviews are being held in person. However, if circumstances do not allow you to interview in person then we can offer an online Teams interview (with the exception of PGCE Secondary Dance and Physical Education).

When invited to interview, you will be sent additional information which may include a task that they need to prepare for and an English and Maths Skills Audit.

You will be expected to provide copies of your qualifications for your interview. Further information will be provided on how to do this before the date of your interview.

• BSc (Hons) Football Coaching and Performance
• BA (Hons) Outdoor and Adventure Education
• BA (Hons) Physical Education and Sports Coaching
• BA (Hons) Physical Education (Primary Years)
• BA (Hons) Physical Education (Secondary Years)
• BA (Hons) Physical Education (Secondary QTS)
• BA (Hons) Sport Development
• BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching

The interviews are designed to explore your practical suitability and personal drive to study the course. The interview will also start to build the personalised and individual relationship that the department has with all of its students.

• BA (Hons) Primary Teaching
• BA (Hons) Primary Teaching with Early Years
• BSc (Hons) Secondary Mathematics with QTS

The interview is designed to assess your suitability for the teaching profession, as well as your academic ability. You will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of professional requirements and an awareness of current educational issues. Depending on the particular course or subject that you are applying for, there may also be some specific tasks that will need to be completed during the interview. Information about these will be included in your interview guidance.

The day will consist of a Welcome talk with the Head of BA (Hons) Primary Teaching, Glenn Stone, a written task (please bring a pen with you!) and then an interview with one of our tutors. You will be interviewed either in a pair or a group of three.

Interviews are generally held in person. However, if circumstances do not allow you to interview in person then we can offer an online Teams interview.

You will be expected to provide copies of your qualifications for your interview. Further information will be provided on how to do this before the date of your interview.

• BA (Hons) Acting
• BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Directing
• BA (Hons) Theatre

The audition process will consist of four parts and every candidate will complete all activities regardless of their degree choice to show the crossovers between our programmes.

You will meet and work with current members of staff and students on the day during movement classes, your speeches and workshops.

For your audition we ask that you prepare two contrasting speeches, one classical, and one from a modern published play. For your interview, we ask that you research a local OR national OR international cultural event and come prepared to discuss the event you have chosen.