Thinking of studying Animation in Northumbria University

Hello!
I'm new to these forums so i'm sorry if this isn't the place to ask. :redface:

I'm thinking of applying 2018 to Northumbria University to study Animation.
The course page looks great and was very helpful! I even met with a representative recently at a local event.
However, I still have a few questions.

Is 3D animation the main "meat" of the course? Or are students allowed to specialise in whatever medium they chose? How much emphasis is there on 2D animation?
Is personally going to the interviews where we show our portfolios mandatory, or would something like Skype do just as fine? (im asking because im a foreign student and travelling is a bit of a problem)

As for the portfolio:
Should we focus on preparing whole sketchbooks, or are separate pieces ok?
The portfolio guide was very helpful, but I'm still not sure as to how much we showcase in terms of sheer quantity - about 20 pieces? or more/less?

Any information/advice would be incredibly helpful!!! Thanks in advance! :smile: