The Student Room Group

University of Manchester MA Social Work Interview

Hello, I will be having an interview soon and I was wondering if anybody has some tips? I did read through this thread (https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6886956) and going through the materials that they gave but just in case there is any other I need to get ready for?

I am a bit worried because I have limited experiences (I interned within the area of individuals with disabilities for a bit, and I am currently seeking for more volunteering and stuff to further my experiences). I also wonder if they are going to ask something along the lines of scenarios (e.g. what would you do in this and that situation etc). I understand that exact questions cannot be shared but maybe just an insight on how it is?

I appreciate your help in this matter. Thank you!

Reply 1

Original post
by yo.bee.lo
Hello, I will be having an interview soon and I was wondering if anybody has some tips? I did read through this thread (https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6886956) and going through the materials that they gave but just in case there is any other I need to get ready for?
I am a bit worried because I have limited experiences (I interned within the area of individuals with disabilities for a bit, and I am currently seeking for more volunteering and stuff to further my experiences). I also wonder if they are going to ask something along the lines of scenarios (e.g. what would you do in this and that situation etc). I understand that exact questions cannot be shared but maybe just an insight on how it is?
I appreciate your help in this matter. Thank you!

Hi @yo.bee.lo

Congrats on getting to the interview part of the application process!

Don't worry about having limited experience related to social work, as you would be learning most of it throughout the course. The experience you have gained working with people with disabilities is already impressive!
When I applied for social work courses, I didn't have much experience either, which wasn't an issue, and managed to secure an offer for a master of social work in London, which I started last September.

Although I don't know how every interview goes, it is mainly about your values as a person and how they influence your thinking and way of going about different situations. They want to get to know you a little more, and have a better understanding of why you want chose this course and what you can bring to it.
If you haven't already, have a read through SWE Professional Standards, it may inspire you.

In any interview, the STAR method is a really good one to use:
Situation: what situation did you have to deal with? (set the scene, give context)
Task: what task were you given? what did you have to do?
Action: what action did you take (in regards to the task)?
Result & Reflection: what happened as a result of that action? what went well or not so well? what did you learn from that experience? what would you do differently?

I hope this helps, and good luck with your interview 🙂
-Lily (Kingston Rep)

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