Welcome
We’ll kick things off with a short presentation about the course, what studying at Coventry University is like and what to expect. It’s a two-way chat, so feel free to ask questions anytime.
Next, you’ll start the interview process with a quick intro to the course, followed by a group discussion. You’ll tackle a question or scenario together in a group setting, showing off your communication skills, teamwork and nursing values in action. Where group interviews are not possible, we may invite you to interview individually.
As this is a professional NHS course, our recruitment and selection process includes assessing your potential to live the values outlined in the NHS constitution The NHS Constitution for England - GOV.UK. We call this Value Based Recruitment (VBR), so it would be useful for you to have a good understanding of these values and be able to discuss and reference these during the interview day.
There are also a range of online materials you can access including the Nursing and Midwifery Council, The Royal College of Nursing and NHS Health Careers. There are also a range of online materials you can access including the 6Cs and an insight into Adult Nursing from the NHS.
In addition, you will also need to comply with the Nursing and Midwifery Code of conduct, so it is a good idea to review and explore this as preparation for the day.
If you have not already, please consider organising some practical work experience of caring for adults (either paid or volunteering) before your interview. It will also be helpful if you can refer to this experience during the interview, for example, by telling us about your work experience and what you learned from it. Don’t worry if you haven’t been able to do this, as previous experience is not essential, transferrable skills will also be acknowledged.
Courses
Top tips to help you prepare
Please refer to the Coventry University course page so that you are fully aware of what the course entails. Before starting this course, you need to demonstrate 600 hours of providing care which would qualify as practice hours by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Care encompasses meeting the physiological and psycho-social needs of the physically ill, mentally ill and disabled people of all ages, in all healthcare and other community settings. It includes activities such as washing, dressing, feeding or toileting of an individual, as well as nursing intervention procedures. This must have been achieved in the UK in a formal workplace environment in either a paid or voluntary role within the last three years. It will also be helpful if you can refer to this experience during the interview, for example, by telling us about your work experience and what you learned from it.
Important: please note that availability in different areas varies throughout the year and all areas may not be available at each intake. You will also be given information on how to submit the documents required for the assessment of Recognition of Prior Learning.
What to expect on the day
Interview process
A member of the course team will give an overview of the course, the teaching and learning methods, and clinical placement information.
Group discussion
The group will be presented with a question or scenario, and you will need to decide how best to respond. The question will be directed to one person initially, then other members in the group will be invited to respond and express their opinions. Within this exercise, you are being assessed on your communication skills, insight and values and on your ability to work within a team.
Assistant Professor and Admissions Tutor: Sarah Fellows
Top tips to help you prepare
As part of the interview, we would like you to work on the three questions below. During the interview, we will separate you into small groups. We will ask you to discuss your ideas and findings related to one of the questions below. You will be able to refer to any notes you may want to bring with you. You can consider your answer based on your current knowledge and/or experiences. You will be asked to discuss only one of these three questions, but we advise you to prepare all three answers.
- Question 1. If a patient you were caring for was nonverbal, how do you think this could impact on your assessment and what would you do differently to lessen these barriers?
- Question 2. How would you support a patient who is feeling anxious or fearful about their treatment?
- Question 3. You approach a service user to inform them that a relative has come to visit them, though you find them sitting on the floor in the corner of their bedroom. They are crying and are visibly distressed. You know their name and that they have a diagnosis of depression. How might you approach the service user and the relative?
What to expect on the day
If you have selected an online interview, you will receive an email link to join the interview. If you have selected a face-to-face interview, you will be sent instructions via email on where to come on the day.
Group interviews and discussion
This is your opportunity to show your passion for becoming an Adult Nurse, share any relevant experience, and demonstrate your understanding of the NHS core values.
In the discussion, you’ll talk through one of the pre-released questions and respond to a short scenario or individual question. This helps assess your communication skills, teamwork, and insight into the role of an Adult Nurse.
Lecturers, clinical staff and/or service users will facilitate the session. Everyone is assessed fairly using the same criteria.
Adult Nursing BSc (Hons) and Degree with Foundation Year Admissions Tutors: Alex Swann, Zoe Speed and Sarah Purdom
Top tips to help you prepare
As part of the interview, we would like you to work on the three questions below. During the interview we will separate you into small groups. In these groups we will ask you to discuss your ideas and findings related to one of the questions below. You will be able to refer to any notes you may want to bring with you. You can consider your answer based on your current knowledge and/or experiences. You may also want to do some wider reading on the topic which will help you give a well-rounded answer. You will only be asked to discuss one of the three questions, but we advise you to prepare all three answers.
Question 1 – If a patient you were caring for was nonverbal, how do you think this could impact on your assessment & what would you do differently to lessen these barriers?
Question 2 – How would you support a patient who is feeling anxious or fearful about their treatment?
Question 3 - You approach a service user to inform them that a relative has come to visit them, though you find them sitting on the floor in the corner of their bedroom. They are crying and are visibly distressed. You know their name and that they have a diagnosis of depression. How might you approach the service user and the relative?
What to expect on the day
If you have selected an online interview, you will receive an email link to join the interview. If you have selected a face-to-face interview, you will be sent instructions by email where to come on the day.
Group interviews
You will be interviewed in small groups of up to 10 candidates. This is your chance to demonstrate your knowledge of Adult Nursing and to demonstrate that you would be an excellent candidate for the course. For example, discussing your passion to become an Adult Nurse and any previous experience you may have had. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the importance of the NHS core values.
For Scarborough group interviews, you may be interviewed with other fields of nursing. It’s nothing to worry about! There are plenty of transferable skills that apply to all fields of nursing, which is why we sometimes do this.
Group questions
During the second part of the interview, you will each be presented with a question or scenario type question. You will then have a chance to fully respond to your individual question. Once you feel you have fully answered the question to the best of your ability, other members in the group will also be invited to respond and express their opinions. You will then in turn be able to respond to other group members questions, this will enable the group to have an interesting and in-depth discussion.
Your interview will be facilitated by either lecturers, clinical staff and/or service users. During your group interview, we are looking at your communication skills, insight into the role, nursing values and your ability to communicate within a team. To ensure equal opportunity and fairness, everyone will be assessed against the same criteria.
Course Leader for Nursing, CU Scarborough: Josie Tatum
Top tips to help you prepare
Below is a list of key themes to also consider when preparing for interview:
- What does a Children’s nurse do?
- How will I cope with the demands of the course?
- How will I manage the stress and challenges of Children and Young People’s Nursing?
In addition, as a children and young people's nursing student you will also need to comply with the NMC code of conduct so it is a good idea to review and explore this as preparation for the day.
As part of the interview, we would like you to work on the three questions below. During the interview we will separate you into small groups. In these groups we will ask you to discuss your ideas and findings related to one of the questions below. You will be able to refer to any notes you may want to bring with you. You can consider your answer based on your current knowledge and/or experiences. You may also want to do some wider reading on the topic which will help you give a well-rounded answer. You will only be asked to discuss one of the three questions, but we advise you to prepare all three answers.
- Question 1 – If a patient you were caring for was nonverbal, how do you think this could impact on your assessment & what would you do differently to lessen these barriers?
- Question 2 – How would you support a patient who is feeling anxious or fearful about their treatment?
- Question 3 - You approach a service user to inform them that a relative has come to visit them, though you find them sitting on the floor in the corner of their bedroom. They are crying and are visibly distressed. You know their name and that they have a diagnosis of depression. How might you approach the service user and the relative?
If you have not already, you are encouraged to organise some practical work experience of caring for children or young people of different ages, outside your family before your interview. This could include volunteering such as Cubs, Brownies or mentoring a child with learning needs. It will also be helpful if you can refer to this experience during the interview, for example, by telling us about your work experience and what you learned from it. Don’t worry if you haven’t been able to do this as previous experience is not essential, transferrable skills will also be acknowledged.
What to expect on the day
If you have selected an online interview, you will receive an email link to join the interview. If you have selected a face-to-face interview, you will be sent instructions via email where to come on the day.
Welcome
Our team will deliver a short presentation which covers the main features of our course, what it is like to study at Coventry University and the format of the interview session. It is a two-way process for us to find out about each other, so please take the opportunity to ask any questions at any stage during the session.
Group interviews
You will be interviewed in small groups of up to 10 candidates. This is your chance to demonstrate your knowledge of children and young people's nursing and to demonstrate that you would be an excellent candidate for the course. For example, discussing your passion to become a children and young people's nurse and any previous experience you may have had. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the importance of the NHS’ core values.
Pre-prepared question feedback in small groups
The interview will be in small groups discussing your thoughts and options on one of the three pre-known questions listed above. We would like you to prepare your answer to all the three questions below. You can use your previous knowledge and experience. You may also want to widen your knowledge and ideas by doing some of your own research.
During the interview you will be split into small groups of up to five group members. You will be presented with one of the three questions below. You will then discuss in your group your findings and opinions on the question. This will take no longer than 10 minutes.
Group questions
During the second part of the interview, you will each be presented with a question or scenario type question. You will then have a chance to fully respond to your individual question. Once you feel you have fully answered the question to the best of your ability, other members in the group will also be invited to respond and express their opinions. You will then in turn be able to respond to other group members’ questions, this will enable the group to have an interesting and in-depth discussion.
Your interview will be facilitated by lecturers, clinical staff and/or service users. During your group interview we are looking at your communication skills, insight into the role, nursing values and your ability to communicate within a team. To ensure equal opportunity and fairness, everyone will be assessed against the same criteria.
Top tips to help you prepare
Below is a list of key themes to also consider when preparing for interview:
- What does a Children and Young People’s nurse do?
- How will I cope with the demands of the course?
- How will I manage the stress and challenges of Children and Young People’s Nursing?
- What experience and skills do I already have that can assist me on this course?
- What are the current big issues in the modern NHS and healthcare in general?
Presentation
As part of your interview, you’ll be asked to give a short presentation of up to five minutes on a set topic. This is your chance to shine and it’s the one part of the interview you can prepare in advance, so take your time to plan it and show us what you know.
You’re welcome to use PowerPoint or Prezi if it helps you present your ideas, but using such tools isn’t essential. If you do decide to use slides, please email a copy to the Admissions Tutor (ae4707@coventry.ac.uk) before your interview. You can also include any advice, guidance, or recommendations if you think they support your presentation, but again, that’s completely up to you.
What to expect on the day
Your presentation topic
Please tell us about a time when you provided care to someone outside your family, and how you took into account the thoughts, feelings, and needs of that person and their family while giving that care.
Interview process
The Course Director / Admissions Tutor will give a short presentation about Coventry University and about the course, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the course, or about learning at Coventry University. This will be done as a group of applicants on Microsoft Teams. This takes about 30 minutes.
You will then be put into breakout rooms for an individual interview with two of the Children and Young People’s Nursing team staff.
The interview will have three elements:
- You will each be asked to present for up to five minutes on the subject below. You may wish to use PowerPoint or Prezi to assist you if you would like but it is not mandatory. Please give an example of when you have provided care to someone outside of your family and how you considered the thoughts, feelings and needs of the person and family whilst carrying out the care.
- You will then have three more general questions.
- Lastly, you will have two scenario-based questions, which you will need to decide how best to respond.
Your interview will last around 20 minutes and will be led by two members of the Children and Young People’s Nursing team. As interviews are scheduled one after another, you might need to wait briefly after your presentation before your turn. Feel free to use that time to relax and gather your thoughts.
Course Director: Jo Durham, Assistant Professor
Children and Young People’s Nursing Admissions Tutor for MSc: Kerry Reaney
Top tips to help you prepare
Below are some key themes to consider when preparing for interview:
- What is my key motivation for wishing to undertake Learning Disabilities Nurse training at this particular point in time?
- What skills and values make a good Learning Disabilities Nurse, and do I possess them?
- How do I cope with stressful situations?
- What are the current big issues in the modern NHS and health care?
Pre-prepared questions
As part of the interview, we would like you to work on the three questions below. During the interview, we will separate you into small groups. In these groups, we will ask you to discuss your ideas and findings related to one of the questions below. You will be able to refer to any notes you may want to bring with you. You can consider your answer based on your current knowledge and/or experiences. You may also want to do some wider reading on the topic which will help you give a well-rounded answer. You will only be asked to discuss one of the three questions, but we advise you to prepare all three answers for the following questions.
- If a patient you were caring for was nonverbal, how do you think this could impact on your assessment & what would you do differently to lessen these barriers?
- How would you support a patient who is feeling anxious or fearful about their treatment?
- You approach a service user to inform them that a relative has come to visit them, though you find them sitting on the floor in the corner of their bedroom. They are crying and are visibly distressed. You know their name and that they have a diagnosis of depression. How might you approach the service user and the relative?
What to expect on the day
Individual interview
The presentation about the course will be around 15 minutes. The group interview will then be 30 minutes long and is your chance to demonstrate your commitment and motivation to undertake the Learning Disabilities Nursing course and join the profession. There will be up to two interviewers, this includes a member the learning disability nursing course team and a practice partner.
We are looking for applicants to demonstrate an understanding of the role of a learning disabilities nurse, its scope of practice, a commitment to the underlying values and ethos of the profession and an open and enquiring mind to learning personally, professionally, and academically.
Learning Disabilities Nursing BSc (Hons) Admissions Tutor: Hope Mcmellon
Top tips to help you prepare
Below are some key themes to consider when preparing for your interview:
- What is my key motivation for wishing to undertake Learning Disabilities Nurse training at this particular point in time?
- What skills and values make a good Learning Disabilities Nurse, and do I possess them?
- How do I cope with stress and challenging situations?
- What are the current big issues in the modern NHS and health care?
Pre-prepared questions to work on before the interview
As part of the interview, we would like you to work on the three questions below. During the interview we will separate you into small groups. In these groups we will ask you to discuss your ideas and findings related to one of the questions below. You will be able to refer back to any notes you may want to bring with you. You can consider your answer based on your current knowledge and/or experiences. You may also want to do some wider reading on the topic which will help you give a well-rounded answer. You will only be asked to discuss one of the three questions, but we advise you to prepare all three answers.
- Question 1 – If a patient you were caring for was nonverbal, how do you think this could impact on your assessment & what would you do differently to lessen these barriers?
- Question 2 – How would you support a patient who is feeling anxious or fearful about their treatment?
- Question 3 - You approach a service user to inform them that a relative has come to visit them, though you find them sitting on the floor in the corner of their bedroom. They are crying and are visibly distressed. You know their name and that they have a diagnosis of depression. How might you approach the service user and the relative?
Previous experience
If you have not already, please consider organising some practical work experience of caring for people with learning disabilities (either paid or volunteering) before your interview, this could be at either in a local NHS hospital for people with learning disabilities, or via local private practices, charitable organisations and residential care settings. It will also be helpful if you can refer to this experience during the interview, for example, by telling us about your work experience and what you learned from it. Don’t worry if you haven’t been able to do this as previous experience is not essential, transferrable skills will also be acknowledged.
What to expect on the day
If you have selected an online interview, you will receive an email link to join the interview. If you have selected a face to face interview, you will be sent instructions via email where to come on the day.
Welcome
Our team will deliver a short presentation which covers the main features of our course, what it is like to study at CU Scarborough and the format of the Interview Day. It is a two-way process for us to find out about each other, so please take the opportunity to ask any questions at any stage during the session.
You will be interviewed in small groups of up to 10 candidates. This is your chance to demonstrate your knowledge of Learning Disabilities Nursing and to demonstrate that you would be an excellent candidate for the course. For example, discussing your passion to become a Learning Disabilities Nurse and any previous experience you may have had. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the importance of the NHS core values.
For Scarborough group interviews, you may be interviewed with other fields of nursing. It’s nothing to worry about! There are plenty of transferable skills that apply to all fields of nursing, which is why we sometimes do this.
Where group interviews are not possible due to limited numbers, we may invite you to interview individually. You’ll still be asked one of the prepared questions listed above, and the interviewer will adapt the process for a one-to-one setting.
The first part of the interview will be in small groups discussing your thoughts and options on one of the three pre-known questions below. We would like you to prepare your answer to all of the three questions below. You are able to use your previous knowledge and experience. You may also want to widen your knowledge and ideas by doing some of your own research. During the interview you will be split into small groups of up to five group members. You will be presented with one of the three questions listed above. You will then discuss in your group your findings and opinions on the question. This will take no longer than 10 minutes.
During the second part of the interview, you will each be presented with a question or scenario type question. You will then have a chance to fully respond to your individual question. Once you feel you have fully answered the question to the best of your ability, other members in the group will also be invited to respond and express their opinions. You will then in turn be able to respond to other group members questions, this will enable the group to have an interesting and in-depth discussion.
Your interview will be facilitated by either lecturers, clinical staff and/or service users. During your group interview we are looking at your communication skills, insight into the role, nursing values and your ability to communicate within a team. To ensure equal opportunity and fairness, everyone will be assessed against the same criteria.
Course Leader in Nursing, CU Scarborough: Josie Tatum
Top tips to help you prepare
To help prepare for the interview, you can research mental health services and charities such as MIND and Young Minds. You can also take a look at the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s website and the NHS website. Below are some key themes you should consider when preparing for interview:
- What is my key motivation for wishing to undertake Mental Health Nursing training at this particular point in time?
- What core skills and values make a good Mental Health Nurse, and do I possess them?
- How do I cope with stress and challenging situations?
Pre-prepared questions to work on before the interview
As part of the interview, we would like you to work on the three questions below. During the interview we will separate you into small groups. In these groups we will ask you to discuss your ideas and findings related to one of the questions below. You will be able to refer back to any notes you may want to bring with you. You can consider your answer based on your current knowledge and/or experiences. You may also want to do some wider reading on the topic which will help you give a well-rounded answer. You will only be asked to discuss one of the three questions, but we advise you to prepare all three answers.
- Question 1 – If a patient you were caring for was nonverbal, how do you think this could impact on your assessment & what would you do differently to lessen these barriers?
- Question 2 – How would you support a patient who is feeling anxious or fearful about their treatment?
- Question 3 - You approach a service user to inform them that a relative has come to visit them, though you find them sitting on the floor in the corner of their bedroom. They are crying and are visibly distressed. You know their name and that they have a diagnosis of depression. How might you approach the service user and the relative?
Previous experience
If you have not already, please consider organising some practical work experience of caring for people with learning disabilities (either paid or volunteering) before your interview, this could be at either in a local NHS hospital for people with learning disabilities, or via local private practices, charitable organisations and residential care settings. It will also be helpful if you can refer to this experience during the interview, for example, by telling us about your work experience and what you learned from it. Don’t worry if you haven’t been able to do this as previous experience is not essential, transferrable skills will also be acknowledged.
What to expect on the day
If you have selected an online interview, you will receive an email link to join the interview. If you have selected a face to face interview, you will be sent instructions via email where to come on the day.
What to expect on the day
If you have selected an online interview, you will receive an email link to join the interview. If you have selected a face-to-face interview, you will be sent instructions via email where to come on the day.
You will be interviewed in small groups of up to 10 candidates. This is your chance to demonstrate your knowledge of Mental Health Nursing and to demonstrate that you would be an excellent candidate for the course. For example, discussing your passion to become a Mental Health Nurse and any previous experience you may have had. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the importance of the NHS’ core values.
For Scarborough group interviews, you may be interviewed with other fields of nursing. It’s nothing to worry about! There are plenty of transferable skills that apply to all fields of nursing, which is why we sometimes do this.
Where group interviews are not possible due to limited numbers, we may invite you to interview individually. You’ll still be asked one of the prepared questions listed above, and the interviewer will adapt the process for a one-to-one setting.
The first part of the interview will be in small groups discussing your thoughts and options on one of the three pre-known questions listed above. We would like you to prepare your answer to all three questions below. You are able to use your previous knowledge and experience. You may also want to widen your knowledge and ideas by doing some of your own research.
During the interview, you will be split into small groups of up to five group members. You will be presented with one of the three questions below. You will then discuss in your group your findings and opinions on the question. This will take no longer than 10 minutes.
During the second part of the interview, you will each be presented with a question or scenario-type question. You will then have a chance to fully respond to your individual question. Once you feel you have fully answered the question to the best of your ability, other members in the group will also be invited to respond and express their opinions. You will then, in turn, be able to respond to other group members’ questions, this will enable the group to have an interesting and in-depth discussion.
Your interview will be facilitated by lecturers, clinical staff and/or service users. During your group interview, we are looking at your communication skills, insight into the role, nursing values and your ability to communicate within a team. To ensure equal opportunity and fairness, everyone will be assessed against the same criteria.
Course Leader in Nursing, CU Scarborough: Josie Tatum
Top tips to help you prepare
You can take a look at the mental health services and charities such as MIND and Young Minds. Below are some key themes you should consider when preparing for interview:
- What is my key motivation for applying to undertake Mental Health Nursing training specifically and at this particular point in time?
- What core values and skills do you think a Mental Health Nurse should possess and can you give examples of how you harbour these?
- How do I cope with stress and challenging situations?
- How might I support complex behaviours or needs?
Previous experience
If you have not already, please consider organising some practical work experience of caring for adults (either paid or volunteering) before your interview. This could be within the NHS, or with local services, such as MIND. It will also be helpful if you can refer to this experience during the interview, for example, by telling us about your work experience and what you learned from it. We know this can be difficult to achieve, however any experience involving transferable skills is desirable such as volunteering at school/college, or as a student representative for example. Take another look through your Personal Statement as we may ask you to elaborate on some of the things you have said about yourself. If you haven't had care experience, please provide information about your relevant transferable skills for nursing from other areas.
As part of the interview, we would like you to work on the three questions below. During the interview we will separate you into small groups. We will ask you to discuss your ideas and findings related to one of the questions below. You will be able to refer to any notes you may want to bring with you. You can consider your answer based on your current knowledge and/or experiences. You may also want to do some wider reading on the topic which will help you give a well-rounded answer. You will only be asked to discuss one of the three questions, but you need to prepare all three answers.
- Question 1 – If a patient you were caring for was non-verbal, how do you think this could impact on your assessment and what would you do differently to lessen these barriers?
- Question 2 – How would you support a patient who is feeling anxious or fearful about their treatment?
- Question 3 - You approach a service user to inform them that a relative has come to visit them, though you find them sitting on the floor in the corner of their bedroom. They are crying and are visibly distressed. You know their name and that they have a diagnosis of depression. How might you approach the service user and the relative?
What to expect on the day
Group interviews
We will be completing group interviews with up to six applicants in each group. The panel is made up of a combination of the Coventry University Mental Health Nursing course team, and current Mental Health Nurses working within the local NHS Trust. This is your chance to demonstrate to the panel your commitment and motivation to undertake the Mental Health Nursing course and to join the profession. Essentially, we are looking for applicants to demonstrate:
- an understanding of the role of a Mental Health Nurse
- an understanding of mental health nursing and its scope of practice
- a commitment to the underlying values and ethos of mental health nursing
- an open and enquiring mind to learning personally, professionally and academically
- What are the current big issues in the NHS and mental health care?;
Mental Health Nursing BSc Admissions Tutors: Hope Mcmellon and Ben Smith
Top tips to help you prepare
Whilst on the course, students’ personal, professional and academic development should align with the Nursing and Midwifery Council code of professional standards of practice and behaviour and their future nurse: standards of proficiency for registered nurses.
Read the NHS guidance on the personal qualities or characteristic of a mental health nurse.
Links to support with scenario-based questions:
- The Nursing and Midwifery Council ,the Code of professional practice and behaviour
- The mental health nurse’s handbook
- The ten essential shared capabilities
- Student nurse self-care handbook
Recent news on mental health nursing/nursing
- RCN Publications on Mental Health Nursing-Mental Health Nursing
- Research demand signalling: mental health nursing
- Latest mental health news
- Nursing news | Nursing Times
Previous experience
If you have not already, please consider organising some practical work experience of caring for adults (either paid or volunteering) before your interview. For this course, this should include an element of mental health care. It will also be helpful if you can refer to this experience during the interview, for example, by telling us about your work experience and what you learned from it.
Interview Process 1:1 Individual interviews
The Course Director / Admissions Tutor will give a short presentation about the course and about Coventry University, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the course, or about learning at Coventry. You will then be put into breakout rooms for an individual interview with one of the Mental Health Nursing team staff. You will each be presented with four questions, two of which are scenarios, and you will need to decide how best to respond in that situation. This process should take about 20 minutes. As we have a limited number of staff we will schedule the 1:1 interview at 20-minute intervals, so you may have to wait after the initial presentation until it is your turn to be interviewed.
- Group/individual online interviews will be undertaken on Microsoft Teams.
- A presentation of the course overview will be delivered initially before the interview questions.
- A total of four questions will be posed and each of them posted in the Teams chat box and openly shared with the candidates for more accessibility.
- Each candidate will be expected to respond accordingly.
- The candidate will have the opportunity to ask any relevant questions pertaining to the course.
- Following the interview, the responses will be scored and the outcome communicated to the student and admissions team in the next three days.
Assistant Professor in Mental Health Nursing: Rumbi Mbondiya
Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing: Ben Smith
Top tips to help you prepare
To prepare for your interview, find out about the role of the midwife and inform yourself on current issues and developments within the profession. You can also explore health careers within the NHS and the Nursing and Midwifery Council for more information.
Below are some key themes you should consider when preparing for interview:
- What is my key motivation for wishing to undertake midwifery training?
- What skills and values make a good midwife, and do I possess them?
- How do I cope with stress and challenging situations?
- What are the current big issues in the modern NHS and health care?
Previous experience
We do not ask for specific experience in a midwifery setting, as this can be difficult to obtain, but consider the skills and experience you may have developed and how these could be applied to midwifery. Take another look through your Personal Statement as we may ask you to elaborate on some of the things you have said about yourself and ensure you have provided the most up-to-date academic references.
What to expect on the day
Your interview will be facilitated by a panel of two to three members, which may include Academic Staff, Clinical Midwives, Service Users and Student Midwives. The interviews will be conducted in a group format, allowing each applicant the opportunity to engage meaningfully.
During the interview, each applicant will be invited to respond to specific questions about themselves, their experiences and their motivation for undertaking the midwifery degree. Following this, the panel will present scenario-based questions designed to explore your values, decision-making, and understanding of the midwife’s role. While there may not be time for every applicant to respond individually to each scenario, the discussion will be opened to the group, allowing for additional contributions or alternative perspectives.
We aim to create a supportive environment where all applicants have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, communication skills, and relevant attributes essential for midwifery. Once the allocated time has elapsed, we kindly ask that you leave promptly so we can continue the interview process with the next group of candidates.
Midwifery Admissions Lead: Jackie Chavner
Top tips to help you prepare
Recommended reading
Whilst courses can be similar at different universities, there are usually some differences between institutions. Please read the Coventry University online course profile for the course you have applied for so that you are fully aware of what the course involves. As this is a professional NHS course, our recruitment and selection process includes assessing your potential to live the values outlined in the NHS constitution. We call this Value Based Recruitment (VBR), so it would be useful for you to have a good understanding of these values and be able to discuss and reference these during the interview day.
There are also a range of online materials you can access including the 6Cs and an Overview of the Nursing Associate role which will help you prepare for the day. In addition, as Nursing Associate student you will also need to comply with the NMC code and the Nursing Associates Standards of Proficiency so it is a good idea to review and explore this as preparation for the day.
Previous experience
If you have not already, please consider organising some practical work experience of caring for people (either paid or volunteering) before your interview. It will also be helpful if you can refer to this experience during the interview, for example, by telling us about your work experience and what you learned from it.
What to expect on the day
Here is an overview of what you can expect on your interview day.
Group discussion
You will be interviewed in small groups for an assessed group discussion with an academic and a service user. You will each be presented with a scenario individually and you will need to decide how best to respond in that situation. Once you have expressed how you would act, other members in your group will also be invited to respond and express their opinions. Within this communication exercise, you are being assessed on your communication skills, insight and values and on your ability to work within a team. This will either be conducted face-to-face or on Microsoft Teams, whichever is more suitable to you.
Admissions Tutor and Lecturer: Donna Royle
Top tips to help you prepare
Recommended reading
Whilst courses can be similar at different universities, there are usually some differences between institutions. Please read the Coventry University online course profile for the course you have applied for so that you are fully aware of what the course involves. As this is a professional NHS course, our recruitment and selection process includes assessing your potential to live the values outlined in the NHS constitution. We call this Value Based Recruitment (VBR), so it would be useful for you to have a good understanding of these values and be able to discuss and reference these during the interview day.
There are also a range of online materials you can access including the 6Cs and an Overview of the Nursing Associate role which will help you prepare for the day. In addition, as Nursing Associate student you will also need to comply with the NMC code and the Nursing Associates Standards of Proficiency so it is a good idea to review and explore this as preparation for the day.
Previous experience
If you have not already, please consider organising some practical work experience of caring for people (either paid or volunteering) before your interview. It will also be helpful if you can refer to this experience during the interview, for example, by telling us about your work experience and what you learned from it.
What to expect on the day
Here is an overview of what you can expect on your interview day.
Group discussion
You will be interviewed in small groups for an assessed group discussion with an academic and a service user. You will each be presented with a scenario individually and you will need to decide how best to respond in that situation. Once you have expressed how you would act, other members in your group will also be invited to respond and express their opinions. Within this communication exercise, you are being assessed on your communication skills, insight and values and on your ability to work within a team. This will either be conducted face-to-face or on Microsoft Teams, whichever is more suitable to you.
Course Lead: Ruth Reader
