Social Work interview guides

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.

Ahead of the interview you should keep yourself up to date with current issues and developments in social work and social policy and to help you prepare for the interview you may wish to consult the British Association of Social Workers, the Community Care magazine, the Guardian's Social Care Network and Professional standards - Social Work England websites to gain insight into the profession. There are also several social work podcasts available that are useful sources to increase your knowledge of contemporary social work practice, some examples are The Social Work Podcast, The Social Work Stories Podcast and Inside Social Work.

You will be asked to demonstrate how your learning from any life, or social care work experience, has helped you prepare for social work training. If you have not already, please consider organising some practical work experience with adults and/or families (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, placement experiences during school or college and what you learned from it.

As you prepare for your interview, we encourage you to reflect on the following key themes:

• Why do I want to become a social worker — and why now?
• What personal values and skills do I bring, and how are these relevant to social work?
• In what ways is my knowledge and experience transferable to the social work profession?
• How will I manage the emotional, academic and practical demands of the course?
• What do I understand about issues such as oppression, discrimination and inequality?

Below are some key themes you should consider when preparing for interview:

• What is my key motivation for wishing to undertake social work training?
• Do I understand the realities of contemporary social work practice in the UK?
• What skills, knowledge and values make a good social worker, do I have them, and can I provide examples of when I have used them?
• How do I cope with stress and challenging situations?
• What are some of the current social issues impacting upon individuals and groups in society?

What to expect on the day

Here is an overview of what you can expect on your interview day. Applicants can choose whether to physically attend Coventry University to complete the group discussion, interview, and written task on campus, or to complete the three elements of the interview online using Microsoft Teams. If you choose to have your interview on Microsoft Teams, you will need to ensure that you have access to a camera on your electronic device so that the interview panel can observe your interactions during the group discussion and interview questions.

Group discussion

Following a short 10-minute welcome presentation, you will be assigned to a smaller group with other applicants. The group will be given a case scenario to discuss, and you will be observed and assessed by a panel, this normally includes an academic tutor, a social work practitioner and/or a person with lived experience. The group discussion normally takes approx 10 minutes.

You will be assessed on whether you can communicate clearly, confidently, and concisely. You will also be assessed on your listening skills, non-verbal communication skills, and ability to work as part of a group.

This discussion is not a test of your knowledge of social work; it is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and to express your views, values and opinions in a constructive and productive manner when working with others.

Individual interview

You will have a maximum of 30 minutes for your individual interview. This is your chance to demonstrate to the interview panel your commitment and motivation to undertake the social work course and join the profession of social work. There are usually two interviewers which normally includes a course tutor, a person with lived experience and/or a social work practitioner.

We are looking for applicants to demonstrate an understanding of the role of a Social Worker, an understanding of the profession and its scope of practice, a commitment to the underlying values and ethos of the profession and an open and enquiring mind to learning.

Written assessment

You will be asked to undertake a 30-minute written assessment under exam conditions, and this normally takes place after your interview. The assessment involves reading an article, a copy of which is provided as an appendix* to this document, and you will be asked to provide a written response. As the written assessment questions refer to the article it is important that you prepare yourself as best as you can by reading this material beforehand.

This written assessment is designed to assess whether you have good English written skills including grammar, sentence structure and correct use of punctuation. It also aims to assess your conceptual and analytical skills that are required at the initial level of degree study. If you choose to attend the campus for your interview, written and group task, you may want to bring your laptop, iPad or other electronic device to use when completing the written assessment.

Please note that the written assessment is only one component that we consider in making our decision to offer applicants a place on our course. We also consider your UCAS application form, references, performance in the group discussion and performance in the individual interview when deciding on whether to offer you a place.

BA Social Work Admissions Tutor: Amanda Lewis

*Written task article

During the interview, you will be asked to reflect on how your personal, academic, or professional experiences have helped you prepare for a career in social work. This may include life experience, voluntary work, or paid roles in health and social care settings.
If you have not already done so, we recommend gaining some practical experience — whether through volunteering or paid work—particularly in settings where you are supporting adults, children, or families. Drawing on these experiences during the interview will allow you to demonstrate your insight and readiness for social work training.

What to expect on the day

Applicants can choose whether to physically attend Coventry University to complete the group discussion, interview and written task on campus, or to complete the tasks online via Teams. If you choose to have your interview online, you will need to ensure that you have access to a camera on your electronic device so that the interview panel can observe your interactions during the group discussion and interview questions.

Group discussion

After a brief welcome presentation, you will join a small group of fellow applicants to take part in a guided discussion on a topical issue. This discussion will be observed and assessed by a panel, which typically includes a course tutor and a practising social worker.
You will be assessed on the following:

• clear, confident and concise communication
• active listening and respectful engagement
• non-verbal communication (e.g. eye contact, body language)
• ability to work collaboratively as part of a group.

This is not a test of your knowledge of social work. Instead, it’s an opportunity for you to demonstrate how you engage with others, express your views thoughtfully, and contribute to a group discussion in a constructive and inclusive way.

We are particularly interested in your values, communication style and approach to teamwork — all essential qualities for future social workers.

Individual interview

This is your chance to demonstrate to the interview panel your commitment and motivation to undertake the social work course and join the profession of social work. There are usually two interviewers which normally includes a course tutor, a person with lived experience and/or a social work practitioner.

We are looking for applicants to demonstrate an understanding of the role of a Social Worker, an understanding of the profession and 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.

Written assessment

You will complete a 30-minute written test under exam conditions, usually after your interview. The task is based on a short article (provided as an email attachment).

The assessment will test your:

• written communication (grammar, punctuation, structure)
• ability to think critically and analytically—skills essential for social work study.

Important: Use of AI tools or assistance (e.g. ChatGPT, Grammarly Premium, or similar software) is strictly prohibited during the written assessment. Any suspected use may result in your application being withdrawn.

The written task is one part of the overall assessment process. We also consider your personal statement, references, group discussion and interview performance when making final decisions.

Social Work MA Admissions Tutor: Lisa Ward