Here, the directors answer some frequently asked questions about MIBTP interviews:

Who will be on my interview panel?

Each MIBTP interview panel is made up of:

• At least two MIBTP directors. One of them will be from the institution you are being interviewed at, and one of them will be from a different MIBTP institution.
• Potentially one or more other academics (not MIBTP directors) from the institution you have applied to. We try to have at least one other academic because we like to have as wide a range of opinions as possible.
• One of our current MIBTP students, to provide a student perspective.

You will be sent a list of the people on your interview panel by email 24 hours before your interview takes place.

How long will the interview take?

MIBTP interviews typically take 20 minutes. We have a lot of interviews to conduct and need to keep to a timetable. This might mean we move on from a discussion even though we are enjoying talking to you about a topic! Please forgive us if this has to happen, and please try not to interpret the length of time of your interview as being a good or a bad sign – it is not a predictor of outcome.

What will I be asked in the interview?

All candidates are asked the same main questions. We will send you a summary of these questions 24 hours before your interview takes place. Most of the questions are to do with your motivation for PhD study, your previous experiences, any research you have carried out in the past, the project you have applied to do (if you have applied to do a specific project) and what you hope to achieve if given a place within MIBTP. In the interview, we will ask you individual follow up questions based on whatever you are telling us.

One of the main interview questions will involve looking at some data (e.g. in the form of a graph). Just like the other questions, we send this to you 24 hours before the interview. All candidates are asked the same data handling question. It might seem to you that the topic of the data handling question has little to do with your area of research interest. That’s to be expected – the point of the question is to understand how you interact with data, not to test your knowledge of a specific area of biology. There is no single correct answer to this question. We understand that everyone’s prior training and experience of data handling is different.

How can I meet my supervisor?

MIBTP PhD project choices are not fixed until the end of the training year (as described here), and not all MIBTP candidates apply to do a specific PhD project. However, some candidates are certain from the beginning which PhD project they want to do. If you already know which PhD project you want to do, it’s a good idea to try to have a conversation with your potential supervisor before the interview happens. They will be happy to be contacted by potential students, but you will need to take the initiative in contacting them. MIBTP does not organise this for you. Talking to your potential supervisor will increase your knowledge of the project you have chosen and help you figure out if it is really right for you.

If you have made an open application and do not know who your supervisor might be, do not worry. We welcome open applications too - that is why we have invited you to interview! Nevertheless, now that you are coming to your interview, it's a good idea to start thinking about the possible options open to you - what sorts of projects would you like to explore during the training year to help you decide on your final project?

Is there a dress code? Can I bring my own drink?

There is no dress code. We suggest you wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. We try to provide water in in person interviews, but you are certainly allowed to bring your own drink. If it is an online interview then it’s a good idea to think of the things you might need (e.g. a glass of water) and have everything ready beforehand to help you feel relaxed.

How can I find out more about MIBTP?

You will have the opportunity to ask us questions in the interview. However, please bear in mind there is also a lot of information available elsewhere on this website. It will help you ask more informed questions in the interview if you take a look over the other available information on this website before the interview.

What if I have a question that is not answered on the website and I need an answer before the interview?

Feel free to contact us at mibtp@warwick.ac.uk with general questions about the programme. If your question is about the practical details of your interview, then please use the following contact details: for Warwick, MIBTP at warwick dot ac dot uk, for Birmingham uob-mibtp at contacts dot bham dot ac dot uk, for Leicester MIBTP-admin at leicester dot ac dot uk, for Aston G dot M dot Pilfold at aston dot ac dot uk and for Harper Adams PGRoffice at harper-adams dot ac dot uk.

Good luck!