Visit days
Visit days give you a taste of what it's like to be a student at Manchester and allow you to ask any questions you may have about studying here, university life or the city itself.
Although one of the major parts of the visit day is the interview, rest assured we aim to make the process as relaxed as possible. The interviews help us to get a more rounded view of you and your application to study here and allow us to discuss with you your suitability and commitment to the course. We also take into account any contextual information.
During the academic year 2023/2024, visit days - and interviews - will be held on-campus, providing you with the opportunity to meet our Department see the amazing facilities we have on offer.
Before the visit day
- Confirm whether you are attending through UCAS. See our FAQs section on what to do if you aren’t able to attend the date you’ve been allocated.
- Inform us of any disability or special requirements/allergies that you have for the interview by emailing the address outlined below. Please include your full name, UCAS ID and the date you have been invited to.
- Inform us of any dietary requirements you may have by emailing the address outlined below. Please include your full name, UCAS ID and the date you have been invited to.
How can I prepare for my interview?
Further information about the interview will be sent to you in the week before your visit. You may also be asked to talk about some of the topics you are learning at school or college, your reasons for choosing to study your chosen course, and your career aspirations. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the course or studying at The University of Manchester.
On the visit day
Arrival and registration
You will register from 12:00 at the Chemistry building - building number 61 on the campus map. Please note that the interview day is run over a full afternoon and will finish at approximately 16:15. You will be expected to attend for the full duration of the event.
Schedule
The day will begin with an introductory presentation about chemistry at Manchester. This will be followed by a buffet lunch, where you will have the opportunity to chat informally to student ambassadors and academic members of staff, an interview, a campus tour, a lab tour, and a Student Life presentation. Interviews will be scheduled between 13:30 – 15:30 and could take place at any time during this period.
Interview
The interview lasts approximately 30 minutes. It is an opportunity for us to find out about what has motivated you to apply for your degree and for you to find out more about the department and your chosen course.
Additional information will be sent to you the week before your interview. This will include some questions for you to prepare answers to, as part of your interview. You will also be expected to talk about some of the topics you are learning at school or college and discuss your reasons for choosing to study chemistry at Manchester, your career aspirations, and to ask questions about the course and studying at The University of Manchester.
Your specific time for the interview will be given to you at registration. It will NOT be possible to re-arrange an interview time on the day.
Travel and parking
For information on travelling to the University, please visit the information we have provided on our websites regarding maps, and travel.
If you are travelling by car, paid parking is available around campus at multiple locations. The majority are all within a 10-minute walk of the Chemistry building. Details of car parks can be found on our website.
Please note that parking near the University is limited. We recommend that you use public transport where possible. We cannot guarantee there will be spaces there on the day, so please consider using one of the many car parks in the city centre, and either walk down Oxford Road or get one of the many buses.
Additional information
If meet our WP Plus / WP Plus PLUS flag criteria, we will be able to offer you a reimbursement of your travel costs to Manchester. We will contact all eligible applicants to book travel in advance of the interview day.
Virtual tours
Parents and carers
Unfortunately, due to capacity constraints it will not be possible for parents or carers to attend the session. In order to maximise the number of interviews taking place on the day the event is open to applicants only.
Contact Information
For all enquires please contact us through the following methods:
Email address: ug.chemistry@manchester.ac.uk
Phone Number: +44 (0)161 543 4021
Add the above email address to your safe senders list to make sure you receive all emails from us – we don’t want you to miss out on any important information.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I can’t attend on the interview day I have been given?
Please indicate on your UCAS Hub that you would like to reschedule your interview. A member of our team will then rearrange your interview via UCAS to the next available date. There is no need to email us as we will pick up your response via UCAS.
We would typically only reschedule an interview once. If you are unable to make your new interview date, please email us to explain the reasons why and to let us know of any other dates you are aware of that you are unable to attend.
In some circumstances we may be able to arrange a virtual interview in place of attending in person. Please contact us via email and provide us with more information if you wish to be considered for this option. We cannot guarantee this alternative option will be available.
Much of the on-campus interview day will be spent with student ambassadors, giving you the opportunity to ask questions about their experience of the course and university life. As you are making a decision about where to spend the next three or four years of your life, it is of benefit to you to attend in person and to be as well informed as possible about the course and the University.
We are unable to make offers to applicants residing in the UK who have not attended an interview with us.
What should I wear?
The day will involve a brief tour of the campus, so you should wear suitable clothing and shoes for walking outdoors (such as flat shoes and waterproof clothing, or an umbrella), as well as ensuring you feel comfortable. We will be assessing your interest and motivation, not your dress sense.
Who can I bring with me?
As we have limited numbers of places due to venue restrictions, you are able to bring ONE parent or guest with you, over the age of 18. Unfortunately, they won’t be able to participate at your 1:1 interview with an academic, but they are welcome to attend any other sessions that we run on the day.
When do I find out if I am to be offered a place?
After the interview, we will make a decision on your application within two weeks. You will receive notification of this through UCAS Hub. If you have not received a decision on UCAS within two weeks of your interview date then please email us.
