What is a selection event?

It's a process to assess whether you're suitable for a place on the course. It's a chance to show us your knowledge about the subject and your enthusiasm for the career.

Being invited to a selection event doesn't mean you're guaranteed a place on the course - the point of the day is to help us come to a mutual decision. We need to decide whether to make you an offer and you need to decide whether you like the course and the university.

All interviews are going to be conducted remotely and online.To find out what will happen on the day, see the subject-specific information below. The timings listed are approximate, so please keep your plans for travelling home flexible.

When and where is my selection event?

If you're invited to a selection event you'll receive an email telling you when it is, providing you with the online link.

It's important to be on time. If you are unable to do so then you should call 0114 225 5555 and ask for Admissions or email the academic contact given in the invitation email.

What happens on a selection event?

Selection event process

We aim to make the interview process as rigorous and informative as possible, and we do see it as very much a two-way process where you can evaluate what we offer. In order to help us explore your thinking and subject knowledge, and for you to decide if this is the right course for you, we have a number of activities we usually use as part of the interview process.

These are:

• an overview of the course, its content and assessment methods from one of our experienced science tutors
• an opportunity to ask any questions you have
• a check of your photo-based identification
• a written individual task, including some science-based questions. These will be sent prior to the event and should be returned by the deadline stated in the email.
• an individual interview, usually with a science tutor

During this interview we will ask you to give a clear, engaging presentation lasting no more than 5 minutes. The topic for this can be any aspect of science which would be suitable for pupils studying at key stage 3 or key stage 4. You should look at the science curriculum to help you choose an appropriate topic. The audience will be the interviewing tutor.

You are welcome to use visual aids, but should consider how these will work over zoom, but you will not be able to screenshare any material. Assume that the audience would be a group of pupils of an age appropriate to your presentation. 

We may ask you further questions on the topic you choose to assess your understanding of the science involved. You will also be asked to reflect on your personal skills and qualities, your understanding of teaching and learning, and knowledge of the science curriculum.

The whole process takes around 1 hour, and we aim to let you know our decision within one week of interview, if not before.

Visiting the university

Due to current restrictions resulting from Covid -19, there will be no visit to the Campus for the interview. However, there are opportunities to visit at our virtual undergraduate open days this Autumn or virtual course open days in the Spring. This would be an opportunity for you to learn more about your study options with Sheffield Hallam, especially for those applicants who are new to Sheffield or the university, we have live chat at these events for applicants to talk to staff and students and ask any questions about studying with us. You can find more about opportunities to visit us on our website.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?

Remember to have the materials and resources you will need for the presentation and activities.

What do I need to bring with me?

For the interview you should bring the following.

1) Identification

You must bring photographic identification (photo ID). If possible please bring a passport or photo driving license. If you do not own either of these, other forms of photographic identification will be sufficient for the selection event but should you be offered a place on the course you will be required to present further official identification documentation to complete the professional requirements referred to above. Full details of the ID evidence you will require can be found here.

2) Qualifications

You must bring your original certificates plus photocopies of each of these documents to the event:

• GCSE English Language, minimum grade C (or approved equivalent)
• GCSE Mathematics, minimum grade C (or approved equivalent)
• GCSE Science, minimum grade C  (or approved equivalent)
• Degree award (if complete)

You must show the original certificates for all your qualifications by enrolment in September to allow you to enrol on the course

If you do not have the original certificates, you must obtain copies from the awarding body as quickly as possible prior to enrolment. Please note that you must allow sufficient time for these to be replaced. If you have not achieved the qualifications specified above, you may be able to take an equivalency test prior to the course start date – please discuss this with the admissions tutor.

What are we looking for?

At this stage we assess your

• ability to communicate clearly, both orally and on paper
• knowledge of the area of education you are interested in
• interest in, and commitment to, a career in teaching
• potential to work effectively with children in an educational setting

Who is on the selection event panel?

You will be assessed by a range of staff from across the Initial Teacher Education Partnership.

What should I wear?

Dress reasonably smartly, but you don't need to wear a suit. Smart but casual clothing will allow you to feel confident and at ease.

Disability support

If you have a disability (this includes sensory and physical disabilities, dyslexia, mental health conditions and medical conditions) and you feel that you will need some support during the selection event process (for example, a sign language interpreter, note taker, materials provided in different format), please inform the tutor upon receipt of your invitation to the selection event.

Disability advice whilst studying at the University

You may or may not have indicated that you have a disability on your application form. In either case, the Disabled Student Support Team is keen to hear from you. If you would like to meet or talk to an advisor to discuss, in confidence, possible support whilst studying, please ring +44 (0)114 225 3813 or email disability-support@shu.ac.uk

Please note that any offer of a place is subject to acceptance by you of the University's terms and conditions. If you require a printed version, please contact Admissions on 0114 225 5555. You must read these terms and conditions before accepting any offer.

What happens after my selection event?

We cannot tell you our decision on the day of the selection event. After the selection event our decision will be communicated via UCAS track, so please check your account regularly.

You will receive one of the following decisions.

Conditional offer for the course that you have applied for – you must fulfil certain criteria (usually based on the qualifications you are currently taking) before you can be accepted on the course. If the requirements are met, the offer becomes unconditional.

Unconditional offer for the course that you have applied for – usually made when you have already completed your qualifications and met the academic requirements we are asking for.

Unsuccessful – unfortunately we are not able to offer you a place on the course. We do not feel that you have the necessary skills or experience to be successful on one of our courses. However, this does not prevent you from applying in the future, should you undertake further study to develop your skills and experience.

Important accommodation information for Initial Teacher Education students

You will need to refer to the accommodation services website when making your accommodation choices. Once you have accepted your offer of a place, you can submit your online application directly to accommodation services.

What can I choose?

To help you in choosing suitable accommodation, filter from the halls on the website those which are available for early arrivals. You must also specify that you need an early start date in the notes section of your application.

The first few weeks

We know that not all courses start at the same time and we also know which courses start early. This means that your halls won't be full when you first arrive, but we will try and make sure you're not on your own for long so that you don't get lonely and you feel safe.