Interviews can be a daunting prospect and many of the students who have Cambridge admissions interviews next month might be worrying about what to wear, what sort of questions they'll be asked, what to do if they don't know the answers and what qualities the interviewers will be looking for.

But, from today (November 22), they will be able to see for themselves what Cambridge interviews are like by watching a new film about them, called Interviews In Action, on the University of Cambridge website.

Based on realistic scenarios, and featuring current Cambridge admissions interviewers, the 20-minute film follows two fictional applicants - one for English and one for Natural Sciences - through the process. As well as extracts from their interviews, viewers see the interviewers discussing some of the (fictional) applicants' strengths and weaknesses and they hear what qualities the interviewers are looking for.

Dr Geoff Parks, Director of Admissions for the Cambridge Colleges, said:

"There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about Cambridge interviews, so it's not surprising that students may be nervous about what to expect. We hope this film will give them a much better idea of what happens at an interview and of what we're actually looking for.

"One of the biggest myths is that we ask crazy questions to try and catch students out, and that we expect them to know about subjects they've never studied before. We don't - we're just looking for bright, hard-working students who are passionate about their subject, enjoy trying to figure things out for themselves and are interested in getting to grips with new concepts and new ideas. We hope the film will reassure students, by showing them that interviews can be a chance to discuss and explore their academic interests. They're not about 'right' or 'wrong' answers, or finding ways to trip the applicant up.

"The film will also be useful information for anyone thinking of applying to Cambridge in the future, as well as parents, teachers and others involved in advising students about higher education."

The University of Cambridge has long provided a lot of excellent advice and information about preparing for interviews on its website. Now, the growing popularity of broadband technology (according to Government figures, more than 98% of secondary schools and colleges have broadband) has made it possible to provide students with a free film guide to interviews.

Interviews In Action is available to watch online on the University of Cambridge website by visiting /cambuniv/undergrad/interview/ (or using the link at the right-hand side of this page) and clicking on the 'To watch the film' link. A broadband connection is required to view it in acceptable quality. Viewers will also need a suitable media programme, such as QuickTime or RealPlayer. Links enabling them to download these applications, if they don't already have them, are also provided.

The film was commissioned by Clare College, Cambridge on behalf of the Cambridge Colleges and was produced by Cambridge University Moving Image Studio (CUMIS). It has been funded, in part, by Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) Aspiration Funding.

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