Using the Forum Theatre approach to practice interview techniques has landed the University of West London (UWL) a prestigious award.

The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) awarded UWL the Research Informed Practice award, for their study into how the use of Forum Theatre workshops prepared undergraduate students for work interviews. Forum Theatre is a form of theatre that encourages audience interaction and explores different options for dealing with a problem.

Fourteen Fashion Business and 21 Social Work undergraduates took part in the study, which offered practical tips and practice sessions on developing interview skills for graduate placements and job interviews.

Some 12 of the 14 Fashion Business students went on to successfully apply for industry placements, and all 21 Social Work students landed professional placements.

One fashion student, who took part in the workshops, commented:

This was an invaluable session, as I could see first-hand how to handle an interview, and how I might appear to an interviewer. It was so much fun, and using what I have learnt I have secured an internship with a major fashion brand. I am thrilled.

Kay Stewart, Head of Careers and Volunteering at UWL, said:

We are committed to providing our students with the skills they need to help them land graduate-level jobs when they graduate. This award recognises that great work the Careers Team does to ensure that we translate our students’ academic achievements into real-world, life skills that will set them up for the rest of their career.

Find out more about the careers support UWL provides, or sign up to attend an Open Day to meet one of the team.