Pre-CAS Interview Practice / Birkbeck, University of London
Birkbeck, University of London Pre-CAS Interview Questions 2026
Your course · Education history · Why UK · Finances · Living in the UK · English
Updated July 2026Birkbeck, University of London runs its credibility check in two parts. First, as part of the Birkbeck CAS process, you complete an initial interview through the CAS Shield portal: you're emailed a link, log in, and answer a series of questions about your reasons for studying in the UK and your course. A member of International Student Administration (ISA) reviews your answers and, if they need more, some students are asked to attend a further interview with ISA to discuss them.
Second, once you have your CAS and submit your Student visa application, UKVI may interview you too — usually at the visa application centre when you give your biometrics, in English by video link. That interview is recorded, and a summary goes to the visa officer, who decides whether a more detailed second interview at the Embassy is needed. For both, be ready to discuss your previous education, your proposed course, your finances and your plans to live in the UK.
The cost of walking in unprepared
Birkbeck, University of London's pre-CAS process runs 5 stages. Most applicants only find out they weren't ready once the decision is made.
Merra: run the Birkbeck, University of London pre-CAS interview before it counts
Hope, Merra’s AI interviewer, runs a Birkbeck, University of London-style pre-CAS mock out loud — the real question format, real follow-ups — then scores you on the five dimensions real interviewers use, with a recording and transcript.
- 1Sign up free — no card, 5 free coaching sessions available until used.
- 2Take the diagnostic — 15 minutes with Hope, get your baseline score.
- 3Practise Birkbeck, University of London-style — course, funding and intent questions, honest feedback, watch your readiness climb.
No card details required. Your first 5 coaching sessions are free.
Practise your Birkbeck, University of London pre-CAS interview now
Hope runs the real interview format — course, funding, intent — and shows you which answers a caseworker would probe, before a real one hears them.
Practise your pre-CAS interview5 free coaching sessions · available until used · no card needed · cancel anytimeThe Birkbeck, University of London pre-CAS interview process
- 1As part of the Birkbeck CAS process. As part of the Birkbeck CAS process, you're emailed a link to complete an initial credibility interview on the CAS Shield portal.
- 2Log in and answer questions about your reasons for. Log in and answer questions about your reasons for studying in the UK and your course; ISA reviews your responses.
- 3If more information is needed. If more information is needed, you may be asked to attend a further interview with ISA to discuss your answers.
- 4Once checks pass. Once checks pass, Birkbeck issues your CAS.
- 5During your visa application. During your visa application, UKVI may interview you (usually at the visa application centre, in English by video link); it's recorded and may lead to a more detailed Embassy interview.
Real Birkbeck, University of London pre-CAS interview questions
Verified against university sources. The same questions Hope asks in a Birkbeck, University of London-style pre-CAS mock.
Your course
Education history
Why UK
Finances
Living in the UK
English
Prepping alone vs with Merra
Without Merra
- ✕Read questions, rehearse answers in your head
- ✕First time answering out loud is the real interview
- ✕No structured feedback on how you actually come across
- ✕Find out you weren’t ready from a rejection email
With Merra
- ✓Practise out loud before the real interview
- ✓Structured evaluation and feedback after every session
- ✓Review your session history and track improvement
- ✓Personalise practice by role, company, and focus areas
Pricing
- ✓No card needed · 5 free coaching sessions available until used
- ✓Full scored feedback on every session
- ✓University-tuned mocks for Birkbeck, University of London and others
- ✓Recording and transcript included
- ✓Cancel anytime
Birkbeck, University of London pre-CAS interview FAQs
How does Birkbeck's own interview work?
It's completed on the CAS Shield portal — you answer a series of questions about your course and reasons for studying in the UK, which ISA then reviews.
Could I be interviewed twice by Birkbeck?
Possibly — some students are asked to attend a further interview with ISA to discuss their answers.
Is there also a UKVI interview?
Yes — after you get your CAS and apply for your visa, UKVI may interview you, usually at the visa application centre by video link.
Is the UKVI interview recorded?
Yes, and a summary goes to the visa officer, who may request a more detailed second interview at the Embassy.
What should I be ready to discuss?
Your previous education, proposed course, finances and plans to live in the UK.
Related pre-CAS guides
Merra is an independent interview practice platform and is not affiliated with Birkbeck, University of London. Pre-CAS processes vary by university and may change without notice.
Your CAS interview decides your visa. Walk in ready.
Your first practice session with Hope takes 15 minutes and flags every refusal-risk answer. Free, no card, instant feedback.
Practise your pre-CAS interview5 free coaching sessions · available until used · no card needed · cancel anytime