I had 2 interviews (although there was an error on the day and I was initially told I had 4, which was alarming) and stayed over in college the night before. One interview was at midday and one was mid-afternoon, with about a three hour break in between (I just hung out in the JCR during this time). Each interview lasted about 20-25 minutes with two interviewers in each.

The first interview was source-based and I was asked to analyse three unseen sources: standard source analysis but the sources are designed to be quite obscure. We also discussed an essay I’d sent in, and my A level choices (History was the only humanities subject I took).

The second interview was far more academic and a lot harder. I was asked questions about my coursework which was the other essay I’d handed in and these were pursued a lot more aggressively- e.g. we discussed in depth what I meant by “power” which I hadn’t thought about or defined when I wrote the essay.

I think the wider reading/documentary watching I did helped - it wasn’t ridiculously academic stuff but I watched a (non-history) Netflix documentary which I was able to relate to in the interview.

I don’t think you can really prepare for interviews except by working on your confidence and making sure you get used to articulating your thought processes as you go - I wasn’t asked any of the questions I thought I would be, and if you’re too reliant on preparation, that stuff could throw you. My advice would also be that the interviewers are generally on your side and want to get the best out of you rather than trip you up and see you do badly!