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Brighton and Sussex Medical School Interview Questions

Past Interview Questions & Tips

Brighton and Sussex Medicine Interview Format

Brighton and Sussex Medical School uses Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI).  They typically have five stations, each ten minutes in length. Successful candidates must score at least a ‘good’ at each station. Candidates are assessed on the following during the interview:

  • An understanding of the role of a doctor, the NHS, patients’ view, and multi-cultural society.
  • Personal qualities such as their commitment to studying medicine, analytical skills, conscientious, empathic, caring, resilient, ethical, team player and potential leader, good communicator, etc.)
  • Interest and enthusiasm, an enquiring and critical mind, and evidence of independent and self-directed learning
  • The range of extracurricular activities they have undertaken including an interest in arts, culture, and current affairs.

For the current cycle, interviews will be conducted remotely using Zoom. Expect interviews to take place in January. There will be no testing on work experience.

Brighton and Sussex Medicine Key Application & Interview Statistics

Overall Success Rate (Total Applicants : Total Spaces)
Overall Success Rate (Total Applicants : Total Spaces)
Percentage of Candidates Interviewed
Percentage Of Candidates Interviewed
Interviewee Success Rate
Interviewee Success Rate

Before the Interview

  • Review the points made in your BMAT essay and personal statement. Annotate each of the points made in each and develop areas further which require further clarification. 
  • Reflect on your extracurricular activities; as well as the key skills have you gained as a result. Be able to suggest how these skills translate to being a good doctor.
  • Practice verbalising your thoughts about medicine with others. The MMI is designed to check whether the candidate can make intelligent and worthwhile contributions to a conversation. Regularly practising these conversations with either family members or friends before the interview will allow you to develop your original thoughts and formulate a well-structured answer. 
  • Keep up-to-date with current medical and NHS issues and read broadly into these areas to ensure that you feel comfortable discussing them.
  • Ensure that you know the four core principles of medical ethics: autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence and justice and can use them in confidently in discussions.
  • Read the GMC’s ‘Good Medical Practice in Action’ scenarios or ‘Tomorrow’s Doctors’ as these are especially useful to understand how the ethical principles can be applied in a clinical setting. Use the interactive questions as practice.
  • Research the NHS core values, structure and function and be prepared to discuss them.

During the Interview

As with any interview, it is all about managing the interviewer’s perception of you and painting yourself in the best light possible. The MMI process means that you must impress a larger number of people over a shorter time period. The key to managing this form of interview is to ensure that your focus remains on the current station, rather than previous ones (which may or may not have gone as well as expected). There are two minutes between stations, in which to read the instructions/task and to refocus before the interview begins.


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Learn the best interview strategies and practice with past interview questions & model answers.

Brighton and Sussex Medicine Past MMI Stations & Interview Questions

​General/Personal Statement Station: This station often requires you to link your work experience to the broader aspects of medicine. This may include questions such as:

  • Why medicine, or why would you like to be a doctor?
  • Why BSMS?
  • What has your work experience allowed you to learn?
  • What, in particular, has stood out in your work experience?


Ethical Dilemma: These stations often have no clear right or wrong answer and instead test your ability to consider the situation at hand, and provide a balanced answer. Knowledge of the four ethical principles and GMC Good Medical Practice are likely to be of great use to you in this station.  A range of MMI Ethics Stations and model answers can be found in the MMI Question Bank.

BSMS Medicine Interview Questions and Answers

Why do you want to study Medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School?

I am eager to study Medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School because of its unique curriculum that integrates biomedical sciences with early and extensive clinical experiences. The school’s pioneering Case-Based Learning approach, coupled with its strong emphasis on patient-centered care, aligns perfectly with my learning style and my ambition to become a compassionate and skilled doctor. Brighton and Sussex’s collaborative environment, fostered through partnerships with local NHS trusts, provides diverse clinical exposure, enhancing my learning with real-world experiences. Additionally, the school’s focus on holistic care and the psychosocial aspects of medicine resonates with my belief in treating the patient as a whole, making it an ideal place for my medical education.

What do you know about the Medicine course structure at Brighton and Sussex Medical School?

Brighton and Sussex Medical School offers a dynamic and student-centred Medicine course. The program is renowned for its integrated approach, combining biomedical sciences with clinical practice from the outset. The first two years focus on case-based learning, where students explore medical cases in small groups, fostering a deep understanding of medical concepts in a real-world context. Clinical placements commence early and continue throughout the course, offering hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of personal and professional development, including communication skills and ethical practice. This approach ensures that graduates from Brighton and Sussex are not only knowledgeable in medical sciences but are also empathetic and effective practitioners.

How does Brighton and Sussex Medical School support student well-being and mental health?

Brighton and Sussex Medical School places a high priority on student well-being and mental health. The school provides a supportive learning environment with a range of services designed to promote mental health and well-being among students. This includes access to counseling services, well-being workshops, and peer support programs. The curriculum itself is structured to encourage work-life balance, acknowledging the rigors of medical training. Additionally, the school fosters a community spirit through various student-led societies and events, creating a network of support among students. The school’s commitment to well-being ensures that students are not only academically successful but also healthy and resilient, which is crucial for their future careers as healthcare professionals.

Discuss the research opportunities available to students at Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School offers a range of research opportunities, reflecting its commitment to evidence-based medicine and scientific inquiry. Students can engage in research projects in various fields, such as public health, medical ethics, and clinical medicine, often working alongside experienced researchers and clinicians. The school also offers an intercalated degree option, allowing students to pursue a year of focused research training. This integration of research into the curriculum encourages a critical approach to medical practice and contributes to the development of research skills, essential for advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. These opportunities not only enhance the educational experience but also prepare students for careers that may include clinical research.

What impact does Brighton and Sussex Medical School's location have on its medical program?

The location of Brighton and Sussex Medical School significantly enhances its medical program. Situated in a region with a diverse population, the school offers students exposure to a wide range of health issues and patient demographics. Brighton’s vibrant and inclusive community provides a unique backdrop for learning about public health and social medicine. The school’s proximity to both urban and rural areas allows students to understand the varying healthcare needs and challenges in different settings. This geographical diversity enriches clinical placements, giving students a well-rounded clinical experience. The location also contributes to the school’s emphasis on community engagement and social accountability, preparing students to practice medicine with a comprehensive understanding of different community needs.

 

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