Ulster Medical School Medicine Interview Questions

Advice & Insight From Interview Specialists

General Interview Information

Ulster University’s Graduate Entry Medicine programme provides an opportunity for those with a minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree in any discipline to train as a doctor. Interviews for this MBBS programme typically start in December and run until February for the following academic year. This is a four-year full-time programme, culminating in a MBBS degree, recognised by the General Medical Council as a primary medical qualification in the UK. The course is open to graduates from various backgrounds, and Ulster values the diversity and unique insights these students bring to the study of medicine and patient care.

Standard Interview Format

Ulster University employs the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) format for their Medicine interviews. Usually, there are eight MMI stations, each focusing on a different area. Candidates rotate through these stations, addressing a new prompt or task at each one. MMI topics commonly covered at Ulster include Communication, Initiative, Resilience, Insight, Integrity, Empathy, Teamwork, Organisation, and problem-solving, Preparation and motivation for a medical career, and Ethics and moral reasoning. Interviews are anticipated to be held in-person at the Magee campus for 2023 entry, but provisions are made for international applicants and potential online interviews, as done for 2021 and 2022 entries.

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Before the Interview

Preparing for an MMI at Ulster University involves understanding the values of the university and the qualities they seek in a medical student. Applicants should practise answering questions on the common topics covered, refining their ability to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely. Reviewing ethical scenarios and understanding how they apply to the medical field is also crucial. Gaining experience with MMIs, either through mock interviews or using online resources, can be beneficial in understanding the unique MMI format. Lastly, reflecting on personal experiences and understanding why you want a career in medicine will be beneficial in showcasing your motivation and commitment to the profession.

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Exemplar & Recent Interview Questions

Communication

How would you explain a complex medical condition to a patient with limited medical knowledge?
Describe a time when you had to persuade someone to see your point of view.
How would you handle delivering bad news to a patient?
Imagine a scenario where a patient has misunderstood their condition. How would you handle it?
Tell us about a time when you experienced a communication breakdown and how you resolved it.

Initiative

Describe a situation when you identified a problem and took steps to rectify it.
How have you dealt with a situation where you had to make a decision without having all the information you needed?
Describe a project or idea that was implemented primarily because of your efforts.
Tell us about a time when you went above and beyond what was expected of you.
Can you give an example of when you had to step up and take charge of a situation?

Resilience

Discuss a time when you faced a significant challenge and how you dealt with it.
Describe an instance when you failed and how you bounced back.
Tell us about a time when you had to handle a high-stress situation.
Describe a situation where you were met with repeated obstacles to achieving a goal.
How have you managed the stresses of your current educational program?
How have you used self-reflection to make personal improvements?

Integrity

How have you handled a situation where you had to stand up for what was right, even if it wasn’t popular?
Describe a time when you had to admit you were wrong.
Can you provide an example of when you had to act with integrity and professionalism?
Tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with honesty.
Describe a time when you had to make a tough ethical decision.

Empathy

Tell us about a time when you helped someone in a difficult situation.
Describe a situation where you had to empathise with someone whose experiences were very different from your own.
Can you provide an example of when you had to show empathy towards a patient or client?
How do you handle situations that require you to understand and share the feelings of others?
Describe a time when you had to use empathy and kindness to help someone.

Teamwork

Describe a situation where you effectively worked as part of a team.
How have you handled a disagreement within a team setting?
Can you provide an example of when you had to take on a leadership role within a team?
Tell us about a time when you contributed to a team’s success.
Describe a time when you had to collaborate with someone you didn’t get along with.