University of Southampton Medicine Interview Questions

The Group Activity – This involves around eight candidates discussing a given topic, whilst being observed by two interviewers. They are usually ethics-based and are on a topic which the candidates have very little knowledge about. It is important to note that communication and group interaction is what is being assessed here, rather than knowledge itself. For further insight on how to excel in the group activity, read our Group Task Tips written by medical school interviewers. 

The Traditional Panel Interview – This focuses primarily on the contents of one’s personal statement and historically has also included the following areas:
​
Why Medicine/Southampton/Insight into medicine:

1. Why would you like to study at Southampton?
2. Why do you want to be a doctor/study medicine?
3. Why not nursing or another medical course?
4. What direction do you see your career taking in medicine?
5. Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
6. What appeals to you about this city?

Character, Background and Personal Statement

1. Tell us about yourself
2. What did you learn/how were you affected by this experience (referring to an experience described in the personal statement)?
3. Are there any extra-curricular activities that you do now/have done that you hope to continue during university?
4. Describe a situation where you have learnt something independently.
5. How will you balance work and extracurricular activities?
6. What are your strengths/weaknesses?
7. What is the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?

Attributes of a Good Doctor:

1. What do you think makes a good doctor?
2. Do teams need leaders?

Work Experience/Volunteer Work:

1. How did you arrange this work experience?
2. What did you learn about yourself by volunteering? How much time do you spend volunteering on that placement?
3. Tell us about a team activity you organised. What went well/badly/did you learn from this experience?

Science/Medicine-based:

1. Can you talk to us about a medically-related book or article that you read recently?
2. Can you tell me about a significant, recent advance in medicine?