The process varies between institutions. Some medical schools don't interview, some interview a few candidates and some interview everyone.

On average, the interviews last about 20 minutes and there will often be a panel of assessors. These may include clinicians, lay members, university academic staff and medical students.

Assessors use the interview to judge whether you are able to communicate effectively in person, as well as in a personal statement. 

They want evidence that you are able to make quick, rational decisions that you can explain clearly under pressure, and have an understanding of the issues surrounding a career in medicine.

Practice interviews at Newcastle

Newcastle University students and recent graduates can visit the Careers Service to speak to an information officer about preparing for interviews. No appointment is needed.

Depending on your circumstances, it may be possible to arrange a practice interview with a careers adviser. You can also get general interview advice on our web pages.

Multiple mini interviews (MMIs) and assessment centres

MMIs involve being asked a range of questions with different interviewers, who are usually based at different ‘stations’ at the assessment centre. You may be asked to perform tasks at some of the stations, such as a role-play or a reading task.

They are a real test of your communication skills, as you’ll need to make a good impression at every station.

Assessment centres for medicine work the same way as other assessment centres, but with medicine as the subject focus. Think about the qualities expected from good applicants.

Ask the course provider what type of exercises you’ll be expected to do and consider practising via our assessment centre workshops.

If you've applied for an accelerated and an undergraduate medicine course at Newcastle you will only be given one interview for both courses. This can result in two offers.

The interviewers may also decide that you are unsuited to the demands of the accelerated course, but will still consider you for the undergraduate programme.

Advice and typical questions

The following resources give advice on the interview process and typical questions:

• Medical School Interview Questions (PDF: 26KB) - advice and example questions from the Careers Service
• University of Kent - I want to work in medicine - includes common interview questions
• Applying for medicine? Get ready for the new-style interview - Guardian article - advice on the Multiple mini interview format
• The Student Room - what you should expect at a medical school interview - applicant feedback on their experience of specific medical school interviews
• for more general advice see also Interviews and Assessment Centres

If you need help preparing for your medical school interview, come and talk to us. No appointment is necessary.