Manchester University Medicine Interview Questions

Manchester University Medical Interviews

For 2025 entry, Manchester University received 2305 applications for Medicine, 1607 of which progressed to interview and 1058 offers were made. 

Manchester Medical School starts by screening all applications to ensure minimum academic requirements are met. These include:

• A-Levels – AAA including Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry, and one of Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Physics, Psychology, Maths or Further Maths
• GCSEs – at least 7 GCSEs at Grade 7/A or 8+/A*. Minimum of Grade 6/B in English Language, Maths and at least 2 science subjects.

A threshold is also set for the UCAT and any applicant meeting that threshold, along with the minimum academic requirements, will most likely be invited to interview. Due to the removal of the Abstract Reasoning section of the UCAT, there is no historic data for minimum thresholds. However, Manchester predicts that a score of 1800-1900 and Band 1 or 2 in the SJT will be competitive for an application.  

Candidates who don’t meet the UCAT threshold may still apply and be considered in a more holistic assessment. However, applicants with a Band 4 in the SJT section of the UCAT will not be considered further.

Application statistics for previous years are published by the University of Manchester and can be found here.

How Is Manchester Interviewing For 2026 Entry Medicine?

Manchester uses MMI interviews with 5 stations, each assessed by a different interviewer, They usually take place between December and early March.

For 2026 entry, applicants can select their preferred interview option of online via Zoom, or in-person on campus. A limited number of each option is available and you can find out more on the website.

Common Medicine Interview Question Topics At Manchester University

The following are common themes in Manchester interview questions:

• Communication
• Motivation to study Medicine
• Work experience
• Medical ethics
• Current interest points in Medicine/ medical research

Sample questions might include:

• Have you considered any NHS careers other than Medicine?
• What key points would you be aware of when communicating bad news to a patient?
• Is there ever a good reason to resuscitate a patient with a DNACPR?
• What can you tell me about recent developments in cancer research?
• Tell me about some work experience you have had that changed your perspective on healthcare in some way.
• Have you thought about what you might like to specialise in?

Tips For Answering Manchester Interview Questions

Manchester interviewers appreciate a natural, conversational approach to answering questions – there is no need to be especially formal in your answers. Over-rehearsed answers will also be seen in a negative light.

Don’t constantly list previous work experience in every answer. You will only gain credit for talking about your experiences if it is directly relevant to the question being asked.

When discussing medical ethics, you need to show understanding of both sides of the argument. You should also show knowledge of the current GMC guidelines on the topic.

When asked about motivation to study Medicine, make sure you speak realistically about the role of a Doctor. It is good to end on a positive note, however the interviewer needs to see that you understand the many challenges that Doctors face in their careers.

How Are Interviews At Manchester Assessed?

There is no strict scoring system available for medical interviews at Manchester University. Their interview page outlines the attributes that examiners are looking out for to decide which applicants will be made an offer.

Applicants progressing to interview will receive a detailed email on the interview process prior to interview. On the website, it states that they aim to release decisions ‘by spring each year’.