Aberdeen Medicine Interview Questions

Aberdeen University Medical Interviews

For 2022/23 entry, there were 1695 applicants, 1-37 of whom (61%) were invited to interview. Out of all applicants, 772 received an offer for 298 places.

To be invited to an interview at Aberdeen, you must meet the minimum academic requirements of AAA at A-Level (including Chemistry and one other subject from Biology, Maths and Physics), or for graduates a minimum of 2:1 in your undergraduate degree.

Aberdeen uses a scoring system for applicants based on the following components:

• 30% academic achievements/predictions
• 20% UCAT score
• 50% interview performance

The average UCAT score for Scottish/ EU applicants invited to interview for 2022/23 entry was 2670 for school leavers and 2630 for graduates.

Successful applicants who receive an offer after interview are notified via UCAS at the end of March.

How Is Aberdeen Interviewing For 2024 Entry Medicine?

Aberdeen will carry out Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) between November and March. In previous years there were six interview stations, with each focusing on a particular theme, and this structure is expected to continue for 2024 entry.

Last year, MMIs for 2023 entry were held in person, and this has stayed the same for 2024.

Common Medicine Interview Question Topics At Aberdeen University

The following are common themes in Aberdeen Medicine interviews.

• Motivation to study Medicine
• Critical thinking/problem-solving
• Professionalism
• Insight into Medicine
• Knowledge of ongoing medical research
• Reflection on work/care experience
• Aberdeen MBChB course structure
• Personal Statement
• Roleplay
• Ethics

Example interview questions might include:

• Why do you want to be a Doctor instead of any other member of the MDT?
• Describe something that you have recently read in a medical journal and why you found it interesting.
• How do you feel Aberdeen’s course structure will complement your style of learning?
• If a patient gave you an expensive gift while on placement, what would you do?
• What do you enjoy outside of studying?
• Choose a piece of work experience from your Personal Statement and explain why this experience has made you better equipped for a career in Medicine.
• Describe your understanding of the training pathway to become a consultant surgeon.

More in-depth interview information can be found on the University of Aberdeen website.

Tips For Answering Aberdeen Interview Questions

Aberdeen uses interviews to assess a candidate’s problem-solving abilities and not to test academic knowledge. The questions asked in one interview cycle will all have consistent themes, but the exact same questions won’t be asked of each candidate.

Preparation for interview should include updating your knowledge on medical ethics and NHS hot topics to a degree at which you can form well adjusted arguments.

Aberdeen teaches Medicine through a systems-based, integrated approach, including early clinical exposure and student-selected components. Candidates should understand the structure of an integrated MBChB prior to interview, since this can be a measure of a student’s enthusiasm for a particular course.

Aberdeen has a “Medic Outreach Society” offering free support for aspiring medical students, including mock MMI interviews. You can find information about the events it runs via its Twitter handle @AbdnOutreach.

See also:

How I Aced My University of Aberdeen Interview

How Are Interviews At Aberdeen University Assessed?

The interviewer at each station will score the candidate on communication and interpersonal skills, alongside the following areas:

• Ability to apply existing knowledge to a new, unknown scenario.
• Coherent expression of ideas.
• Formulation of reasoned arguments and opinions.
• Preparedness for interview.
• Ability to consider multiple aspects of a problem.
• Commitment, motivation, reflection and sensitivity.

Aberdeen welcomes reapplicants, but advises students who are reapplying following an unsuccessful application to request feedback from the Medical School, so as to prepare for the new application cycle.