Preparing for interviews can always be daunting, especially when it is for a respected and intense course like medicine. We at The Future Medic understand the challenges that you may face, and that is why we are here to help. In this blog, we are going to tell you how to prepare for medicine interviews.
So why would somebody want to study medicine? Well. Here are just a few things you can gain as a student of medicine:
- A deep understanding of the human body, its anatomy and much more. Understanding human anatomy, the body’s weaknesses and strengths and processes can help empower students and practitioners alike to make scientific breakthroughs
- Build skills such as confidence, empathy, communication, and leadership, delegation to name a few.
- Fast track to becoming a doctor
- Become a medical specialist, you may find your preferred area of practice as a paediatric, or a plastic surgeon for example.
There are many more benefits to studying medicine, but did you know that having a degree in medicine can also open various opportunities such as:
- Work as a doctor in the Armed Forces
- Open your own private medical practice
- Become a medical manager
- Work in medical communications
- Become a higher education lecturer
- Join a public health team to keep the general population healthy and safe
- Become a research scientist
- Work in pharmaceutical sales
- Work as a forensic medical examiner
- Work as a medical writer or health journalist
So now we know some of the benefits that can be rewarded with a medical degree, and some of the avenues it can open for you, let’s take a look at when medicine interviews take place.
When do medicine interviews take place?
So, when do medicine interviews start? Well, it varies from university to university, however for the Universities, we have listed below, all bar one have interviews beginning in December. You can take a look at every other university’s medicine interview dates here.
When are UCL medicine interviews?
University of Central London – (Grades needed A*AA in Chemistry & Biology)
UCL has educated doctors since 1834 and the medical school sits in the heart of London. Working closely with several major teaching hospitals it provides a truly world-class medical education.
Many UCL Medical School alumni have gone on to become high-profile figures and leaders of the medical profession across the globe. The current Presidents of the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Surgeons and the Chair of the General Medical Council are our alumni.
UCL Medical School is currently ranked 7th in the world in the QS World University Rankings (2022) and UCL has been ranked 8th for 2022 with subject rankings to be announced.
Interviews take place between December & March, with a decision being made after interviews have formally concluded.
When are Cambridge medicine interviews?
University of Cambridge – (Grades needed A*A*A in Chemistry and one in Biology, Physics, and Mathematics)
Ranked as the third-best University in the world and the best in the UK for medicine, the Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine was founded in 1976. The university boasts some of the best professors in the world and was upgraded in 2019 to include the Cambridge Biomedical Campus for advanced study and research opportunities.
Cambridge is said to be favoured for its more academic approach to study, allowing those who want to work within a scientific or research part of the industry to thrive. This content-heavy degree is, therefore, superior to many as it allows a deeper understanding of the medical world to be obtained by students.
Interviews take place between December and January, with the decision being made in January.
When are Oxford medicine interviews?
University of Oxford – (Grades needed A*AA in both Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics)
Whenever Cambridge is mentioned, Oxford is never far from the mind as the two universities have an exciting history of competition and prestige that are hard to set apart. Oxford is ranked number one for medicine by The Times, leading many to consider this university the best in the UK for medicine.
With a 25% acceptance rate, the research-led medical school is extremely competitive and known for being very selective during the interview stages. If you want a challenging medical course that balances scientific and human-based studies, then Oxford is for you. Interviews for Oxford are held in December with a decision being made in January.
When are Newcastle medicine interviews?
Newcastle University – (Grades needed AAA)
Newcastle University’s Medical School is a regional medical school which has partnerships with the northern region NHS, giving access to excellent clinical training opportunities offered by the large patient population, and the region-wide infrastructure of acute hospitals and general practices.
By training in one of the largest integrated teaching and hospital complexes in the country, you’ll gain a true insight into the medical profession. With access to an extensive specialist medical library, a clinical skills and anatomy laboratory and dedicated computer clusters with online study guides that include interactive assessment tools, and much more.
Interviews are conducted in December and January, with a formal decision being made from March onwards.
When are Leeds Medicine interviews?
University of Leeds – (Grades needed AAA including Chemistry or Biology. Physics or Maths must also be offered if Chemistry is not taken)
The University of Leeds offers the benefits of having long-established partnerships with major Leeds teaching hospitals, local acute and regional general hospitals and practices. The curriculum is informed by world-leading research carried out at Leeds itself, as it is in the top 10 for research power in the UK.
As a recognised leader in patient and carer involvement, Leeds offers first-hand insight from people with a medical condition or disability, and their carers from the patient carer community.
Interviews take place between January and March, with decisions being made from March onwards.
Want to know the best 8 medical universities in the UK? Check out our blog page.
Best ways to prepare for Medicine interviews
What to wear to a medicine interview
Knowing what to wear to a university interview for medicine can be daunting because first impressions can sometimes be the sole reason for how some interactions play out in your everyday life. However, when it comes to an interview for studying medicine the best first impression works to your advantage. But why is that?
- Dressing informally could signal that you aren’t taking the interview seriously, Dress as smart as you can.
- As somebody who may become a medical practitioner as a result of their medical degree, it is good practice to maintain a professional appearance, as having that in the field would make your patients naturally feel less nervous. So it’s helpful to develop this habit of cleanliness and professional appearance beforehand.
A general outline of what to wear for a medicine interview would be as follows:
- Neutral colours, nothing too vibrant or distracting
- Clothes are fitted, not purposely loose or tight
- No accessories unless they are religious dressings or for religious purposes
- No trainers. Smart shoes are the best option
- No overt designer branded jackets or clothing
- No clothing that signifies a distinct political leaning
- Keep it simple but smart, you aren’t going to be on a runway.
How do I prepare for a medical receptionist interview?
When it comes to how to prepare for medicine interviews or a medical receptionist interview or any interview in the realm of medicinal studies and prospects, The Future Medic is here to help. We offer a range of packages in order to get you above and beyond the standards of medicine. Do you struggle in interview scenarios? We offer interview coaching services with the option to choose the duration of your coaching, and the option of being coached by a medical education specialist doctor/ interview panellist, or our lead tutor, Dr Valeed Ghafoor.
The benefit of our coaching services are as followed:
- An increase in self-confidence
- A 97% average success rate with our previous users
- Guidance from a fully qualified UK doctor
- Help from a specialist in medical education
- 100,000 hours of UCAT tutoring experience
We also offer the opportunity to join our Medical School Interview Course. A full day of a live online webinar will help you understand what to expect and the things you need to know before having your interview. A comprehensive course designed for those who want the best possible chance to succeed. Our online webinar offers insights for preparation you may not find anywhere else.
Book your future with us today
Our team at The Future Medic understand the responsibility to provide our country with the next generation of bright minds who will innovate, revolutionise and excel in the study of medicine, that is why we have made it our mission to supply you with all the knowledge, skills and resources you could possibly need to enter this competitive yet rewarding field of expertise.
We hope in this article we have helped you understand how to prepare for medicine interviews. For a full list of our services be sure to visit our website. Our blog page contains many topics that pertain to studying medicine too. You may learn something new by taking a read.
