How can I effectively prepare for Cambridge Medicine interviews?

Revise core sciences, practice mock tutorials, prepare ethical reasoning, think aloud through questions, and understand the Cambridge course structure.

What format do Cambridge Medicine interviews follow?

Two interview panels—usually two academics and one clinician—lasting 20–45 minutes each, often held at different colleges, with questions covering science, ethics, and personal motivation.

What kinds of questions are asked?

Expect a blend of scientific reasoning, ethical dilemmas, and personal insight questions that test your thought process and motivation.

What if I reach a dead-end in an interview?

Interviewers may prompt you toward answers. The focus is on how you approach problems, not just whether you get them right.

Anglia Ruskin University Medicine Interview Questions - 2025 Application Entry Requirements

The Medic Life
Sep 22
6 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Studying Medicine at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is competitive. To succeed, you need to satisfy strong academic requirements and be well-prepared for the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) stage. This page explains exactly what ARU expects - from qualifications and UCAT, through how interviews are structured, to the kinds of questions and how you’ll be assessed - so you can apply with clarity and confidence.

PS: This expert Anglia Ruskin University Medicine Interview guide from The Medic Life (experts in MMI Courses) covers what to expect, common interview themes, and practical tips to help you succeed. Our Founder, Dr. Bakhtar Ahmad, is an expert in MMI Prep! Explore The Medic Life's MMI Mocks & MMI Stations as well as MMI Role Play and MMI Courses.

-> **Book an intro call with our Medicine Interview Tutoring specialist and smash your interview!

MMI Data Interpretation Questions & Example

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Anglia Ruskin University Medicine: Entry Requirements

Below are the up-to-date academic and non-academic prerequisites to apply for the MBChB Medicine programme at ARU. Make sure to check the Applicant Portal or ARU’s official site for any annual changes.

Requirement	Detail
A-Levels	Grade AAA, including Biology or Chemistry plus one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths. Qualifications must generally be achieved within five academic years prior to application.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers	Advanced Highers: ABB, with AB in Biology and/or Chemistry and another science subject. Must follow within similar timeframe.
International Baccalaureate (IB)	Minimum of 36 points, with 666 at Higher Level in Biology and/or Chemistry + a third Science, also including Mathematics or English.
T-Levels	Distinction required, with grade A in the core component and at least Merit in the specialism of Health / Healthcare Science.
Access to HE Diploma	ARU accepts any QAA-accredited Access to HE Diploma in Medicine: must be 60 credits, with at least 45 credits at Level 3; of these, minimum 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and at least 15 Level 3 credits at Merit.
GCSEs / Equivalent	At least 5 GCSEs at grades A-B (9-6), including* English Language, Maths, and two science subjects.
English language proficiency	If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need a recognised certificate (e.g. IELTS 7.5 overall) with minimum scores in each component.

Anglia Ruskin University Medicine Application Process & UCAT

UCAT test: Applicants must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). Registration opens in May, testing runs from early July until early October.
UCAS application deadline: 15 October each year.
Widening Access to Medicine Scheme (WAMS): ARU operates a WAMS; eligibility questionnaires are sent out after initial application. Applicants eligible for WAMS may be considered under adjusted criteria.
Shortlisting for interview: Applicants who meet the academic criteria are ranked by UCAT score; then shortlisted to attend the MMI.

Anglia Ruskin University Medicine Interview Questions: Interview Process - Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)

What the MMI is

ARU uses MMIs to assess more than just academic ability. MMIs are designed to test candidates’ interpersonal skills, thinking under pressure, ethical reasoning, professionalism, and readiness for clinical work.

Anglia Ruskin University Medicine Interview Questions: Structure

Element	Detail
Number of stations	6 stations
Duration per station	7 minutes each, plus 1 minute reading time for instructions beforehand.
Assessors	Mix of ARU medical staff, healthcare professionals, junior doctors, and service users. Some stations may involve actors for role-play.
Scoring scheme	Each station is scored across three domains: (1) quality of answer, (2) demonstration of skills/qualities, (3) communication. Two stations are double-weighted (i.e. carry more weight). Maximum total score is 120.
Decision basis	Offers are made based solely on MMI rank for those who reach interview stage. Academic requirements + UCAT used to shortlist; the MMI then determines ranking.

Book Your MMI Interview Course

-> **Book an intro call with our Medicine Interview Tutoring specialist and smash your interview!

Anglia Ruskin University Medicine Interview Questions: Before & on Interview Day

Booking interview date: Once invited, you’ll have to accept or decline your interview day through the Applicant Portal, generally within 14 days.

Document uploads: By the interview, you must upload ID (passport or equivalent), educational certificates (GCSE, A-Levels, Access Diploma, etc.), and proof of any name changes.

What to bring: Bring valid photo ID as used in portal verification. Arrive early. If you are late, ARU may be unable to conduct your interview.

Accessibility / special needs: ARU provides supports — e.g. less than 100-word station prompts for those with support needs; accessible venues; contact ARU ahead of time if you require adjustments.

Anglia Ruskin University Medicine Interview Questions: What ARU Looks for - Interview Domains & Sample Questions

ARU assesses you across domains during the MMIs. Here’s what they are, and sample question prompts to help you prepare.

Domain	What they want to see	Sample Question Ideas
Interpersonal & Communication Skills	Clarity, empathy, listening skills, ability to explain things simply and compassionately.	“How would you explain a medical condition to someone without medical training?” “Tell me about a time when you had to communicate under pressure.”
Teamwork & Leadership	Ability to collaborate, supporting others, leading when needed, resilience.	“Describe a situation where you worked in a team and there was conflict. How did you handle it?” “What qualities make a good leader in a healthcare setting?”
Motivation & Preparation for Medicine	Understanding what a medical programme involves, awareness of challenges, realistic expectations, evidence of preparation (shadowing, reading, extracurriculars).	“Why have you chosen ARU?” “What has your work/voluntary experience taught you about being a doctor?”
Critical Thinking & Ethical / Moral Reasoning	Ability to reason through dilemmas, to weigh evidence, to see different perspectives.	“What should a doctor consider when asked to break bad news?” “Is there ever justification in withholding medical information from patients?”
Integrity	Honesty, ethical conduct, reliability, seeing through difficult situations with professional standards.	“Have you ever faced a situation where you had to admit a mistake? What did you do?”

Anglia Ruskin University Medicine Interview Questions: Tips to Prepare & Maximise Your Performance

Do mock MMIs under timed conditions, ideally with people unfamiliar with your views so you practice being clear.
Review recent medical-related current events, ethics cases, public health issues. These often show up in ethical reasoning / critical thinking stations.
Know your personal statement thoroughly — while ARU says they don’t use it for short-listing, they may refer to it during interviews. Be ready to speak about anything you mention.
Visit the Chelmsford campus if possible, so you know travel times and feel comfortable with the venue. Plan to arrive early on interview day.
Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms; you may face role-play or scenario-based stations.
For English proficiency applicants: ensure your certificate is valid & meets required scores. Also practise structuring answers in English under time pressure.

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-> **Book an intro call with our Medicine Interview Tutoring specialist and smash your interview!

Anglia Ruskin University Medicine Interview Questions: Important Dates & Other Procedural Details

Interview timing: Interview days are typically held between November and March, with many in January.
Timeline: After interviews, offers are conditional on achieving your predicted or required exam results, plus Occupational Health and Enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) checks.
Health & DBS clearances: Once you have firmly accepted an offer, ARU will trigger OH and DBS processes; placements will not begin until both are cleared.

Anglia Ruskin University Medicine Interview Questions: FAQs

What UCAT score do I need?

ARU does not publish a fixed UCAT cut-off. Candidates who meet the academic requirements are ranked by UCAT, and interview invitations go to those with highest UCAT scores.

How many stations are there in the MMIs and how long is each?

There are six stations. Each station lasts 7 minutes, with 1 minute reading time beforehand. Two of those stations are double-weighted towards your final score. Maximum possible score is 120.

What happens if I miss my interview date?

ARU offers limited options to change your interview once your date is booked. If you are unable to attend your assigned date, you must contact the Admissions Team immediately.

Will ARU use my personal statement in shortlisting?

No - the personal statement is not used in the shortlisting phase. However, you may be asked about what you wrote in it during the MMI itself.

Can I apply if I’ve resat subjects?

Yes, there’s policy for resits. But you must meet the required grades (e.g. A-Levels AAA) and achieve them within the allowed timeframe (typically five years). For WAMS-eligible applicants, there are adjusted expectations.

-> **Book an intro call with our Medicine Interview Tutoring specialist and smash your interview!

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