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.

Barts Medicine Interview Questions - How to Prepare and What to Expect

The Medic Life
Aug 22
3 min read

Updated: Aug 26

Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, part of Queen Mary University of London, is located in Whitechapel, East London. Known for its high student satisfaction and research reputation, Barts offers a competitive medical programme that provides early clinical exposure from Term 1.

Applicants should attend open days to gain insight into the school and its facilities.

MMI Data Interpretation Questions & Example

Course Structure at Barts Medicine

Barts Medicine is a five-year integrated programme combining problem-based learning and patient contact from the start. Students may choose to intercalate based on academic performance.

Phases:

• Phase 1: Body in Health & Mechanisms of Disease (Years 1–2)

• Phase 2: Clinical Basis of Medicine (Years 3–4)

• Phase 3: Preparation for Practice (Year 5)

Students also complete an Intermediate Life Support qualification.

Barts Medicine Entry Requirements.

GCSEs: 6 at grades 777666/AAABBB, including Biology, Chemistry, English, and Maths. Science Double Award may substitute.

A Levels: Minimum A*AA, including Chemistry or Biology plus a second science subject.

IB: 37 points, with three Higher Level subjects at 666 including Chemistry or Biology.

Scottish Qualifications: Three Highers at AAA; Advanced Highers at AA including Chemistry or Biology.

Graduate Entry: Minimum 2:1 in a Molecular or Biomedical Sciences degree, or another degree with A-level passes in Chemistry/Biology + one further science subject.

Barts Medicine Admissions Tests?

UCAT: Required. Candidates must reach at least the 4th decile to be considered for interview. Interview scores, UCAT, and SJT are combined to rank applicants.

BMAT/GAMSAT: Not required.

Graduate Applicants: UCAT requirements vary depending on degree class.

Work Experience & Personal Statement

Applicants must demonstrate understanding of a medical career through people-focused experience. Shadowing doctors is ideal, but volunteering in care homes or local charities is equally valid.

The personal statement is reviewed by the interview panel but is not scored. Expect questions based on your experiences and interests.

Barts Medicine Interview Format

• Style: Panel interview, often online (2025 entry)

• Length: 15–20 minutes

• Interviewers: Typically 2 staff members, sometimes a medical student or lay member

• Key Focus Areas:

• Motivation and realism about a medical career

• Initiative, resilience, and maturity

• Teamwork and problem-solving abilities

• Contribution to university life

• Communication skills

• Article research and analysis

Practice Interview Questions

Article-Based Questions:

• Summarise the article provided

• Identify key issues and potential implications

Motivation Questions:

• Why medicine?

• Why Barts/Queen Mary?

• What have you learned from work experience?

• How will you contribute to life at Barts?

Personal Insight:

• How would patients trust you?

• Describe a time you demonstrated resilience or teamwork

• How do you cope with stress?

NHS & Local Area:

• How would you improve the local A&E?

• What challenges face the NHS?

• Knowledge of healthcare in East London

Ethical Scenarios:

• GMC principles & medical ethics

• Prioritisation questions (organ donation, triage scenarios)

• Professional judgement questions

How to Prepare for Barts Medicine Interviews

1. Understand the course: Know the Barts programme structure, intercalation opportunities, and unique features.

2. Review local healthcare context: Be familiar with Whitechapel’s community health challenges and NHS priorities.

3. Practice critical thinking: Prepare for article-based questions and ethical dilemmas.

4. Have examples ready: Draw from volunteering, work experience, and extracurricular activities.

5. Reflect on personal qualities: Be prepared to discuss resilience, teamwork, and motivation.

6. Mock interviews: Practise with a tutor or mentor familiar with Barts interview style.

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FAQs

Is Barts hard to get into?

Yes, competition is high due to strong academic entry requirements and rigorous selection criteria.

What is the style of interview for Queen Mary Medicine?

Panel interview, often online, lasting 15–20 minutes. Focus is on motivation, ethics, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Is Queen Mary Medicine hard to get into?

Yes, both academic excellence and strong interview performance are required.