Manchester Medicine Interview Questions 2025 with Entry Requirements
- The Medic Life
- Sep 12
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The University of Manchester is one of the UK’s largest medical schools. We focus here on the standard five-year undergraduate medicine degree (UCAS code A106). This summary covers the entry requirements for A106 and explains the interview process (an MMI format). We also briefly mention the six-year Gateway course (A104) and four-year graduate entry (A101) as alternative routes.
PS: This expert Manchester 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.
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Entry Requirements for Manchester Medicine (A106)
AAA at A-level including Biology (or Human Biology) and Chemistry. The third subject may be a science, maths, or psychology; combinations like Maths & Further Maths or Biology & Human Biology are not allowed.
GCSEs: At least 7 subjects at grade A (7) or A*. This must include English and Mathematics (grade B/6+), plus two sciences (grade B/6+; or a BB in Dual Science).
UCAT: Required for UK applicants. The cut-off is very high (around 2700+ in recent years) and SJT band must be 1 or 2.
Work Experience: Some caring or clinical experience is expected (e.g. volunteering, caring roles). We want evidence you understand the role of a doctor.
Personal Statement & Reference: Your statement should explain why medicine, and referees should note any special circumstances affecting your application.
Other Qualifications: IB (36 points, 666 at HL including Chemistry/Biology) or equivalent accepted. English language test (e.g. IELTS 7.0) is needed for international students.
Manchester also offers other routes:
Gateway to Medicine (A104, 6 years): For eligible widening participation students. This includes a foundation year; the standard A-level offer is similar (AAA) but entry depends on contextual criteria (SIMD, care status, etc.). Progression to Year 1 (A100) requires passing the foundation year, not a UCAT or MMI at that stage.
Graduate Entry (A101, 4 years): For graduates with a strong science degree (usually at least a 2:1). Applicants must take the UCAT and then attend an interview (often a shorter MMI or panel).
Manchester Medicine Interview Format
If your application meets the academic thresholds (good grades and UCAT), Manchester usually invites a large fraction of applicants to interview. For example, in 2025 about 1,285 UK and 322 overseas candidates were shortlisted (roughly 80% of home and 46% of international applicants). Interviews are held between December and early March each year.
Format: Five-station Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI). You rotate through 5 stations, each 8 minutes long (with 2-minute breaks). Each station has a different interviewer who scores you independently.
-> **Book an intro call with our Medicine Interview Tutoring specialist and smash your interview!
Mode: You can choose Online (Zoom) or On-campus. Both use the same MMI structure. Online sessions are conducted via Zoom (you’ll get links), and in-person takes place on the Oxford Road campus. Slots are limited, so pick quickly.
Style: The interview is conversational and supportive, not an exam. Interviewers (staff, doctors, patients, students) will ask about you, your experiences and values. We want to see your communication, empathy, and judgment – not technical medical recall.
Assessment: The focus is on personal qualities (communication, teamwork, ethics, etc.) rather than academic knowledge. Your scores across all 5 stations are combined for a final decision.
Day Structure: You’ll begin with a briefing and document check (intro at 09:30). Interviews start at 10:00 and end around 10:50. If online, log in early and ensure your name on Zoom matches your UCAS name.
The Medic Life provides you with Manchester Medicine Interview Topics and Sample Questions
Motivation for Medicine: Be prepared to answer “Why medicine?” and “Why Manchester?”. Mention specific experiences that inspired you, and why Manchester’s teaching style or values appeal to you.
Caring/Volunteer Experience: You may be asked about any caring roles (e.g. volunteer work, helping at home). For example, describe a time you helped others and what you learned about being caring and responsible.
Communication Tasks: Some stations involve role-play or explaining scenarios. You might have to break bad news to a friend or advise someone. Practice speaking clearly and empathetically.
Ethical & Current Issues: You could discuss an ethical dilemma or a recent healthcare news story. There is no single right answer; interviewers are interested in your reasoning and values.
Teamwork & Leadership: Questions like “Tell us about a time you worked in a team and faced difficulties” may come up. Share real examples from school, sports or work, highlighting cooperation and problem-solving.
General Awareness: Expect basic questions about healthcare or policy (e.g. NHS challenges). You won’t need specialist knowledge, but being aware of a current health issue can be impressive.
-> **Book an intro call with our Medicine Interview Tutoring specialist and smash your interview!
How to Prepare for Your Manchester Medicine Interview?
Review all your experiences: know what you wrote in your personal statement and UCAS form inside out. Think about what skills and insights you gained from each.
Practice speaking about yourself: find a friend or mentor to do a mock interview. Focus on clear, structured answers and positive body language. We recommend speaking conversationally, not reciting memorized speeches.
Refresh medical ethics and news: read the four principles of medical ethics and consider a recent health story. Be ready to discuss issues thoughtfully.
Prepare logistics: If attending in person, plan your journey. If online, check your computer, camera, microphone and internet. Download the latest Zoom and test it.
Stay calm and confident: Get enough sleep before the interview, eat well, and remind yourself that the interviewers want you to succeed. Being well-prepared will help you feel relaxed on the day.
FAQs - Manchester Medicine Interviews
How many people are invited to the Manchester Medicine Interview?
In recent cycles, Manchester has invited roughly 1,000-1,300 UK applicants and a few hundred international applicants. For example, in 2022 about 48% of home applicants and 23% of overseas applicants were interviewed.
What percentage of applicants get a Manchester Medicine Interview?
About half of UK applicants and 20-30% of international applicants receive interviews (yearly figures vary). See the above for examples from recent years.
Is the Manchester Medicine interview online?
Yes. You can choose either a Zoom interview or an on-campus interview. Both are identical in content and format. Your invite email will explain how to select your preference.
What is the Manchester Medicine Interview format?
It’s a Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) with 5 short stations (8 minutes each). There is no separate “interview course” outside of this process. Each station assesses different skills (communication, problem-solving, ethics, etc.).
What kinds of questions are asked in the Manchester Medicine Interview?
Common topics include why you want to study medicine in Manchester, your experiences in caring roles, communication scenarios, teamwork examples, and ethical issues. Interviewers also gauge your general knowledge of healthcare topics.
-> **Book an intro call with our Medicine Interview Tutoring specialist and smash your interview!
When are Manchester Medicine Interview results announced?
Manchester waits until all interviews are done (usually by early March). Decisions typically arrive via UCAS Track in late March or April.
This guide covers the main points to help you prepare for Manchester’s medicine interview and understand the entry criteria. Good preparation and a calm mind will help you present yourself well and demonstrate your passion for medicine. Good luck!
-> **Book an intro call with our Medicine Interview Tutoring specialist and smash your interview!
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