Barts and the London (Queen Mary) Medicine Interview Questions (2023 entry)
About Barts and the London (QMUL) (2023 Edition)
Barts and the London is a very practical, progressive and supportive medical school.
With an emphasis on problem based learning, full body dissection and general practice placements from the first year of studying, the teaching at Barts is engaging and pro-active.
Set in the heart of East London, there is a strong sense of community, ensuring all students are continually supported by staff and colleagues.
Barts and The London (QMUL) Interview Information
😊 How does Imperial College select candidates for interviews?
A-Levels: A*AA, including either Biology or Chemistry, AND a second science subject (Biology/Chemistry/Physics).
GCSEs: At least AAABBB, including Biology, Chemistry, English Language, and Maths.
UCAT: At least 3rd decile.
Personal statements and references are NOT considered, but show the university that you have a genuine interest in Medicine.
Work experience is strongly recommended.
🧬 What is the interview format?
The QMUL interviews are panel style, lasting 20-30 minutes each. The interviewers will be two members of senior clinical or non-clinical staff, and a current student.
📆 When will you get interview invitations?
December
👩💼 When are the interviews usually held?
January-March
📝 What are the main topics I will be asked at the interview?
You should show motivation, communication skills, team work skills and personality. You WILL be asked about work experience. You will also be asked to discuss a case scenario or topical issue, which will be sent to you in advance.
As well as the interview, you will be expected to participate in a group-based task, which will be observed.
☑️ How will my interview be marked?
Trained assessors will take into account your academic achievement, group-based task participation, and your panel interview, to create a score.
🏠How many applicants are there per interview (Home)?
In the 2021 interview cycle 2111 home students applied for Medicine at QMUL and 1015 (48%) were offered an interview.
🌎 How many applicants are there per interview (International)?
In 2021, out of 563 overseas students who applied, 240 (43%) were offered an interview at Barts/QMUL.
✨How likely is it that I will be given an offer after an interview
73% chance!
Read up around the article provided before the interview - especially any key people and words.
Come to a decision about your own view about the article and be willing to share this.
Finally always have questions for the panel too, this shows engagement and interest.
The personal statement does not form part of the scoring at interview, however, in addition to your academic ability, your interviewers will consider your interests, talents, and the contribution you can make to the School.
Check out our Medicine Interview Course!
Example Interview Questions
🔥 Motivation Interview Questions
Why do you want to come to Barts and the London?
How would you contribute to Barts as a university?
Has anyone tried to put you off medicine?
How do you cope with technology (in relation to self-directed learning and PBL)?
What are the disadvantages of being a medical student?
What do you like about London?
Why do you want to be a doctor?
What do you want to specialise in? Why does this speciality interest you?
⚖️Medical Ethics Interview Questions
An article may be provided before the interview about a current healthcare topic, and you may be asked questions about the article, such as:
Does a patient have the right to choose assisted suicide?
What happens if we need to transfuse blood but a patient refuses for religious reasons?
Should contraception be offered to anyone who asks for it?
🤯Values and Skills Interview Questions
How would you want your patients to perceive you?
What extracurricular activities do you do?
How do you cope with stress?
How would I deal with death as a doctor?
📰 NHS Interview Questions
An article may be provided before the interview about a current healthcare topic, and you may be asked questions about the article, such as:
Who will be impacted the most by strike action?
Which areas of healthcare should we be increasing funding for?
What do you know about the postcode lottery?
What are the values upon which the NHS was founded?
🏨 Teamwork Interview Questions
When have you shown good teamwork?
What qualities do you have that makes you a good team leader?
What makes a good team leader?
🎭 Roleplay Interview Questions
N/A
🏥 Work Experience Interview Questions
What work experience have you had in the past?
Tell us about your work experience and what skill/experiences you have taken away from it
What have you done to prepare for medicine?
Barts has general practice placements from the very first term in the first year as well as problem based learning and full body dissection. With an addition of lectures, physiology and histology practical sessions, the large range of teaching will make it engaging and enjoyable for all. A hands-on approach from the very start improves confidence in clinical and practical skills from early on. Placements are located in East London primarily but ranges to areas such as Colchester and Southend, ensuring placements provide a range of experience.
Being in the heart of East London means Shoreditch, Stratford and Brick Lane are all a few minutes away so there is always something close by for you to do to escape the library. Travel could not be easier with Whitechapel tube station and buses at our doorstep. Floyer House and Dawson Hall are the most popular student accommodations for first years. From then on, there is a large range of student accommodation to live in throughout East London with flatmates or alone if you wish. On campus the student union has many events throughout the week and both sports and societies can be a great way to meet others and spend time enjoying interests.
There is an immense sense of community at Barts which means no one is isolated or left out. The medical school has its own campus in Whitechapel and there are many student union events meaning you will get to know a lot of familiar faces quickly. From first year you are assigned a Barts family meaning there will always be someone you can reach out to. Whilst there are a large number of sports and societies at Barts, students are also welcome to join those at Queen Mary in Mile End as well, making opportunities endless. No matter what your interests are, there will be something for you.
Medical events are known to be the best events you will attend. With all your colleagues and Barts family there, you feel an immense sense of community. Events to note include the Boat Ball in first year, the half-way ball in third year and the Rites of Passage where you graduate in St Pauls Cathedral. Others include the annual association dinner where you celebrate society and sports achievements with staff and students as well as regular shows by dance and drama in Laird Hall. Tradition is considered incredibly important at Barts and these events are at the heart of them.
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