About Bristol Medical School (2023 Edition)
Bristol university boasts a fantastic faculty, which streamlines a holistic approach to medicine.
Early patient contact as well as lectures and tutorials on psychological states, creates a well-rounded view of the health of a patient. Home visits from term one allows students to observe patients in the community, rather than just transient people in a hospital.
Feedback on each week's teaching is encouraged, allowing the students to actively take part in their learning.
University of Bristol Interview Information
😊 How does University of Bristol select candidates for interviews?
UCAT: Bristol has a 100% weighting on UCAT scores when choosing candidates for interviews.
Predicted Grades and Actual Grades: Predicted grades must be a minimum of AAA.
Personal Statement: The personal statement is not used when choosing candidates for interviews, however can be used later down the line during your interview.
🧬 What is the interview format?
This will be an MMI interview. There will be a panel of 4 interviewers which can range from doctors, medical students and admissions staff. The interview will take place online and will be around 30 minutes.
📆 When will you get interview invitations?
Invitations will be given out in December to February.
👩💼 When are the interviews usually held?
Interviews will take place from December to February and will take place online on Zoom.
📝 What are the main topics I will be asked at the interview?
Teamwork
Hot topics
Medical research
Questions assessing the candidates personality
Work experience and volunteering
Medical ethics
☑️ How will my interview be marked?
Each assessor will assess the candidates independently. These scores will then be added up to produce an average which will then be used to determine if the candidate is successful.
🏠How many applicants are there per interview (Home)?
There are 3.3 applicants per interview.
🌎 How many applicants are there per interview (International)?
There are 5.8 applicants per interview.
✨How likely is it that I will be given an offer after an interview?
49.4% of candidates interviewed received an offer.
For Bristol Medical School, the key thing in interviews is to show your own personality.
Interviews will be full of students who have rehearsed answers to questions, and repeat what they think the interviewers want to hear.
Of course this doesn't mean to not prepare beforehand - it is a good idea to read the key aspects of the GMC's Good Medical Practice.
Doing practise questions is valuable, so the interviewee isn't taken off guard by any of the questions, but making sure the interviewee's personality shows is the key thing here.
Check out our Medicine Interview Course!
Example Interview Questions
🔥 Motivation Interview Questions
Most medical schools have at least one question based on motivation, for example 'tell me about a time where you had to remain motivated despite facing challenges'.
This allows the interviewer to assess how determined and perseverant the interviewee is, as medical school is not suitable for the less determined students.
Why Bristol?
📰 NHS Interview Questions
Although NHS-based questions are less common for Bristol medical interviews, there are occasions where questions are based on the pillars of medical care, or working in a multidisciplinary team. Here the interviewer is assessing the interviewee's basic knowledge of the NHS care system. For example 'tell me about the essential pillars of medical care'
🏨 Teamwork Interview Questions
A common question surrounding teamwork, would be 'explain to me a time where you had to work in a team, and what skills you used'. Here the interviewer is looking for the skills the interviewee used, as well as if they relate it back to the medical environment.
🏥Problem Solving Questions
A common example of interview questions involving problem solving is giving a scenario to the interviewee , and having them discuss how they would go about the problem. For example, a question may be 'You are at the site of a car crash, as a medical student who would you help first: the pregnant unconscious woman; the elderly man with bleeding from his abdomen; the lost toddler who is screaming for his father; or the young woman who is crying out in pain.' Although there isn't necessarily a correct answer, the interviewer focuses more on how the interviewee tackles the issue, rather than the direct answer to the problem.
Prioritisation: This may include for example a scenario where you could only offer a life-saving treatment (e.g. an organ transplant) to one patient out of a few — this tests your judgement skills. Try to think out of the box and get more information about the patients (more context). Explore other options, for example, medications that can prolong life, whether it’s possible to get resources from another hospital, transfer patients to other hospitals, etc. Try to come up with several options, if possible
Dexterity: This usually involves you doing a mini procedure eg.threading a large needle in sterile conditions. Such stations are difficult to predict and practice, and the most important factor is to try and remain calm; the reason medical school is 5/6 years is because the knowledge base and skill set are not developed overnight. The interviewers are not expecting perfect suturing or dexterity; instead they are searching for a candidate who can manage pressure and work systematically.
🎭 Roleplay Interview Questions
The roleplay questions for Bristol interviews are quite challenging, but give a good insight into the students ability to think on the spot, and be careful about language phrasing. For example, 'you are a medical student and have been asked to talk to a patient about their alcohol dependence'.
⚖️Medical Ethics Interview Questions
One liver transplant has been made available and there are two suitable patients who require the transplant. Patient A has………….and Patient B has…………Which of these two patients, would you allocate an organ to and why?
🏥Science/Medicine Interview Questions
Can you think of any strategies to improve A&E departments?
Do you think doctors should be involved in rationing patient care?
What medical advances have you come across recently?
Tell me about an article that you have read recently
What changes do you envisage in the NHS in the coming years?
What could be done to improve healthcare delivery?
How long does it take to become a GP after medical school?
How long does it take to become a Paediatrician after medical school?
Bristol university is extremely aware of the socio-political situations at any point in time. It educates in not only in the science, but also incorporates relevant health issues into the course. For example, '3D days' focus on diversity and disability, where students are educated about race, disability, sexuality and gender disparities. Along with this, there is clinical contact from the first month in 1st year, where students begin to join in consultations at GPs, get to know patient's stories, and go on home visits. This allows students to gain confidence, and develop their communication skills.
Bristol is a lively city, with a beautiful main campus, as well as uni buildings dotted around the city. Bristol is a city full of art, fashion, music and culture, and is home to many infamous Banksy pieces. There is a wide range of accommodations available, allowing every student to feel comfortable in their living situation, varying from larger sociable halls in Stoke Bishop, and smaller self-catered flats in the city centre. The university has incredible facilities, allowing for full immersion in the uni life and sports. Ranging from trampolining, to water polo, to dance, rugby, and so much more, there is something for everyone. The MedSoc has a wide variety of sub societies, allowing students to delve deeper into their medical interests.
At Bristol university accommodation, there is a mix of students in each block/flat, allowing students to get to know people from other faculties in the common room. The range of societies at Bristol uni is amazing, varying from sports, to academic-based societies, to music, dance, theatre, and so much more. There are endless opportunities for students to really get involved in the student life, and thrive within the university. there are a variety of sports clubs that compete in intramural games and even travel away for tournaments. The medical society at Bristol, also the largest student-elected society at the University, offers a wide array of social opportunities.
The MedSoc at Bristol uni is absolutely fantastic. There are MedSoc formals 2-3 times a year, where everyone gets dressed up, eats good food, and socialises between years. This is a brilliant way to get to know one's peers in a relaxed, non-academic environment. The MedSoc also has a vast number of sub-societies, such as Plastic Surgery soc, Homeless and Inclusion Health Society, and so much more. It also has a wide variety of roles, ensuring everyone feels looked after, included and comfortable.
Instagram is @bristolmedsociety for more information
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