About Liverpool Medical School (2023 Edition)
The University of Liverpool is a proud member of the Russel group of universities.
With over 150 years of experience in teaching medicine- the university has churned several high achieving medical professionals and noble prize winners.
It adopts a careful balance between traditional (lecture based, discussions, self directed learning) and modern approaches- extending opportunities beyond the lecture theatre into hospitals.
Early patient contact is instrumental in developing confidence, communication and vital procedural skills.
University of Liverpool Interview Information
🔍How does Liverpool University select candidates for interviews?
GCSEs/A-levels: Applicants must attain 9 GCSEs by the end of year 11. This must include the following: English language, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics.These must be at grade B/6. GCSE grades are used in the short listing process. A-levels must be at AAA in chemistry, and either biology, mathematics or physics. Alternatively AAB will be accepted, with A being in chemistry together with biology/physics or maths. The B being in a third academic subject.
UCAT: Historically Liverpool placed a lot of value on UCAT score.They consider those with a medium score of 2500-2700. Applicants are ranked according to both UCAT score and GCSEs and the highest ranked applicants are invited to interview. In 2022 the average interview score was 2620. Those with a SJT of band 4 will automatically rejected.
🧬What is the interview format?
Liverpool uses a semi-structured, online panel interviews. Interviews last around 20-30 minutes. There is a panel with 2 interviewers. Around 70% of the questions are set and given to all candidates, with the rest based on your answers.
📆 When will you get interview invitations?
Interviews invitations are sent out from Mid-November to mid-march. You will be given at least one weeks notice.Those who have received offers are able to choose from the dates available for booking.
👩💼 When are the interviews usually held?
Interviews for 2023 are between 9th January until the 10th February.
📝 What are the main topics I will be asked at the interview?
Common topics at Liverpool that are assessed are:
Applicants core values and attributes (using applicant’s personal statements)
Teamwork
Communication skills
Ethical views
Learning from work experience and caring contribution
Health-care awareness and insight to current affairs
Numeracy
There are 4 domains of questions they ask, a maximum of 2 questions per domain can be asked. The domains are communication skills, medical ethics, team working abilities and work experience.
☑️ How will my interview be marked?
There is no set criteria noted for marking interviews. The interviewer will be marking your response and your qualities and skills you demonstrate. It has been rumoured that interviewers come across quite cold and unwelcoming, don't let this put you off.
🏠How many applicants are there per interview? (Home)
1.3 home applicants per interview.
🌎How many applicants are there per interview? (International)
2 international applicants per interview.
✨How likely is it that I will be given an offer after an interview?
Liverpool gives out more offers than places available. Approximately 30% of people interviewed received an offer , and 17% of all those who applied.
Practice mock interviews with family and teachers in time constraints as this will improve confidence while taking the real interview.
Presence of mind is crucial on the day- ensure you think out of the box and take your time while answering questions.
Good medical practice is useful for preparing for medical ethics and situational judgement.
Read through and make notes on the NHS constitution and GMC guidelines to get some further insight into the NHS values as Liverpool uses Value-based recruitment.
Read your personal statement several times!!!- questions from the Personal statement may come up.
Check out our Medicine Interview Course!
Example interview questions
🔥Motivation Interview Questions
Why have you chosen to study Medicine?
Why have you decided to study at Liverpool?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of PBL and the aspects that you feel will suit you?
🤯Values and Skills Interview Questions
From your personal statement, identify 3 examples to suggest that you are a motivated/ team player/ student.
📰NHS Interview Questions
How would Brexit affect salary pay for doctors in the NHS?
🧐Problem Solving Interview Questions
Drug dose calculations
🎭Roleplay Interview Questions
You are the IT head of X hospital. Explain to Mr Y that there has been a data leak owing to which confidential information may have leaked from the database. comment on the seriousness of the situation, and potential implications
🏥Work Experience Interview Questions
Speak about a case that you observed during your work experience that helped you better appreciate the profession?
❤️ Medical Ethics Interview Questions
Mr X who just underwent an elective surgical procedure. A complication during the procedure occurred owing to a mistake of the operating surgeon. This complication has taken 10 years of life from the patient. You are the operating surgeon. How would you explain this to the family? What would you say and why?
The university of Liverpool provides the perfect blend of modern and traditional approaches in teaching medicine. The university actively coordinates with affiliated teaching hospitals to ensure students are offered every available opportunity to develop and hone their skills. Lecturers go out of the way to answer individual student queries making the voice of every student heard. When you are 1 in 300, but have the confidence of being heard, you know you are a part of a system that passionately aims to help you achieve your aims...what more could a student ask for!
The central location of the university makes travel to and from the campus easy. It is well connected to trains and buses. University affiliated student accommodations as well as private accommodations are within 10 minute walk from the lecture theatres. The Guild, well-being team and admin staff actively guide students who may be struggling with varying aspects of the course. They are quick to get in touch and make sure to follow through with the student- highlighting that student well being is of prime importance. An array of medical and non-medical societies (Art, dance, baking, sports, cultural, humanitarian societies to name a few) encourage students to maintain a healthy work-life balance and opportunities to hone talent and hobbies throughout the rigorous medical course.
The university of Liverpool provides an opportunity for all first year students to apply to campus accommodation- this allows medical students to share accommodation with other medics and non-medics alike broadening the social circle of students in the first year! Societies are invited to hold a welcome fair broadcasting events for the academic year- this is a great opportunity for freshers to join like minds in societies that spark their interest and also explore new activities and areas of interest. Throughout the year the societies post information of upcoming events/ lecture series/ quizzes/game nights/ annual ball, to name a few- on their respective facebook and instagram as well as publish information on the guild page, and news bulletins.
Medical societies such as BME and MedED play a crucial role in organising lecture series, revision sessions and mock OSCE- helping peer medical students prepare for examinations. They also host a variety of socials (bar crawl, quiz nights, charity baking competitions, marathon runs, game nights, to name a few) throughout the academic year providing students an opportunity to meet out of a clinical setting.
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