UK Medical Schools 2019 Entry Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process

This document contains a summary of the use of aptitude tests, work experience expected and the likely interview process at Medical Schools in the UK. It was researched over the summer of 2019. Medical Schools, unlike Vet Schools do not publish specific work experience requirements; however most mention a range of experiences that they expect potential medical students to have had. Here are some general tips:

 Students should be encouraged to keep a diary of all their work experience, so that they can refer to it when writing their personal statement and preparing for interview.  Voluntary work with a local charity is a good way of demonstrating commitment as well as finding out more about medicine.  Undertaking work experience that involves the unglamorous side of patient care such as helping elderly confused patients provides more learning opportunities than working in a lab.  Rather than just list all the work experience that has been undertaken, it is more revealing if you can write about what you have now learned about a medical career and its implications.

For useful advice regarding work experience, read the “Guidance on relevant experience for applying to ” produced by the Medical Schools Council (last updated 2017).

From University of Edinburgh site: How much experience do I need? We do not specify a length of time and we do not assess this on your application. We need you to have experience with diseased, disadvantaged, and disabled individuals. This can be in one or many experiences. We also look at what you have obtained from your experience. It is important you are as sure as you can be that medicine is the right choice for you. You don’t want to find out once you start the course that you faint at the sight of blood!

For some useful advice on writing a personal statement, look at this link to the Aberdeen University website

Most universities ask applicants to sit either the UKCAT or BMAT test as part of the application process. For some the scores is a significant factor in their consideration of an application and for others it may be a less significant factor or only used in marginal situations. It is not possible to predict what the thresholds for interview will be in any individual year, or to use data from previous years to predict subsequent years’ thresholds, since it is essentially competitive and depends on who applies. Students will have their UKCAT test result and/or their BMAT result (if they sit it in September) before the UCAS deadline so should use it to help inform their UCAS choices, otherwise they might be wasting an application. There are practice tests to download on both the UKCAT and the BMAT websites.

The Trotman book, “Getting into Medical School 2019 entry” contains an enormous amount of detailed advice on the entire application process ISBN 978-1 91 1067 82 5 and the British Medical Association website has a lot of information on becoming a doctor.

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 1 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

University Aptitude Test and Selection Work experience Interview advice

Aberdeen UKCAT Undertake as much work MMI experience/shadowing as possible Medical Admissions: A minimum UKCAT cut-off score is Scoring academic Email: [email protected] NOT used. A minimum UKCAT cut- See examples here. attainment/predictions (30%), Tel: +44 (0)1224 437923 off score is NOT used. A score UKCAT (20%), and then subsequent interview performance (50%). (between 1200 - 3600) is allocated

Admissions data: based on the applicant's overall Applications are ranked against all performance in UKCAT compared with the others received for that year's all other applicants to Aberdeen. entry and those who score sufficiently well achieve an interview.Follow this link for detailed information on interview preparation and video examples.

Anglia Ruskin University, UKCAT Desirable to have undertaken work MMI Chelmsford experience in the healthcare sector, All applicants meeting the main whether that be shadowing, They are comprised of a series of 10 NEW COURSE FOR 2019 academic entry requirements with volunteering, paid-work or observing. mini-interviews, each lasting 7 ENTRY predicted grades of AAA or WAMS Clinical and non-clinical experience are minutes with a brief rest between applicants with a lower Conditional important, which could be in a nursing each station. The interviews will Currently unable to accept offer of ABB, will be ranked on their home, nursery, charities, voluntary consist of scenarios and tasks. See international applicants UKCAT Score, with shortlisting points organisations, pharmacy as well as GP website for examples. for living or studying in the East of surgeries and hospitals. The purpose Tel: +44(0) 1245 686868 England region, with further points for of the work experience is to give you Essex. an insight in to the working day of a healthcare professional, to challenge any preconceptions that you may have

and give you a realistic view of the job roles you wish to pursue.

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 2 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

Aston University Medical UKCAT See Advice zone for more MMI School information on work experience. The MMIs will take place at Aston Aimed at fee paying University and all applicants who are International students ie non selected for interview, including Home or EU status plus local international applicants, will have to pathway applicants attend. No Skype/ remote interviews Very useful application info on [email protected] will be possible as we believe that Application Advice Zone face to face assessment of an tel : +44(0)121 2043284 applicant’s abilities is an important part of the selection process.

Birmingham University UKCAT The types of experience that we value MMI include voluntary work in a nursing Email: medicineadmissions@ There is no minimum UKCAT cut-off home, care home, hospice or hospital MMIs are made up of 7 mini contacts.bham.ac.uk score. See website for detailed volunteer. We do not rank applications interviews lasting 6 minutes each, scoring. Selection for interview is on the amount of experience that has allowing you to demonstrate the Tel: +44 (0)121 414 6888 based on the total application score been obtained, though we do expect skills you have which are relevant to (combination of GCSE and UKCAT that the time spent is stated. We are studying medicine such as: scores, with a maximum of 10). We more likely to be reassured of your motivation for medicine, expect to interview about 1200 commitment if you offer a combination communication; empathy, self- home/EU applicants who will be of around two full weeks of insight, ethical reasoning, data identified by ranking applicants experiences. We will consider the interpretation and ability to evaluate according to their score. difficulties in obtaining healthcare information. You will be interviewed experience if these are stated. by one person at each station and Please note that it is not possible to Shadowing of doctors is not required you will be given 2 minutes to advise on the threshold score because and, though it has its benefits, we prepare for each interview. this will vary each year according to prefer active involvement in a the number and quality of applications healthcare setting To find out more about each stage of we receive. If invited for interview, candidates the interview process, download our . may be asked to provide details of MBChB interview information their work experience placements. document.

Brighton and Sussex BMAT BSMS does not place requirements on MMI the amount and type of work

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 3 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

Qualifying applications which are experience a prospective medical Multiple mini interviews (MMIs) are Email:medadmissions@bsms. flagged with contextual data are student should have. held during BSMS admissions days, ac.uk ranked according to their BMAT which we aim to hold in December results, with the top ranking candidates The Medical Schools Council sets out and January. invited to interview. BSMS aims to some useful work experience Tel: +44 (0)1273 643528 / offer 30% of its interviews to guidelines for prospective applicants to More information about MMIs at 643529 / 641966 candidates with contextual data flags. medicine which can be downloaded . BSMS can be found here. All remaining applications are then ranked according to their BMAT results, with the highest ranking candidates invited to interview.

Bristol University UKCAT While not a requirement for the course, MMI we encourage applicants to obtain a Email: med- UKCAT scores will be used as our minimum of two Applicants move around seven [email protected] primary differentiator. weeks’ work experience. This enables Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) the applicant to gain some insight into stations, each taking six Tel: +44 (0)117 928 7679 There is no cut-off score for the their potential minutes (one minute for reading UKCAT. Using data from 2017/18 vocation. Applicants may be asked to instructions and five minutes for cycle, applicants with a UKCAT score reflect on their work experience at completing task) and assessing a of 2660 or above would have been interview. particular criterion. Each station is issued with an invitation to interview While it may be difficult to obtain supervised by one or two had we been solely using UKCAT for clinical work experience, we encourage interviewers as appropriate. selection. This number is subject to applicants to seek Interviews are conducted in change year-on-year depending on the out opportunities to work with the accordance with the University's strength of the cohort, therefore cannot public in a customer service role, or Equality and Diversity Policy. At be used with certainty to predict the volunteer in a care or least one member of the interviewing likelihood of receiving an invite to health environment (nursing home, staff is trained in fair and effective interview for the current cycle. local hospice, shelter for the homeless, recruitment, and at least one is a or facility member of the Medical Admissions supporting people with disabilities or Committee. http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/un special needs), or a youth group. dergraduate/admissions- statements/2019/medicine.pdf Applicants are required to complete a form prior to attending the interview . which documents the type and duration of their work experience.

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 4 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

Buckingham University DO NOT REQUIRE UKCAT or BMAT No formal work experience is specified. MMI

PRIVATE Medical School Click here for the selection process. The second stage of selection is intended to judge personal attributes Email: medicine- relating to suitability for practice as a [email protected] doctor. It consists of an Objective, .uk Structured Selection Examination Tel: +44 (0)1280 828 275 (OSSE), made up of a series of tasks intended to test abilities related to 'Good Medical Practice', published by the UK General Medical Council.

Cambridge University BMAT To develop understanding of what a PANEL INTERVIEWS career in Medicine involves and your The BMAT can be taken on 1 suitability for your intended profession, You must be a keen scientist, with a Email [email protected] September 2018 or on 31 October you’re strongly advised (though not sound scientific understanding. As 2018 (the September session is only required) to undertake some relevant selection for medical school implies available at a small number of UK work experience (either paid or selection for the medical profession, assessment centres). voluntary) in a health or related area. admissions decisions are informed We aren’t prescriptive about how this is by national guidance on what makes You can only take the BMAT once - obtained, recognising the widely a good doctor, for example, either in September or in November. differing opportunities available.. the Medical Schools Council's Consensus Statement on the Role of Please also see Key Criteria for the Doctor and Guiding Principles for Medical Admissions. the Admission of Medical Students.

Admissions statistics by college for medicine http://www.undergraduate.study.cam.a c.uk/apply/statistics

Cardiff University UKCAT The University recognises that MMI opportunities for certain types of work Email: We do not have a minimum threshold experience and participation in some 10 station multiple mini interview. [email protected] score for the UKCAT; however the non-academic activities will vary Each station will last 6 minutes. he Tel: UKCAT score may be used as part of according to individual circumstances, interviews focus on exploring the

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 5 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

+44 (0)29 20 68 8113 the assessment procedure. including an applicant's cultural or personal qualities and attributes socio-economic background, or the important in developing good doctors activities available in their local area. in the future. Selectors are, therefore, not prescriptive about the ways in which the non-academic selection criteria may be demonstrated.

University of Dundee UKCAT We encourage up to two weeks MMI relevant work experience (or Email: asrs- Applications are ranked on academic equivalent) as it is helpful for providing You can expect to be asked about [email protected] achievement and UKCAT score. The awareness of and insight into career your understanding of a medical Telephone: +44(0)1382 top 550 will be invited to select an choice. This will be discussed at career, of the curriculum here in 384697 interview time to suit them via our interview but is not scored. We do not Dundee and current medical issues online booking tool. There is no credit the volume of work experience in the press, including ethical topics. FAQs: specific cut off applied but obviously a and would discourage applicants We will also use information https://www.dundee.ac.uk/stud high score is advantageous. seeking to acquire experience in provided in your UCAS personal y/ug/medicine/#info-your- excess of that required to inform career statement. In addition we will be application Our analysis of the 2016 applicant choice. We do not encourage work looking to assess your cohort revealed that the average experience in resource poor settings communication skills and approach UKCAT score of applicants invited for where you may be exposed to risk or towards teamwork. interview was 2740. take up scarce staff time. We use the same process in both We do not use the Situational Dundee and Asia. Judgement Test (SJT) to select for interview; however, Band 4 may affect the decision on whether or not to make an offer.

University of East Anglia, UKCAT Any experience that gives you an MMI Medical School insight into your suitability to the UEA does not have a cut off score. A profession is valuable. Such Each interview lasts approximately Admissions contacts: high score is advantageous; however a experience may include work 50 minutes. Selected applicants are low score does not disqualify an experience in a health care invited to take part in an OSCE +44 (0) 1603 591515 applicant from consideration. organisation (e.g. a hospital, hospice, (Objective Structured Clinical or primary care setting), a regular Examination) style interview, also

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 6 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

[email protected] The subsection scores are used commitment as a volunteer in a care- known as a Multiple Mini Interview. alongside the GSCE score to rank the related setting, or paid employment as During the interview, each applicant applicants for selection for interview. a health care assistant or similar. THIS rotates through a series of rooms, LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE, but at known as ‘stations’; They will spend The overall (cognitive) score is used interview, you will be expected to draw 5 minutes at each of the 7 stations, alongside the interview score to rank on your personal experiences to with a 1 and a half minute and select applicants to whom an offer demonstrate your suitability to be a changeover/preparation time is made. doctor. If invited to interview, you are between each. Please note that we required to bring with you our work do not disclose interview questions. The SJT component score is included experience form. We will email invitations to within the interview score. applicants who are selected for We will email invitations to applicants interview from December onwards who are selected for interview. If you are invited to interview you are required to bring with you this completed Work Experience Form.

The University of Edinburgh UKCAT We recognise that applicants have DO NOT NORMALLY INTERVIEW different levels of opportunity available SCHOOL LEAVERS Email: [email protected] Used to make a more informed to them to gain work experience and decision about your application. We this is taken into account, but there We are currently considering Phone: + 44 (0)131 242 6407 assess your total UKCAT score (not must be strong evidence that you have changes to selection, which may the average) and your performance in researched the career. We would not include the introduction of interviews. See this brochure on applying the Situational Judgement Test recommend you apply if you cannot Further information will be made for Medicine for selection section. We consider all scores and no demonstrate this. available online if changes are weighting. applicant will be excluded from made. selection based on the score achieved We do not specify a length of time and in their UKCAT test (although we do not assess this on your Applying for Medicine applicants will be excluded if they have application. We need you to have failed to take the test and not obtained experience with diseased, an exemption). Once all the scores are disadvantaged, and disabled received we rank them, divide the individuals. This can be in one or many cohort into octiles and allocate a score. experiences. We also look at what you We also allocate a score to your have obtained from your experience. It situational judgement banding. The is important you are as sure as you

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 7 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

points are then added to your total can be that medicine is the right choice score to contribute towards your final for you. You don’t want to find out once ranking. you start the course that you faint at the sight of blood!

University of Exeter UKCAT Work experience is not part of our MMI standard entry requirements and Email:[email protected] We use predicted or achieved A level therefore whether you have work Our Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) (or equivalent) results in conjunction experience or not, you are very are designed to determine whether Tel: + 44 (0) 1392 725500. with the total UKCAT score to welcome to apply to our programme. applicants possess the non- determine the number of students academic qualities such as the frequently asked questions called for interview. Applicants will be Exeter recognise difficulty in obtaining communication skills, reflectiveness tiered according to their predicted or medical work experience so any part- and empathy required to become a BMBS Medicine Policy (pdf) achieved A level or equivalent time job where students can work in successful doctor. Whether or not an for full details on our BMBS qualifications. The UKCAT score will teams and improve their offer is made will depend on your Medicine admissions selection be used to determine who, within a communication skills is valuable. performance at the interview. process. particular tier, will be invited to attend an interview. Those applicants who Seven stations will be offered. Each have already achieved their grades station will last 3 minutes and will receive a one rank advantage students will then have 3 minutes in within the tiering. which to move to their next station. You will not be required to undergo any group work or written test. Candidates may be required to go through one role play station; all other stations are question and answer.

University of Glasgow UKCAT Obtaining work experience in a PANEL INTERVIEW medical setting is not necessary to Tel: +44 (0)141 330 6216 We consider the UKCAT with all other study medicine but it is expected that The interview session will last aspects of the application. The range candidates will have a realistic around 30 minutes. Candidates will email: med-sch- of scores we consider changes each understanding of what a career in be interviewed by two panels (A and [email protected] year as the performance of each medicine entails and be aware of B), swapping mid-point, with two admissions cohort varies. 'The current issues facing the medical interviewers on each panel. Multiple FAQs: Situational Judgement' section of the profession. A commitment to caring for candidates will be interviewed within http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/ UKCAT test will not be taken into others is also expected, which can be rooms.

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 8 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

medicine/mus/admissions/faqs consideration for entry in 2019. demonstrated through voluntary or / To help you determine what previous paid work in a community setting. Any See website for detailed information. scores would have been considered commitment to work experience or (although it does vary each year), similar is expected to last beyond the please visit our MBChB Admissions offer-making stage of the admissions Data document. process.

Hull York Medical School UKCAT There is no prescribed pre-application MMI experience, but you should try to [email protected]. All applicants must take the UKCAT in obtain a realistic understanding of the The interview process has four the year they apply. Applicants with a demands of medical training and components, which can happen in Tel: +44 (0) 1904 32 1690 Situational Judgement Test Band of 4 practice. You will find it useful to get any order. See website for detailed (the lowest band) will not be some experience in a range of caring information. Selection Procedure considered. situations, observing or working alongside healthcare staff, in either a Your scores from the four separate Following interview, we make offers voluntary or paid capacity. components of the interview process based primarily on interview are collated in addition to points performance, and we use the UKCAT We also advise that you explore both allocated depending on the UKCAT Situational Judgement Test as an extra the positive and negative aspects of a SJT Band achieved, up to a interview 'station' medical career through talking to maximum of 20 points. We then rank doctors and other healthcare applicants in order of total score and professionals. We will expect you to make offers to around the top 300 demonstrate that you understand, and students. In general we make offers are committed to, teamwork and the after all the interviews are social context of healthcare. completed.

Imperial BMAT Work experience in a healthcare PANEL INTERVIEW setting is strongly favoured. Tel: +44 (0)20 7594 7259 BMAT cut-off scores are calculated If selected, you will be required to each year, as a result of ranked attend a 20-minute interview. This medicine.ug.admissions@imp candidate BMAT scores versus will take place at the South erial.ac.uk number of expected interview Kensington Campus between sessions. As a result, the absolute December and March. The interview BMAT cut-off changes each year. includes time for the panel to make However, the BMAT cut-off scores its decision.

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 9 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

from previous admissions cycles may be used as a guide. Normally interview panels consist of a chairperson, two other members of For 2018 entry, the minimum scores the selection panel, a senior medical required were: student and frequently a lay  a score of 4.1 in section 1 observer.  a score of 4.2 in section 2  a score of 2.5 and grade C in section 3

Keele University UKCAT The Roles & Responsibilities Form MMI 2019 Overseas Fees Tel: +44 (0)1782 733937 For 2019 entry Home applicants with a applicants: applicants considered as These are a style of interview where total UKCAT score in the bottom 20% overseas for fees will not be asked to candidates rotate around a series of Admissions or with an SJT score in Band 4 will not complete the Roles & Responsibilities stations at which various different [email protected] be considered. For 2018 entry this form unless their fee status changes aspects of their understanding of threshold was 2,340. after assessment. Medicine and their case for selection See Roles and to Medical School are assessed. The Responsibilities Form http://www.keele.ac.uk/medicine/mbch Home Fees applicants: completing format of stations may vary from a b5years/entryrouteshowtoapply/ the Roles & Responsibilities (R&R) 1:1 traditional interview through to a form is a very important part of the role-play. The MMI assesses a BMAT application process. It is the main range of attributes of applicants. means by which we make an initial International applicants assessment of your non-academic See website for detailed information. achievements and aptitude for a career Must achieve a threshold score to be in medicine. invited to interview. There is space on the form for credit to be given for up to four roles and responsibilities.

King’s College London UKCAT We would normally expect that MMI (Guys, Kings and St applicants will have undertaken some Thomas) King’s does not have a threshold voluntary work experience in a During MMIs candidates are asked UKCAT score in any particular year, caring/health environment and/or to respond to questions relating to a T: +44 (0) 20 7848 7966 but all candidates are still required to observation in a medical clinical scenario at a ‘station’ and then move take the UKCAT examination for this setting. It is important for applicants to onto the next station in a timed

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 10 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

E: [email protected] course. The overall UKCAT score have a realistic appreciation of what a circuit. Communication skills will be averaged across the four subtests is career as a health professional assessed at EACH station. See given more consideration than the involves. website for more information. individual subtest scores. The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is Any voluntary contribution to your also taken into account when community is taken into account, e.g. shortlisting. volunteer in a care home. We look for evidence that you have worked in a setting where you can interact with the general public e.g. in a pharmacy, check-out or restaurant.

University of Lancaster BMAT Relevant work experience in a MMI healthcare setting and Tel +44 (0) 1524 594547 Applicants will be ranked according to Insight into a medical career and their 12-14 different 'stations', most of their BMAT score and the top-ranking own suitability, drawn from their work which will be 5 minutes long. Some [email protected] applicants will progress to Stage 3. (and voluntary) experience and stations will consist of a short A commitment to society; working for interview, where you may be asked the benefit of others, including questions about your career choice, voluntary work or significant caring work experience or suitability for a roles medical career. At others, you may be asked to read a short paragraph or watch a short video clip, take some notes and then discuss at a subsequent station. An additional 20 minute station will involve group work and will assess your suitability for our problem-based learning curriculum.

University of Leeds BMAT Personal experience in a health and MMI social care setting can make you more Telephone: +44 (0) 113 343 We assess your application form confident about choosing a career in The MMI process consists of 8 4379 against academic criteria, considering medicine. Further advice can be found different stations. Each station will both your past and any predicted in the personal statement guide. last 6 minutes with 1 minute to move

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 11 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

Email: grades; your Biomedical Admissions between stations and read the next [email protected] Test (BMAT) score. If attempts to gain work experience task. The format of the stations have been unsuccessful, there should varies. Some stations will ask you to Once these forms have been ranked be some reference to this contained discuss information on the UCAS 1000 forms are assessed for non- within the Referee's statement. form. Most stations involve academic criteria independently by two discussion with the examiner or may senior medical staff using explicit require you to write down some criteria that are reviewed annually by information or to interact with an the Admissions Committee. actor who will be playing a role. The skills that will be assessed will We anticipate that around 550 include ethical reasoning, self- candidates will be invited to interview. evaluation, communication skills and problem solving. At one station applicants are asked to take part in a discussion based around their BMAT Section 3 essay.

University of Leicester UKCAT Medical work experience is not MMI essential but you should be able to +44 (0) 116 252 We do not have a cut off score, but the demonstrate that you have undertaken Interviews will be held in a Multiple 2969/2966/2985/3015 total UKCAT score is used in selection some kind of work where you are able Mini-Interview (MMI) style for 2019 for interview (see scoring document). to communicate with the public. entry and will comprise 8-9 stations. [email protected] Academic ability and UKCAT will each Scoring for 2019 applicants be scored out of 32, giving a total score out of 64 (ie academic and UKCAT scores are weighted equally). Applicants with band 4 in the Situational Judgement Test will be automatically rejected pre-interview.

University of Liverpool UKCAT The purpose of Values Based MMI Recruitment (VBR) in relation to the Enquiries Service The UKCAT threshold is determined selection of medical students is to No applicant will be offered a each year on a competitive basis and ensure that we recruit students with the place without being interviewed in

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 12 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

+44 (0)151 795 4370 thus the range of UKCAT scores right skills and values to support the person. It is expected that in line with [email protected] suggested can only be considered as delivery of excellent patient care. VBR and the Selecting for indicative Supporting VBR, the Medical Schools Excellence report that applicants will council has published a statement be invited to take part in a fully Read the School of identifying the core values, skills and structured interview in the format of Medicine Liverpool attributes needed to be a doctor. The a Multiple Mini Interview. Departmental Supplement statement should help applicants 2019 entry.Departmental prepare for their application to medical Supplement to the school by giving them an outline of Admissions Policy what skills, values and attributes might be tested.

University of Manchester UKCAT This does not necessarily mean MMI medically-related work experience, +44 (0)161 306 0460 If your UKCAT score is in such as shadowing a GP or consultant The interview process for 2019 entry approximately the top third of all and, in fact, we ask that you don't use will adopt a seven-station multiple medicine.enquiries@manches results nationally then you will be examples of shadowing in this section. mini interview (MMI) format, with ter.ac.uk invited to interview based on our We understand that such experience each station having an interviewer. UKCAT threshold as long as you meet can be difficult to obtain for students Each applicant to study our minimum academic requirements under the age of 18 and we are more Each station will be seven minutes medicine at The University of (for example, GCSE and predicted interested in activities you have long and there will be a two-minute Manchester must complete an grades). participated in rather than observed. gap between stations. In the two- online information form with minute gap, you will be provided with respect to non-academic We recognise that everyone has a We are interested in hands-on caring some information about the next activities. different set of skills. If your UKCAT experience that may or may not be station so that you can begin to does not fall within the top third of medically related. We are trying to prepare your thoughts. results nationally then we will include it ascertain that you have a clear idea of as part of a holistic assessment using what it is like to study medicine and The station where you start will be all the information available to us to what the role of a doctor entails. Tell us allocated at random and you will arrive at a decision (for example, how you got involved in such work, then pass round the circle from GCSE grades, A-level profile, how much time you spend doing it and, station to station until you have additional qualifications, NAI form etc). most importantly, what you have completed them all. gained from it.

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 13 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

University of Newcastle UKCAT We realise that identifying suitable MMI work experience in a primary and/or E-mail: The UKCAT threshold may vary secondary care setting can be difficult. Interviews for students classed as [email protected] depending upon the competition to At Newcastle our emphasis is on our Home/EU for fees purposes take the each programme or the route of entry. applicants being able to show a form of Multiple Mini Interviews +44 (0) 191 222 7005 The threshold is based on the total commitment to caring. This can be (MMI’s). Students who are classed UKCAT score. This threshold may accomplished in a number of ways, for as international for fees purposes 2019 Admissions Policy differ in each admission cycle as it is example. will be interviewed by a panel of two dependent on the scores achieved by  volunteering in an elderly care interviewers who will ask a those applicants who apply to our home comparable set of questions to those Medical School in the current cycle.  volunteering in a hospice covered in the MMIs. International  volunteering in a nursery fee status applicants can opt to Please see the School of Medical  helping someone less attend an interview in Newcastle or Education web page for more fortunate choose to be interviewed via Skype information. There are many ways you can in their home country. demonstrate to us that you are a committed and caring individual and these can be explored further at interview.

University of Nottingham UKCAT Work experience should include: MMI  At least speaking to your GP to telephone: +44 (0) 115 823 Five components to the UKCAT test understand the positives and Interviews are in the format of 0018 which will be scored. There are four negatives of a career in medicine, Multiple Mini Interviews consisting of cognitive components (verbal if you are unable to obtain work 8 stations and will last approximately email: reasoning, quantitative reasoning, experience one hour [email protected] abstract reasoning and decision  Experience in a more caring making) and the SJT component. setting such as a hospice, care Two stations will involve role play GCSE and UKCAT results home, club, society or similar. This Six stations will involve answering scores are totalled and the top Please note that applicants who will allow you to observe more questions based on the instructions % of applicants will be achieve a Band 4 are not considered long-term interactions between or scenarios that are provided considered further and have further. people and the skills required in outside the station. A copy of the their personal statement and the roles. If you are working in a instructions or scenarios are also in reference read and scored. Please see the scoring system care home or hospice, consider the the station for you to refer to during patient's position and their the assessment

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 14 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

requirements and needs and how these may be met by carers. The interview is designed to assess We'd also like to hear about any paid the personal qualities we consider or unpaid jobs you have had. essential for the practice of medicine. You will be expected to have good communication and listening skills, an understanding of professional issues such as teamwork and respect for the contribution of those working in professions allied to medicine.

University of Nottingham UKCAT Work experience should include: MMI Lincoln Medical School . At least speaking to your GP to There are five components to the understand the positives and The MMI interview will last NEW course with 80 places UKCAT test which will be scored. negatives of a career in approximately one hour. for 2019 entry See website for example. medicine, if you are unable to obtain work experience The eight station formats are: Applicants who achieve a Band 4 in . Experience in a more caring . Two stations will involve role the SJT are not considered further. setting such as a hospice, care play home, club, society or similar. . Six stations will involve This will allow you to observe answering questions based more long-term interactions on the instructions or between people and the skills scenarios that are provided required in the roles. If you are outside the station. A copy working in a care home or of the instructions or hospice, consider the patient's scenarios are also in the position and their requirements station for you to refer to and needs and how these may during the assessment. be met by carers. . We'd also like to hear about any paid or unpaid jobs you have had.

Oxford University BMAT Our tutors select students using the PANEL INTERVIEWS selection criteria. All applicants are free

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 15 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

http://www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/ All candidates must take to make reference to skills or The number and format of interviews the Biomedical Admissions experience acquired in any context to at each college may vary but Phone: 01865 285783 Test (BMAT) in their own school or date when trying to address our the selection criteria are college or other approved test centre selection criteria: sometimes applicants common to all colleges. You will be [email protected] on Wednesday 31 October 2018. refer to voluntary work and other extra- interviewed by at least two .uk Please note, the University of Oxford curricular activity, but many forms of academics at each college and by at will not accept BMAT results from evidence can help demonstrate to least one practising clinician. You Application process the September sitting for A100 tutors that an applicant has tried to cannot predict whether your Medicine. Candidates must make sure make an informed decision regarding application has been successful by they are available to take the test on his/her own suitability to study counting the number of interviews 31 October. Medicine. you receive, so don’t become anxious if you receive either more or See website as to how the different While some work experience in fewer than you expect! sections of the BMAT are weighted. hospitals is theoretically desirable, we You can also find further information do appreciate that it can be very at the University interview You should bear in mind that as we difficult to arrange and we therefore website. short-list the same number of people have no requirement for it. Any form of every year, and we use two variables voluntary work would be beneficial in (which carry the same weight), there the context of applying for Medicine is no actual cut-off for either BMAT (such as helping out in a hospital, at an or GCSEs. old people's home, St John's Ambulance, or work with a charity or overseas agency).

Plymouth University UKCAT See The Medical Schools Council’s FORMAL INTERVIEW Peninsula School of advice to applicants to medical school Medicine UKCAT test results will be used, regarding work experience The interviews follow a structured alongside the academic information and formal process in order to Tel: +44 (0) 1752437333 contained on your UCAS form to select ensure that every student applying to direct school leavers for interview. You a particular programme, is asked the Email: meddent- will be required to meet a minimum same questions and receives the [email protected] standard in each of the subtests, plus same prompts. The interview should meet an overall target score which is take approximately 20 minutes. It is set and reviewed annually by the not a test of medical or scientific Admissions Advisory Panel knowledge, but aims to explore your The Peninsula Medical School will attitudes, outlook and way of

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 16 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

again be applying an overall target thinking. score methodology for entry to facilitate selection for interview. We do Click here to find out more about the not currently include the SJT banding interview. score.

Queen Mary University, UKCAT Selectors strongly recommend that INTERVIEW PANEL Barts and The London candidates have explored what a School of Medicine Applicants who achieve an overall career in medicine entails and that this If selected, you will be required to UKCAT score within the third decile is reinforced by work experience. The attend a short interview. Normally Admissions: range or above and meet the minimum interview will explore your interview panels consist of two Em: academic entry criteria will be given a understanding of the realities of a members of senior academic or [email protected] score for their UCAS tariff based on career in medicine. We recognise the clinical staff, a medical student and el: +44 (0)20 7882 8478 achieved/predicted grades for all challenge of obtaining work experience sometimes a lay selector. Read ‘tariffable’ criteria 50% of the weighting and a period of volunteering in a caring here. will be on Tariff and 50% on the role can be equally as valuable. UKCAT score.

Queens University Belfast UKCAT It is accepted that it can be difficult for MMI candidates to have equal access to Tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3838 For all candidates UKCAT will be clinical work experience and therefore The interviews take the form of Multi scored using the overall results from it is not specified as a requirement for Mini Interviews which are designed How we choose our students four of the papers. Candidates can admission. Applicants are encouraged to test key noncognitive for 2018 entry obtain up to a maximum of 6 additional to obtain caring experience whether competencies for Medicine: points. through volunteering or in paid - Empathy employment as this is valuable in - Problem-solving making informed decisions on career - Moral Reasoning options (see how we choose our - Communication Skills students).

Sheffield University UKCAT There is an overview on work MMI experience on the website What happens: 2019 Those applications that meet the The Multiple Mini-Interviews applications minimum academic thresholds are Applicants are normally expected to comprise a series of eight 8-minute reviewed to determine whether they have undergone a period of work stations. Each station will be scored

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 17 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

Medical School Office also meet the minimum UKCAT experience. between 1 and 5. Reception Desk for General requirement 2470/3600 (the UKCAT Enquiries: +44 (0)114 222 threshold). This threshold has been Applicants invited to attend a Multiple For more information about the 5522 th Mini Interview should be able to stations and scoring click here. determined by considering the 40 communicate not only what meaningful Email: med- centile scores of the test in 2014, 2015 activities they have undertaken, but [email protected] and 2017, and taking the mean of also what they have learned from these. (The UKCAT scores from 2016 these experiences, particularly in were not considered as in that year the regards to their future as medical test was out of 2700). practitioners.

Medical Schools' Council have There is no compensation between produced useful guidance regarding academic attainment and UKCAT work experience, which can be attainment - exceeding the academic accessed here. threshold will not compensate for a lower UKCAT score.

University of Southampton UKCAT Applicants must be able to show they: FORMAL INTERVIEW – Are self-motivated and resilient Selection Policy 2019 Applicants will be ranked by UKCAT – Have reflected on and learnt from life Students who meet the entry criteria score to determine who should be experiences (this may include, work and get the top UKCAT scores will invited to a Selection Day. experience, paid employment and be invited for a selection day Telephone: +44 (0)23 8059 personal experiences both in and (December through to March), which 4408 The UKCAT score is reviewed again outside health and social care settings) will include a 20 minutes informal alongside performance at Selection – Can communicate effectively panel interview with 2 interviewers Email: ugapply.fm@southam Days to determine who will receive an – Are able to interact successfully with interview and a group task lasting pton.ac.uk offer. others approximately 30 minutes. – Can demonstrate an understanding It is not possible to give applicants an of the values of the NHS constitution. All applicants will be seen face to indication of the score that is required face – we do not offer Skype to attend a Selection Day. interviews.

St Andrews UKCAT Applicants should have gained work or MMI shadowing experience in a caring or Tel:+44 (0) 1334 463599 To be considered for interview, health environment, including Interviews for entry to the School of

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 18 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

applicants must have a strong hospitals, GP surgeries, nursing Medicine are in the format of multiple [email protected] academic record, a positive reference, homes or local hospices, or by through mini interviews: usually six 'mini' and relevant, medically related work working with people who have ill-health interviews or 'stations' that last about experience. Find out more about or a disability. six minutes each. The Situational the interview selection process. Judgement Test (SJT) component of Qualities the UKCAT will be used as an Applicants meeting these requirements Successful applicants will be able to element of the interview, with the will be ranked on the basis of their show evidence of the following: score being incorporated into the UKCAT global score. Those ranked in  personal qualities such as interview score. the top 400 or so will be given an empathy, good communication and interview. Decisions to make offers will listening skills, leadership skills and At the interview, you will be expected be based on the interview score. the ability to work in a team to demonstrate that you have an Where applicants have the same  a well-informed understanding of understanding of medicine as a interview score, the global UKCAT what a career in medicine involves career and that you appreciate the score will be used to differentiate  commitment to medicine by realities of working in a caring between them. organising work experience or profession. Your communication and shadowing interpersonal skills will be assessed Use of Situational Judgement Test  experience of working with ill or at each station, and at least one (SJT) disabled people, preferably in station will involve role-play and The SJT will be used as an element in health care settings interaction with an actor. You will the interview process, with the score  commitment to academic study, also be assessed on your ability to being incorporated into the interview staying power, perseverance and discuss ethical issues. score. intellectual potential.

St George’s, University of UKCAT You will be required to demonstrate MMI London insight into Medicine through relevant UKCAT results are used to select work/voluntary experience at interview. An MMI combines traditional-style Tel: +44(0)20 8725 2333The students for interview and to rank You must also provide references for questions with task-based activities. our post-interview waiting list. each piece of work/relevant experience The interview consists of up to eight 500 or above, in each section you intend to present at interview. We activities each lasting five minutes expect applicants to have a (40 minutes in total). We will not be using the 'Situational combination of experience in both Judgement' (SJT) section for 2019 healthcare and non-healthcare Read here for further information. entry. settings. See website for ideas.

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 19 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

University of Sunderland UKCAT Upon submission of your UCAS MMI (in partnership with Keele application you will be sent a link to University School of Contact the university as no complete our Roles and Contact the university as no Medicine) information available in summer 2019. Responsibilities Form. information available in summer 2019. NEW COURSE FOR 2019 This is one of the methods that we use ENTRY to prioritise candidates for interview. The form will seek evidence of No international students in commitment to work experience, 2019. voluntary work, exposure to a caring or supportive roles, the value of the work/role you undertook, the level of responsibility taken in any of the above roles, an example of a situation where you did something that had a significant beneficial outcome for another person and any exceptional achievements or circumstances.

University College London BMAT Previous experience (both personal FORMAL INTERVIEW and through work experience or Tel:+44 (0)20 3108 8228/8235 Academic qualifications are important volunteering), particularly if it has Interviews usually last approximately but considerable weight is also given involved contact with the healthcare 15-20 minutes and are conducted by [email protected] to your BMAT scores, personal profession or laboratory work, or if the a panel of 2-3 interviewers, including statement, referee's report, steps you candidate has been involved with the clinical and basic medical science Admission FAQs have taken to gain insight into a sick, disabled, very young or elderly, staff, a senior medical student or medical career, community activities, and, importantly, is able to reflect on ‘lay’ interviewer (e.g. Head of Sixth general education and, if invited, your their experiences. Form or GP). performance at the interview. We seek to verify the work experience See website for how interviewers May we remind candidates that we do placements of a sample of applicants. score applicants. not use a cut-off score for BMAT. See website for more information.

Selection and Interviews.

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 20 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018

University of Central NO ADMISSIONS TEST. All students must complete a MMI Lancashire Transferable Skills Statement (TSS). It should include details of your non- See MMI guide. Open to international students academic achievements and aptitude and a limited number of places for a career in medicine including: The TSS will be the focus for one of for UK students from the North  Work the stations in the Multiple Mini West of England. UK experience/shadowing/voluntar Interviews should you be successful applications from outside the y work or experience in a in being invited for interview. North West of England will not caring role be considered.  The impact and value of the work you undertook  The level of responsibility taken within this experience  An example where you did something that had a significant outcome for the person being cared for  Any achievements you may want to highlight from the above ‘Your Transferable Skills Statement (TSS)’ must be sent directly to UCLan.

2019 Entry: Use of Aptitude Tests, Work Experience Expected and Interview Process Page 21 of 21 Produced by the Inspiring Futures IAG Helpline © Copyright 2018 www.inspiringfutures.org.uk +44 (0)1491 820382 September 2018