Aberdeen Medical School Interview Questions (2026 Entry): Complete Guide

About Aberdeen Medical School

Aberdeen’s MBChB sits on the Foresterhill Health Campus—one of Europe’s largest clinical sites—with early clinical exposure, strong research links, and a modern, integrated curriculum. Official guidance for admissions and interviews is centrally published by the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition (SMMSN). The University of Aberdeen

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1) How does Aberdeen interview for 2026 entry

Aberdeen employs a holistic scoring model across the cycle, comprising academic attainment/predictions (30%), UCAT (20%), and interview performance (50%). Applications are ranked against the cohort each year; those who score sufficiently well are invited to interview. (The medical school states this weighting.)

Aberdeen requires the UCAT for Medicine; candidates must sit the test by the appropriate deadline for the year of application. 2) Interview style (what to expect)

Aberdeen runs a modified Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). Key features from the official pages:

• Two selectors score you per station against predetermined criteria.

• ~5 minutes per station; the whole circuit lasts ~1 hour.

• No pre-reading is required at stations (so expect to think on your feet).

• Interviews are in person at the Suttie Centre, Foresterhill campus. 

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3) When are Aberdeen Medicine interviews held?

Interviews are typically conducted between December and March. For example, the university scheduled Medicine MMIs in the week commencing 16 December in a recent cycle. Expect a similar window for 2026 entry (December 2025–March 2026), subject to official confirmation each year. 

4) What topics/domains are covered?

The school publishes the MBChB station domains you will be assessed on:

1. Motivation to study medicine

2. Core qualities (e.g., empathy, integrity, resilience)

3. Critical thinking & problem solving

4. Teamwork

5. Professionalism
   (And the page notes there is no reading during interviews.)

5) How many applicants get an interview, and how many get offers?

Aberdeen releases admissions data by cycle. A fully-worked historic example (official figures):

• 2020 entry: 1,896 applicants, 895 interviewed (~47%), 541 offers (~29% of applicants), 217 entrants. 

The school also publishes recent cycles (2023/2024/2025) broken down by domicile and applicant type (school leaver/graduate), including the lowest and average UCAT scores invited to interview. Check the Admissions Data page for the latest cycle-specific numbers before submitting your application. 

6) Example Aberdeen-style MMI stations & questions

The university does not publish exact questions, but its domains and timing let us simulate realistic prompts. Use these to practise aloud, under a 5-minute time limit.

A. Motivation & Insight

• Why Aberdeen? What aspects of the course and the Foresterhill setting suit how you learn? (Be specific.)

• Tell me about a time you persisted through a setback. How will that resilience serve you at medical school?

• What have you learned from a recent clinical shadowing or volunteering experience about the realities of being a junior doctor?

B. Core Qualities (Values & Attributes)

• Describe a situation where you had to act with integrity when it was inconvenient. What happened and what did you learn?

• How do you look after your wellbeing during sustained academic pressure?

C. Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving

• A GP practice is receiving an influx of patients with a viral illness; resources are stretched. How would you approach prioritising care?

• Here is a short health-policy claim (verbalised by the assessor). What assumptions are being made? How would you test them?

D. Teamwork & Communication

• You’re on a student group project; a member isn’t contributing, and deadlines loom. How would you address this?

• Explain a complex topic from A-level Biology (your choice) to a non-scientist in under a minute.

E. Professionalism & Ethics

• A friend on your course asks you to share OSCE notes from a closed assessment. What do you do and why?

• A patient refuses a recommended treatment that you believe is in their best interests. Discuss the ethical principles involved.

F. Data/Calculation under time pressure (verbal brief)

• You’re given a set of vaccination uptake figures across three practices. What stands out, and what initial actions would you suggest?

G. Role-play (communication & empathy)

• A peer has missed several sessions and seems withdrawn. Hold a brief supportive conversation to explore what’s going on and signpost help.

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7) When are offers released?

While dates can vary, sector round-ups report that Aberdeen aims to issue decisions by the end of March once the interviews are complete. The medical school also notes that Medicine is not available via Clearing and that further offers (if needed) may go to candidates already on the waiting list. Constantly monitor your UCAS Hub and university emails. 

8) Student comments (anecdotal insights)

• “Interviewers know only your name.” A poster (Gateway to Medicine context) noted selectors don’t see your academics—helping the MMI focus on qualities and performance in-station. Treat this as anecdotal and prepare accordingly. 

• A first-person blog stresses adapting to short, station-based MMI interactions and researching Aberdeen specifically—good advice for any applicant. 

(Reminder: anecdotes are helpful colour but always prioritise the medical school’s own pages.)

9) Top tips for succeeding at the Aberdeen interview

1. Anchor everything to Aberdeen. Tie motivation answers to specific course features and the Foresterhill ecosystem. 

2. Train for “no reading” stations. Practise concise frameworks you can apply on the spot (e.g., SPIES for professionalism scenarios; Four Principles for ethics). 

3. Time is your currency. Rehearse 60–90-second structured answers: headline → evidence/example → reflection.

4. Show, don’t tell, core qualities. Use real examples (team roles, leadership, service).

5. Think aloud in problem-solving. Discuss assumptions, mitigate risks, and outline next steps.

6. Refresh healthcare awareness. Review current NHS priorities and patient safety themes before the interview day.

7. Replicate conditions. Do timed MMI mocks to reduce surprises—especially with two assessors observing. 

Make these tips muscle memory with targeted practice:
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FAQ

Is UCAT required for Aberdeen Medicine?
Yes. All applicants must take UCAT by the relevant deadline for the cycle. 

What is the Aberdeen MMI structure?
Modified MMI: ~5-minute stations, two assessors, ~1-hour circuit; no station pre-reading. 

When are interviews held for 2026 entry?
Typically December–March. Exact dates are confirmed each year by the school. 

How are applicants selected for interview/offers?
Applications are weighted as follows: academics 30%, UCAT 20%, and interview 50%. Performance across these determines ranking.

What proportion get interviewed or offered a place?
It varies annually. For example, in 2020, there were 1,896 applicants, 895 interviews, and 541 offers (according to official data). Recent cycles are published on Aberdeen’s site. 

Does Aberdeen use Clearing for Medicine?
No. If additional offers are needed later, they may contact wait-listed candidates.