Dundee Medical School Interview Questions (2026 Entry): Format, Dates, Examples & Expert Tips
Introduction
The University of Dundee’s MBChB is highly regarded and draws thousands of applicants each year. For 2026 entry, Dundee has published clear guidance on its interview approach and timeline. Below, you’ll find a concise, source-based breakdown, along with targeted practice material and tips to help you stand out. Where possible, we cite Dundee’s own website so you can verify details directly.
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How Dundee decides who to invite to interview
UCAT required; no set minimum cut-off score. Dundee states that all applicants must sit the UCAT in the year of application and that there is no minimum cut-off.
Initial selection does not use SJT bands. Dundee’s admissions statistics page notes that UCAT Situational Judgement (SJT) Bands are not used as part of the initial selection for interview.
Historic statistics available. Dundee publishes annual data showing applications, interview invitations, offers, and UCAT score ranges—useful for context (see “How many are interviewed/offered?” below).
Some third-party guides describe a combined pre-interview score using academics and UCAT (with historic weightings differing for school leavers versus graduates). Treat these as indicative only and always defer to Dundee’s website for the live cycle policy.
How Dundee interviews for 2026 entry
Dundee’s official “Interview” page (as of September 2026) confirms the current format and logistics:
Format: A structured group discussion followed by a structured interaction with an assessor.
Group size & flow: You’ll discuss a scenario in a group of six while an assessor observes; then the group moves to a different room for a guided discussion with another assessor.
Assessment focus: communication, teamwork, personal values and professionalism.
Delivery: In-person interviews; remote (online) option may be offered to international applicants.
Invites & outcomes: Invitations are released in phases, aiming to give ~2 weeks’ notice; most outcomes are communicated after all interviews finish, with final decisions by the UCAS decision date.
What is the interview style?
Unlike classic station-based MMIs, Dundee’s interview is not a carousel of unrelated stations. It is a two-part, discussion-based assessment (group scenario + assessor interaction) designed to surface how you communicate, collaborate, reason, and reflect—competencies core to safe clinical practice.
When are Dundee Medicine interviews held?
Dundee states that in-person interviews run in December and online interviews (for eligible international applicants) run in January. Plan travel and holidays accordingly.
What topics are covered?
While Dundee does not pre-release specific scenarios (and asks applicants not to share them), it is explicit about assessed domains:
Communication
Teamwork
Values & professionalism
Based on these domains and common UK medical interview practice, expect discussion prompts that touch on: collaborative problem-solving, ethical reasoning (e.g., confidentiality, consent, fairness), insight into NHS/Scottish health priorities, prioritisation, dealing with uncertainty, and reflection on experiences. (These extrapolations are for practice planning; Dundee’s actual material is confidential.)
How many applicants receive an interview, and how many receive an offer?
Dundee’s published historic data (2023/24 entry cycle) shows:
Applications: 1,951
Invited to interview: 844
Offers: 570
Matriculations: 218
Figures vary from year to year and should be used as context rather than for prediction; Dundee cautions that selection processes are reviewed annually.
Example Dundee-style practice tasks and questions
Dundee requests that applicants not share specific tasks. The examples below are invented to mirror the format and competencies Dundee lists publicly and are suitable for targeted practice.
Part 1: Observed Group Scenario (approx. 30 minutes total)
Service redesign: Your GP practice faces increased no-shows. As a group, generate practical steps to reduce DNAs while protecting vulnerable patients.
Resource allocation: A ward has limited staff on a winter surge day. How will you redistribute roles to maintain safe care?
Communication & inclusion: You’re planning a student health fair for a multilingual community. Agree on three actions that ensure equitable access and clear messaging.
Professionalism/value conflict: A popular student society event conflicts with a patient-safety placement briefing. Agree a response that upholds professionalism and fairness.
Part 2: Structured Assessor Interaction (guided discussion)
Communication: Tell me about a time you adapted your communication to build understanding in a group. What changed because of your approach?
Teamwork: Describe a challenging team moment. How did you recognise and address unspoken dynamics?
Values: When have you had to choose between “being right” and “doing the right thing”? What did you learn?
Professionalism & reflection: You made a mistake that affected others. How did you respond, and what systems-thinking changes would you suggest?
Healthcare insight (non-technical): What are the benefits and risks of virtual consultations in rural Scotland? How would you mitigate inequalities?
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When are offers released?
Dundee notes that some early decisions may be made after individual sets of interviews, but most applicants are notified after all interviews have finished. Final decisions are made by the UCAS decision date and communicated via UCAS and email.
Top tips for the Dundee interview
Practise collaborative thinking, not solo monologues. The observed group component rewards listening, turn-taking, structuring, and integrating others’ views.
Make your reasoning transparent. Briefly signpost your approach (problem → options → criteria → decision → caveats).
Demonstrate NHS- and Scotland-aware judgement. Consider rurality, deprivation, winter pressures, realistic resource constraints, and primary–secondary care interfaces.
Show professionalism under pressure. If the group goes off-track, summarise neutrally, refocus on the task, and invite quieter voices.
Prepare reflective evidence. Have 6–8 concise stories mapped to communication, teamwork, resilience, leadership, integrity, and learning from error.
Know the logistics. Bring photo ID; dress professionally; arrive early if attending in person; check your technology if participating remotely.
Expect phased invites. Don’t panic if friends hear first; Dundee releases invitations in phases and aims for ~2 weeks’ notice.
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Student comments (anecdotal)
Applicants discussing recent cycles report phased communication and stress the importance of interview performance in final decisions (anecdotal forum posts—treat cautiously).
Older threads reference Dundee using deciles/combined scoring at the pre-interview stage; remember policies evolve, so always check Dundee’s site for the live cycle.
FAQs (2026 Entry)
Is Dundee still running MMIs?
No. Dundee’s current approach is a structured group discussion, supplemented by assessor interaction, rather than a multi-station MMI carousel. Always verify the 2026 tab on Dundee’s interview page.
Do I need a specific UCAT cut-off to be considered?
Dundee says there is no minimum cut-off. However, the UCAT is required and remains essential in the early stages of the selection process.
Does SJT affect interview shortlisting?
Dundee states that SJT is not used in the initial selection for interview (historically). Policies can change—check the current cycle notes.
When are the interviews?
December (in-person) and January (online for some international applicants).
When will I hear back?
Some early decisions follow specific interview sets, but most offers/rejections are made after all interviews have finished; final decisions are made by the UCAS decision date.
How many people get interviewed/offers?
For 2023/24 entry: 844 interviews and 570 offers from 1,951 applications (illustrative historic data).
Does Dundee score personal statements pre-interview?
Third-party guides have stated that PS isn’t used before the interview; treat non-Dundee sources as advisory and rely on the University’s pages for the current policy.
Final word
Dundee’s 2026 interview centres on how you work with others, communicate clearly, and reason professionally under realistic constraints. Build those muscles with focused, scenario-based practice—and rehearse the behaviours you want assessors to see.
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