Glasgow Medical School Interview Questions (2026 Entry): Format, Timeline, Cut-offs, Example Questions and Expert Tips
Introduction
The University of Glasgow’s MBChB remains one of the UK’s most competitive medical degrees. For 2026 entry, interviews continue online with a clearly defined, conversational format—and selection still leans heavily on UCAT and meeting strict academic thresholds. This guide distils the latest official information and supplements it with applicant insights, practical prep advice, and realistic question examples tailored to Glasgow’s style.
Ready to practise with doctors who interview for UK med schools? Book our Medical School Interview Course – taught by NHS doctors who teach at 3 UK Medical Schools. For live MMI practice, see our MMI mock circuits.
How Glasgow decides who to invite to interview
Academic screening: Applicants must meet Glasgow’s minimum entry requirements (e.g., AAA at A-level including Chemistry and one of Biology/Physics/Maths; GCSE English ≥6/B). Equivalent SQA/IB thresholds apply. Resits are generally not accepted.
UCAT weighting: UCAT is a key part of selection. For 2026 entry, Glasgow states it will interview ~80% of applicants, allocating interviews by UCAT score among those who meet academic and “satisfactory personal statement and reference” checks. SJT is not considered. Minimum UCAT interview thresholds vary by fee status and by cycle.
Contextual factors & intake management: The lowest UCAT considered can differ for Scots-domiciled, Rest of UK (RUK) and International groups due to government-set intake targets. Historical minima (older format) for the 2024 entry were 2,450 (Scotland), 2,500 (RUK), and 2,800 (International/EU).
For historic context, Glasgow’s published admissions data show UCAT ranges and “lowest score considered for interview” by fee group over multiple cycles.
How Glasgow interviews for 2026 entry
Mode: Online via Zoom.
Window: Late November 2025 to March 2026.
Length & structure: ~30 minutes total, split into two panels (A & B) with two interviewers who cover both panels.
Panel A explores what being a doctor means and related themes.
Panel B focuses on you as a future doctor and includes one ethical scenario (you choose one of two short scenarios). Reading time is built in; no writing is required.
Confidentiality & conduct: Do not share questions or record the interview; integrity and fitness-to-practise expectations apply.
What is the interview style?
Glasgow uses a conversational two-panel interview (not a station-based MMI). Expect probing follow-ups tied to your answers, with clear time guidance from interviewers.
When are interviews held?
Between late November and March for the cycle. Glasgow aims to give around two weeks’ notice by email. (Applicants have reported similar notice periods during recent cycles.)
What topics are covered?
Directly from Glasgow’s own brief, prepare to discuss:
The meaning of being a doctor, professional values and responsibilities.
An ethical scenario (choose one of two short prompts).
Your attributes and experiences relevant to medicine.
Current issues/challenges in the NHS (keep up to date).
How many applicants get interviews and offers?
Policy note (2026 entry): Glasgow plans to interview ~80% of applicants (interview not guaranteed).
Recent cycle data (official): For 2023 entry, Glasgow reports 1,711 applications, 970 interviews, 609 offers, 350 intake across fee groups. Prior years are also listed in the same dataset. Use as trend guidance only (numbers vary each year).
When are offers released?
Glasgow aims to process interview decisions by the end of March, with some decisions extending to the end of April, and updates will be provided via UCAS. Detailed feedback isn’t offered (only a general overview, after March).
Example Glasgow-style interview prompts (aligned to Panels A & B)
These are realistic practice prompts based on Glasgow’s stated format and preparation guidance.
Panel A – “Being a doctor”
What does “good doctoring” mean to you in day-to-day practice?
How would you balance patient autonomy with beneficence when time is short in A&E?
Describe a time you communicated complex information—what did you learn?
How should doctors respond to diagnostic uncertainty with patients and colleagues?
What does professionalism look like on social media for a medical student?
Panel B – You as a future doctor + ethics
Ethics choice (pick 1 of 2):
A patient declines a low-risk, high-benefit vaccine required for their job. Discuss.
Two patients need the last ICU bed: one older with comorbidities, one younger carer. Discuss.
Tell us about an experience that challenged your view of healthcare or inequality.
How have you handled a mistake that affected others?
What do you do to maintain well-being and avoid burnout?
A teammate is underperforming in a simulated ward round—how would you address it?
Want to practise these live with real-time feedback? Book our Medical School Interview Course – taught by NHS doctors who teach at 3 UK Medical Schools, and join our MMI mock circuits.
Top tips specific to Glasgow
Know the format cold: Two conversational panels, one ethical scenario, no writing. Practise concise, structured answers (e.g., SPIES/SEAT for ethics).
Anchor answers to doctor values: GMC principles, teamwork, candour, and patient-centred care. (Revisit the MBChB programme info to speak to Glasgow’s curriculum ethos.)
Show NHS awareness: Be ready to discuss one or two current system challenges (capacity, prevention, digital health, sustainability) and how they impact patients/doctors.
Use personal evidence: Interviewers haven’t read your PS, so bring specific examples to life—placements, volunteering, leadership.
Ethics = clarity + compassion: Define the dilemma, map stakeholders, weigh options, justify a proportionate, patient-centred course, and reflect on uncertainties.
Technical set-up: Test Zoom, camera/mic, environment; practise reading a short scenario on-screen, then speaking clearly.
Know your numbers: Understand how UCAT and academic criteria feed into interview allocation; historical thresholds differ by fee group.
Student comments (recent cycles)
These are informal applicant remarks (unofficial) that broadly reflect the official guidance:
“They give you like a 2-week notice” (re: interview invites timeline).
“Sharing specific questions isn’t allowed; moderators remove posts.”
(Officially, Glasgow emphasises confidentiality and asks candidates not to discuss interview content.)
Quick reference: entry requirements (headline)
For 2026 entry, typical UK offers include AAA at A-level (Chemistry + one of Biology/Physics/Maths; GCSE English grade 6 or above). Equivalent SQA/IB requirements and stringent rules on first-sitting grades apply. UCAT required.
FAQs
Is the Glasgow interview an MMI?
No. It’s a two-panel, conversational interview (online), ~30 minutes total.
Do they use UCAT SJT?
No. Glasgow states it does not consider SJT in selection.
How is my UCAT used?
Interviews are allocated by UCAT score among academically eligible applicants with satisfactory PS/reference; lowest scores considered differ by fee group and vary annually.
When can I expect to hear back after the interview?
They aim to process decisions by the end of March (sometimes the end of April).
What were recent interview/offer numbers?
For 2023 entry: 1,711 apps → 970 interviews → 609 offers → 350 intake (all fee groups combined). Use as context only.
Will my personal statement be used at the interview?
Interviewers don’t know you beyond your name during the interview itself, but a PS/reference must be satisfactory to reach the interview stage.
Final checklist for Glasgow
✅ Meet/ exceed the 2026 entry academic profile and sit UCAT early.
✅ Prepare a two-panel interview practice with ethics.
✅ Track NHS topical issues and link them to patient care.
✅ Practise structured, reflective answers with time limits on Zoom.
Next step: Lock in high-yield practice with clinicians who interview in real life:
➡️ Book our Medical School Interview Course – taught by NHS doctors who teach at 3 UK Medical Schools
➡️ Join an MMI mock circuit
