Glasgow Medical School Interview Questions (2026 Entry): Format, Timeline, Cut-offs, Example Questions and Expert Tips

If you’re applying to the University of Glasgow for Medicine (MBChB A100) for September 2026 entry, you’ve probably got two big questions swirling around your head:

1. What will they actually ask me at the interview?

2. How do I sound like a future doctor… not a rehearsed robot? 😅

This guide answers both. You’ll get a clear breakdown of how Glasgow selects applicants, how the interview works, what they assess, and 40+ Glasgow-style interview questions grouped by the exact themes you’ll be judged on.

Let’s make this feel doable. 🔵🟢

Key facts at a glance ✅

Medical school: University of Glasgow Medical School
Course: Medicine MBChB (A100)
Interview format: Online panel interview (Zoom)
Interview length: ~30 minutes
Structure: Panel A + Panel B (in the same interview)
Ethics component: Two short ethical scenarios → you choose one to discuss
Writing required: No (reading only for the scenario)
UCAT used for: Allocating interview invites (after screening)
SJT used: No (Glasgow states the SJT portion is not considered)
When interviews happen: Late Nov to March (typical cycle window)
When offers are released: Usually by end of March (can extend into April) via UCAS
Latest published admissions stats (overall): 2001 applications → 1128 interviews → 719 offers → 341 intake

Meet Glasgow Medical School 🏥🎓

Glasgow is one of the UK’s most established medical schools, with teaching stretching back centuries and clinical training across major hospitals in the West of Scotland.

What students tend to like about Glasgow:

🔵 Early clinical exposure (you’re not waiting years to see real healthcare)
🟢 A spiral curriculum (topics return again and again, building depth and clinical relevance)
🟣 Training linked to big teaching hospitals (including QEUH and Glasgow Royal Infirmary)
🔴 A busy, varied course that feels connected to real NHS medicine

If you like learning in a way that feels practical, people-focused, and clinically grounded, Glasgow is a strong fit.

How Glasgow decides who gets an interview 🎯

Glasgow’s process is pretty clear in principle:

1) Academic screening comes first 📚

You must meet (or be predicted to meet) Glasgow’s academic entry requirements. They also place emphasis on qualifications being taken in the expected sitting, and rules around resits can be strict depending on route.

2) UCAS application checked for suitability 📝

Glasgow looks for evidence that you’ve explored medicine properly and understand what you’re applying for. That means:

✅ realistic motivation
✅ reflection (what you learned, not just what you did)
✅ a reference that supports your readiness

3) UCAT then decides who gets invited 📊

Once you pass screening, Glasgow uses UCAT score to allocate interviews.

Important Glasgow points to know:

🔵 UCAT must be sat in the year you apply
🟢 SJT is not considered by Glasgow
🟣 The UCAT score invited to interview varies every year and differs across applicant groups

Bottom line: at Glasgow, UCAT matters a lot for getting an interview invite.

Glasgow interview format (2026 entry) 🎥🗣️

Glasgow uses a traditional panel interview (not an MMI), delivered online via Zoom.

Interview length & structure ⏱️

~30 minutes total, split into:

Panel A: “What being a doctor means” 🩺

This focuses on your understanding of medicine, insight into the role, and related healthcare themes.

Expect discussion around:

• Motivation and commitment

• Understanding the doctor’s role

• What you’ve learned from experiences

• Awareness of NHS realities and pressures

Panel B: “You as a future doctor” + Ethics 🧠⚖️

This explores your personal qualities, professional judgement, and includes an ethical scenario.

Ethics scenario (very Glasgow-specific):

• You are shown two short scenarios

• You choose one to discuss

• You get extra time to read it

• No writing is required

Who interviews you? 👥

Usually two interviewers.

What do they know about you? 🔍

Glasgow states interviewers have no prior knowledge of you other than your name.

So don’t rely on “as I said in my personal statement…”
Instead: explain your examples clearly and briefly.

Professionalism matters (a lot) 🚫📱

Glasgow asks applicants not to share interview content, not to record the interview, and to approach the process professionally.

When are Glasgow interviews held? 🗓️

For the 2026 entry cycle, interviews typically run from late November through March.

Glasgow generally gives around two weeks’ notice, and interview rescheduling is not usually offered—so keep winter months as flexible as you can.

What topics are assessed in the Glasgow interview 🧩

Think of Glasgow’s interview as assessing two big areas:

🔵 Panel A: Insight into medicine

• Why medicine (realistic, informed)

• Understanding the doctor’s role

• Learning from experience

• NHS awareness and pressures

🟢 Panel B: You as a future doctor

• Communication and empathy

• Teamwork and professionalism

• Resilience and reflection

• Ethical reasoning and safe judgement

🔴 Ethics scenario themes (common)

• Confidentiality

• Consent and capacity

• Patient safety

• Honesty and integrity

• Speaking up / raising concerns

• Professional boundaries

How many are interviewed — and how many get offers? 📈

Glasgow publishes admissions statistics. The latest published overall figures show:

Applications: 2001
Interviewed: 1128
Offers: 719
Intake: 341

That means a significant number of applicants do reach interview — but Glasgow remains very competitive, especially by applicant group.

How the UCAT is used at Glasgow (and why older “cut-offs” can mislead) 📊

Glasgow uses UCAT after screening to decide who is invited to interview.

Key points:

✅ UCAT is required
✅ Glasgow states it does not consider the SJT portion
✅ The UCAT invited-to-interview threshold changes each year
✅ UCAT structure changed (from 2025 testing onwards), so old thresholds aren’t always directly comparable

If you’re looking at UCAT thresholds online, treat them as context only, not a guaranteed target.

What is the interview scoring method? 🧾

Glasgow does not publish a full public mark scheme.

What you should assume (based on how structured panel interviews work) is that they score you on how well you demonstrate the core competencies through:

🔵 Clarity (you answer the question directly)
🟢 Insight (you understand medicine and the NHS realistically)
🟣 Reflection (you show learning and growth)
🔴 Professional judgement (safe, sensible thinking — especially in ethics)

When are offers released? 📬

Glasgow usually processes decisions on UCAS by the end of March, though it can extend into April.

Glasgow Medical School interview questions (2026 entry) 🧠

48 practice questions, grouped by what Glasgow actually assesses

Use these to practise out loud. Your goal isn’t perfect answers — it’s clear thinking, warmth, and professional judgement.

🔵 Motivation & understanding of being a doctor (Panel A)

1. Statement: You’ve spoken to a doctor who said the job is rewarding but emotionally tough.
   Question: Why does medicine still appeal to you?

2. Statement: Someone says “You’re good at science — why not biomedical science instead?”
   Question: Why medicine specifically?

3. Statement: You noticed doctors spend lots of time coordinating care, not just diagnosing.
   Question: What did you learn about the reality of the role?

4. Statement: A doctor works closely with nurses, pharmacists and physios.
   Question: What do you think a doctor contributes to the multidisciplinary team?

5. Statement: Your experience showed you that healthcare can be messy and unpredictable.
   Question: What have you learned about yourself from that?

6. Statement: A patient felt rushed and misunderstood.
   Question: Why is communication such a core part of good care?

7. Statement: You’ve committed to something long-term before.
   Question: How does that show readiness for medicine?

8. Statement: A friend thinks being a doctor is mainly about being clever.
   Question: What qualities matter just as much as academic ability?

🟢 NHS awareness & healthcare challenges (Panel A)

1. Statement: Waiting lists are often in the news.
   Question: What do you think are the biggest current pressures on the NHS?

2. Statement: A GP practice struggles with high demand.
   Question: Why is primary care so important?

3. Statement: A patient comes to A&E with something that could have been prevented earlier.
   Question: What does this suggest about prevention and access?

4. Statement: Someone posts vaccine misinformation online.
   Question: How should healthcare professionals respond?

5. Statement: Health outcomes vary by postcode.
   Question: What causes health inequalities?

6. Statement: Staff wellbeing affects patient care.
   Question: What does a good NHS workplace culture look like?

7. Statement: AI is increasingly used in healthcare.
   Question: What are the opportunities and risks?

8. Statement: You’re asked about “patient-centred care”.
   Question: What does that mean in practice?

🟦 Communication & empathy (Panel B)

1. Statement: A patient is anxious and overwhelmed by jargon.
   Question: How would you explain something complex simply?

2. Statement: A patient is angry about waiting and takes it out on you.
   Question: How would you respond calmly and safely?

3. Statement: Someone looks upset but says, “I’m fine.”
   Question: What would you do next?

4. Statement: You need to build rapport quickly.
   Question: How do you communicate well under pressure?

5. Statement: You’re supporting someone from a different background to you.
   Question: How do you keep your communication inclusive?

6. Statement: You’ve supported a friend through a difficult time.
   Question: Where do you draw the line between support and responsibility?

7. Statement: You receive feedback you disagree with.
   Question: How would you handle it professionally?

8. Statement: Someone says you’re not listening.
   Question: What does active listening look like in real life?

🟣 Teamwork & leadership (Panel B)

1. Statement: In a group project, one person contributes very little.
   Question: How would you handle this fairly?

2. Statement: Two teammates argue and it’s affecting performance.
   Question: What would you do?

3. Statement: A quiet teammate isn’t being heard.
   Question: How would you help the team include them?

4. Statement: You’re asked about leadership.
   Question: Describe a time you took initiative — what did you learn?

5. Statement: You disagree with someone more senior.
   Question: How do you challenge appropriately?

6. Statement: Someone makes a comment that could offend others.
   Question: What would you do?

7. Statement: Under pressure, teams can become blunt or dismissive.
   Question: How would you keep communication respectful?

8. Statement: You’re asked what makes a good healthcare team.
   Question: What behaviours improve patient safety?

🟠 Resilience, reflection & learning (Panel B)

1. Statement: You didn’t get the result you wanted.
   Question: What did you change afterwards?

2. Statement: You’re balancing UCAT, school, volunteering and life.
   Question: How do you manage workload and wellbeing?

3. Statement: You handled a situation badly once.
   Question: What did you learn and what would you do differently?

4. Statement: Medicine involves uncertainty.
   Question: How do you cope when you don’t have all the answers?

5. Statement: You’re struggling but don’t want to look weak.
   Question: When is it appropriate to ask for help?

6. Statement: You’re thrown into a new environment.
   Question: How would you settle in and build support?

7. Statement: You’ve had a stressful week and feel overwhelmed.
   Question: What practical steps help you reset?

8. Statement: Motivation can dip during long-term goals.
   Question: How do you stay consistent over months and years?

🔴 Ethics, integrity & professionalism (Panel B ethical scenario)

1. Statement: A 15-year-old wants medical advice but doesn’t want a parent told.
   Question: What factors would you consider?

2. Statement: A patient refuses a treatment you believe is important.
   Question: How do you respect autonomy while ensuring understanding?

3. Statement: A student posts a photo taken in a clinical area online.
   Question: What are the professionalism issues and what should happen next?

4. Statement: You realise you made an error.
   Question: What should you do and why?

5. Statement: A colleague seems unfit for work.
   Question: What should you do with patient safety in mind?

6. Statement: Two patients need one limited resource.
   Question: What ethical principles are relevant?

7. Statement: A family asks for information the patient doesn’t want shared.
   Question: How do you balance confidentiality and communication?

8. Statement: A patient’s capacity is unclear.
   Question: How would you approach decision-making safely?

Glasgow-specific questions (the ones you should definitely prep) 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Glasgow interviewers won’t have read your personal statement — so Glasgow-specific prep really helps you stand out.

🔵 Statement: Glasgow uses a spiral curriculum.
Question: Why does that approach suit you?

🟢 Statement: Glasgow offers early clinical exposure.
Question: How will you make the most of it?

🟣 Statement: You’ll learn across different settings (hospital + GP).
Question: What will you gain from both environments?

🔴 Statement: Glasgow includes electives and optional intercalation.
Question: How might you use those opportunities?

🔵 Statement: Glasgow is a big medical school with a busy clinical footprint.
Question: Why is Glasgow the right environment for you?

🟢 Statement: Student life and support networks matter in medicine.
Question: How would you contribute to the community while staying balanced?

Student comments (anecdotal) 💬

Here are the kinds of themes Glasgow students commonly mention:

🟢 Early patient contact keeps motivation high
🔵 Small-group teaching helps you find your people quickly
🟣 Self-directed learning is the big adjustment (you have to take ownership)
🔴 Wellbeing support is encouraged — asking for help early is seen as sensible, not weak
🔵 Medicine feels intense at times… but the peer support makes a real difference

(Always treat non-official student opinions as anecdotal — helpful for vibe, not for admissions rules.)

Top tips to smash the Glasgow interview 🚀

1. Be structured. Answer in this order:
   Answer → Why → Example → What you learned ✅

2. Don’t just list experiences — reflect on them.
   Admissions tutors love “I learned…” more than “I did…”

3. Practise ethical scenarios out loud.
   Use a simple framework: who’s affected, what info you need, what principles apply, when to escalate.

4. Remember: they haven’t read your PS.
   Give quick context: “In my volunteering role at X, I learned…”

5. Sound like a human.
   Warm + calm + clear beats over-polished every time.

6. Zoom basics = free marks.
   Camera at eye level, neutral background, stable internet, and look at the camera when answering.

7. Know Glasgow’s headline features.
   Spiral curriculum, early clinical exposure, placements across the West, electives/intercalation.

8. Don’t chase “leaked questions”.
   Glasgow is strict on confidentiality. Build skill, not scripts.

Relevant official links 🔗

University of Glasgow MBChB Medicine (A100) course page
https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/medicine/

University of Glasgow MBChB interviews page
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/medicine/mus/admissions/mbchbinterviews/

University of Glasgow UCAT guidance
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/medicine/mus/admissions/universityclinicalaptitudetestucat/

Undergraduate Medical School admissions hub (Glasgow)
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/medicine/mus/admissions/

MBChB Admissions Procedures (PDF)
https://www.gla.ac.uk/media/Media_1233235_smxx.pdf

MBChB Admissions Data / Statistics (PDF)
https://www.gla.ac.uk/media/Media_1233096_smxx.pdf

Medical Schools Council – Glasgow A100 listing
https://www.medschools.ac.uk/courses/mbchb-medicine-a100-3/

UCAT Consortium (official)
https://www.ucat.ac.uk/