Plymouth Medical School Interview Questions (2026 Entry): Complete Guide
Introduction
Plymouth’s Peninsula Medical School (A100 BMBS) employs a structured, values-based selection process that utilises Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). This guide pulls together what Plymouth itself says about interviews and UCAT shortlisting, adds recent statistics, and finishes with a large bank of Plymouth‑style practice stations. All official facts below reference the University of Plymouth website unless stated.
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How Plymouth decides who to invite to interview (including UCAT cut‑offs)
Shortlisting approach (official):
Plymouth considers relevant academic qualifications and UCAT when selecting for interview. Personal statements and work experience are not used to shortlist. The Admissions Advisory Panel may consider all aspects of UCAT when shortlisting.
Plymouth has historically not included the UCAT SJT band in the interview threshold methodology (though policies are reviewed annually).
UCAT cut‑off thresholds (official historical data published by Plymouth):
2018: 2400
2019: 2330
2020: 2290
2021: 2400
2022: 2610
2023: 2680 (International: 2440; UKWPMED: 2330)
2024: 2210 (International: 2600; UKWPMED: 2210)
Plymouth confirms that the coming year’s cut-off cannot be set until all applications have been assessed.
Important for 2026 entry: UCAT has changed for 2025 testing (used for 2026 entry). The cognitive total is now out of 2700 (Abstract Reasoning removed). Do not compare past Plymouth cut‑offs (out of 3600) directly with 2025 scores—use percentiles/deciles as the fairest guide and follow Plymouth’s updates.
What is Plymouth’s interview style?
Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)
Structure: Plymouth states that interviews follow an MMI format. Candidates are assessed across five stations by four interviewers, and the circuit takes ~55 minutes. It is not a test of medical or scientific knowledge; stations target values and judgment. Scoring uses a numerical scale plus a “red‑flag” safety check.
Qualities assessed: communication, decision‑making, understanding the impact of illness, reflection and self‑insight, motivation & commitment, integrity & inclusivity, resilience & adaptability, teamwork—aligned with NHS values.
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How are Plymouth interviews run for 2026 entry?
Plymouth confirms the MMI format. The most recent cycle information on university pages indicates that online interviews via Zoom will be conducted for the 2024 admissions cycle. For each new cycle, Plymouth confirms details in the invitation. Expect an MMI; check your invitation to determine whether yours is online or on campus.
When are Plymouth medicine interviews held?
Plymouth’s FAQ states: “Interviews typically take place between December and February.”
In the last cycle, applicants reported invite emails arriving in late December with interviews running into late January/early February (indicative only; not an official timetable).
How many applicants are interviewed, and how many receive offers?
Plymouth publishes 2024 cycle figures (Home/overall):
Places: 167
Applications: 931
Interviewed: 679
Offers made: 419
That equates to ~73% of applicants interviewed (679/931) and 62% of interviewed candidates offered a position (419/679), for an overall offer rate of ~45% (419/931). (Calculated from Plymouth’s published figures.)
What topics are covered?
Plymouth emphasises values, judgement and communication, not factual medical knowledge. Expect stations that explore the qualities listed above (e.g., communication, ethics & professionalism, teamwork, resilience, reflection, motivation for medicine), often via scenarios/role play.
Example Plymouth‑style MMI stations & questions (extensive practice set)
These are practice prompts modelled on Plymouth’s values‑based MMI approach and common UK MMI themes. Use them to practice structured, time‑boxed responses.
1) Ethics & professionalism
A junior colleague posts an unprofessional photo from a ward on social media. What do you do and why?
Should doctors ever breach confidentiality? Discuss a case where this may be justified.
A patient refuses a blood transfusion for religious reasons. Explain your approach.
The ward is short‑staffed; a nurse asks you to carry out a task beyond your competence. Respond.
2) Communication & empathy (role‑play)
Break the news to a patient that their clinic appointment has been delayed again due to the backlog.
An angry relative says, “No one is listening.” Show how you handle this.
A colleague made a medication error and is distressed. Support them, ensuring candour and safety.
3) Decision‑making & prioritisation
Four patients arrive at A&E simultaneously with limited resources. Who do you see first? Justify.
You must allocate a single ICU bed between two patients with different prognoses. Discuss your framework.
Your study group must choose between two outreach projects; walk through a fair process.
4) Teamwork & leadership
You chair a student society meeting with conflicting views. Facilitate agreement.
Reflect on a time you took feedback badly. What did you change? (Use STARR: Situation‑Task‑Action‑Result‑Reflection.)
You observe microaggressions towards a peer on placement. What would you do?
5) Reflective practice & resilience
“Tell me about a setback and what you learned.” Focus on insight over outcome.
How will you look after your mental wellbeing at medical school?
What do professional boundaries mean for a medical student?
6) Data interpretation & numeracy (MMI‑appropriate)
Explain a simple risk/benefit infographic on vaccination to a non‑scientist.
A bar chart shows rising obesity prevalence; suggest two plausible public‑health interventions and how you’d evaluate impact.
7) NHS, health policy & current issues
What principles underpin the NHS? How do they influence prioritisation?
Should physician associates expand their scope of practice? Consider patient safety and team dynamics.
How should the NHS reduce waiting lists while protecting training quality?
8) Motivation & “Why Plymouth?”
What attracts you to Plymouth’s course and clinical placements? Map features to your learning style. (Do your homework on curriculum/placements.)
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When are offers released?
Plymouth confirms offers are made via UCAS after interviews; exact timing varies by cycle.
General applicant‑facing timelines show decisions flowing after the interview window; UCAS reply deadlines then follow in late spring.
In a recent cycle, applicants reported invites in late December with interviews through late Jan/early Feb, after which offers followed (indicative, not official).
Student comments (what applicants say)
These are brief, third‑party applicant insights—useful colour, but not policy:
“Ethics‑heavy MMI with short stations.” (Earlier cycles; applicant perspective.)
“If a station goes badly, reset for the next—each is scored independently.” (MMI principle noted by applicants in dentistry threads, too.)
“Interviews online via Zoom this cycle?” (Applicant discussion confirming online delivery in recent cycles; always check your invite.)
For the official interview format and timing, please refer to Plymouth’s website and your invitation email.
Key facts at a glance (official)
Shortlisting: Academics + UCAT; personal statement/work experience not used for interview selection.
UCAT: Threshold varies annually; historic cut‑offs 2018–2024 published by Plymouth; SJT not included in threshold methodology.
Interview style: MMI, ~5 stations, ~55 minutes, values‑based; red‑flag element.
Interview window: December–February (typical).
Recent cycle stats (2024): 931 apps; 679 interviewed; 419 offers; 167 places.
Top tips for your Plymouth interview
Answer to values. Map your response to Plymouth’s assessed attributes (communication, reflection, integrity, teamwork, resilience). Make that mapping explicit.
Structure under time. Use STARR (Situation‑Task‑Action‑Result‑Reflection) for reflection/experience and SPIES (Seek info–Patient safety–Initiative–Escalate–Support) for professionalism scenarios.
Signal insight, not perfection. It’s “not a test of medical knowledge.” Explain your reasoning and show teachability.
Practise role‑plays. Work on empathy, signposting, summarising and safety‑netting.
Know the NHS basics: NHS constitution principles, capacity/consent, confidentiality, candour, and safeguarding.
Prep “Why Plymouth?” Link course features and placements to the South West clinical context to meet your learning needs.
Simulate the format. Five timed stations with changing assessors require a rapid reset.
If online: test lighting, eye line, mic, and background; keep notes minimal and focus on rapport (recent cycles have been online).
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FAQs
Does Plymouth use the UCAT SJT for shortlisting?
Plymouth states it does not currently include SJT banding in the UCAT threshold methodology for interview selection (policy reviewed annually).
What UCAT score is required for 2026 entry?
The threshold is set after all applications are assessed. Plymouth publishes historical cut‑offs (2018–2024). Remember, 2025 UCAT scores are out of 2700—compare by percentiles, not raw totals.
How many stations does Plymouth’s MMI have?
Plymouth’s selection page describes five stations assessed by four interviewers over ~55 minutes.
When are interviews and offers?
Interviews are typically Dec–Feb; offers follow via UCAS afterwards (timing varies by cycle).
How competitive is Plymouth?
In 2024, Plymouth received 931 applications, conducted 679 interviews, made 419 offers, and filled 167 places. That’s ~73% of those interviewed and ~62% of offers made to those interviewed.
Can I apply with GAMSAT?
Yes—Plymouth accepts GAMSAT as an alternative route and publishes example thresholds from recent cycles on its entry requirements page.
Final word
Plymouth publishes unusually clear information on its interview method, dates and prior UCAT thresholds—use it. Prepare to demonstrate values and judgment across short, timed MMI stations, and frame your UCAT in percentiles for 2026 entry.
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