University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Medical School Interview Questions (2026 Entry)
Introduction
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)—recently rebranded publicly as the University of Lancashire—runs a competitive MBBS selection process with Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) at its core. This up-to-date guide explains how invitations are made, what to expect on interview day for 2026 entry, and how to prepare, with example station prompts and student insights.
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How UCLan decides who to call for an interview
UCLan lists a clear, staged process:
Initial application assessment against academic and non-academic criteria.
Interview selection based on a scored personal statement and academic reference.
For UK applicants, UCAT is considered with a cycle-dependent threshold (set after scores are known each year). Thresholds aren’t pre-announced.
International applicants can apply via UCAS or directly to the university and are encouraged to apply early (applications accepted year-round via the portal).
How UCLan interviews for 2026 entry
UCLan uses a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. Interviews usually take place from December to April and are typically held in person at Preston, often with an optional facilities tour as part of the interview day. After MMIs are finished, candidates are ranked by station scores, and offers are made in rank order; a small number of early offers may be made to top performers.
UCLan’s own student advice pieces also focus specifically on MMI preparation, reinforcing that this is the standard format for medicine at the university. What is the interview style?
Multiple Mini Interview (MMI): short, timed stations assessing different attributes (communication, ethics, teamwork, professional values, etc.). UCLan publishes tips and talks openly about MMIs, and even awards an MBBS Excellence Scholarship to top international performers in the MMI. While the exact number/length of stations can vary by cycle, you should prepare for a typical UK medical school MMI.
Key takeaways about style at UCLan:
MMI, not a single panel interview.
Stations target attributes aligned to GMC outcomes (communication, decision-making, integrity), explored through tasks, scenarios and role-play.
When are medicine interviews held?
December through April in most cycles. International interviews may also be conducted in selected overseas locations.
What topics are covered in a UCLan medical interview?
Based on UCLan’s own guidance and typical UK medical MMIs, expect:
Communication & empathy: breaking bad news, active listening, non-verbal skills.
Ethics & professionalism: consent, confidentiality, capacity, distributive justice, professionalism online.
Teamwork & leadership: working with others, dealing with conflict.
Motivation & insight: why medicine, why UCLan, resilience, reflection on experiences.
Data handling & problem-solving: interpreting a simple chart, explaining findings to a layperson.
Values & NHS awareness: person-centred care, equality/diversity, safeguarding awareness.
How many applicants receive an interview, and how many receive an offer?
UCLan does not routinely publish cycle-by-cycle interview and offer counts for MBBS in public brochures. Public information confirms that UK places are limited, and offers are made solely on interview performance once candidates are ranked. FOI requests about interview/offer volumes exist (suggesting numbers vary year-to-year and aren’t centrally published for applicants). Still, the university’s official guidance focuses on ranked MMI performance and capacity-limited places.
What you can rely on:
UK MBBS places are limited.
Offers are based on interview performance (rank order after MMIs).
When are offers released?
After MMIs conclude and candidates are ranked, offers are issued in rank order; a small number of early offers can go to very high performers. Timelines vary (and depend on the interview volume), but MMIs run from December to April, so most offers typically follow in that window and shortly thereafter. UCLan representatives on student forums also note that outcomes are communicated “as soon as possible,” which may vary depending on course demand.
Extensive example MMI stations & questions (UCLan-style)
These are realistic, UCLan-style practice prompts based on the school’s stated competencies and common UK MMI themes. They are not the university’s actual questions.
Communication & Empathy
A parent is upset that their child’s appointment was delayed by two hours. Demonstrate empathy, de-escalation, and clear explanation.
A patient with new type 2 diabetes asks, “Can I just stop sugar and skip all medicines?” Explain risks/benefits without jargon.
Ethics & Professionalism
You’re a Year 1 student invited to view a friend’s patient record “just out of curiosity.” Discuss confidentiality, legality, and professional boundaries.
A patient refuses a blood transfusion for religious reasons. Explore consent, capacity, and respect for autonomy.
Teamwork & Leadership
Role-play: two students clash over dividing tasks during a community project. Mediate and propose a collaborative plan.
Reflect on a time you received constructive feedback and what you changed.
Data Handling & Problem-Solving
Interpret a bar chart showing vaccination uptake across regions and explain two public-health implications to a layperson.
A triage poster shows symptoms and red flags for sepsis. Identify key messages and how you’d communicate them to a worried family member.
Motivation & Insight
Why medicine, and why UCLan/University of Lancashire? Refer to the curriculum approach, early patient contact, and location factors.
Tell us about a meaningful patient-facing experience (paid or voluntary). What did you learn and how did you reflect?
NHS Awareness & Values
The ward is short-staffed. Should medical students help beyond their competence? Balance safety, supervision, and duty of candour.
Discuss how you’d support a peer who is struggling with mental health while on placement.
Situational Judgement (Professionalism)
You witness a student colleague posting patient details on social media. Next steps? Who to escalate to?
Role-play with an Actor
A relative is angry after a miscommunication about discharge. Show structure (acknowledge, apologise where appropriate, explain, plan).
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Top tips for the UCLan interview
Master the basics of the MMI technique. UCLan’s own student advice highlights the importance of preparation, practice under time pressure, and reflecting on experiences—align your preparation accordingly.
Know the selection logic. For UK applicants, UCAT matters for interview shortlisting; there’s no published fixed cut-off, as thresholds depend on that year’s cohort.
Expect values-based assessment. UCLan explicitly ranks candidates by MMI performance and offers to the highest scorers; practice verbalising decisions and reflections clearly.
Prepare for in-person logistics. If you’re at Preston, plan your travel, arrive early, and utilise any available facilities to show enthusiasm and ask thoughtful questions.
Reflect, don’t just recount. Their personal-statement guidance values reflection and insight over lists of activities—mirror that style in your MMI answers.
Student comments & insights (publicly available)
UCLan ambassador comments consistently reassure applicants that interview guidance is sent by email and that outcomes are communicated as soon as feasible—so watch your inbox and don’t panic if peers hear sooner.
Current UCLan medicine students publish MMI tip articles via the university’s site (e.g., Dean’s “Top 6 tips” and Zeiad’s advice), emphasising practical MMI preparation and calm, structured communication.
Key facts at a glance (for 2026 entry)
Format: Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). Offers based on interview performance only (rank order).
Window: Interviews December–April (most cycles).
Shortlisting (UK): UCAT considered; cycle-specific threshold; personal statement and reference scored.
Capacity: Limited UK places; scholarships available (four named places & additional awards; separate MMI-excellence scholarship for international students).
Brand note: Public branding now uses “University of Lancashire”; course pages still reference UCLan.
FAQs
Does the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) use MMI or panel interviews?
MMI. UCLan’s guidance and student resources focus on MMIs for medicine.
When are invites and interviews?
Interviews typically run Dec–Apr. Invites roll out across that period, depending on volume.
How are offers decided?
Ranked MMI performance. A small number of early offers may be made to the very top performers; otherwise, offers follow after the interview window.
Is there a UCAT cut-off?
For UK applicants, the UCAT is considered for shortlisting, but no fixed cut-off is published; thresholds vary by cycle.
Do international applicants need UCAT?
The public guidance emphasises UCAT for UK applicants; international applicants can apply via UCAS or directly and should apply early.
How many get interviewed/offered a place each year?
UCLan doesn’t routinely publish exact counts. We know that UK places are limited , and offers follow the interview ranking. FOI requests on volumes exist, but figures vary by year.
Where are interviews held? Online or in person?
Usually in person at Preston, with the possibility of overseas interviews for some international applicants.
What should I wear/bring?
Smart, professional attire; please bring the required ID as instructed in your invitation email; arrive early. (UCLan sends detailed instructions with invitations.)
Final prep checklist
Build a concise, reflective “Why medicine/why UCLan” narrative.
Practise timed answers for station-length MMIs.
Rehearse role-plays: empathy, breaking bad news, and difficult conversations.
Review ethics frameworks (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice) and capacity/consent basics.
For UK applicants: sit UCAT in time; understand that shortlisting uses UCAT + PS/reference scoring.
For expert, school-specific practice, join our Medical School Interview Course and MMI Mock Circuits(live role-plays + feedback):
https://bluepeanut.com/medical-school-interview • https://bluepeanut.com/mmi-courses
