University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Medical School Interview Questions (2026 Entry)
Key facts at a glance
School Established: 2015 (first MBBS cohort). Now ~800 students across years 1–5.
Curriculum: Integrated spiral MBBS with early patient contact from Year 1. Spiral themes run through all years.
Locations: Based at Preston campus (years 1–2), with clinical years at Burnley and Westlakes campuses.
Places: About 50 UK-funded places (open to North West applicants only) plus international places.
Admission Process: Academic grades, UCAT, personal statement and reference are all scored. UCAT score and a threshold (set each year) determine who is invited.
Interview Format: Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) with ~6–10 short stations. Interviews are in-person (Preston) between Dec and Apr.
Scoring: Each station is scored by interviewers; candidates are ranked by total MMI score. Offers go to the highest-ranked candidates (some top candidates may get very early offers).
Offers: Decisions are based on interview ranking. A few early offers may go out, with most offers a few weeks after each interview. Official timings vary.
Introduction to UCLan Medical School 🏥
The UCLan School of Medicine (Preston, Lancashire) is relatively new – it opened in 2015 with a small first intake. Since then, it has grown to around 800 medical students. The school emphasises early patient contact – you’ll see patients from Year 1 – and a spiral, problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum. Students spend their first two years at Preston learning core science and clinical skills in modern facilities, and the final years on clinical placements in Burnley or Cumbria. UCLan’s MBBS programme is GMC-accredited, ranked highly for student support, and aims to train doctors to serve the North West community. (UCLan only accepts UK applicants from the North West region to grow the local workforce.)
How candidates are selected for an interview 🎯
UCLan screens all applications for minimum academic requirements first. Eligible candidates are then scored on academic grades and non-academic factors. For UK applicants, a high UCAT score is essential: UCLan sets a competitive UCAT threshold each cycle and “the UCAT score will help us decide who is offered an interview”. In practice, students with top UCAT results (and strong predicted grades) are much more likely to be shortlisted. In addition, UCLan places weight on your personal statement and reference. Admissions staff explicitly score your personal statement and referee’s comments (on commitment to medicine, resilience, communication, teamwork, etc.) to rank applicants. In summary, UCLan invites a select group to interview by combining academic performance, UCAT, personal statement, and reference.
Interview format, structure and timing ⏰
UCLan interviews use the Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) format. This means you’ll rotate through a series of short stations, each testing a different scenario or skill. Typically, there are 6–10 MMI stations (in recent cycles, around 8). Stations usually last ~5–7 minutes, with a brief reading or preparation time beforehand. Interview days are held in-person (on campus in Preston) from December through April, depending on your application cycle. For most UK applicants, the interview is on campus, though UCLan may offer overseas interview centres for international students. There is no online interview option for A100 Medicine – UCLan’s MMI is face-to-face.
Each MMI station typically has one interviewer (or an actor in role-play stations) who will score your performance. Expect tasks such as discussing a scenario, analysing data, or participating in a communication role-play. The stations sample competencies such as ethics reasoning, teamwork, problem-solving and communication. (Many candidates report that UCLan also includes at least one station with a live maths or data task, reflecting its emphasis on practical skills.)
After you complete all stations, your answers are scored by interviewers on set criteria. Candidates are then ranked by total MMI score, and offers are made to the highest-ranked applicants until spots are filled. UCLan notes that a few top-scoring students may receive early offers before the full ranking is completed. You cannot get an offer without attending an interview.
Interview scoring
MMI stations are usually marked on a numeric scale (often up to 10 per station) with rubrics for each assessed skill. Your scores from all stations are added up to give a final total. While UCLan doesn’t publish exact cutoffs, the higher your overall MMI score, the better your chance of an offer. Officially, offer decisions are made solely on interview performance, ranking candidates by those scores.
When are interviews and offers released? 📅
Invitations are typically sent at least a couple of weeks before the interview date. Interviews run from December to April each year. After interviewing, UCLan usually sends offers a few weeks later, once all interviews in that round are complete and scores are finalised. (Anecdotally, students report offers around 2–3 weeks post-interview, but this can vary.) Officially, UCLan states that a small number of early offers may be made during the cycle, but most offers are made after ranking the full cohort. If you succeed, expect to hear within a month of your interview at the latest.
Topics covered in the interview 🔍
According to UCLan guidance and student reports, interview stations cover the key qualities of a future doctor. Core topics include:
Motivation and Insight: Why do you want to study medicine, and why at UCLan specifically? Be prepared to discuss your commitment, experiences in healthcare (e.g. caring roles or shadowing), and what you have learned about the medical profession. (UCLan values applicants who understand the realities of being a doctor and can reflect on their experiences.)
Communication & Empathy: Scenarios might involve communicating with patients or relatives under stress. For example, you might have to explain a plan to someone upset or adapt communication for someone with special needs. Showing empathy and clarity is key.
Teamwork & Leadership: Medicine is a team-based discipline. You may face scenarios where team roles or conflicts arise (e.g. a group project member not pulling their weight). Expect questions about how you’ve worked in teams, or how you would handle disagreements and leadership challenges. UCLan’s PBL approach also tests your ability to collaborate.
Ethics & Professionalism: Be ready for medical ethics scenarios. Questions could involve consent, breaches of confidentiality, professional duty vs patient autonomy, or how to handle unprofessional behaviour you witness. Think of GMC guidelines (such as confidentiality, honesty, and respect for autonomy).
Problem-Solving & Data: Some stations may include reasoning or numeracy. For instance, you could be given a task list to prioritise or basic calculations (such as dosage computations or interpreting simple charts/statistics). UCLan interviews are said to sometimes include a short maths or data station, so brush up on arithmetic and logical reasoning.
Resilience & Reflection: Interviewers like to see that you learn from setbacks. You might be asked to describe a time you faced a challenge (e.g. a low test score or a demanding schedule) and how you bounced back. UCLan also uses a transferable skills statement, so expect questions on skills gained outside academics (team sports, jobs, volunteering).
Understanding of UCLan-specific curriculum: Since UCLan uses Problem-Based Learning, you may be asked how you feel about that style of learning (self-study in small groups). You might also be asked why UCLan’s early patient contact and North-West focus appeal to you.
Each station will present a brief statement or scenario, followed by a question. Practice these formats to prepare.
Student Tip: The Medical Schools Council notes that interviews “aren’t just about testing your knowledge” – they want to see how you think and behave. Focus on clear communication, genuine motivation, and professional judgment.
Example Interview Questions (by topic) 📝
Motivation & Insight
Statement: You spent a week shadowing in a GP surgery and saw doctors managing chronic conditions. Question: What did this experience teach you about the realities of being a doctor, and how has it affected your decision to pursue medicine?
Statement: You visited a hospital ward and observed staff talking with patients. Question: What qualities did the doctors and nurses show, and why do these qualities matter in medicine?
Statement: You care for an elderly relative at home, helping them with daily tasks. Question: What does this caring experience teach you about the role of a doctor, and what have you learned about yourself?
Statement: UCLan emphasises early patient contact from Year 1. Question: Why do you think early clinical experience is valuable, and how will you benefit from learning in that way?
Statement: You hear that medicine involves long hours and stress. Question: What motivates you to become a doctor despite these challenges, and how will you maintain your well-being?
Communication & Empathy
Statement: A patient’s relative is very upset about a delay in care. Question: How would you communicate with them to address their concerns while remaining calm and professional?
Statement: You have a patient who speaks very little English. Question: What steps would you take to ensure they understand their treatment plan?
Statement: A friend of a patient posted about their treatment on social media. Question: What are the confidentiality and professional issues here, and what should you do?
Statement: In an MMI role-play, the actor is an anxious patient. Question: (No statement given; this is a role-play scenario.) Role-play: Reassure the patient about their upcoming procedure.
Teamwork & Leadership
Statement: In a school project team, one member was ignoring deadlines and tasks. Question: How would you address this problem and keep the group on track?
Statement: During a hospital placement, you notice two nurses arguing about a patient’s care. Question: As a student team member, how could you help the situation constructively?
Statement: You led a charity event at college, but the turnout was low. Question: What did you learn about leadership and teamwork from that experience?
Statement: One student in your PBL group is dominating the discussion. Question: How would you ensure everyone in the group can contribute their ideas?
Ethics & Professionalism
Statement: A competent 17-year-old patient asks you to keep a medical issue confidential from their parents. Question: How do you balance patient confidentiality with parental involvement?
Statement: You see a colleague being rude to a patient. Question: What professional values come into play, and how should you respond?
Statement: A patient refuses a life-saving operation due to fear. Question: How would you explore their reasons, respect their autonomy, and ensure they have all the information?
Statement: You notice a data breach at a clinic where patient files were accessible to unauthorised staff. Question: What ethical and legal steps should be taken to handle this?
Problem-Solving & Data Interpretation
Statement: You have a clinic task list: (1) check vitals for 4 patients, (2) write up discharge summary for a stable patient, (3) see a new emergency patient, (4) administer vaccinations. Question: In what order would you do these tasks and why?
Statement: A chart shows that 15% of patients missed appointments last month, dropping to 12% this month. Question: Calculate the absolute and relative reduction, and suggest one reason for this change.
Statement: The dose of a drug is 10mg/kg. A child patient weighs 22 kg. Question: What is the required dose, and how would you check it for safety?
Statement: You are given five clinic duties on a whiteboard and a limited time. Question: How do you prioritise them logically (e.g. triaging patients)?
Resilience & Reflection
Statement: You failed an important science exam unexpectedly. Question: What steps did you take to understand why and improve before re-testing?
Statement: Balancing A-levels, work, and volunteering has been very stressful. Question: How do you manage your well-being and time under pressure?
Statement: You prepared extensively for an interview, but it went poorly. Question: How would you reflect on that experience and move forward?
Statement: Describe one transferable skill (from sports, music, club, etc.) that you have developed, and explain why it will help you in medical school.
Personal & Transferable Skills
Statement: You work part-time in retail and often handle frustrated customers. Question: What has this taught you about communication and empathy in stressful situations?
Statement: You organised a fundraising event at school. Question: What challenges did you overcome, and what does this show about your initiative and organisational skills?
Statement: You got specific feedback from a tutor that you needed to improve your presentation skills. Question: How did you take that feedback on board, and what did you do to improve?
Questions Specific to UCLan Medical School 🔵
Statement: UCLan teaches medicine with Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Question: Why do you think this style of learning could suit you, and how would you contribute to a PBL group?
Statement: UCLan emphasises local healthcare (Lancashire/Cumbria). Question: What do you know about health needs in this region, and how do you see yourself helping the local community in the future?
Statement: UCLan promises early patient contact. Question: What will you gain from interacting with patients so early on, and what responsibilities do you think this entails for a first-year medical student?
Statement: Lancashire University values social accountability and widening participation. Question: How might your background or experiences reflect UCLan’s mission to train a diverse healthcare workforce?
Statement: UCLan offers intercalated research options and international electives. Question: How would you take advantage of these opportunities if accepted?
Student comments (anecdotal) 💬
Many applicants report that preparation is key. For example, ex-students advise: “Practice common scenarios and ethics questions, and use mock interviews to build confidence.”
UCLan interviewees often mention being pleasantly surprised by the friendly atmosphere. The student rep on TSR suggests reading the interview guidelines exactly as they were emailed to you.
Don’t be tempted to listen in on other candidates during breaks – focus on staying relaxed and thinking ahead. (Students say interview days are tiring, so rest your mind during any downtime.)
If one station doesn’t go well, it’s not the end of the world. Each station is independent – the next interviewer won’t know how you did before.
Top tips to ace your UCLan interview 💡
Know UCLan: Read the official applicant guides. Be ready to explain why UCLan’s PBL curriculum and early patient contact excite you, and what you know about serving the NW healthcare community.
Prepare SMASH Answers: Use the SMASH or STAR format (Structure your answer, give Examples, Summarise). Practice speaking clearly and concisely. Sixth-formers find bullet-point plans help keep answers on track.
Understand GMC Duties: Review the GMC’s core values (confidentiality, consent, professionalism, etc.) so you can apply them to scenarios. Being familiar with terms such as “autonomy” and “capacity” builds confidence in ethical questions.
Practice Scenario Role-Plays: Do mock interviews with a friend or teacher, including role-plays. Focus on your body language and empathy. As UCLan interviewers look for team players, show active listening and teamwork even in Q&A stations.
Brush Up on Current Issues: Read a bit about UK healthcare news or common bioethics debates (e.g. vaccination, NHS funding). While UCLan stations focus on interpersonal skills, having general awareness can help in discussion stations.
Stay Calm and Yourself: Interviewers want genuine candidates. Be honest about what you know/don’t know. If you need a moment at a station, it’s fine to pause and collect your thoughts.
Logistics: Plan travel to Preston (if you haven’t been), arrive early, and dress professionally. Bring anything requested (ID, stationery). Being well-prepared logistically lets you focus on the interview itself.
The key to success is confidence in your own experiences and clarity about why medicine and UCLan are right for you. Good luck!
🎯 Key takeaways
UCLan interviews are MMIs (6–10 stations, in-person, Dec–Apr).
Shortlisting uses a high UCAT cut-off, along with academic and personal statement scores.
Topics include motivation, communication, ethics, teamwork, problem-solving, plus UCLan-specific questions (e.g., PBL learning, the NHS in the NW).
Offers are based solely on interview ranking. Performance in all stations matters.
Prepare with example questions by topic and follow UCLan’s official guidance carefully. Show genuine interest in the course and clear, structured answers.
Relevant links: University of Central Lancashire official pages and trusted resources:
