Aston University Medicine Interview Questions
This article was updated in December 2023 with the latest information, and we will continue to regularly update it!
Aston Medical School is one of the newest medical schools, which opened in 2018. Despite its young age, it has completed the rigorous GMC approval process and the teaching at Aston is undoubtedly of excellent quality.
In this guide, we provide an expert insight into past Aston MMI stations, the Aston University Medicine interview day and tips for converting your Aston University Medical School interview into an offer!
To learn about the Aston University Medicine interview from the university itself, have a look at their Official Page for Medicine Applicants:
How Is Aston Interviewing for 2024 Entry?
What is the Aston Medicine Interview style?
For 2023/24 entry, Aston University will be conducting interviews online. This will involve 8 MMI stations that aim to test these attributes:
- Good Oral and written communication
- Good listener
- Empathetic, compassionate, respectful
- Having high emotional intelligence
- Keen to solve problems
- Motivated
- Great at team work
- Being able to lead as well as follow
- Knowing your limitations and knowing when to ask for help.
What are the Aston University MMI Dates?
Aston University Medicine interview invitations are sent out from November to January. The MMIs normally take place between December and March in your year of application. Applicants who rank high enough to be called for interview will receive an invitation with a number of dates to select from.
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What are the common topics covered at the Aston Medical School interview?
- Understanding of studying and practising Medicine
- Motivation
- Verbal communication
- Listening skills
- Understanding of teamwork
- Understanding of leadership skills
- Understanding of compassion, respect and dignity
- Problem-solving
How many people interviewed at Aston?
In 2020/21, Aston University Medical School interviewed 441 students.
How many interviewed applicants received an offer from Aston?
Home Students: In 2021/22, after 202 interviews 152 offers were made.
International Students: In 2021/22, after 78 interviews, a total of 59 offers were made.
This means that you have as much as a 76% chance of getting in, once you’ve received an interview invitation from Aston!
For more information about the Aston MMI and Medical School, check out our guide on Aston Medical School.
At Medic Mind we’ve helped many students secure offers from Aston . You can book a realistic Zoom 1-1 Aston Mock with an Aston Tutor!
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List of Recent Aston Medicine Interview Topics
| Theme | Aston Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Motivation for Medicine | Why Medicine? |
| Work Experience | What you saw What you learn NHS Values |
| Communication & Role-Play | Empathy May be asked follow up questions Actor could be playing any role e.g. medical student, doctor, member of public etc. Show communication skills Ability to adapt to a situation |
| Personality & Skills | Ability to handle stress Ways of relaxing outside of studies Qualities which make you suited to Medicine |
| NHS Hot Topics | Some knowledge could be useful if you can apply it to other questions, but no direct questions asked |
| Medical Ethics | 4 pillars GMC good medical practise domains Understanding of what is expected of healthcare professionals |
If you wish to practice Aston University Medical School interview mocks, here are some sample questions:
- How would you handle this situation: your friend is telling you that he is upset because one of your mutual friends has stopped talking to him.
- A fellow medical student has been struggling a lot at home, and this has let to them smoking cannabis to relieve their stress.
Speak to them about their situation.
- Why do you think Medicine is the right degree for you?
- Why do the NHS values resonate with you?
- When have you seen someone displaying the NHS values?
- A medical student has cheated on his final exam.
What would you do?
- Discuss your thoughts on what should be done when a doctor makes a mistake.
To learn more about the course and how things work at Aston, have a look at their Official Course Page for Medicine.
You may wish to check out our video on approaching MMI role plays:
Insider Guide: Aston Medicine Interview Day
What is the dress code for Aston University Medicine MMI?
It’s always good to wear something smart but comfortable, what you would expect a junior doctor to wear.
Do I need medical knowledge for the Aston University Medical School Interview?
The Aston University Medical School MMIs do not test medical knowledge and are written at a level that takes into account the the average age and experience of applicants.
Where can I take the Aston Medicine interview if I don’t have somewhere suitable?
Aston Medical School is aware not all candidates may have an appropriate space to take the MMI online such as somewhere that is quiet or they may not have the necessary equipment. Aston will work with these candidates to help find them a suitable alternative, Covid-safe space.
What were the Aston University MMI interviewers like?
The examiners varied, with some rarely smiling or showing much emotion while you were answering the questions, and some who were very friendly when greeting you and sometimes smiled when you gave a correct answer.
Only a couple of the stations were manned by an emotionless interviewer, but this is usually to see how you cope under pressure, so don’t let it put you off!
Did the Aston MMI interviewers ask a lot of follow up questions?
The examiners had a set list of initial questions, which often finished before the time, so each station averaged between 1 and 5 follow up questions.
The follow up questions themselves varied depending on the nature of the station.
For example if the station was focused more on you and your character, the follow up questions were based on your answers. If the station was more focused on your response to a scenario, however, the interviewer already has a generic predetermined list of questions from which they would choose several to ask you before the time was up.
How long is the actual Aston Medicine interview?
There were 8 stations and each one was 8 minutes long (including the 1 minute of reading time between stations), so the Aston interview itself lasted for just over an hour.
How long did it take you to hear back after your Aston Medical School interview?
I heard back almost three months after the interview, but this varies between candidates.
They tell you on the day of the Aston interview to give them until the middle of May to let you know whether you have been offered a place or not.
Top Tips for the Aston Medicine Interview
1. Read GMC’s Good Medical Practice.
The interviewers at the Aston University MMI will expect you to have good knowledge of some of the main guidelines, so that you know what would be expected of you as a doctor.
2. Read the NHS values.
Make sure your knowledge is good enough for you to be able to discuss these values and you should also understand why they are so important.
Maybe think about how or why they align with your own values, and try to showcase this to the examiners.
3. Discuss ethical scenarios.
You can do this with people you know, or just think about it in your head.
Make sure that you work on thinking about both sides of an argument, rather than only speaking from one point of view. Examiners will want to see that you think about the bigger picture before trying to come to any conclusions. Here are some example answers for ethics questions, to help get you started: https://www.medicmind.co.uk/medicine-ucas-guide/model-answers-medical-ethics/ – UCAT SJT practise questions are also a great place to start!
4. Reflect on your work experience.
Make sure you have a good set of points to speak about regarding what you learned from your work experience. The examiners will want to see that the experience was worthwhile for you when you were deciding to apply to Medicine, and that you will be able to apply what you found to your life in the future.
5. Think about your answer for ‘Why Medicine?’.
This is quite a generic question but it can actually be quite difficult to answer. Make it personal, because the examiner wants to get to know you!
To make things a little easier, here are some of our best tips for questions like these: https://www.medicmind.co.uk/medicine-ucas-guide/model-answers-motivation-for-medicine/
Covid – 2024 Changes for Aston Medicine Interview
Is the Aston University Medicine interview different this year?
The Aston Medical School interview will be carried out online for 2023/24 entry, but the university has not yet updated their website with more information.
For some online interview guidance, have a look at this helpful document from the Medical Schools Council.
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Frequently Asked Question
→What is the Aston University Medicine interview process?
The Aston University Medicine interview process is designed to assess a candidate’s suitability for the medical profession. The interview will be in the form of an MMI. The interview may cover a range of topics including the candidate’s academic background, relevant work experience, communication skills, and knowledge of the medical profession.
→How should I prepare for the Aston University Medicine interview?
To prepare for the Aston University Medicine interview, it is important to research the school and the programme thoroughly, and to practise answering interview questions. You may also want to consider reviewing your application materials, such as your personal statement and academic transcripts, to ensure that you are prepared to discuss your qualifications and experiences. It may also be helpful to practise your communication and interpersonal skills, such as active listening and effective communication.
→What types of questions are asked in the Aston University Medicine interview?
The questions asked in the Aston University Medicine interview may vary, but typically focus on the candidate’s academic background, relevant work experience, communication skills, and knowledge of the medical profession. Examples of questions that may be asked include: Why do you want to study medicine? What makes you a good candidate for this program? Can you describe a challenging situation you have faced and how you dealt with it?
→What qualities are Aston University Medicine looking for in candidates?
Aston University Medicine looks for candidates who demonstrate a strong academic background, relevant work experience, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They are also looking for candidates who are passionate about the medical profession and demonstrate a commitment to helping others.
→What is the curriculum like at Aston University Medicine?
The curriculum at Aston University Medicine is designed to be rigorous and comprehensive, covering a range of medical disciplines including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical skills. The programme emphasises hands-on experience, with students engaging in clinical placements and working with patients and healthcare professionals throughout their education.
→Is it hard to get into Aston Medical School?
Admission to Aston Medical School is highly competitive, with a limited number of places available each year. The school receives a large number of applications from highly qualified and motivated candidates, which means that the admission process is highly selective.
The admission requirements for Aston Medical School are rigorous, and candidates are expected to have a strong academic background in relevant subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. In addition, candidates are expected to have relevant work experience and strong communication and interpersonal skills.
However, while admission to Aston Medical School is highly competitive, it is not impossible to gain admission with the right qualifications and preparation. Candidates who demonstrate a strong academic background, relevant work experience, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills may have a better chance of gaining admission to the school. It is also important to prepare thoroughly for the application process, including submitting a strong personal statement and performing well in any interviews or assessments.
→How important is the Aston University Medicine interview in the admissions process?
The Aston University Medicine interview is an important part of the admissions process, as it allows the school to assess a candidate’s suitability for the medical profession. While academic qualifications and other factors are also taken into account, the interview provides an opportunity for the school to evaluate a candidate’s communication skills, knowledge of the profession, and overall fit for the programme.
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
19 May 2021
My daughter applied for Aston medicine school for September 2021 .she is very clever Student and all Of her scores were above 90 and MMI sess was also held. But her request was not accepted.
Please let me know if it is possible to reconsider and hope to be accepted.
Yours sincerely
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
18 December 2021
which scores?
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
9 January 2022
It is possible she did not perform up to standards during interview. It is a very competitive course. Don’t let her be disheartened.