Sunderland Medicine Interview Questions
This article was updated in September 2024 with the latest information, and we will continue to regularly update it!
The University of Sunderland offers a strong Medicine programme with their innovative curriculum and supportive learning environment. It is one of the UK’s newest medical schools and their Medicine course is in the top 20 in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2024). In this guide we provide an expert insight into past University of Sunderland MMI stations, the University of Sunderland interview day and tips for converting your medicine interview into an offer!
Learn more about the University of Sunderland Medical School in general, here: University of Sunderland
How Is Sunderland Interviewing for the 2025 Entry?
What is their criteria for selecting candidates during interviews?
Shortlisting for the interview is based on academic requirements, their own interview selection tool, a numeracy test and UCAT score. University of Sunderland’s Interview Selection Tool is a survey used during the shortlisting process. Applicants who meet the minimum academic requirements, including relevant aptitude and numeracy tests, will receive this form.
Applicants should use the survey to describe and reflect on their work experiences that have helped them develop the skills needed for a career in medicine. For more information, please refer to their Help and Advice articles on the interview selection tool.
What is Sunderland’s Numeracy test?
The numeracy test is now part of the interview selection process and consists of a 40-minute online test that contains approximately 20 questions with some having multiple sections. Please check here for an example of the numeracy test for applicants.
What is the Sunderland Medical School Interview style?The Sunderland medicine interview takes the form of the multiple mini-interviews (MMIs), where the candidates undertake a series of on campus short interview stations.The format of stations may vary from a 1:1 traditional interview through to a role-play. The online MMIs will take place on Microsoft Teams.
What are the University of Sunderland MMI Dates?
Interviews are scheduled in late December to January.
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Book a session with one of our expert Sunderland tutors to boost your chances of getting into medical school! Call us on +44 (0) 203 305 9593 for a free consultation.
What are the common topics covered at the University of Sunderland Medicine interview?
The MMI assesses a range of attributes of applicants, including
- Motivation/experiences informing your decision to pursue a medical career
- Empathy and insight
- Responsibilities and challenges of being a doctor
- Awareness of ethical issues in health and society
- Resilience
- Comprehension
- Effective communication
At Medic Mind we’ve helped many students secure offers from Sunderland and other medical schools. If you’re applying to Sunderland, we can do a high quality 1-1 mock with you with a Sunderland tutor and realistic stations uniquely for Sunderland.
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List of Recent Sunderland Medicine Interview Stations
| Theme | Sunderland Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Motivation for Medicine | Reasons for pursuing a career in Medicine |
| Work Experience | Reflection on experiences Learning objectives Impact on career aspirations |
| Communication & Role-Play | Empathetic communication skills |
| Personality & Skills | Personal qualities suited to Medicine Teamwork and leadership |
| Medical Ethics | Ethical scenarios |
If you wish to practice Sunderland Medical School interview mocks, here are some sample questions:
- Why do you think that Medicine is the right course for you?
- Speak to your neighbour who has locked himself out of his house.
- What was the most important thing you learned during your work experience and how will you use this in the future?
- What was the most memorable moment during your work experience?
- Your best friend has lost her pet dog and she is heartbroken. Have a conversation with her.
- What makes you suited to Medicine?
- When have you displayed great teamwork skills?
- Have you ever been in charge of a group of people? What was the hardest part of being a leader?
- You catch a fellow medical student cheating on their final exam. What do you do?
To learn more about the course at Sunderland and about the place itself, incase it comes up in your interview, check out the official university website: Sunderland Official Page
A Sunderland Medical Student’s Perspective
Name 3 Reasons why you picked Sunderland
Reason 1 – Facilities
I chose Sunderland because of its outstanding facilities! The state-of-the-art medical school is brand new and very modern. We have an Anatomage table and a brilliant immersive suite where we can practise our clinical skills with peers! I felt confident that these resources would provide excellent guidance and make learning a truly enjoyable experience.
Reason 2 – Location
Sunderland’s location in the North East was also a big factor in my decision. I am originally from Newcastle and it was really important for me to be close to my family while studying. I also wanted to give back to the community where I grew up, so I chose to remain in the North East, which allows me to do that.
Reason 3 – Community
I was impressed with all the staff members during the open day! They were all approachable, friendly and were happy to talk to me for ages about medicine. Whether I had questions about the course or more scientific inquiries, they were engaging and enthusiastic. Their excitement about the medical school was contagious, which really solidified my decision to want to go to Sunderland.
What makes Sunderland unique to other medical schools?
What sets Sunderland apart from other medical schools is the early patient exposure. I love going to placements to practise my consultation skills on real patients. I found it really helpful as it significantly enhanced my learning by allowing me to see the conditions I’m studying in real life!
Additionally, Sunderland is a relatively small medical school, which creates a close-knit community where we all feel like family. We have “medic families,” where students from the year above act as our “parents,” providing valuable guidance and support as they’ve already gone through similar experiences.
Insider Guide: Sunderland Medicine Interview Day
How will the Sunderland MMI day work?
Upon arrival, we registered and received instructions for the day. There was an introductory session explaining the format of the MMI and any specific procedures we needed to follow. We went through several stations and we were given short breaks. After completing all the stations, there was a closing session where we received information on the next steps in the application process.
What do you have to bring for the University of Sunderland Medicine Interview?
As with all interviews, the dress code is “smart” or “formal,” so we adhered to this strictly. We were required to bring our Photo ID.
How do you receive information for each Sunderland MMI station?
Before each station, we were given reading time to review the given information about the upcoming stations. We were encouraged to take a moment to think before responding.
What are the University of Sunderland MMI interviewers like?
They were friendly and engaging with their applicants.
Do the Sunderland MMI interviewers ask a lot of follow up questions?
There were several follow-up questions during the interview. These included a mix of predetermined questions and contextual ones based on my initial responses. This was particularly common with the ethical scenarios at Sunderland.
How long is the actual University of Sunderland Medical School Interview?
Our interview lasted around 90 minutes.
What logistical advice do you have for the interview?
On interview day, please ensure to arrive on time and know the exact location of the interview venue. Plan your route in advance and allow extra time for any unexpected delays such as traffic. If you are planning to book accommodation, please do so in advance and select a place closer to the university.
How long does it take to hear back after your Sunderland Medical School interview?
We were informed that it typically takes about 4-6 weeks to hear back with a decision. I heard back on the 5th week.
Top Tips for the Sunderland Medicine Interview
1. Confidence is key
The interviewers are friendly and want you to succeed, so confidence is important. If you approach the interview with self-assurance, the interviewers will have more faith in you and trust your answers more easily.
2. Review your personal statement
The Sunderland interview often focuses on your personal statement, so be familiar with its content. Make sure you reflect on what it includes before going to your interview, so that you can expand on examples you’ve provided.
3. Practise ethical scenarios
The ethics station typically includes a fair amount of follow-up questions and applicants are encouraged to analyse ethical situations from multiple viewpoints. Be thoroughly aware of the 4 pillars of medical ethics as well as how to best structure debate topics. Please utilise all available resources to practise, like UCAT SJTs and also check out our blog post: Medical Ethics
4. Practise questions with family and friends.
The more practise you have before your interview, the better! You’re probably not used to MMIs, or interviews in general, so getting others to question you will help you feel more comfortable on the day. It is also advisable to record yourself practising common questions, like “Why Medicine,” to improve your comfort and non-verbal communication. You can also book our Online MMI Mock with a Sunderland Tutor here so we can guide you and give points to improve on.
5. Review Your Roles and Responsibilities Form
Be familiar with what you wrote, as interviewers may ask about it! Also, reflect and note about any extra curricular activities you have undertaken. It will also be helpful if you have researched the University or have been to an Open Day which will allow you to discuss the facilities and demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying at Sunderland through your knowledge of the institution.
6. Make sure your answers are not rehearsed
There is no such thing as perfect. Certainly not with a rehearsed and memorised answer! Sunderland really wants to see your personality come through. It will be clear to the interviewers if you have memorised a paragraph about medical ethics, for example, and recite that as your answer. Read on the topics and remember a few of the key points that you can expand on. Spontaneous responses will make the interview feel more personal and engaging.
7. Know Your Ethical Pillars and Current NHS Topics
Be ready to discuss ethical principles and current NHS issues. Demonstrating familiarity with these topics and incorporating them into your answers will help you provide strong and relevant responses.
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Frequently Asked Question
→How can I prepare for the Sunderland Medicine Interview?
You can prepare for the interview by researching the University’s Medicine programme, including its values, mission, and interview structure. Practise your communication skills and prepare responses to common medical interview questions. Reading current medical journals, staying up-to-date with current affairs and ethical issues, and gaining relevant work experience can be very beneficial.
→What kind of questions can I expect in the Sunderland Medicine Interview?
The interview questions will range from various topics that may include clinical scenarios, ethical dilemmas, motivation for studying medicine, and your understanding of the NHS. You may also be asked about your work experience, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities.
→What are the interviewers looking for in candidates during the Sunderland Medicine Interview?
The interviewers are looking for candidates who show a genuine passion for medicine, along with strong communication and problem-solving skills. They will evaluate your ability to demonstrate empathy, resilience, and adaptability. They will assess your teamwork, leadership, and analytical abilities.
→How important is the Sunderland Medicine Interview in the admissions process?
The interview is a crucial part of the admissions process and plays a significant role in the University’s decision-making process. It is an opportunity for you to showcase your skills and demonstrate why you are a suitable candidate for the Medicine programme.
→What should I do if I am unable to attend on the date specified for the MMI?
Applicants must be available for the entire interview period. If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, you should contact the Medical Admissions Office immediately. Interview slots are limited, and rescheduling of a Multiple Mini Interview will only be considered in extenuating circumstances. The School of Medicine is not able to offer interviews outside of the interview period. Any applicant who is unable to attend during that period will have their application deemed unsuccessful. Please refer to this article for reference.
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