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University of Buckingham Medicine Interview Questions
The University of Buckingham offers an accelerated 4.5 year medical course, which primarily focuses on helping you develop into competent and caring doctors.
There are multiple parts to the interview process at Buckingham University. Candidates that have submitted a successful application will be required to take a computer-based exam that assesses how suitable a candidate is to be a Doctor. Successful applicants will then be invited to an Objective Structured Selection Examination (OSSE), which is essentially an MMI. In this guide we provide an expert insight into past Buckingham MMI stations, the Buckingham interview day and tips for converting your interview into an offer!
Buckingham University MMI in a Nutshell
What is the Buckingham interview style?
Buckingham University MMI (they refer to this as an Objective Structured Selection Examination (OSSE)) will usually be between ten and twelve stations, each lasting seven minutes.
What are the Buckingham interview dates?
Buckingham University usually holds their interviews from February through May for entry in September.
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What are the common topics covered at the Buckingham Medicine Interview?
- Ethical Scenarios
- Video Analysis
- Teamwork
- Qualities of a Doctor
- Previous Experiences
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List of Recent Buckingham University MMI Interview Stations
| Theme | Buckingham Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Ethical Scenario | Scenario about colleague malpractice Reasoning behind actions Discussing and interpreting GMC guidelines |
| Work Experience | General work experience questions Alternatives to work experience |
| Communication & Role-Play | Speaking to a vulnerable individual, who can also assess you |
| Problem Solving Station | Imagination and divergent thinking Approaches used by doctors |
| Motivation for Medicine | Why do you want to be a doctor? Why not be a nurse? |
| Ethical Scenario 2 | Scenario based on competency Principles guiding patient care Communication with the medical school |
| Numerical Ability Station | Data interpretation Information Extraction Simple calculations |
| Analytical Station | Current NHS topics/situation in the UK Resource and funding allocation |
| GP-Patient Interaction Station | Summarise video Assess interaction |
If you would like to practice for the Buckingham Medicine Interview, have a go at the following questions and check out our video on approaching data interpretation stations here:
- When should problems in a healthcare setting be reported to a higher authority?
- Why is confidentiality important?
- Imagine someone could not obtain work experience, what are other ways they could gain insight into the responsibilities of a doctor?
- A patient is prescribed 50mg, tablets are 12.5mg each: how many tablets will you give?
- A drug is available as 20mg/5ml: your patient’s prescription is for 40mg, how many ml will be given?
- What are the different uses of a shoelace?
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Insider Guide: Buckingham Interview Day
How did the Buckingham University Interview day work?
The online Buckingham interview was conducted on Microsoft Teams. After identity verification, all candidates were added into one room for a briefing by the Buckingham University admissions officers. They did a presentation describing how the MMI would go. Each station was in a different room on Microsoft Teams and had varying numbers of examiners (some had only one whilst others had multiple). After the interview there was a Q&A session where staff and two current students discussed the advantages of Buckingham University and their experiences. Questions could be directed both at the admissions officers and students. Details of the interview format for 2024 entry have not yet been confirmed in regards to whether they will be in person or online.
What did you have to bring for the Buckingham Medicine MMI Interview?
You were not required to bring any items, though there was a formal dress code. No notes or use of a calculator were allowed during the interview.
How did you receive information for each Buckingham University MMI station?
Upon entering a room, the examiner would greet you before sharing their screen. They then gave candidates one minute to read the instructions and proceeded with the station. The instructions were quite generic and did not give much insight into the specifics of the station.
What were the Buckingham University MMI examiners like?
There was a variety in terms of what the examiners were like, some were very friendly whilst others cold or neutral in expression. Try not to be phased by that and if possible try to practice speaking with people who may be unresponsive or neutral when listening to your answers. Although it may feel weird at first, it will be helpful in the interview.
Did the Buckingham University MMI interviewers ask a lot of follow up questions?
There were not many specific questions listed on the instructions. Be aware that they tend to have multiple follow up questions and you could tell the examiners needed to ask all of them which resulted in quite a fast-paced interview. Be concise and to the point for the best result.
How long is the actual Buckingham University MMI Interview?
It was about 1.5 hours long overall, barring the introductions and closing sessions. As this was an online interview it was slightly different to their normal structure. There were six 8 minute stations and then a 21 minute station which included the numerical ability station, an analytical station and a GP-Patient interaction station. Some delays were also experienced where candidates had technical difficulties or a poor connection.
Was there much guidance with timing for the Buckingham Medicine Interview?
In the initial briefing they had mentioned a warning would be given before the end of the MMI station, though depending on the station and who’s talking this doesn’t always happen. Examiners had to stay within the given time and could cut you off on your answers if you’d covered the points that they were looking for, otherwise they prompted you a bit further. It happened a few times that stations could be completed with 1-2 minutes to spare.
What were the Buckingham University MMI role play stations like?
The actors were really natural, it genuinely seemed like you were speaking to another person with that personality. It was a little difficult to tell when the interview had actually begun, so beware of a lack of announcement that the role play has started or some sort of indicator that the actor is going to begin their role. Be prepared to get straight into it, potentially without an introduction from the examiner.
How long did it take for you to hear back after the Buckingham University medicine interview?
2 weeks (there are 3 possible outcomes. Rejection, Waitlist or Acceptance).
Top Tips for Buckingham University Medicine MMI Interview
1. Prepare for the mathematical stations – brush up on mental mathematics as well as analytical skills as these are assessed. Students often stress about this, but you’ve likely done similar preparation for QR in UCAT
2. Read instructions carefully – be prepared to read the question / station slides again if you aren’t sure, some may seem ambiguous but the stations aren’t as intimidating as they may seem at first.
3. Use the transition and reading time to take deep breaths – even though the exam is fast-paced, take time to think before you speak, don’t fall into the trap of rushing through a station.
4. Have your gear ready and set the scene – For interview, ensure that you have a strong connection in a suitable place where you won’t be disturbed by others or a background noise. Prepare and have everything in place so that you’re aware of how close you need to be to your camera, bearing in mind that you may use hand gestures whilst talking. Practice by doing an mock interview if possible (this is a key feature of our Interview Lessons, find out more here https://www.medicmind.co.uk/interview-tutoring/)
5. Be professional – one of the key values of the GMC is ensuring the professionalism of doctors is of the highest standard. This leads us onto our final tip…
6. Knowledge and abidance to the GMC guidelines is essential – stations featuring this can be very specific, so be prepared! Practice solving multiple scenarios; perhaps off the GMC website or even the SJT section on the UCAT (this can be found here https://www.medicmind.co.uk/medicine-ucas-guide/ucat-situational-judgement-tips/)
If you’ve got your medicine interview coming up soon and want to be mentored by a current Buckingham medical student click the link below to get personalised 1-1 tutoring to help secure your offer at Aberdeen Medical School.
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Frequently Asked Question
→What is the University of Buckingham Medicine Interview?
The University of Buckingham Medicine Interview is a selection process used by the university to assess the suitability of applicants for its medical programme. The interview typically takes place in person or online and aims to evaluate the applicant’s communication skills, motivation, and understanding of the medical profession.
→How should I prepare for the University of Buckingham Medicine Interview?
To prepare for the University of Buckingham Medicine Interview, you should research the programme and the university, review your personal statement and application materials, and practise answering common medical interview questions. You may also want to practise your communication and presentation skills and prepare to discuss any relevant experiences or achievements.
→What types of questions are asked in the University of Buckingham Medicine Interview?
The University of Buckingham Medicine Interview may include a range of questions related to the applicant’s personal and academic background, as well as their knowledge and understanding of medicine. Questions may cover topics such as ethical issues in medicine, current healthcare challenges, and the applicant’s motivations for pursuing a career in medicine.
→How long does the University of Buckingham Medicine Interview last?
The length of the University of Buckingham Medicine Interview can vary depending on the interviewer and the format of the interview. In general, interviews typically last between 60-90 minutes, although some may last longer.
→What should I wear to the University of Buckingham Medicine Interview?
The University of Buckingham Medicine Interview is a formal occasion, and applicants are generally expected to dress professionally. This may include wearing business attire, such as a suit, blouse, or dress pants.
→How important is the University of Buckingham Medicine Interview in the admissions process?
The University of Buckingham Medicine Interview is an important part of the admissions process and can play a significant role in the selection of applicants for the medical programme. The interview provides the university with an opportunity to assess the applicant’s suitability for the programme and to evaluate their communication and interpersonal skills.
→Can I appeal the decision after the University of Buckingham Medicine Interview?
If you are not offered a place in the University of Buckingham Medicine Programme after the interview, you may be able to appeal the decision. However, the university’s appeal process may vary, so it is important to check with the admissions office for specific details.
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