University of Cardiff Medicine Interview Questions
This article was updated in December 2023 with the latest information, and we will continue to regularly update it!
The University of Cardiff Medicine Interview is a 9 station MMI, with each station lasting 9 minutes. The admissions teams have confirmed, however, that interviews for 2023-24 will be conducted virtually. In this guide we provide an expert insight into past Cardiff MMI stations, the Cardiff Medicine interview day and tips for converting your Cardiff Medicine Interview into an offer!
How Is Cardiff Interviewing for 2024 Entry?
What is the University of Cardiff Medicine Interview style?
Cardiff usually runs a 6-9 station MMI, with each station lasting 9 minutes with short breaks in between. MMIs for 2023 entry were held online. This will be the same for 2024 entry.
When are the Cardiff Medicine Interviews held?
Interviews will take place over the months of January and February. Invites to the Cardiff Medicine Interviews usually begin to be sent out in November.
What are the common topics covered at Cardiff?
The Cardiff Medicine Interview aims to assess a series on qualities and attributes that they deem important to strong professional development in Medicine. This includes, but is not limited to;
- Extemporizing under stressful and/or timed conditions
- Understanding and analyzing relevant issues in Medicine
- Critical appraisal
- Effective communication
How many people interviewed at Cardiff?
Unfortunately, these statistics have yet to be released but in 2019/20, Cardiff interviewed 1203 medical students. Cardiff University typically interviews around 1,200 applicants a year
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How many interviewed applicants received an offer from Cardiff in 2020/21?
The latest statistics have not yet been released but in 2019/20, 726 of the 1203 students interviewed received a Cardiff Medicine Offer. This means that roughly 60% of students received a Cardiff offer after the interview. Cardiff usually makes offers to around 700 interviewees each year.
At Medic Mind we’ve helped many students secure offers from Cardiff and other medical schools. If you’re applying to Cardiff, we can do a high quality 1-1 mock with you with an Cardiff tutor and realistic stations uniquely for Cardiff.
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List of Recent Cardiff Medicine MMI Stations
| Theme | Cardiff Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Motivation for Medicine | Reasons behind applying to Cardiff Knowledge of the Cardiff Medicine course |
| Work Experience | Knowledge of the role of teamwork in Medicine Strengths and weaknesses of a doctor |
| Communication & Role-Play | Communication role-plays Managing an emergency Prioritisation |
| Personality & Skills | Importance of teamwork Strengths as they relate to future medical practice Coping with stress |
| NHS Hot Topics | Funding and budgeting in the NHS Organ donation schemes Healthcare expenditure |
| Date Interpretation | Making notes and relaying information |
| Medical Ethics | Inter-professional relationships Organ donation Informed Consent |
| Personal Statement | Often minimal questions |
If you wish to practice some Cardiff Medicine Interview mocks, here are some sample questions:
- What did you learn from your work experience?
- Why is teamwork important in all job sectors?
- What are the main challenges the NHS faces?
- How would you manage an emergency in a busy A&E department?
- How will pollution affect the health of patients and healthcare overall?
- What subjects (other than science) does a doctor need to proficient in?
Insider Guide: Cardiff Interview Day
How did the Cardiff MMI Interview day work?
The typical Cardiff MMI is a 6-9 station interview with breaks in between. The interview is set to be held virtually for the 2023-24 intake but changes to its format have yet to be released. The medical school will make invited applicants aware of any changes prior to the interview.
What did you have to bring for the Cardiff Medicine MMI Interview?
Despite being held virtually, candidates must dress formally and uphold professional standards. Photo ID is required, but nothing else specifically. Given the setting, it is vital to have a strong, reliable wifi connection as well as a working webcam and microphone.
Will the interviewers read my personal statement beforehand?
The Cardiff Medicine Interview does not have a strong focus on personal statement questions. As a result, it is unlikely that your statement will be individually reviewed or questioned during the MMI. However, it is necessary to show a strong and accurate reflection of your experiences when discussing your skill-set. Your statement may be used in latter stages of application processing to distinguish between similarly scoring candidates.
How did you receive information for each Cardiff MMI station?
There are 2 minutes reading time for each Cardiff MMI station with information giving during this time as to what the station will cover.
What were the Cardiff MMI examiners like?
Most examiners are very friendly and will show a genuine interest in you, your experiences and your responses. In some situations, examiners may be intentionally instructed to be cold or strict in their conversation. This is often done to assess a candidate’s response to high-pressure situations.
Do the Cardiff MMI interviewers ask a lot of follow up questions?
There were lots of questions – they are typically contextual follow-up questions based on responses given to the primary question. The follow-up questions are usually not surprising or abstract.
How long is the actual Cardiff MMI Interview?
The entire Cardiff Medicine MMI circuit typically takes about 2 hours, all inclusive. The MMI interview itself was an hour.
Logistical advice for the interview?
For virtual interviews, ensure you have a quiet and bright space with a strong wifi connection and working camera and microphone. Ensure you will not be disturbed during your interview and avoid sitting in front of a bright light or window to prevent glare. Ideally, set up your interview space prior to the day and practice in that setting a few times to ensure comfort and logistical ease. If the university allows, it is helpful to have water to sip on throughout the interview.
How long does it take to hear back after your interview?
Students will typically hear back in a few weeks following their interview however, delays are to be expected due to the pandemic.
Top Tips for Cardiff Medicine MMI Interview
1. Make sure you are aware of how long your answers take. Cardiff stations are typically fairly long in duration so its essential that your answers are detailed enough without rambling. Avoid rehearsing answers but be ready with points you would like to explore during the station.
2. Keep water aside during the interview. A sip of water can help calm nerves, soothe dry mouth and keep you confident, healthy and hydrated during the interview – the last thing you need is to feel too parched to finish.
3. Practise stations with unfriendly assessors. It’s as simple as instructing a friend or family member to be relatively cold or neutral during practice to ensure you know how to remain approachable and confident in the face of such situations.
4. Make sure you are well practiced in utilising the reading time. In your reading time, you can build a structure to your response. Don’t overthink all the specific points you are going to say, but mark out the broad categories of points. For example, if a station is about the challenges of being a doctor, mark out the 3-4 challenges you may focus on in your mind, so you have a rough idea of what you will talk about when the buzzer goes off.
Covid – 2024 Changes
Is the University of Cardiff MMI Interview different this year?
The format for 2023/24 Cardiff Medicine Interviews are virtual but further information has yet to have been released.
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Frequently Asked Question
→What is the University of Cardiff Medicine programme?
The University of Cardiff offers a medical programme designed to train students to become doctors. The programme includes both theoretical and practical components, with an emphasis on clinical skills and patient care.
→What are the entry requirements for the University of Cardiff Medicine programme?
To be eligible for the programme, applicants must have completed A-levels or equivalent qualifications in chemistry and biology, with a minimum grade of A. They must also have a minimum of a 2:1 bachelor’s degree in any subject. Additionally, applicants must have taken the University Clinical Aptitude Test.
→What kind of courses are included in the programme?
The programme includes courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical medicine. It also includes practical clinical training, where students work with patients in hospitals and clinics.
→Are there opportunities for research at the University of Cardiff Medical School?
Yes, the University of Cardiff has a strong focus on research, and students have the opportunity to participate in research projects alongside their studies.
→What kind of career opportunities are available after graduation?
Graduates of the University of Cardiff Medical School are qualified to work as doctors in a range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice. They may also choose to specialise in a specific area of medicine, such as pediatrics, cardiology, or surgery.
→Is Cardiff Medicine hard to get into?
The University of Cardiff Medical School is known for being a highly competitive program, and therefore, it can be challenging to gain admission. The university receives a large number of applications each year, and the selection process is rigorous. The entry requirements for the program are also quite high, with a minimum of A-levels or equivalent qualifications in chemistry and biology, with a minimum grade of A, as well as a minimum of a 2:1 bachelor’s degree in any subject. Additionally, applicants must have taken the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). However, meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university also considers a range of factors, including work experience, personal statement, and interview performance. Therefore, it is important for prospective applicants to prepare thoroughly and demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in medicine.
→Is the University of Cardiff Medical School accredited?
Yes, the University of Cardiff Medical School is accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC), which means that graduates are eligible to apply for GMC registration and work as doctors in the UK.
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
26 January 2021
what type of questions do they ask in the maths section?
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
26 January 2021
probably stuff you would find in the UCAT exam or questions to find volume of doses you would give to a patient that is a certain weight or age