Edinburgh Veterinary MMI Interview Questions

Note: This interview Q&A is based on pre-Covid in-person interviews (from 2019 and before). All university interviews changed in 2020-2021 to an online format due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This article was updated in December 2023 with the latest information, and we will continue to regularly update it! 

For 2023/24 entry the University of Edinburgh Veterinary Interviews will continue to be held online via Zoom and take the form of MMI stations. The aim of veterinary school selection is to select candidates with the best combination of aptitude for veterinary medicinal training and academic ability.

For more information about University of Edinburgh Veterinary Interviews, click here:  Edinburgh Veterinary Interviews

In this guide we provide an expert insight into past Edinburgh veterinary interview stations, the Edinburgh veterinary interview day and tips for converting your Edinburgh veterinary interview into an offer! 

EDINBURGH VETERINARY SCHOOL: Edinburgh is a highly reputed and competitive Veterinary School, ranking 6th in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2020. Established in 1823, Edinburgh is one of the oldest veterinary schools in the world and has a rich heritage of excellent teaching and research.
EDINBURGH VETERINARY SCHOOL: Edinburgh is a highly reputed and competitive Veterinary School, ranking 6th in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2020. Established in 1823, Edinburgh is one of the oldest veterinary schools in the world and has a rich heritage of excellent teaching and research.

2023/24 Edinburgh Veterinary MMI in a Nutshell

What is the style of the Edinburgh Veterinary Interview?

For 2021/22 entry these interviews were conducted online via Zoom. The University of Edinburgh Vet Interview Day begins with a welcome talk and Q&A session followed by 3 MMI stations, each 10 minutes long with one 10 minute rest station. There will also be an Additional Skills Task (AST) that may happen before you do your MMI. This will be a series of questions to work through independently in a set amount of time.

When are the Edinburgh Veterinary Medicine Interviews?

The interview dates for year 2023/24 hasn’t been released yet. For 2021/22 entry, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies announced the following dates, with the potential for more to be added to their website in due course.

The current Edinburgh Veterinary Interview dates were:

  • Thursday 2nd December 2021
  • Tuesday 7th December 2021
  • Thursday 9th December 2021
  • Thursday 13th December 2021
  • Tuesday 18th January 2022
  • Thursday 20th January 2022
  • Tuesday 25th January 2022
  • Thursday 27th January 2022
  • Wednesday 2nd February 2022
  • Wednesday 9th February 2022
  • Wednesday 23rd February 2022

What are the topics of the University of Edinburgh Veterinary Medicine Interview?

There are three Edinburgh Veterinary interview stations:

  • Work Experience
  • Career Exploration and Awareness of being a Professional
  • Awareness of Animal Welfare

In addition to the above, candidates will also complete an online Additional Skills task (AST) independently and separately from the three interview stations. Further guidance on this will be provided.

At Medic Mind we’ve helped many students secure offers from Edinburgh and other Vet Med schools. If you’re applying to Edinburgh, we can do a high quality 1-1 mock with you with an Edinburgh tutor and realistic panel questions uniquely for Edinburgh. 

List of Recent University of Edinburgh Veterinary MMI Stations

ThemeEdinburgh Example Questions
Work ExperienceDescribe what happened in some surgery that you have seen?
Can you prioritise a list of patients in a busy practice?
Discuss the pros/cons of being a vet based on your work experience
Career Exploration and Awareness of Being a ProfessionalCan you order a list of desirable qualities to be a vet?
How might you tell someone that they didn’t do a very good job? 
How would you deal with an awkward client?
What would you like to achieve as a veterinary professional?
How is the veterinary industry regulated?
Awareness of Animal WelfareWhat are the main ethical issues in the profession at the moment?
What do you think about badger culls?
Download Free Medicine Interview Notes

    Insider Guide: University of Edinburgh Veterinary Interview Day

    How did the University of Edinburgh Veterinary Interview day work?

    The Edinburgh veterinary interview format is a form of Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). This will be hosted through the University’s secure Zoom platform and candidates will receive instructions on how to take part in advance of their interview. 

    The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies strongly recommend using a laptop or desktop computer rather than a mobile device for best experience as well as ensuring a stable internet connection on the day of your Edinburgh veterinary interview day.

    An initial welcome talk and Q&A opportunity will be followed by three 10 minute interview stations with 10 minute rest station. Each candidate will be individually interviewed at each of these stations.

    How are candidates assessed in the University of Edinburgh Veterinary Interview?

    Each interviewer assesses candidates independently. The evaluations from all interviewers and from the Additional Skills task are considered and offers made on the overall assessment of each candidate in comparison with the performance of other candidates assessed during our interview process.

    How long did it take you to hear back after your Edinburgh veterinary interview?

    The University of Edinburgh aims to inform candidates of results within 3 months after their interview and by 31st March.

    AWARD WINNING: Edinburgh Veterinary School is the first ever recipient of the WVA Animal Welfare Awards 2020, for Veterinary School of the year. This honour is in recognition of the School’s investment in teaching and training activities in animal welfare at undergraduate and postgraduate level, through the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education, as well as the School's many outreach projects it runs around the world.
    AWARD WINNING: Edinburgh Veterinary School is the first ever recipient of the WVA Animal Welfare Awards 2020, for Veterinary School of the year. This honour is in recognition of the School’s investment in teaching and training activities in animal welfare at undergraduate and postgraduate level, through the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education, as well as the School’s many outreach projects it runs around the world. 
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    Vet MMI Circuits
    Experience live real-life mock Vet MMI circuits, with individual feedback on answers and tips for improvement

    Top Tips for University of Edinburgh Veterinary Interview  

    1) Take this as an opportunity to start thinking like a vet! The interviewers are more interested in how you think, rather than what you know, so practise lots of different questions. Talking your reasoning through with the examiner is one way to expand on what you are discussing. If you can explain why you think what you think, you will show the examiner that you are reflective. This is a really important skill to become a vet.

    2) Read vet publications and publications like Farmer’s Weekly. These will inform your answers and help keep you up to date with what’s going on in the profession at the moment.

    3) Review your notes from your work experience so you have examples prepared, especially for the first two stations.

    University of Edinburgh application changes with COVID-19

    The University of Edinburgh took 2021/22 entry interviews remotely via Zoom.

    To find out more about information about changes to the Edinburgh Veterinary interviews, click here: Interviews

    Frequently Asked Question

    →What is the Edinburgh Veterinary MMI Interview?

    The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) is an interview format used by the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh to assess the suitability of applicants for their veterinary program. The MMI consists of several stations, each with a different scenario or question, which candidates must respond to within a set time frame.

    →What types of questions can I expect in the Edinburgh Veterinary MMI Interview?

    The MMI stations at the Edinburgh Veterinary School can cover a range of topics related to the veterinary profession, such as animal welfare, ethics, communication skills, problem-solving, and teamwork. Candidates may also be asked about their motivation for studying veterinary medicine and their relevant experience.

    →How should I prepare for the Edinburgh Veterinary MMI Interview?

    Preparation for the Edinburgh Veterinary MMI Interview should involve researching the university’s veterinary program, practicing your communication skills, and familiarizing yourself with the types of scenarios and questions that may arise. You can also practice answering common veterinary interview questions and seek feedback from peers or professionals.

    →How long does the Edinburgh Veterinary MMI Interview last?

    The Edinburgh Veterinary MMI Interview typically lasts around two hours, during which candidates will rotate through several stations, each lasting between five and ten minutes.

    →How is the Edinburgh Veterinary MMI Interview scored?

    The Edinburgh Veterinary MMI Interview is scored using a standardized marking scheme, with each station scored separately by trained assessors. Candidates are evaluated based on their ability to respond to the scenario or question presented, as well as their communication skills, critical thinking, and professionalism.

    →What are the selection criteria for the Edinburgh Veterinary program?

    Selection for the Edinburgh Veterinary program is based on several criteria, including academic achievement, relevant experience, personal qualities, and performance in the MMI interview. Candidates must also demonstrate an understanding of the veterinary profession and a commitment to animal welfare.

    →When will I hear the outcome of the Edinburgh Veterinary MMI Interview?

    Candidates will typically receive the outcome of their Edinburgh Veterinary MMI Interview within a few weeks of the interview date. Successful candidates will be offered a place on the program, while unsuccessful candidates may be given feedback on their performance to help them improve for future interviews.

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