University of Exeter Graduate (GEM) Medicine Interview Questions

This article was updated in December 2023 with the latest information, and we will continue to regularly update it! 

In this guide we provide an expert insight into past University of Exeter MMI stations, the University of Exeter medicine interview day and tips for converting your University of Exeter medicine interview into an offer! 

medicine MMI circuit
Medicine MMI Circuits
Experience real-life medicine MMIs, with individual feedback on each station to prefect your answers

How Is Exeter Interviewing for 2024 Entry?

What is the style of the Exeter medicine interview?

For 2023/24 Exeter is running virtual MMI interviews again via Zoom involving 5 stations and lasting approximately 30 minutes in total.

Each interview station lasts for 5 minutes with a recommended 1 minute of preparation time to read provided information relating to the station. The stations will cover these topics:

  1. Communication 
  2. Reflectiveness
  3. Empathy
  4. Personal strengths and weaknesses
  5. Motivation to study at Exeter
Download Free Medicine Interview Notes

    When is the Exeter medicine interview?

    University of Exeter medicine interviews normally take place between December and March.

    What are the common topics for the Exeter medicine interview?

    • Communication
    • Teamwork and/or leadership
    • Motivation to study medicine – and insight into a career in medicine
    • Role play station – empathy
    • Decision-making skills
    • Questions on your personal statement – assessing your ability to be reflective
    • Personal strengths and weaknesses

    Statistics for the University of Exeter Medicine Interview

    • Applications in 20/21: 2105
    • Interviews in 20/21: 851
    • Offers in 20/21: 590
    • Success rates in 20/21
      • Offers per applicant: 1 in 3.6
      • Offers per interview: 1 in 1.4

    List of Recent University of Exeter Medicine Interview Topics

    ThemeExeter GEM Example Questions
    Work ExperienceWhat did you learn during your work experience?
    Describe a difficult experience you had during your work experience, what did you gain from it?
    Personality & SkillsDescribe your strongest skills
    Describe your weaknesses
    NHS Hot TopicsNHS Structure
    Organisation of the NHS and relevant government bodies
    Medical EthicsDiscuss article on ethical dilemma
    General discussion of medical ethics
    Problem SolvingGeneral problem solving questions and discussion
    Motivation for MedicineWhy do you want to study medicine?

    If you would like to practice for the Exeter medicine interview, have a go at the following questions and check out our tips for MMI interviews

    • Describe a time when you worked within a team
    • What have you read recently that’s related to medicine?
    • Describe a memorable moment from your work experience, what did you learn from it?
    • How would a friend describe you?
    • Why do you want to attend the University of Exeter? We have University specific interview lessons which could help you with a question like this, check out more information here University of Exeter

    Insider Guide: University of Exeter GEM Interview Day

    How did the University of Exeter MMI Interview day work?

    You will need to have Zoom downloaded prior to your interview and join via the link sent to you in your interview invitation. You will initially enter the waiting room before being admitted into the registration process where your ID will need to be verified. Then you’ll have a briefing before being invited to a breakout room where you’ll have your first station. There is a timer for 5 minutes at the top of your screen and once it finishes you must stop talking. You’ll be moved to the next station where you will have 1 minute to rest before the 5-minute timer starts again. After finishing all 5 MMI stations, you’ll be moved back to the briefing room where you will have a debrief with the admissions team.

    How did you receive information for each University of Exeter MMI station? 

    The details of the station will be shown to you on the screen.

    What were the University of Exeter MMI examiners like? Did the University of Exeter medicine interviewers ask a lot of follow up questions?

    They were mostly friendly and quite a few asked follow-up questions when you finish before the end of the allocated time. They may sometimes cut you off when you are waffling, so try to remain focused on the question. Some of the follow-up questions were quite general, such as why medicine, why not nursing? And some were dynamic, especially in the ethical dilemmas.

    How long is the actual University of Exeter MMI Interview?

    For 2023/24 entry the interviews will last around 30 minutes.

    What are unique things you mention for ‘Why Exeter’?

    • Newly established (in 2013)
    • Early clinical exposure
    • Course follows human life cycle which makes it easy to follow
    • PBL and a lot of focus on independent study
    • Regular feedback and 1-1 meetings with tutors
    • Really good hospital trusts in the area
    • International placements available in year 3
    • Life sciences resource centre
    • Medical imaging suite

    How long did it take you to hear back after your University of Exeter medicine interview?

    Approximately 1 month

    Top Tips for University of Exeter Medicine MMI Interview  

    • Wear something smart make sure you are also comfortable.
    • Try to pick a quiet environment so the interviewers can you hear your clearly, it’s also recommended to use a headphone with microphones.
    • Remember to practice debating ethical dilemmas so you know the arguments for and against various issues and can use keywords such as the pillars of medical ethics. Try to explore the ideas rather than come to a single conclusion. Find out more information and some of our model answers for interview questions on medical ethics here: Medical Ethics
    • Focus on the question, you will have lots of discussion time so be careful not to go off on tangents or bring in unrelated information. Keep your answers concise and detailed, more words don’t necessarily mean more information.
    medicine MMI circuit
    Medicine MMI Circuits
    Experience real-life medicine MMIs, with individual feedback on each station to prefect your answers
    Download Free Medicine Interview Notes

      Frequently Asked Question

      →What is the University of Exeter Graduate (GEM) Medicine programme?

      The GEM programme at the University of Exeter is a four-year accelerated medical degree programme for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in a non-science subject. It is designed to provide students with the necessary scientific knowledge and clinical skills to become doctors.

      →What kind of interview questions should I expect for the University of Exeter GEM Medicine programme?

      The interview for the GEM programme at the University of Exeter is designed to assess an applicant’s suitability for a career in medicine. Common interview questions may include topics such as personal motivation, ethical considerations, communication skills, and clinical knowledge.

      →How can I prepare for the University of Exeter GEM Medicine interview?

      To prepare for the GEM Medicine interview at the University of Exeter, it is important to review your personal statement and CV, as well as any relevant medical knowledge or clinical experience. Practise answering common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your motivation for pursuing a career in medicine.

      →What is the format of the University of Exeter GEM Medicine interview?

      The GEM Medicine interview at the University of Exeter is typically conducted as an MMI with 5 stations. The interview may last up to 30 minutes and may include role-play scenarios or clinical case studies.

      →What qualities are the University of Exeter GEM Medicine interviewers looking for in applicants?

      Interviewers for the GEM Medicine programme at the University of Exeter are looking for applicants who demonstrate a strong motivation for pursuing a career in medicine, as well as excellent communication skills, a willingness to work in a team, and an ability to handle the demands of the programme. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate their ability to think critically and approach ethical dilemmas with sensitivity and maturity.

      →Is University of Exeter hard to get into for medicine?

      The University of Exeter’s Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programme is highly competitive and selective. The programme receives a large number of applications each year, and the admissions process is rigorous. Applicants are expected to have a strong academic record, relevant clinical experience, and a demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career in medicine. In addition, they are required to take the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) and undergo a rigorous interview process. Therefore, getting into the University of Exeter for medicine can be challenging, but it is possible with a combination of academic excellence, relevant experience, and strong interview skills.

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