The University of Glasgow School of Medicine interview format

The University of Glasgow does not run an MMI circuit. Its MBChB interviews page says that for 2027 entry interviews are online, between late November 2026 and March 2027 unless stated otherwise. The session lasts 30 minutes in total and is split into two sections, Panel A and Panel B, and the same two interviewers cover both.

Panel A explores motivation to become a doctor, teamwork and related topics. Panel B focuses on communication and includes discussion of an ethical scenario: you read two short scenarios (two or three sentences each) and choose one to discuss. The interviews are conversational with no writing, and the school includes extra time for the reading task to be inclusive. That makes this a panel-style interview, so prepare for conversation and follow-ups rather than a rotation of separate stations.

Item	What Glasgow says
Format	Online panel interview, 30 minutes in two sections, two interviewers
Panel A	Motivation to become a doctor, teamwork and related topics
Panel B	Communication, including an ethical scenario; you choose one of two short scenarios
Writing	None required; the only reading is the two short scenarios in Panel B
2027 window	Late November 2026 to March 2027
Number interviewed	Normally about 1,100 applicants
Allocation of interviews	By UCAT score among applicants who meet all other screening requirements; the range changes each year
Outcomes	Rolling decisions, aiming for UCAS Track by 31 March (sometimes to the end of April)

How Glasgow uses UCAT

Glasgow's UCAT page says the school considers UCAT alongside other aspects of the application and, once the maximum number of interviews is set, allocates interviews by UCAT score among applicants who meet all other screening requirements, such as academic requirements and a satisfactory personal statement and reference. Previous thresholds are in its published MBChB admissions data.

Entry route and requirements

A-level applicants typically need AAA including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics, with GCSE English at grade B or 6. Scottish applicants are listed with Highers and Advanced Highers requirements. Glasgow also runs widening access routes such as the Reach programme and a Gateway to Medical Studies programme, and the course page lists them. UK BDS graduates applying for entry to Year 3 use a separate direct application form and do not need UCAT.

What the curriculum tells you

The course page says the curriculum uses small-group teaching, problem-based learning, lectures, clinical studies, labs and e-learning, with clinical experience from year 1 and placements in 25 hospitals and 150 GP practices across Glasgow and the west of Scotland. It also says the MBChB has two electives. These are useful details for a "why Glasgow" answer if you can explain what attracts you to learning in that way.

How to prepare for the Glasgow interview

Practise a conversation, not a circuit. Two interviewers cover both sections, so rehearse building rapport and giving structured answers over 30 minutes.
Prepare your motivation and teamwork stories. Panel A starts there, so have a clear "why medicine" and one real team example.
Practise reading and choosing a scenario fast. You get two short ethical scenarios and pick one, so decide quickly and say why you chose it.
Use an ethics structure. State the dilemma, name the people affected, give your view, and name the strongest counterpoint.
Check your tech. The interview is online, so test sound and lighting beforehand.

Glasgow practice questions (written by us, not the University of Glasgow)

Glasgow does not publish its scenarios. We wrote these in the style of its two sections. Aim for a conversational answer of two or three minutes.

Why do you want to be a doctor, and what have you done to test that decision?
Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team and what your role was.
What do you think makes a good team in a hospital, and where do doctors fit in it?
A patient who has capacity wants to leave hospital against advice. Discuss.
A student sees a colleague take a small amount of hospital supplies home. What should they do?
A parent asks you, as a student, to keep their child's test result from the child. How would you respond?
How would you break difficult news to someone, and what would you want to find out first?
How could a doctor in Glasgow reduce health inequalities in a community?
Describe a time you disagreed with someone and how you resolved it.
What are you looking forward to and nervous about in studying medicine at a large school?

For a wider set, see our practice questions with answers guide and our MMI practice and preparation guide.

A drill for a 30-minute two-section interview

Have a partner act as two interviewers: 12 minutes of motivation and teamwork questions, then 15 minutes on an ethical scenario.
Print two scenarios of three sentences each, give yourself 60 seconds to choose one, and talk through it.
Record yourself and check that your opening answer is under 30 seconds before you add detail.
Practise one interruption: your partner asks a follow-up in the middle of your answer.
End with a thank-you and one question you would ask an interviewer.

If you don't have a practice partner, Confetto's AI mock interviews ask follow-up questions based on what you actually said and give rubric-based feedback afterward. The question bank has over 500 questions, and you can start with a 7-day free trial.

Glasgow interview FAQ

Is the Glasgow interview an MMI?

No. Glasgow describes a 30-minute online interview in two sections, Panel A and Panel B, with two interviewers.

Is it online?

Yes, for 2027 entry interviews are online, between late November 2026 and March 2027 unless stated otherwise.

What is the ethical scenario?

In Panel B you read two short scenarios (two or three sentences each) and choose one to discuss. Glasgow does not publish them in advance.

How does UCAT affect the interview?

Interviews are allocated by UCAT score among applicants who meet all other screening requirements. The range changes each year.

How many people are interviewed?

The school normally interviews about 1,100 applicants.

Do I need UCAT for the dental graduate route?

No. Glasgow says UCAT is not required for UK BDS candidates, who are considered for Year 3 entry only.

Applying to other Scottish schools too? See our guides to the University of St Andrews School of Medicine, University of Dundee School of Medicine and University of Aberdeen School of Medicine and Dentistry interviews, or our medical school interview prep page.

Sources: Glasgow MBChB interviews, Glasgow UCAT page, Glasgow medicine degree page.

Confetto isn't affiliated with the University of Glasgow. Everything here about the school comes from its public admissions pages, checked in October 2026. Formats can change between cycles, so go by your invitation email.